Although exasperated, the white-haired man went back under the waterfall. He left promptly after bathing.

... ...

Eri waved Alfie out of her beast contract space and laid him on the rock. She flicked open his active status screen and was pleased to see his health points recovering.

[Active Status]

[Alfie] Eri's contract beast

[HP] 340/650 → 380/650

[MP] 840/650 → 820/650

[Condition] Moulting, excessive mana load

Excessive mana load? Is this because he evolved too much and too quickly? Fortunately, we've found the waterfall.

"He will wake up soon."

Rei spoke softly.

"Eh? How do you know, Rei?"

"A feeling."

"...then, let's stay here until Alfie recovers. If it takes too long, I think we can set our camp in the area above the waterfall."

Eri observed the top of the gorge. There should be freshwater fish and prawns in the river above. They don't have to hurry to find a place to camp tonight.

... ...

At twilight, Alfie's eyes cracked open. He shuffled out of the pile of moult and extended his wings.

"Gau, gau!"

"Alfie!"

Eri picked him up and stroked his small wings. How beautiful, the purple fur blended seamlessly with the feathers of his wings. The tips of his wings faded into white. An air of elegance radiated from his body. This must be the effect of the winged-lion's blood.

... ...

Thick clouds rolled across the darkening purple and blue sky. Rei hooked his arm around Eri's waist and stepped on the water.

"Rei?"

Eri was shocked. Rei can walk on water?

They went through the wall of vapour created by the gushing of water, but Eri didn't feel the droplets hit her. Rei waved the surrounding water into a spherical barrier and parted their way into the waterfall. Eri could feel them moving upwards, against the water flow.

"We're going through the waterfall? Can all water element magicians do this?"

Eri did not practice magic deeply, she didn't know Rei was more than just a user of the water element. When the direction of the water started flowing frontwards, they emerged out of the river.

Rei dropped Eri down by the river bank, and they surveyed the area. The gorge extended from the waterfall in a u-shape. There was a woodland on the other side of the river. Behind them was a rocky ground, but it formed a slope that led to a wide clearing.

"That's great! We can camp near the waterfall~"

When they descended down the slope, another tent was already set up on the short fluffy grass. Its smooth pink fabric and gold tassels at the entrance stood out conspicuously.

Wow, talk about camping luxuriously. It must be a female traveler who came to enjoy the waterfall.

Eri smiled and went to greet their neighbour.

"Good evening miss, we're camping here as well. If you're free, we can have dinner together later."

"..."

The tent was silent. Perhaps, the owner went out?

Flap!

The door of tent whipped open violently.

"Who's a miss you little shit! Are you here to harass me? Was it not enough just now?!"

The white-haired man jabbed his pointer in the air. Oh, if he could poke a hole through these people it would be great! These pests seem to be following him everywhere, taking his things, ruining his day!

"...Ah? You..."

Eri took a few steps back. She got the wrong person. But is it surprising? This spot is so scenic and perfect for camping, why wouldn't he stay here?

"Um, we'll take our leave."

Eri made a small wave with her hand. Hehe...she really didn't want to stir up trouble with this fire-tempered man.

"Hey! Hello! Travellers?"

A scratchy high-pitched voice called from above the slope.

They turned around and saw a small green man struggling his way down. When he looked up, a big eye blinked in the centre of his face.

One eye?! This, what is this...thing?

"Oh, I'm so sorry for disturbing you. There are so many people camping here, you wouldn't mind if I stay around, would you?"

"You are?"

Eri raised her eyebrows with surprise.

"Get away goblin shit!"

The white-haired man pinched his nose and waved at the green man. He continued to hurl insults.

"You're so damn ugly, you're ruining the view!"

"..."

All of them fell silent.

Eri couldn't say anything. She's not related to this fox demon or the goblin. It was not her place to step between them. However this area doesn't belong to anyone, the goblin can only stay if he wants to.

"Er, we'll set our tent up over there."

Eri pointed 50 metres away.

"Traveller girl, I can help guard the camp! I can help set up a fire! Please don't shoo me away."

The scrawny goblin was the size of a ten year old child. When he begged like that, he really looked...pitiful.

Eri frowned. She doesn't know much about goblins. But that fox demon is here, it should be fine to have one more pair of eyes...