Chapter Five: The Mysterious Traveler

“To those who oppress -- we shall deliver them --- the terrible punishment --”

A series of humming.

“And when -- they return to you -- Almighty Creator -- you shall punish them--”

On a large ship, in the middle of sea…

“With your punishment – of which none could compare—hm hm hm…”

Breeze was flowing without restraint…

“To those who are good -- faithful --- your abundance ---as reward befitting them ---”

Hitting the brown ponytail of a young lady, sitting on a chair nonchalantly on the deck of the ship, fishing.

“And we shall demand ---that which are -- easy for them --”

She had a purple frilled skirt over her dark blue trousers, purple shirt covering till her arm and large cape-like red scarf around her neck covering even her back and partially, her fair-skinned face.

“--- from your command – that they may live well in your abundant world ---”

She was humming a saying from children’s story, and happily looking over the blue sky.

“Ooo – hm hm – hmmm--- hm… fuaah--- ahh…”

Beside her, an overly large cat was sleeping on the floor. It was similar to Lynx, with yellow-orange fur.

Around the ship, the seamen started getting busy. It seemed they were nearing the port, and thus preparation and the final check were made. A sailor noticed her still fishing… or seemingly sleeping while on it.

“Um, Miss… we’re nearing the port so you might want to prepare--”

“I can feel it, I can feel it…”

“Eh what?”

“Shh! I feel it… it’s quite near… come on, take a bite… take a bite… yesh!”

She pulled her fishing pole and raised up a fish… N-no, correction! A shark!

As big as the man who went to speak to her!

The jaws of the nearby crew dropped.

The face of the man was stiffened as the jaws of the shark went passed his face.

Thud!

“Oh lucky!”

An eerie silent came as the fish… shark splattered on the deck.

The lynx woke up, looking at its master.

She took out a knife, and with her hm, hm…

“Thank you God, for this lunch… thank you.”

…Drove her knife into the neck… was there any neck? Well you know where – of the shark.

The knife was driven very deep into the flesh, she moved the knife to the right and left through the gut, yet no blood was splattered into the deck. The fish… shark stopped moving.

Instant kill!

She raised it up carefully, and spilled its blood and guts into the ocean.

Seeing such brutal act… done by a young lady of 14, maybe 15… was phenomenal.

Many who just came onto the deck, had their jaw dropped, and mouth gaping wide without them noticing.

But while it may seem brutal, it was merciful, since the fish… shark died instantly.

What? Not convincing? Whatever!

Having taken out its blood, she placed it into a skin bag near her.

Pushing it in, strangely, it fit.

“Thank you for this meal, O Creator!”

She clapped her hands.

With her usual hm,hm… she went inside the ship, towards her room.

...

...

The deck was silent for awhile until one of them snapped out of the whole trance.

“What on Ein Gard did we just see?"

***

Port East of Cestia

“Ship from Armuld, just arrived!”

“Welcome to Cestia!”

Two men and two ladies were welcoming the people from the ships docking in the port. It was a port well-built with bricks and with dampeners on the water surface shielding the hull of the ship from being damaged.

People were alighting from the newly arrived ship in masses.

“Any information and needs, please feel free to take a look at the notice board or ask us should you have any questions.”

It was a welcoming party organized by the port authorities, with responsibility of providing guests and merchants just arriving from neighbouring countries with information.

After the passengers alighted the ship, workers when on to move out the cargoes.

Several guards were around the port with their spears and bows.

The young lady went towards the board, observing the map pasted on it. She went to one of the ladies from the welcoming party.

“Excuse me.”

“Welcome to Cestia… young lady?”

“Thank you. Can I ask what this direction leads to?”

She gestured towards the west.

“The west? There are several towns and villages on the way, but going further on would be the Central City, Crest.”

“Ah, so the map is quite accurate. Thank you.”

“Umm… young lady? Did you come here with your father?”

“Ah no, I’m travelling with my friend here.”

She gestured to her friend… the lynx. The lynx yawned.

!!

“Uwaa… emm… what an adorable little friend you have here…”

“You think so? But she’s not that little actually.”

“Yes… she’s bigger than any cat I saw before… What type of cat is she, may I ask?”

“Tasha is a legendary cat… many just call her type Lynx since she looked quite similar.”

“Ahaha… legendary you say… My name is Natalia. Nice to meet you… um Young Lady…?”

“Ah, please excuse me tardiness. My name’s Shisha. If it would not trouble you Miss Natalia, I’m not quite familiar with this continent and its culture…”

“Of course. It’s my job to explain for anyone asking, Young Lady Shisha…”

“Hahha… you keep calling me young lady…”

“It’s only etiquette after all… you would become a splendid lady in a few more years.”

Hm,Hm…

She was quite pleased.

“If you’re taking the land route, then shall I present you several options?”

“Yes, please do, Miss Natalia.”

***

Three days later…

The Capital City of Crest, Cestia.

The City built on top of a hill, with three apparent lines of walls as the central defense from any invading forces or monster hordes. Though it was build for a long time, constant maintenance and care kept the wall in a good condition. The silver-coloured walls, originating from Sinica stones mixed together, created a seemingly shiny sight from a distance.

Next to the city, a massive lake with ships and a port could be seen. Outside the walls, small houses were grouped together with a sentry tower in the front and back. Normal trees were abundant, and giant trees of 20-30 metres were present in and outside the walls.

However, they were nothing to write home about… since one could see six giant trees even from afar. It was bigger than the rest, with height reaching over 50 metres. Greeneries were abundant in Crest.

“Finally!”

A traveler just arrived at the city gate along with a merchant caravan.

The guards greeted her warmly. They were wearing light armor with simple leather clothing and boots, with lance on their hand.

“You’re a traveler, little Miss?”

“Quite tough for your age, eh?”

Since she was a traveler, she was asked simple questions by the guards.

She smiled, pleased.

She showed her letter and after a few exchange, an officer told one of the guards to guide her. The guard gave his friend his lance and took a sword then strapped it to his side. He was quite young, apparently just a mere 16 or so. He had quite a deep voice for his age.

Despite being a mere guard, he wore a cloak.

“Miss Shisha. Please follow me. I’ll bring you through the shortcut to His Excellency’s residence.”

“Thank you… Umm…”

“Ah, of course, my name is Niam. Nice to meet you, Miss Shisha.”

“Nice to meet you, Niam. Just call me Shisha. I don’t mind.”

They walked side by side. Tasha, the Lynx, followed her Master.

From her walk, Shisha could observe things quite well.

Only after the three walls the residential areas were available. Buildings of three to four storeys with structures much like medieval theme, lined up perfectly with roads well-built with red Granica stones, a type of light stones paved onto the road, quite comfortable to walk on. Most of the houses were made of wood with combination of stones as the foundation, with full of greenery around.

Shops were available here and there, but…

“What’s that big building there, Niam?”

“Oh, that’s the market.”

“Market? That big?”

He explained. The markets in the central were located in the four city squares called Maidans, which she could not see now from where they stand.

Next to these Maidans, four large two-story buildings with facilities were available in each of the city’s direction, free to be used for people who wish to do business. However, for storage, you would have to pay a fair rent to use the nearby warehouse. It was a place of business with the “first come, first take” rule. None could prevent anyone from taking one particular spot. If you were not around, you cannot take the place.

“It was a system that allowed small-time traders to flourish, since they do not have to spend money on rent or building, and also convenient to traders with wealth enough to pay the fair rent for storing goods. The rent then would be used to maintain the structure.”

- A sense of Justice is in the city.

She thought.

Niam continued.

“The government of Cestia maintains a free-of-charge market with strict control from monopolization, swindling and usury.”

“You cannot reap what you do not sow, afterall.”

“Yes. And the market allowed the use of Gold, Silver, Copper and even barter. However, we do not accept any paper bills. Especially those from Vrien and its vassal states… the traders would be furious… Ah, I’m sorry, you probably already knew this.”

“No, it’s quite alright. It’s fun listening to your explanation. Been awhile someone really had enthusiasm explaining these things, I kind of enjoy it.”

“Really?”

“Yes. In fact, you don’t seem like simple guard… do you intend to take the Knight’s test?”

“Yes… Is it that obvious?”

“Quite so. The way you talk, walk and holding your stance. Plus, you never show you back to me…”

“Ah… that’s… just a habit.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine… What about those buildings with emblems on?”

She was referring to a building with a Shield and Sword, and another one with wand and book.

“That’s the Warriors Guild, and the other the Mages Guild. They took care of those in their respective professions, and they have branches all over the cities in Cestia.”

“What’s their function? I’m sorry I asked since I’m not familiar with them.”

“No problem. They provide Quests and Missions to members. If you’re a warrior or mages, then you can register and with small fee, you can enjoy all sorts of benefits and temporary residence in the cities all over Cestia. They have free accommodations for members who are travelling.”

“Free accommodations? Won’t that cost a lot of money?”

“Actually not so. They are dorms, divided for male and female. It’s quite basic and would be good enough if you only wish to stay for several days. There should be one restaurant for each branch, and the price is reasonable.”

“Hm… Should I consider registering? I would have to travel for quite some time too.”

“So you’re considering of considering registering, Miss Shisha?”

“Hahh That’s sounds funny, Niam! I didn’t know you have quite a good humour.”

“Ha, people said so quite often.”

“So, do you feel confident, in the upcoming Knight’s test? When will it be?”

“In another six months… truth be told, I’m not quite… since my Mana…”

Shisha observed him, her eyes stared at his centre as if she was seeing through him.

“Hmm… I see... your Mana flow is quite erratic…”

“Erratic? How do you tell, Miss Shisha?”

“I could. It’s my field of expertise. Then! As thanks of helping me out and explaining things, I’d like to buy something for you.”

“Eh? No, no, I can’t accept anything from our guests—That’s--”

“Boo hoo… no fun. Well, it’s nothing expensive. It’s to help your Mana processing and flow. Could you please show me the herbs and medicine shop? Or are they far?”

“Ah no, they are some on the way… I’ll take you to them, I appreciate your kindness, Miss Shisha… but please be quick… or my officer might think I’m loitering around.”

“No problem, no problem… hm hm…”

They end up spending an hour in those shops…

She gave Niam the herbs and save some, then wrote up the instruction of how to prepare them.

***

Count Heinz Valery’s Mansion.

The Same Morning.

“So basically all you have to do is…”

SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

Blades of Air came from his Mana-clad blade. They went on and cut through the leaves of a nearby kapok tree high up there. Grandpa Heinz just went on and demonstrated the use of Mana in different ways. He and Averon were in the field of his mansion. It was the first time Averon asked him to teach him about Mana, so he was overjoyed with his grandchild’s aspiration.

- So in essence, Mana is Nature, converted by our body and takes the form of what we imagine… and we need certain affinity to nature to make it successful. Huh… that means… when I boiled the waters using Mana…

Averon pretty much was using the Fire Affinity he inherited from the Two-Headed Demon Dragon.

He was suspicious of of the fact... Yet refused to admit it.

- No, no, nooo…

“So Averon, you will be able to do this in time. Why don’t you try to channel your Mana to your sword first? Since it’s a wooden sword, Fire is no good. Try to do like Grandpa. Use Wind, imagine it to cut that stone over there.”

He pointed to a large boulder as big as a horse.

“Yes, Grandpa.”

- I don’t think I should hold back my power in front of old-- Grandpa.

He already developed a certain kind of respect to this old man, always so enthusiastic and diligent.

He focused his Mana on his sword, and clad it with it up. Then he imagined Wind circulating around it, and within him he felt certain familiar electric current flowing through him. He felt the wind merged with his Mana…

“Wind Blade.”

He just felt the need to say it.

SHING!

An almost invisible blade of wind surged through the air, with extreme speed went forward to the boulder.

SHIIII-------

No, it was not a curse word.

It was the sound the wind did as it went through the boulder.

The large boulder was cut in two.

SWOOSH!

Another wind blade went through the air, faster, then colliding and neutralizing his wind blade.

It was launched by Grandpa Heinz.

“That was close. Neutralize it since it might go out to the neighbourhood and injure people. Your wind blade is stronger than I thought Averon.”

“Yours are faster, Grandpa.”

“Haha of course! I could even do this!”

He launched another wind blade, it went on to the sky…

Grandpa Heinz waved his hand, and immediately it dissipated in the air.

“Wowww…”

“Hmph! This is nothing.”

“Could you teach me that, Grandpa? Can I do that?”

“Hah of course! All in due time…”

He noticed a maid coming up to them. It was not yet tea time, so he wondered.

…

“Master, you have a guest.”

“Guest? Who could it be?”

“A young lady, Master. She said her Master send her here. Here’s the letter.”

Heinz took the letter and read it through. He was pleased.

“Hmm… I see… Kyosei’s apprentice. A pleasant surprise, indeed. Let’s go meet our guest then. You’re coming, Averon?”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

***