Since arriving in this city a few days ago, our time has been filled with enjoyable moments spent at the beach and hanging out with one another. Despite our impending departure tomorrow morning, we haven't grown tired of playing games and simply spending time together.

Currently, as the sun sets on this late afternoon, I find myself in the company of Mia, Nina, and Flare.

"Hey," Mia interrupted, breaking through our brief silence as we gazed up at the sky. "I have to use the restroom," she announced, rising from the floor where we sat. "I'll be back in a bit," without being able to get a word in she strode away with a sense of urgency that suggested she was in a hurry. Watching her walk away, I noticed her heels digging on the sand as she disappeared into the distance.

Turning my attention towards Nina, I remarked. "Looks like it's just you and me now," I said, flashing a small smile as I shifted closer to her.

In turn, Nina avoided my gaze, and her face flushed as she stood up. Before I could even question her actions, Nina stammered, "I need to use the restroom too," her voice tinged with nervousness as she scurried off after Mia.

With a sigh, I pondered what had made her uneasy. While dismissing my thoughts, I turned to Flare and stated, "Looks like it's just us."

With a sigh, I pondered on what could have made her uncomfortable. However, I quickly shook off the thought and turned my attention toward Flare. "Looks like it's just you and me," I said.

At my words, Flare slowly got up. Stretching her body as her paw pads curled forward against the soft ground. "I should go check on them," she spoke, turning around her fuzzy tail swung behind her back. My eyes followed her movements, and I couldn't help but notice how adorable she looked as she placed one paw in front of the other.

"I guess it's just me," I muttered under my breath, knowing no one was around to listen. My gaze then shifted from the sky to a boy that stood by the shore, his eyes fixed on the vast expanse of water before him. It was Theodore, with his jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes, standing as still as a statue with his feet buried deep in the water.

Having nothing better to do, I walked up to him. "Hey, Theodore," I called out, feeling the cold embrace of the water around my feet as I neared. "Whatcha doing?" I asked casually, curiosity heavily tinged within my voice.

He turned towards me briefly before gazing thoughtfully back toward the ocean. "Just thinking," he replied then fell silent before turning to face me once more. "Don't you find it fascinating just how everything in this world is kind of like. . . Around the corner?"

Tilting my head in confusion I tried to make sense of his words. "What do you mean?" I asked.

"For example, if we hopped on a ship and sailed in that direction across the sea," he spoke with a finger extended towards the horizon, "We would eventually come upon the Utaryon continent. A land full of different races of demons, unique customs, and exciting opportunities to explore," he added with a sense of wonder.

Ah? The mind of an adventurer. I thought, showing a small smile. "You want to see it all?"

As he turned towards me, I witnessed true determination in his expression. "Yes," he answered. "The only human kingdom that negotiates with the demon lord lies between here and Utaryon, so we would have to stop in Azriel before continuing our journey," he explained. "But that's not all. I also want to travel east, to the enchanted forest of Clokotora where my mother is from. She's told me stories of a welcoming village hidden deep within the woods where even the passive animals enjoy human company. Beyond that lies Grojatia, the land of the titans and home to many colossal beasts."

"I heard there were things such as Titans and Giants," I pointed out. "What differentiates the two?"

"Titans are basically the founders of all earth on this world. While Giants are wiser and much smarter," he explained. "They're the ones who created all the runes and sigils. So the one on your palm was most likely made by a Giant."

"Really?" I said sounding a bit intrigued. If a giant really made this then I wonder just what other kind of technology they have. This rune on my palm is by no means a simple thing.

Humans have recreated simple sigils, including the ice sigil that allows the mansion freezer to maintain its temperature. As well as others that give off heat or produce air.

Nevertheless, this one on my palm grants a different effect. It can sense and alter the very particles that make up mana. A complex masterpiece compacted down into a single rune would certainly prove difficult to decipher and recreate.

While lost in thought, the sound of multiple footsteps plunging through the water jolted me back to reality. I then felt a powerful tug on my clothes, causing me to turn my gaze downwards, where I saw Flare pulling my shorts with her jaw. Her eyes were gleaming with a strange intensity, and her fur stood on end. "Flare?" I spoke feeling a bit uneasy due to her behavior.

With a low growl, Flare turned her snout up toward me and barked, "Woof! Woof!" It had been quite a while since I'd last heard her bark. I still remember how they used to be nothing more than high-pitched yelps, but now they actually sound menacing.

Looking towards Theodore, who also appeared unsure, I said, "Wait here, I'll be back." Knowing something was wrong, I hastily picked Flare up and sprinted away, without waiting for his response.

Once we were some distance away from all ears I spoke up, "What's wrong?" I asked, my voice heavy with concern as I gazed deeply into her blue eyes. Patiently waiting for her to respond.

Cradling my wolf companion close to my chest, I sensed a deep unease in her body language. Her ears flattened against her head and her form shook slightly. "It's Nina and Mia," she whimpered, her voice quivering as her eyes were filled with concern. "Alexander took them."

As I listened to her words, I felt a heavy weight settle in my chest, and for a moment, I struggled to wrap my head around it. My heart sank as I heard her words, and a sense of fury ignited within me. With clenched teeth, I forced out the words, the anger in my tone practically tangible as it filled the air around us. "Where did they go?"

"I can still track their scent," she said as her nostrils flared. With a swift movement, she hopped off my arms. Landing gracefully on the floor. Turning her head toward me her eyes locked onto mine. "So hurry, follow me!"

With a nod of agreement, I was about to follow behind her when. "Hey, Arata," Theodore called out, causing me to turn and face him. My facial expression must have given away the turbulent emotions swirling within me, prompting Theodore to ask, "Is everything alright?"

"No time," I said my voice loaded with heavy pressure. "Come along or stay behind," was the only thing I said as I quickly dismissed him. Turning my attention back to Flare I have her a sharp nod, signaling that we needed to move immediately. My heart was racing with adrenaline as we began rushing forward and my mind consumed with the urgent task at hand. You want a rematch, huh? Don't you worry, I'm on my way.

"Don't discard me just yet!" called Theodore from behind. Turning my head back I saw him panting and weaving between pedestrians. With sweat glistening on his forehead. "I'm coming along," he declared, fully determined.

As I turned my attention forward, a smile crept onto my lips, betraying my initial irritation. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of guilt for talking so coldly to him moments earlier.