His face remained unfettered from his thoughtful mind. His gaze is fixed on the flower field as if he’s savoring the last minute of peace. He sighed and turns around.

The girl waves at him beckoning him to come over.

“After Enlean, where are you heading?”

“I’ve decided, I’m gonna go back to the Yuelon. My sister lives there.”

Yuelon is the capital of the Ylfon Kingdom located in the Leafol region. It’s a country surrounded by large mountains and green scenery. The majority of the airships he has known were originated from there.

Even though they may sound to prosper from their main item for exportation, poverty is still the biggest problem they face – that leads to countless crimes. The taxes were high, it is horrendous enough for them to make them earn so little from the capital of the prices.

“You’re gonna be alright traveling alone?” asked Alastor. “You do know that there are a lot of bandits scouting in the main road, right?”

“As I’ve said, I can handle my own weight. Besides, I will rent a carriage so I won’t get into trouble. Comodo runs faster than a bolt.”

“Right.”

The two began to travel according to the girl’s map and route. They came past a small-scale savannah and enters a forest. They stopped at a certain waterfall and Alastor voluntarily filled their container with water. They follow the river and saw the bridge arching to the end of the other side. Alastor makes sure to hold on to the woody sidebar. The girl, on the other hand, her legs began to shook. He didn’t fail to hold a grip on her shoulder as she nearly trips. He holds her hand guiding her until they finally reach the end.

He asked, “You afraid of heights?”

She nods, “Always have been.”

He didn’t ask for more and continued forward. Alastor uses his sword to cut off the large bushes blocking their way.

Alastor protected her against the monsters they’ve hit on the road. They were easily defeated and never became a bother to them. They finally came out to the forest and followed the upward slope road which leads them to the top of a hill.

The village stretches from his eyes. From the stable of Comodo’s rider to the pub and the town's inn in the first row across the street just in front of the sword and weapon shop, Alastor's eyes scanned every inch of it. The girl was already ahead of him. Alastor slides down to catch up.

They entered the inn and were greeted by a cheerful attendant. Alastor decided to sit down on the couch.

“Are you gonna make a reservation for one room?” She asked as if she’s predicted their cause.

The girl hesitantly looked at me and answered, “No, well I like for us to have a separate room.”

“Is that so?” She looked disappointed. “I thought the two of you were a lovely couple.”

“No, no. We’re just travelers passing by.” She frantically said.

“Oh, sorry if I mistake you, but, there’s only one room left.”

“Is this the only inn in this village?”

“No, but you wouldn’t like the other one.” Her face turns hollow.

“Why?” She straightly asked.

“The other inn of the pub is crawled by now with a bunch of creeps. Mercenaries.”

“We’ll take your offer.” Alastor intercepted. He looked at her. “It’s better safe than sorry.”

She didn’t retort and accepts his suggestion.

While Alastor is having a shower, she made it down to the lobby and to the dining room to order food, she never felt this hungry, the travel must’ve exhausted her.

She saw Alastor walking down with a wet look. He felt fresh and born as a new man when he had taken a shower. All the stress and tiredness washed over along the water, cleansed his body.

He came closer to her and hesitantly hand out a small bag filled with coins.

“What is this?” She asked still staring at his palm and continuing to gnaw at the fried meat with its fork. He chose to place it on the table.

“Repaying your kindness.”

“How many times do I have I tell you? I did it because you need help and I did it for free. Besides, you voluntarily stay and protect me from the monsters.”

“Well, I kinda felt guilty since I may have barge too far.”

“You thinking about sharing the room? Don’t worry. I know you won’t do anything foolish.” She glares at him. “If you’re not dumb you will not peek if I’m having a shower in the bathroom.”

He was taken back. “No, no. I won’t. I promise.”

Her stern gaze changes back to normal.

“Good.”

She continued to enjoy her food and hand him back the money.

“I know you’re broke. You don’t have to repay me. I have enough money for me to travel. How do you think I’ve traveled without resources?”

Alastor answered, “Selling your pictures and paintings?”

“Good,” She said. “I’ve been selling the best of my arts to certain collectors. They’ve paid me a lot.”

Alastor stood and said, “I’m gonna go to the pub.”

“What? But the lady said…”

“Don’t worry. I can handle myself.” Alastor pointed at his sword hanging on his back.

He walks out the door and has his money back in his pocket. She was left in thoughts as she continued to eat the food. She felt lonely for a minute, now that she was going to travel alone, but at the same time, she felt relieved to meet an interesting person like him. She knew they would meet again.

Alastor didn’t put an effort to push the two swing doors and entered the pub. The place was filled with different kinds of people, there were adventurers, hunters, but mostly mercenaries. He scanned the surroundings before walking past the tables. Drunkards that dwell around the corner and gave him a mocking look, the rest were minding their own business. He went directly to the bar table and sat down on the stool. He ordered a beer; the barkeep examines him.

“You look like still underage.” He said to Alastor.

“I didn’t know that this country gives a fuck about minorities.” Said Alastor. The barkeep didn’t intend to break down. He sighed. “I’m not a minor anymore. Rest assured.” He said flatly.

One of the drunkards steps up and walks briskly, trying to fight off the alcohol taking over his mind. Alastor glances over his shoulder at the pocked-bald man walking towards him.

“You little shit!” The pocked man shouted. “This place is for real men only. A pretty face like you isn’t allowed in this place. This place is not for a rich kid like you. I didn’t train this far just to be insulted by a heavyweight like you.”

“Since you’re drunk, I’ll forgive that you forgot your manners.” Alastor calmly said. “Go back to your seat.”

The pocked man swings his right fist towards him. Alastor quickly turn in his direction and caught it with his left hand. He pulled him closer with his palm thrusting forward to his guts. The pocked man was drawn back, he felt the pit of his stomach turn upside down, and – thus, he vomits.

The other men stand up, their hands holding the handle of their weapons.

“Give it rest, will ya?!” A man intercepted. “You’re all drunk and all. The guy has no heat on you. Your comrade is the one who bitch out first.”

With that said, they lay down their weapons and carried their fallen ill comrade back to their table.

“What’s up with them?”

“They’ve fled the city.” The barkeep started. “As of right now, Kayon city is under lockdown. They’re taking out the criminals crawling in their den on that city.”

Alastor froze for a moment, realizing what could this mean. The barkeep placed in front of him a mug of beer. Alastor held it and straightly drink it.

“What actually happened there? How did it start?” asked Alastor.

“The mayor suddenly announced the threat of terrorist activity and must be exterminated right away. Those mercenaries were caught in battle when they were trying to get out in the city. The others were kept in check in the prison and being interrogated.”

The barkeep filled his mug. Alastor takes out his money and places it on the desk. After emptying the mug, he left out with a serious expression washing over his once calm face.

He went to the stable where the animals used for riding were kept. He saw the keeper going outside just finished feeding the animals. Alastor goes straight to him.

“What’s your fastest carrier?” He started. “I’m in a hurry.”

The keeper gave him a stiff expression, “Sorry, kiddo, but they’re only for pulling carriages.”

“How much do you sell them?”

“What?”

“How much is a Comodo? I only need one, just for you to know.”

“You sure you want to buy it? It will cost you a lot.”

“Just state the price.”

“One hundred and twenty Haz.”

Alastor only has three hundred and forty Haz, excluding the amount inside the bag.

“What kind of Comodo do you have?”

“I can only give you a fighter and sprinting type of Comodo. The others were just younglings, so they can’t be relied on.”

“Sounds good to me. Is it in good condition?”

“Of course. Although, he has a tough attitude.”

Alastor seems not to be bothered by it, instead, he’s glad that it’s a fighter. They entered the stable and followed the keeper, walking at the end of the row.

“Wake up now buddy.” He softly said.

The Comodo Raiders are known to be fast at running, but mostly, they possessed incredible prowess which is useful in terms of battle. They are lone capable of pulling a carriage without getting tired for five hours, but this kind of performance requires a lot of nutrition to execute.

The Comodo’s eyelids open and lift to see them. Its pale green skin shone in the moonlight as it rose his two feet with a loud yawn. Its long yellow beak pointed towards them and gave a boring look to them.

“He seems a tough one.” Said Alastor.

“You need to feed him if he ever became tired or else things will get rough. He gets cranky if he’s hungry.” Said the Keeper.

“You named him yet?”

“No.” He glances at the Comodo. “From now on, he is your new master.”

The Comodo looked at Alastor and stood with a proud face.

“How much for the food?”

“You got to add forty Haz, which is enough for two days.”

“I’m not so sure about it.” Alastor thinks for a moment. “It might hinder his speed.”

“Don’t worry about it. As I said, this is one of my toughest breeds. It will only weigh four kilos for two bags.”

“If that’s true then let’s get on to business.”

The Keeper set up the saddle, tied up by the girth at the back of the Comodo. Alastor mount at its back. His hands hold the reins and rested his feet on the mounting block. The two bags of green peas are tied at the side of the saddle. Alastor felt unease knowing that the weight that the Comodo’s carrying is heavy.

Alastor said to the Comodo. “Just stop if you’re tired.”

It is best not to force the Comodo on its limits. It may take time, but at least his travel would be safe.

The Comodo hoarse and gave a look over the shoulder at him as if it’s telling him to not worry. The Comodo’s gaze had made him feel a familiar scene before but he couldn’t remember when. He shook his head and gently kicks the Comodo side to walk forward and outside the stable.

“So, you’re gonna leave without saying goodbye to me?”

He looked back seeing the lady that saved him.

“I need to go back.” Said Alastor. “There’s an emergency.”

Alastor pulled the rein, balancing the Comodo, and put pressure on the right side to walk forward. For a second, guilt washed over his face. He never intended to go out without saying goodbye to her.

“Sorry, if I have to leave too soon.”

She shook her head.

“It’s okay. If it’s an emergency then I guess I have no right to stop you.”

“Farewell,” Alastor said.

The Comodo sprinted as Alastor pull on the leash.

Alastor left the place with a cloud of billowing dust as the Comodo run. He looked down at the Comodo, thinking for a moment.

“Would you like a name?”

The Comodo cried in agreement.

“Hm, what about Liber?”

The Comodo cried again.

“You like it? Okay. Liber, it is.”

Alastor gazes in front as they pass the forest and up to the terrain where the moon settled.