Alden could feel his legs protest as he struggled to lift a wooden crate half as tall as he was. The crate, filled with mysterious metals and ceramics, was unusually heavy for its height. Alden prided himself on his athletic body, but this didn't stop him from struggling. Without any element to strengthen his body with, it was nothing short of a miracle that he got the crate unto the back of Uano's wagon. As Alden released it, the crate crashed onto the back of the wagon, causing the whole wagon to shake violently. The muffled sound of metal banging against metal reached Alden's ears, but he didn't care. He was finally done.

Noel, who was napping near the front, let out a loud yowl as she was so rudely awoken from her sleep.

"Oh, stuff it."

Alden was having none of it. His legs felt like lead from all of the heavy lifting during the last hour, so he hardly cared about whether that annoyingly cute creature got its rest.

What the hell am I doing? Is this even worth it?

Alden thought to himself as he remembered how he had even gotten into this situation in the first place. He remembered those shiny coins, and the oh so delicious food Uano had promised him in return for his help. As the image of that perfect golden brown bread dipped in a marvelous-looking soup filled his mind, Alden was once again sure of himself.

It's definitely worth it . . . anything for food!

All the weariness from the last hours of heavy lifting disappeared, and Alden hopped to his feet. He quickly made his way to the front of the wagon, where the old lady Uano was petting a once again sleeping Noel. Alden, with shining eyes, happily informed Uano.

"I finished, Miss Uano! I made sure not to break any of the heavy crates either, I think."

Uano looked up from Noel and handed him a huge bowl of what looked to be chicken soup, as well as a piece of bread.

"Good, good . . . I'm sorry about forcing you to do that, but my old back can hardly move anything these days."

Alden spoke back to her in a happy tone as he eagerly devoured what he was given. He hadn't eaten since he ran away, so his stomach was practically in paradise as he shoved it down faster than he ever had before. Each bite was filled to the brim with flavor. The chicken felt like it had been marinated in some kind of sauce because every time he bit into a piece of meat, a myriad of flavors would fill every crevice of his mouth. Then, the vegetables that came with each bite also seemed to be filled with these strange, amazing flavors, although they were not as good as the chicken. When all the solids had been consumed by Alden, he used the bread to soak up all of the leftover juices of the soup. With this, he had finished a wonderful meal and had grown quite the belly. Alden let out a satisfied sigh, completely content with life at that moment.

"Miss Uano, that has to be one of the best meals I have ever eaten. You should open a restaurant, I would be your best customer!"

"Thank you, dear, but you're probably just hungry. You wolfed that down quite quickly, I'm was surprised you didn't choke."

Miss Uano smiled happily. Who wouldn't be happy when their cooking was praised? Alden sat down on the ground once more as the adrenaline from being hungry faded away. He was then left with an incredible food coma as his whole body became all warm and fuzzy again. Alden's felt his eyes begin to close but forced them open anyway. It would be rude to just randomly fall asleep in front of someone he barely knew.

Barely knew . . .

It didn't feel that way. Uano, over the past hour or so he had helped her, had begun to feel just like someone he had known for a while. She was so kind, gentle, and wise that Alden couldn't help but trust her. Alden knew this was foolish since he really had no idea who she was, but he couldn't shake this gut feeling that she was someone who could be trusted. While Alden was lost in thought, Uano spoke to him again as she tossed him a silver coin.

"Alden, have you anywhere to be? I have a long journey to the next town, so this breakdown might not be the last. You can eat three of those bowls a day, as well as a silver coin anytime you do something to help me. How about it?"

Alden thought to himself as he pondered her question, before coming to a conclusion almost instantly. He couldn't even fathom the idea of going back to his home village. The hateful eyes of everyone would be too much to bear. Alden cringed at the idea of his whole village staring at him in disgust as he showed back up.

I've already decided to become a monster . . . it's too late to turn back now.

"No, I don't have anywhere to be. I would be very grateful if you would be so gracious as to allow me to become your employee, Miss Uano."

Uano smiled as she patted Alden on the shoulder. Noel opened one eye and stared at Alden, displeased about his previous thoughts. Alden stuck his tung at her in response.

"Thank you, Alden. To not have to fear breaking my back all alone in this damned forest is greater comfort that any soup could offer."

Uano chuckled as she observed the exchange between Noel and Alden, and thought to herself about how well they get along. It was rare that Noel showed so much interest in another human being besides herself. The only other person Uano knew of who could evoke such a response from Noel was Rovert, but he had been gone for a long time. Uano smiled sadly to herself as she remembered the good old times.

"Miss Uano? Are you ok?"

"Oh dear me! Sorry, I got lost in my thoughts . . . Don't mind me, just hop on the back of the wagon. We're headed to a town about twenty miles east of here. Get comfortable, we should arrive in about three or five hours if the weather permits us."

Alden was a little bit worried about her, but obliqued her request and got into the back of the wagon. It wasn't very comfortable, but it wasn't the worst either. It only took a few minutes for Alden to pass out from fatigue. Although he had done some heavy lifting, he was unusually tired. It probably had something to do with Noel absorbing spirit energy from him, but before he could truly ponder this, Alden passed out.

After two more breakdowns, Alden's back and legs truly felt like they could break at any moment. However, it was all worth it once he was fed. Uano was an impossibly good cook. Every meal she made, regardless of Alden's preferences, was heaven on earth. Alden ate much more than he usually would back at the village, scarfing down everything given to him before Uano could blink.

Alden was in the middle of vacuuming up a meal when Uano hollered back at him from the front of the wagon.

"Land ho, Alden!"

"We're not a sea, Uano!"

Alden laughed a little before hopping out to the ground below. In front of the wagon, a village could be seen. It was seated on top of a grassy plain, just outside the wildwood forest which separated this village from his home village. Most of the buildings were only one story tall, with the exception of the town hall, adventurer's gathering place, and some bars, but those were in the minority. For the most part, the town had a level skyline.

The village was structured in a square, with four roads all meeting in the center. At the very center of the town was the town hall, as well as the main market. The main market was obviously bustling with life as farmers brought in their daily hall, adventures sold their monster materials, and various other peddlers like Uano sold random stuff. Many people broke their voices as they struggled to get people to buy their wares.

"Just hunted this today, a sixth grade Wind Wolf! Its pelt is in pristine condition, perfect for a winter coat! Only 20 silver pieces!"

"Fresh produce, milk, and meat! Anything you need to fill your belly!"

etc, etc. Uano slowly stopped her cart on the outskirts of town as she was stopped by seven men wielding spears. Uano gave a friendly wave and spoke to them in an equally friendly tone.

"I'm back, just like I said I would be!"

The man leading the seven grinned at her as he approached.

"You crazy old lady, to think you would make the journey from the capital, all the way out here on your own . . . you still sure you don't need any guards?"

Uano chuckled as she waved him off.

"I'll manage, I'll manage . . . now, may I set up in the same place as last year?"

The man went around towards the back and gave a brief overlook before giving her the thumbs up. He basically didn't even look as he opened and closed the flap covering Uano's cargo.

"Sorry about having to check you, just a formality. Don't want to lose my job!"

Every person among the seven seemed to greatly respect and almost adore Uano for some reason. Alden got the feeling she was like a celebrity to them. The man who was leading them caught on to Alden's staring before extending his hand.

"Oi, Uano! Seems you got a little rapscallion this time around? I didn't think of you as the type to indulge in slavery . . . Kidding kidding!"

The man laughed as Uano weakly beat him with a wooden cane. She scowled at the lead guard as he smiled at his joke.

"Don't even joke about those things! Slavery may be looked down upon on the outskirts, but at the capital is not so much of a joke."

The man scratched the back of his head and apologized, albeit not very seriously.

"Sorry, bad habit . . . I keep forgetting someone as nice as you really comes from the Central Capital . . . there are some good apples even in that godforsaken stuck up the place."

The man returned his eyes to Alden after apologizing to Uano. His eyes wandered over Alden, accessing him quickly before nodding. He seemed to have made a decision inside his head.

"Nice to meet you lad! My names William Sendle, Fifth-grade adventurer and Chief of Guard here in our of Eope."

After a moment of hesitation, Alden shook his hand in return as to not be rude. Alden's voice was barely audible as he gave his name to the bombastically extroverted William.

"Alden."

After giving his name, Alden proceeded to hide behind Uano.

Monsters aren't supposed to talk to people.

William looked confused and frantically apologized.

"Sorry kiddo, I didn't mean to scare you-"

His sentence was cut off by Uano, who waved her hand at William.

"Relax William, he's just shy. Give him time."

William responded back to Alden with a noticeable lower tone of voice and sent them off.

"O-oh, well, I'm still sorry if I startled you. I hope you enjoy your stay in Eope."

Once they had parted from the group, Uano slowly guided the wagon deeper into the village. She was petting Noel when she nodded, seemingly communicating with her. Alden, who was walking on foot to stretch his legs, was curious.

"Hey, what are you talking about?"

Uano cracked a smile as she spoke back to Alden sarcastically.

"Oh you know, just about how you're a big wuss, the usual."

Alden, despite knowing it was a joke, still frowned and muttered to himself angrily.

"I'm not a wuss. . ."

This only made Uano cackle more, and Alden could swear he saw Noel smirking. Alden unconsciously tightened his hands into fists.

This damn cat!

Alden would have definitely said a witty comeback to that annoying feline, but he realized the number of eyes on him and Uano. The whole village had gone silent before Alden realized it, and were staring at them.

" . . ."

Alden squirmed under all the eyes and quickly grew red, unsure of what to do. Luckily, Uano came to the rescue. She quickly scooped up all the attention by waving and smiling. After a moment, the village exploded in excitement.

"Is her! It's her!"

"The Silver Witch! I still remember fighting alongside her two years ago like it was yesterday!"

"Silver witch! Silver witch, please give my baby your blessing!"

In an instant, dozens of people swarmed the carriage, practically begging for her attention. Even shop keepers, who could be a victim of theft from all the attention, left their stands to see Uano. Many people of all races came to gaze upon her, without discrimination. Skyian's of the southern mountains used air manipulation to boost themselves above the crowd. Earians constructed small hills to view her from. Some people even got on their friend's shoulders to get a peek at her. Alden was once again filled with questions as to who this old lady really was, and what exactly she had done.

Who is she? It would make sense that she's a hero . . . she seems like the type who would fight for the good of everyone. Wait . . . two years ago, that means she fought as an old lady! Why the hell does she need me?!

If she really was some war hero, then why did she need him? Surely, if she was strong enough to garner the respect and admiration of all these people, she wouldn't have trouble lifting some crates? If she was an elemental manipulator of air or wind, she could simply raise the earth below them to push the crates unto the wagon, or levitate them with strong winds. In short, a strong warrior of her status shouldn't really need him.

Alden was about to ask a question when suddenly, twenty or so people formed a circle around Uano, barring people passing. William eventually showed up and gave Uano an apologetic smile.

"Sorry bout that, Uano! The people are extra rowdy because of you. We'll clear a path for you so you can set up shop."

Uano smiled in thanks as William turned around and barked in a loud, imposing voice. He didn't do this to be mean, but he had to make himself above the racket of the people.

"HEY ALL YOU LOT, CAN'T YOU SEE YOU'RE INCONVENIENCING OUR VILLAGES HERO!?"

It was like someone had suddenly turned off all sound. Everyone went dead silent in front of Williams's impossibly loud voice. William then cleared his voice and spoke to the now quiet crowd of villagers.

"Please, clear a way for the Silver Witch! She just came from a long, tiring journey. She deserves her rest."

Many people grumbled about how unfair it was, or about how they wished they could see her just for a little longer, but eventually, a wide enough path had been formed. Uano gently guided her horse to began trotting forwards once more. Just like that, they reached a small vacant lot, which Alden now assumed was specially reserved for her.

Alden unloaded crate after crate, putting up random items as he gazed at the long line of customers waiting for Uano's shop to open. Many people tried to help her, but Uano refused any help besides Alden's. That was when the people began to whisper about him.

"Hey, look at that boy! His red hair, red eyes, strange right?"

"I know! Maybe he's some kind of kid genius that she took as her student?"

"Nah man, I bet he's her nephew or something."

Etc etc . . . Conversations like these continued on and on, much to Alden's loathing. He hated so many eyes on him at all times. It was incredibly uncomfortable for him, to the extent that Alden almost dropped multiple items which were probably worth more than he was. Noel mewled loudly from her sleeping place every time he almost dropped something, and for some reason, Alden knew exactly how much she was ridiculing him. Over the last day of travel, he had begun to have an even deeper connection to this damned cat.

Alden frowned and steeled his nerves.

I will not be made fun of by a cat . . . I will not be made fun of by a cat . . . I will not be made fun of by a stupid cat!

Alden reinvigorated himself to complete the setup of the shop hopefully before nightfall. He quickened his pace as he sped through the routine. Take a crate off the back of the wagon, unload everything carefully, and sort it for Uano to set up near the front of the shop. As Alden unloaded everything, he got a good look at all those metal things he had heard bouncing around. Instead of weapons, as he had assumed, there was a hugely diverse selection of what looked to be elemental appliances and tools . . . some that Alden couldn't even imagine what they do. Alden gazed at one item which seemed to be a simple orb the size of his palm, yet it was impossibly complex. The light which entered it seemed to be refracted over and over, eventually causing light to spill out at angles completely different from which it entered. Alden could tell it was some kind of magical tool, but for what?

What are these doing in such a small village? Shouldn't these be in some nobles vault?

It was obviously way too expensive for anyone in this village to even hope to buy. Alden knew Uano wasn't a stupid person, so she must know just how much these are worth. Maybe there was someone here who she knew could afford it? Or perhaps . . .

There's no way she would give these away for free, right?

Alden picked all the items from the last crate and sorted them into their various categories for Uano to deal with. As he finished, his mind was no longer on the food and silver coin he had been promised. He stared at Uano as she moved from place to place around the little shop they had set up and wondered to himself.

Who is Uano really?

She was obviously more than what meets the eye. Alden walked to the front of the shop and gazed at what they had set up in a little over an hour. Four posts held up a simple brown tarp roof in a small square formation. The back of the stand was occupied by the wagon, where Alden had been unloading goods. The earth in front of the stand had risen up in multiple locations to form various shelves, each stocked to the brim with rings, clocks, necklaces, cloaks, various food items, and even a small broken dagger. Alden was curious as to why she was selling such an obviously broken dagger, but he quickly forgot about it as Uano called him.

"Alright, Alden! Today marks the grand opening, of Uano's Trinkets and Treasures!"

Alden nodded, not all that happy about how many people were gazing into the small stand with greedy eyes, but he endured it. Uano seemed happy, so that was enough for Alden.

By the end of the day, night had come and almost all the shelves had been cleared out. Noel was napping on Alden's lap, while Uano was humming happily as she counted her coins. Alden, who had been patiently waiting the entire day for some peace and quiet, asked Uano the question that had been on his mind all day.

"Miss, those items are obviously worth way more than what they paid."

Uano turned around and cocked an eyebrow questioningly.

"And?"

Alden felt his words get caught in his throat as he struggled to speak, but eventually, he got the question out.

"Miss Uano . . . Who are you?"