City

(Ravenger)

It’s been about a two months since I left the place I was born.

It’s been a really rush and rough ride, but it’s not all that bad.

After going through a large number of (really irritating) events, we arrive at Haven.

Since I’m not exactly a human, I got Celeste to help me buy a very large cloak to cover myself.

...But there wasn’t a store which sold such a large cloak, so Celeste helped me sew one instead.

It’s more like a blanket thank a cloak, if I do say so myself...

As we entered the city, the citizens were all in a festive mood.

“...I guess we came at a good time.” (Ravenger)

“I wonder what the occasion is.” (Celeste)

“Let’s find an inn before we figure this out.” (Aleixa)

Its been decided beforehand that I will be sleeping outside of Haven, so an inn is unnecessary for me.

“...Then I’ll look around first.” (Ravenger)

“Alright. Timo, Tifa, Natashia, get off of Ravenger. Let’s go.” (Alexia)

The the young trio climbed down my back and followed Alexia and Celeste while chatting.

Natashia fitted in with Alexia’s siblings really well. When she suggested to sit on my shoulders, she invited Tifa and Timo to join in.

Thats one concern taken care of.

As I wandered the streets, I search for a clue regarding this festive mood in this city.

I have one guess…

As I continue to look around, I heard a loud cheer through an alleyway.

“...” (Ravenger)

Why are alleyways always so damn small?

By looking through the alleyway, the parade seems to be leading towards the unnecessarily large castle.

I guess I’ll beat them to it.

Should I take the risk and climb up?

...There’s too many people. Probably a bad idea.

Thus, I slowly push my way through the crowd and towards the castle.

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(Ravenger)

Eventually, I made my way to the castle gates.

Note to self, remember to hate crowds.

A banner hangs above the gates.

WELCOME BACK PRINCE

“...” (Ravenger)

Walter received a warm welcome when he came back, it seems.

...Wait.

It took a few weeks to get to Haven.

Walter definitely returned earlier than me.

Why is there still a celebration for his return?

People began crowding around where I’m standing.

Feeling really uncomfortable, I quickly walked across the street to the other, less crowded, side.

“Get out of the way!” (???)

“!!!” (Ravenger)

A soldier riding a horse at full speed called out at me.

“...” (Ravenger)

Even if I dodge, this guy is going to crash into the gates.

I can use Sacrifice on the horse and catch it, or I can let them crash.

Or I can smash the gate.

I have a little pent up frustration from being in a crowd, so I don’t really mind.

“This horse has gone mad! Get out of the way!” (Soldier)

Or, lastly, I can just pull the rider off the mad horse.

That would work.

As the horse was about to ram into me, I sidestepped and dragged the rider down.

The mad horse continued to run into the gates and collapsed.

“...You alright?” (Ravenger)

“...Yes, thank y-” (Soldier)

“?” (Ravenger)

The soldier’s face froze up and gave a weird expression.

...Oh.

Where’s my cloak?

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(Walter)

After leaving the Citadel, I woke up in my bed.

How did I end up in my bed, though?

As I pondered this situation, the door to my room opened.

“...Mother?” (Walter)

...My voice cracked as I called out to my mother.

“W-Walter!? You’re awake!” (Mother)

She ran towards me and hugged me.

“I’m so glad you’re alright…” (Mother)

...I’m very glad too.

My mother went ahead to tell my father about it, and before I knew it, a celebration was held.

My father decided to hold this festival for one month. I still do not understand why.

This is the third week of the celebration. My mother and father are with me on a chariot in a parade.

Apparently, before I woke up, a lot of things happened.

When the adviser split my soul from my body, he brought my body deep inside a forest and hid me there.

He wrote a note under my name saying that I left on an adventure of some sort.

When my mother saw the note, she instantly realised it was a lie and something happened to me.

This is simply because I have not learnt how to write yet.

I’m expected to learn how to write next year, but I guess the adviser overlooked certain things, which led to his downfall.

By downfall, I meant being tortured to know where my body is, then executed for harming a royal family member.

But how did my parents find out it was the adviser?

That, I do not know.

As I sat on the carriage, I heard a loud crash in front.

Followed by a loud scream.

My father quickly got down the carriage to see what the problem is.

I quickly followed him, excited about the change of pace.

The lead soldier was lying down on the floor.

An behind him was a very familiar face.

“Ravenger!” (Walter)

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(Ravenger)

“Ravenger!” (Walter)

...I was right.

The guy beside him must be his father, the King.

“Walter, did you see my cloak anywhere?” (Ravenger)

“Cloak?” (Walter)

“Wait, wait. Who are you and why do you know my son?” (King)

The King steps in front of Walter and confronts me, his hand gripping his sword hilt.

“...No one special.” (Ravenger)

“There’s no need to be modest. Who are you?” (King)

“...You can ask your son.” (Ravenger)

“Or you can explain it yourself.” (King)

“...Not in front of this crowd.” (Ravenger)

“...Fine. We shall talk inside my castle.” (King)

“Fine by me.” (Ravenger)

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(Ravenger)

What a pain.

Currently, I’m in the throne room of the King of Haven.

Beside him is his wife and his son.

“So, what can I do for you? I still have things I need to do.” (Ravenger)

“Firstly, how does Walter know you?” (King)

“In the Citadel.” (Ravenger)

“...Explain further, please.” (King)

I sighed. This will take a while.

“I got him out of the Citadel. I don’t believe I need to say anything else.” (Ravenger)

“...Let’s move onto something else. What are you?” (King)

Hm?

...What am I?

“...I am Ravenger.” (Ravenger)

“...Please answer the question properly.” (King)

“...I don’t understand what you’re trying to say.” (Ravenger)

“...I shall explain then.” (King)

...Huh? Why am I feeling so jitterish?

Its like I don’t want to hear what he has to say.

“There once was a species called the Croklis. According to past records, this species looks very similar to you.” (King)

“...And?” (Ravenger)

“This species is currently extinct. This is my question. Are you a Croklis?” (King)

Hey guys, IAmTheKroc

Time to begin the City Arc! For those of you who are wondering if the Lady will be here, she's not.

That's saved for ANOTHER arc for another day. Yes, the Lady has her own arc. Coming soon in a novel near you!

And about Akalia (SPOILERS), she will be back next arc. Stay tuned!

Thanks for reading!

Peace!