This thing sure is cute!

Petting this little creature sure is fun. It gives me a look as if it has trouble understanding why I'm trying to headpat it, but it doesn't seem to mind either. In fact, the little guy is just happy I'm helping it forage for berries.

Its master is peacefully sleeping by the side. I guess he was extremely tired. Apparently, he has enemies after him. I didn't ask why. It's probably not that important either way. I mean he is allowed to have his secrets. I'm sure he'll open up at some point. He seems like the shy kind.

For now, I guess I should help him a bit. I approach his body and kneel by his side. He seems to have a tense expression for some reason. Guess he's having a silent nightmare or something. I use divine energy to heal him. Now he should be as good as new. Then I go back to eating berries with the fruit fly.

[One berry for you, one berry for me.]

It seems to be shaking its little head wondering why I'm eating berries too. It seems to be worried that there will be fewer berries for it this way.

[*Sigh* Simply let go of all the worries and just focus on the now. Don't think about the possibility of lacking berries in the future. Can you do that? Just enjoy the moment. Sharing a meal is one of the best things in life you know.]

It seems extremely puzzled but it complies. It instantly seems to relax and eyes me strangely as if it's wondering how this all works. Logically it should be sad because there are fewer berries but…

[Here, try this. It's fun. I toast to this new friendship!]

I raise a berry high up in the air and it copies me with a smile. Well, that's how I perceive it. It then happily shakes while devouring. We keep doing this over and over, it seems to become addicted to the game. So much that by now it voluntarily pushes half of its berries my side to toast.

"How?!"

Ah, it seems he is done sleeping. That was a rather short rest, but then again that probably is because of the divine energy. I simply smile at him.

[Morning. Well, it's still night but you get it haha.]

"How did you two become friends so fast? It usually hates strangers! It's even sharing its food with you! How?!"

I take a few moments to ponder. Why? Actually, isn't the answer obvious?

[Making friends is not logical. It just happens. But I guess we bonded over eating berries. We both love doing that haha.]

By the side, the small creature is nodding. Yep, it loves eating berries. My interlocutor still seems confused, but he also seems impressed. I think that as long as you treat someone with sincerity they'll feel it and it will be easier to open up.

[Anyway, since you are awake shall we keep going?]

"Eh…sure."

Thus our epic journey continues. If we had an epic tale in our name, it would be called two guys one fly! I feel like that would be a cool title. On the way, we are enjoying foraging for food.

Sometimes I think about the fact that I don't need to actually eat to survive it seems. It's great and all but it still feels a bit strange. I guess that's why I still love eating so much. It reminds me that I am in fact human. I say that but I could replace "human" in that sentence by living.

After all, my fly companion is enjoying it too. It makes me feel like I am part of the cycle of life. Weirdly, this point comforts me. Too often people will gain power and forget their humanity.

For me, it's quite the contrary. I realize that I am clinging to remaining myself. I feel it is probably slowing down my power growth by a lot, but it doesn't matter. Would it serve any purpose if I lost my mind in a hungry quest for power?

I've seen some people affected by it. Just recently it was the people at the Water sect. They ended up causing extreme damage to their own sect in the end. They also ended up making an enemy out of me.

Yes, my way of living is better. In my eyes at least. I'll just keep going like that. No matter how many it infuriates I will at least remain true to myself. There is nothing more important in this crazy world.

That's when we suddenly see what appears to be a small village in the distance. Around this small village, there seem to be fields with tons of apple trees planted. Orchards?! Don't tell me that...?! If I'm not mistaken there is probably something amazing in there.

"We should probably go around. This way we won't leave any traces…"

My only enemies currently are the water sect people and we are still a fair distance away. This means that if there is some danger it's from the people pursuing my travel companion.

[Who's after you exactly, and why?]

He seems to hesitate for an instant but then he seems to decide to trust me.

"I think the Sun Sect is chasing me over a misunderstanding."

He seems to be awaiting my reaction anxiously. Probably wondering if I'll ask for more details or if that will be enough. From the way, he is reacting there is probably an embarrassing story behind it all.

I can't help but relate to that. How many times have I been chased by someone over them misunderstanding something randomly?! I swear the sects in this world are crazy! I pat his shoulder and look him in the eyes.

[Don't worry. I understand how it feels, brother! Alright, I've decided. We'll head there for there is something amazing awaiting us. I can feel it!]

He seems unsure but he nods. That's when I start walking toward the village with a pep in my step, the others following behind. I guess the fly is shy because it hides in its master's clothes. We soon encounter villagers. They seem guarded against us, but that much is normal.

[Howdy there! Where is the tavern?]

They point toward it. Before long we are entering the Sweet Apple tavern and a sweet smell invades our senses. The atmosphere is lively with the chatter of the people. I can't help but smile. That is when the fruit fly excitedly reveals itself. I can see it trembling with excitement in a very cute manner. It is about to lose its shit Haha.

[Tavern keeper! Three glasses of your finest cider! Thank you very much!]

But then something happens. Why is the place suddenly dead silent? Also, why is everyone staring at us so much? Seriously, what's up?!...