I just discovered that Centaurs are fast at traveling, even more than normal horses. it took us three weeks to find Oris because we were looking for traces of where they could've been and predicted where they were going. While the trip back to the Centaur village took us a week. We could've gotten there faster but monster attacks took too much time and energy.

We are now walking on a dirt road leading to the gate of their village. Two guards notice us approaching and opened the gate.

"Welcome back, master Asonius." both said in unison. Then they saw Flare and me on the back of Deleina and tilted their head in confusion, but didn't say anything.

As we walked through the village I noticed that it was very spacious, and the houses were very wide. Children were playing outside while adults were walking around with weapons and light armor and others were behind stands selling vegetables, berries, meat, and other herbs. Centaurs mostly follow a vegetarian diet, though they can also eat meat.

As we walked through the village some people bowed their heads slightly to Asonius. A lot of them looked at me with curiosity. The kids even stopped playing to look at me, some waved their hands and I returned the gesture.

"Why are they all looking at me?" I asked Deleina.

"Humans are rare this deep in Canavar." She responded. "There have been adventurers in the past to come. When they do, we welcome and trade with them."

After some walking, we were at a building in the center of the village. It was the largest building in the area, I could even see it when we entered the village. The building looked as if an ancient Greek ruin was in its most pristine condition.

Guards opened the large wooden door and we walked in. On the inside was a wide hallway that was well-lit with large candles. There were very few doors along the sides and some decorations running along the walls. We continued down the hallway making a few turns until we reached another giant wooden door. Dominic opened it and we walked inside the room.

The room was very spacious. There were a few guards in the room that turned to look in our direction. As I looked around I noticed there were windows with no glass, so it was very bright along with several exits. At the back wall, there was a podium, well decorated with gold and other bright colors, and two ramps ran along the sides of it. On top of the podium was something covered behind a red curtain.

"Father." Asonius said. "I have returned."

All three centaurs bowed their heads. Then the curtain opened revealing an old Centaur that resembled Asonius, standing on top of the podium.

So this is him?

Village chief Elilus.

Was he just standing there?

I know that horses can rest standing up. But even they need to lay down for an hour or two to get proper rest.

Or maybe this is some kind of throne room?

As I looked closer I noticed that in the back of him was a giant bean bag-looking thing.

Well, at least he doesn't stand there all day.

"Asonius." He spoke. "I see you and your team have returned safely and brought a. . ." he looked at me. "Friend?"

I stayed silent looking at him.

Deleina reached back, placed me next to her so that the chief could get a better look, and patted me on the back while Flare was sleeping on her back.

"H-Hello!" I bowed nervously. "My name is Arata. It's an honor to be in the presence of someone as honorable as you, or so I've heard." I said looking at the three centaurs.

The three of them smiled and Deleina winked at me.

"Well aren't you a courteous child." He said with a chuckle. "I am the village chief Elilus Amphion. It's nice to meet you."

"Yes, likewise." I responded.

"Now, Asonius did you take care of the traitor?" Elilus asked.

"Yes, we'll be giving you our report now." Asonius said.

Asonius then gave then told Elilus everything. From leaving the village to finding me. The role I played while traveling with them. The confrontation with Oris and finally their return.

"I see so that's what happened." Elilus said then looked at me. "So you want me to arrange an escort party for Arata?"

"Yes, his presence made our mission easier, Id like to help him as much as I can." Asonius said.

"Well, why don't you and your group escort him Elilus said.

"Really? We can?" Asonius asked.

"Yes, You all already know each other." He said. "And of course, you have my permission."

"Thank you, father, we'll rest for today and set out tomorrow." Asonius said. "With that, we've finished our business here and we'll be taking our leave. Arata will be in our care for today."

"I understand." Elilus said. "Come back if you need anything else."

"I will." Asonius responded.

We all bowed and walked out of the room, back through the hallway.

"Well isn't this nice? We get to spend more time together." Deleina said picking me up and putting me on her back.

"yeah." I said happily. "Where exactly will I be staying?"

"You can stay with me." Deleina said. "Dominic has a wife and kids. Asonius lives in this huge building. While I live alone."

"I'll be in your care then." I said as we walked outside once again.

"This is where we split up." Asonius said. "Meet at the south gate tomorrow at dawn."

"Understood." Dominic said then started walking off.

"See you tomorrow then." Deleina said with a wave of her hand and began to walk away.

"Bye." I told Asonius.

"Yes, take care." He replied. "And have fun in our village."

I nodded.

"So where do you live?" I asked.

"Close to the wall." she responded. "It's not far."

After a few minutes of walking, we had made it.

"We're here." she said.

Her house, just like every other house was made of wood and stone. She opened the wooden door and we walked inside.

There was a short wide hallway with two rooms on each side. She removed her bow and other weapons and hung them on the wall. She then walked to one of the rooms. In it, was a carpet on the floor, and clothes, armor, and other weapons were hung along the walls. She then began taking off her armor.

"I should leave while you change don't you think?" I asked.

"If you want to." she responded.

"Well, I'll go take a look around then." I said as I jumped off her back with the now awoken Flare. I set her down on the floor and I made my way back to the hallway.

Across the room, we were just in there was another room. I walked in and noticed that on top of a carpet was a giant messy straw nest along with a blanket.

I guess this is where she sleeps.

At the end of the hallway was a spacious room with cabinets, cookware, and a tall table on the wall of the room.

So this is the kitchen?

The table is so tall and there are no chairs.

"There you are." Deleina said sneaking up behind me, she was now wearing simple clothing. "Sit, I'll make us something to eat."

I looked around confused. "Sit where?"

"Hehe." she giggled. "Here." she picked me up along with Flare and put me on top of the table. "Better."

"I guess." I replied.

"Well ill get started now." she said.

I crawled back and leaned against the wall as I saw Deleina taking out food from the cabinets. I began to relax. For the first time in a while, I truly felt relaxed. I hugged Flare in my arms. The aroma of food filled my nostrils and I began to look forward to this meal Deleina was preparing.

-----

"It's ready." she said happily while serving me a bowl. "Here you go." she passed me the bowl.

It was a soup, made completely of greens. With some bread on the side along with a juice made from grapes. She made an additional bowl for Flare of just chopped-up meat and a few vegetables along with the grape juice.

There are a lot of grapes in this village because Centaurs love wine.

Flare immediately began chomping on the meat.

I took a bite. It was good. So good. I haven't eaten food like this in months, maybe I just find it good because I've been craving it.

"So what do you think?" Deleina asked nervously.

"It's so good." I said taking in another spoonful. "Thank you for making this for me."

"It's not a problem." she said happily.

We continued eating our meal while having small conversations from time to time. After we finished I grabbed flare and jumped off the table.

"So what are you going to do now?" she asked.

"It's still the afternoon, right? I think I'll go outside for a little while." I replied.

"That's fine. Don't get lost though." she said.

"Don't worry I won't." I said as I made my way to the front door. "I'll be back soon."

I opened the door and went outside, Flare followed.

It's time to explore this Centaur village.

I walked outside on the wide Street for a few minutes and made my way to the more crowded area. There I saw several young Centaurs with weapons and armor heading towards a gate. Leading them was someone I recognized, Dominic. I quickly made my way to him.

"Hey, Dominic. What's up?" I said to him.

He turned to me along with the confused group he was leading.

"Ohh? Arata." He said. "Are you doing okay?"

"Yeah. Deleina is really nice she even cooked some food for me." I said then looked around him to the group he was leading. "What are you doing?"

"Ohh I've been assigned to take this group of young trainees on expedition and hunting today." He said.

"Assigned?" I asked. "I thought you were supposed to rest for today?"

"Well I wasn't really assigned." he said a bit embarrassed.

"He's just an overprotective parent." Another adult Centaur, with a similar build to Dominic, cut in the conversation. "Ohh sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." He said. "My name is Ronan."

"Ahh, Nice to meet you. I'm Arata." I replied to him.

"I was the one originally assigned to lead this party. Dominic is just tagging along because his son is a part of it." Ronan said.

"Well, that may be one of the reasons." Dominic said. "Anyway, are you busy right now? Arata."

"No, not right now." I said.

"Would you like to come with us?" Dominic said. "I'd feel more at ease with your company."

"Yes." I responded quickly. "I'd love to go."

"Great, come meet my son." Dominic said. "Dante come here."

At Dominic's call, a young Centaur stepped forward from the group.

"Yes, Father." He said.

"I want you to meet Arata." Dominic said signaling to me "He'll be coming with us. So get along."

"Nice to meet you." I said stretching out my hand.

"Yes, likewise." he said taking my hand.

"Now, Everyone." Dominic said addressing the group. "This is Arata. He'll be joining this group for today."

"Isn't that a human-"

"I heard there was a human in the village-"

"He's just a kid-"

"How can he help us-"

Comments from the group started coming at me fast.

"Silence." Dominic said. "I've fought monsters alongside this human. He's exceptionally powerful and one of the few people who have earned my respect." "He can take on all of you all the same time and win without breaking a sweat."

Okay, now he's exaggerating.

If I take on all of them I'll definitely lose.

They all stayed silent, surprised by what they heard. They had an expression of disbelief.

"Now." Dominic turned to Ronan. "Shall we get on our way?"

"Of course." Ronan said. "Everyone. Keep walking."

We continued on our way to the outside of the village. I walked beside Dominic. We walked past the gate and then stopped.

"Alright." Ronan said turning to the group. "From this point forward our lives will be in danger. Everything on the outside is unexpected. One second you could be fine and the next you could be ambushed by a swarm of beasts. Despite that, there's always one rule you should follow above all else. And that is, do not let any party member fall. We stay together, fight together, and die together." He paused. "Our goal today is easy. It's just a simple hunt."

"Arata." Dominic whispered to me. "You should get on my back."

I did as he said, grabbed Flare, and jumped on his back.

"Now." Ronan said turning around, facing the open plains. "Stay close to me."

As soon as he said that both he and Dominic kicked off the ground running, and the young Centaur group followed.

After about half an hour of traveling, we heard howling and came to a stop. The sound of growling and howling was coming closer, then footsteps were heard. Until several figures came into view.

"Ember claws." Dominic said.

The beast looked like a reddish brown Lion. As they came closer. Their mane turned to fire along with their claws. Now it looked like an Ember Lion with a fiery mane and claws.

"Everyone, get ready!" Ronan yelled.

Everyone in the group took out their weapons. Their swords weren't as big as Dominic's or Ronan's but they'll get the job done. I guess I shouldn't talk since my sword is the smallest one here. It's kind of embarrassing to use it in front of them.

Anyway, there's something I've been wanting to try. Over these past few weeks, I've gotten better control over my Black Lightning. But I still need more practice so I'll try that now.

I focused my mana for a few seconds until Black tendrils of lightning crackled all around me. By this time the Ember Claws were already rushing in on us.

I concentrated my lightning on one spot. I only want to hit a single target. I shot out my magic. The black lightning burned through my target and then the blast kept going and killed four more in the process.

Wow.

I still can't believe it's this strong.

If I use this against Felix on our next dual, I'll probably kill him.

That is if he's still alive.

"Arata!" Dominic yelled. "Watch out."

Instinctively, I jumped back. Right when I did, I had barely dodged a fiery slash. The Ember Claw reacted quickly and jumped at me with its mouth open, to bite off a piece of me. Hells wrath. At this spell, the Ember Claw got crushed to the ground.

"Don't get distracted now after I spoke highly of you." Dominic said.

"Sorry." I said. "It won't happen again."

"Well, let's get back to the battle." He said.

I nodded.

After remembering Leon and his party's potential death, I got emotional and let my guard down. I'm still clinging to the hope that they're alive.

Dammit.

I rushed at the horde of Ember Claws to get my mind off of this. A whole group of them jumped me, each of them baring their fangs at me. I chose a single target and dashed to it. I sliced it in half. Another Ember Claw attacked me when I had just finished killing the first one. As it opened its mouth to bite me, I drove my blade through its mouth slicing its head off.

Two more came. I dodged the jaw of one then a Claw from the other. Both jumped at me at the same time. I leaped off the ground to evade them. And where they expected me to fall I didn't. With gravity, I stayed afloat in the air. I raised both of them and crushed them in mid-air.

When I landed on the ground a large group of Ember Claws was making their way to me. I coated my sword with Black Lightning and slashed. The entire group was hit by the attack, the lightning seared through their bodies almost as if disintegrating their very cells.

While this level of lightning is powerful It takes a lot of mana to use which I can afford to cover. But a normal person would need to be very efficient with their mana control to achieve this. My mana covers for my lack of efficiency, and even with that, I can't use it for long.

"Hey, Arata." Ronan called. "Leave some for the trainees would you?"

"Ohh yeah, sorry." I responded.

I pulled back to where Dominic and Ronan were observing the group.

"Dominic wasn't joking." Ronan said. "You really are powerful."

"It's not that impressive." I replied. "I still have a long way to go."

"For a boy your age, it is quite impressive." He said.

"Is that so?" I said remembering how Felix beat me in our duel.

-----

After about an hour of watching the fighting. It was still early so we kept moving forward. We didn't run into any dangerous beasts but I did get to see the beauty of nature. By this time it was already getting dark and we returned. Once we were back in the village it was already completely dark out. Ronan said he was going to go drinking while Dominic gave me a ride to Deleina's house. I walked up to the giant wooden door and opened it.

"I'm back." I said walking inside the house.

After I said that I heard the rushing of several footsteps coming closer to me.

"Arata." Deleina said. "You were gone for so long."

"Yeah, about that." I said. "I went hunting with Dominic and that Ronan guy."

"Ronan? You were with Ronan?" She blushed.

"Yeah, he was leading a group of rookies," I said. "Anyway I'm kind of tired so is it okay if I go to sleep?"

"Wait!" she grabbed me. "Tell me all about it."

"Huh?" I said. "About what? The trip?"

"Well. . ." she said embarrassed. "Tell me about Ronan. Like what did he talk to you about? Or if he mentioned me?"

"We did talk but very little." I said. "And no he did not mention you at all"

"Haa." A weird sound escaped her lips and her face fell.

Hmm? Maybe. . .

"You into this Ronan guy or something?" I asked.

"Huh?!?" She jumped from my sudden question. "N-N-No. Well. . . maybe a little. . ."She stuttered "yes." she said in a whisper.

"Have you ever talked to him?" I asked.

"No." She said.

"Then how do you know him?"

"We trained together when we were young. But I never had the courage to go up and talk to him." she said. "Ahh, I'm hopeless. At this rate, I'll never find a mate."

"I can introduce you two if you want." I proposed.

"I- I don't know." she said.

"Come on let's go." I said grabbing her hand and taking her out the door.

If she didn't want to come she could have easily let go of me and say no but she was nervously walking behind me.

"He said he was going drinking. Is there some kind of bar in this village?" I asked.

"Y-Yeah." Deleina said. "This way."

She led me across the village to an open space with a tall roof. There was a wall out back with a counter and several barrels of wine. Tall tables were lined up neatly across from each other, where Centaurs placed their drinks. The place was mostly full. As I looked around I noticed Ronan standing alone, drinking, looking at the sky.

"There he is." I said. "It looks like he's a loner too."

"I guess so." She seemed happy at the thought but was still hesitant.

I can't blame her. In my previous life, I was always very insecure and unconfident. I was never brave enough to talk to girls. That's why I ended up alone. But then again I've never fallen in love with someone, maybe because I was an introvert.

"Hey, Ronan." I called out to him "what a coincidence seeing you here."

"Ohh, Arata." He said. "What is someone your age doing in a place like this?"

Is he drunk?

"I saw a lot of people gathered here and got curious as to what this place was." I replied. "So why are you alone?"

"I used to come here a lot with my old party, but they fell in battle. After that, I retired and spent my time training the young." He said. "I come here often by myself and remember the way things used to be."

Yup, he's definitely drunk. No one would reveal something that serious to someone they just met.

"I'm very sorry to hear that." I said feeling bad for asking.

"Ohh, sorry. I didn't mean to make things awkward." He said and then looked past me to Deleina. "Hey, it's you. I remember you. You're. . . Deleina? Right? Dominic's friend"

"Y-Yes, and you're Ronan." She said nervously. "How do you know me?"

"I remember you since we were young and we trained together. Dominic also talks about you sometimes." He said. "He says you are very skilled with the bow."

"Is that so?" she said. "I've also heard about you. Word is, you're very skilled with the sword, and the kids love your teaching."

I thought I was going to have to start up a conversation, but it looks like she's doing just fine.

"Is that what people say about me?" He said.

No other response was said.

Ohh no.

The conversation is dying.

Time to step in.

"Hey, Ronan. Why don't you buy us a drink?" I said.

"That's right! You guys were just standing there." He said in sudden realization. "Come join me. I'll get you something to drink."

Just like that, he left to the counter to get two more drinks.

"Hey, Arata. I'm freaking out. What do I do?" She asked.

"To be honest with you. I have no plan. I brought you out here on a whim." I admitted.

"Are you kidding me?" She said. "Think of something."

"Just play it cool." I said. "And calm down, he's coming already."

I have no idea what I'm doing either.

"Here you go." Ronan said passing a drink to Deleina. "And this one's for you." he said passing a drink to me.

"You got me wine?" I asked unbelievably.

"Ohh right you're a kid." Ronan said. "I forgot, sorry."

"Well, you already paid for it. Might as well try it." I said. I took a sip and somewhat forced it down my throat.

"Gawh." I said after I took a sip. "It's so bitter."

"What do you mean? It tastes just fine." Deleina said. "Actually, it tastes good."

"Maybe Humans and Centaurs have a different sense of taste." I said. "Anyway, Ronan, thanks for the drinks. It looks like we're in your debt. Deleina can pay for your drink next time." I turned to Deleina. "right?"

"Right." she stiffened at my words. "I can buy you a drink. . . If you want?"

"If you want to pay me back then sure. Buy me a drink!" Ronan said excitedly then turned to me. "What about you? How are you going to pay me back?"

"Ohh, Deleina can cover it." I said.

"How so?" He asked.

"Maybe she can take you out for a meal or she can cook for you herself." I said. "Her cooking is really good."

Deleina turned red at my comment.

"You're fine with that right? Deleina?" I asked her.

"Of course. I don't mind." She said. "After all, I do need to repay you."

"OHH!! I like the sound of that!" Ronan said. "Fine, I'll take you up on this offer." Ronan raised his hand to Deleina.

Deleina blushed and raised her hand. She slowly put her hand over his resulting in a firm handshake.

"Right!!! Now that it's settled, when should we plan to go out?" Ronan asked.

"Umm, actually I have a mission starting tomorrow morning. I have to escort Arata back to the human region. I'll return in around two months." She said a bit sad. "But I can definitely repay you when I come back."

"Two months huh? That's nothing." Ronan said. "I'm kind of looking forward to this. So I can wait until you return."

"I'm looking forward to it too." Deleina smiled.

"You said you had a mission tomorrow right? You should go get some rest it's pretty late." He said. "I have to wake up early tomorrow too, so I wasn't planning on staying here for long. I usually leave around this time anyway."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Deleina said with a downcast expression.

"Hey, I have an idea." I said. "Why don't you walk us home?"

"Why would I do that?" He asked.

"What if we get attacked by bandits while walking through the street at night." I said.

"There are no bandits in this village. If there were they would be exiled or imprisoned." He said.

"Well, what I mean is, that I enjoy your company." I said.

"Well if you don't mind having me around, then I can walk with you two." He said.

"Great. Let's go." I said.

I grabbed Flare and jumped up Deleina's back. For most of the ride, I was silent just hearing the conversation between the two centaurs, I answered a few questions that were asked or sometimes started up a conversation. Overall I could tell that both Ronan and Deleina were enjoying each other's company. That enjoyment ended once we reached Deleinas house.

"So I guess this is goodbye for now." Ronan said.

"Yeah." Deleina said sadly.

"Well, if that's all I'll be going now." He said then turned away ready to walk off.

"Wait, Ronan." Deleina called.

"Yes?" Ronan turned back to face her.

"I-I had fun." Deleina said with a smile.

"I did too." He said. "We should go out together like this again."

"Yes, I'd like that." Deleina said. "Have a good night."

"Same to you." Ronan said then turned away and began to walk off.

As soon as Deleina walked inside her house she broke down.

"Ahh." she turned bright red and started breathing loudly. "I couldn't hold it any longer. My heart is all over the place right now. I was afraid he'd see me like this."

". . ." I stayed silent.

"Can't believe I talked with Ronan. THE Ronan. The guy I've been crushing on since I was a little girl."

". . ."

"We drank together and made plans for the future. That basically means we're a couple."

". . ."

"Hehe. He said he had fun and that he wanted to go out together with me again."

"Aren't you way past your years to get excited like a teenage girl?" I commented.

"Hey, I'm not that old." She said. "But it doesn't matter because I'm going to go out with Ronan soon."

"Well good luck with that. I'm going to bed. You don't mind if I sleep in your room right?" I said walking to her room.

"Of course not. There's more than enough room there for both of us." She replied Following behind me.

She curled up on the giant straw nest of a bed while I laid with Flare on an open spot next to her.

"Hey, Arata." She called.

"Yes?"

"Thank you for today. If it wasn't for you I would've never found it in me to go talk to Ronan." she said.

"Don't thank me yet." I replied. "We're leaving tomorrow and after you come back I'm not going to be here to help you, so you're going to have to do it on your own."

"Ahh. You're right." she said. "But now, I feel like I can do it."

"I'll be rooting for you." I said.

"I'm still freaking out. I can't stop thinking about him." She said. "I can't even sleep."

"Well, I'm trying to sleep. So keep your thoughts to yourself." I told her.

"Ohh sorry. I'll be quiet now."

"Thank you."

"Good night." she added.

"Good night to you too."

After a couple of minutes, I fell asleep.

Once I woke up I felt something warm and heavy on my face. I pulled it off, only to notice that it was Flare who had used my face as a pillow. I moved her aside and sat up. I looked beside me and noticed that Deleina wasn't in bed. I heard rustling coming from the other room. I got up and walked over to the noise. Once I did, I saw Deleina getting ready dressed in her armor.

"Ohh? Arata? I was about to wake you up." she said. "Hurry and get your things, we're leaving."

"Alright." I replied.

I don't really have anything. When I entered Canavar I only had a sword, and I've been wearing the same clothes for months. But even then, I went ahead and grabbed the things that I did have. Which was my sword and the Exosia orb, that I had put in a small leather bag that I carried.

I carefully grabbed flare and went with Deleina who was waiting for me. I jumped on her back and we made our way to where the meeting spot was. There, we found Asonius waiting for us, after a few minutes of talking with him Dominic showed up.

"You ready to go home, Arata?" Deleina said.

"Yes." I replied excitedly.

"Well, let's get going." Asonius said.