Both the bald man and the instrumentalist ran through the crowd chasing the youngsters who easily made their way through the people due to their smaller size.

Gradually, they were distancing themselves and blending into the crowd, causing the bald man to grit his teeth and start pushing people to make way.

Quickly, he was clearing a path. However, when he pushed another person, he noticed that the crowd was looking at them, but none of the boys they were chasing were there anymore.

The bald man continued to stare with a furrowed brow, and the instrumentalist tapped his shoulder, saying, "Let's find them; they can't have gone too far."

Upon hearing this, the bald man nodded and resumed running, followed by the instrumentalist. However, beside where they had stopped, there was an alley where the three of them were.

Nina was panting and sitting beside Alma, who was leaning against the wall, while Viktor remained vigilant and soon sighed, saying, "We've just arrived and already caused trouble. I guess no one else will want to buy anything from us." He rubbed his eyes and went to the end of the alley to see if their pursuers had left.

"I don't think it's like that," Alma recovered some air and continued, "People around were commenting; apparently, there are some troublesome sellers, and it just so happened that we collided with one. It seems he often threatened some people with those two, at least that's what I heard."

"All at that moment?" Viktor approached the two with a smile.

"No, since we got there. There was just a murmur, and I decided to pay attention," Alma sighed, furrowing his brow. "And why did you initiate that attack? Even if he wasn't emanating energy, a knife still cuts, you know?"

"As if that would catch any of us," Viktor smiled slightly, excited, and Alma continued with a furrowed brow but no reply.

Nina stared, still surprised, as the two conversed normally, but soon she stood up, composed herself, and said, "Why is this meat so valuable? Enough for that seemingly nice guy to chase us?... well, apparently, he wasn't so nice after all." Nina lowered her head and scratched her neck.

"Probably, he was trying to gain something from us, but as for the meat, Viktor and I were looking for that creature because they say magic meat is like a superfood, capable of improving your physical and energetic abilities... at least that's what Viktor's father said." Alma smiled faintly as he looked at his sister, then returned to the end of the alley, checking if no one was watching.

"The initial plan was to eat, but in the cave, we decided that we needed better equipment in the end; after all, we have a long way to the capital..." Viktor spoke but was soon interrupted.

"Hey," Alma spoke in a lower voice, drawing the attention of the two to someone standing at the end of the alley.

When they turned their eyes to the person, they could see a man with graying hair and beard, a scar near his right eye, wearing long, yet still beautiful, clothes, and walking with a cane for support.

He had a gentle smile on his face, and as they looked, they realized he was the same old man who had interrupted the threatening vendor.

"It seems you, besides knowing how to use Diyo, are smarter than those two bullies. Truth be told, I know animals that are smarter." He spoke in a simple manner, chuckling lightly.

"What do you want?" Alma asked, maintaining seriousness in his expression.

"Me? I don't want much, but I can help you on the path you want to follow. What do you say?" He kept the smile on his face as he observed them.

"And do you know what we want?" Alma questioned.

"Firstly, avoid trouble and have someone to sell your materials to, but there's something common among all the young ones who come here." He smiled faintly and said, "They are all adventurers or aspiring soldiers. Anyway, I can help you. Whether you want to reach the capital or if you're interested in finding good hunting spots, what do you say?"

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"Why should we trust you?"

"I have the maps; whether you want to follow me or not, it's up to you, but you won't regret it." With a faint smile, he turned and walked towards the crowd, saying, "And there's no one in the world better at using Diyo than a veteran."

Slowly, he disappeared into the crowd, walking down a street that distanced itself from the crowd, while Alma and Viktor stared, focusing on the Diyo in their eyes. Soon enough, they could see it.

It was a giant and imposing image, tall, taller than they could see by merely lifting their heads; it almost seemed to block the sun. The energy of that man was enormous, with the image of an unreachable and indestructible mountain, making both of them sweat slightly until they heard.

"Veteran, that means he has fought in the war..." It was Nina observing the man distancing himself, causing the two to look back at the girl as she said, "This is the chance; if he wants to teach Diyo, he'll help you get into the army."

"We know, Nina. But there's something about him..." Alma spoke, furrowing his brow.

"But we should go." Viktor concluded, looking at the two as he said, "We need the maps to get to the capital. Although we might find our way just by walking, it's better to have a path to follow."

"There's something strange about him... honestly, I'd rather not owe any favors." Alma said, crossing his arms.

"If he wanted to hand us over to those sellers, he would have already, and with the presence he has, he wouldn't even need to." Viktor had a faint smile as he turned his gaze to the archer and said, "Besides, I don't know if I have that much free time... if something happens, I'll lag behind, and you can escape without me. After all, most of the meat is with you."

His last sentence ended with a slight bitter smile as he turned and followed the old man.

Although he had improved, Alma knew that Viktor still wanted to find his father and didn't know his situation. His only option was to follow without fear, but before he did, the archer sighed and said, "You know I wouldn't do that, moron."

Alma turned, worried, and Nina gave a slight smile, hastening her pace and joining the two who followed the old man.

As they walked, they distanced themselves further from the crowd and tables, crossing alleys and streets that Alma watched, trying to find people nearby, but there was no one; it seemed to be a quiet area far from the fair, which was the main passage for adventurers.

Soon, they came across a house made of stones and wood, with a slightly more rustic appearance. The old man approached the door and opened it, revealing the interior of a shop with various wooden shelves displaying pots with growing plants, glass jars, and a small arsenal of weapons positioned on the wall.

The man smiled faintly and entered the shop, saying.

"Make yourselves at home, please. Would you like some tea?"

"No, thank you, we came because of your invitation and we're in a hurry," Viktor entered the house but didn't take many steps forward from the door. "You mentioned that you can help us, and I also confirmed that you're a veteran. But why do you want to help us? What's in it for you?"

"Well, just the fact that you all know how to perceive Diyo already makes you stronger than most. Mastering such energy at a young age isn't common. Either you've been practicing for a long time or possess pure talent," he maintained a slight smile while slowly making his way behind the counter, still leaning on his cane until he sat down, yet keeping his composure.

"But that doesn't explain what you gain from this," Viktor remained composed but seemed to have an extra edge, causing the old man to meet his gaze with a smile. "We heard your name is Elioth. In war, there are two sides, and you still don't know which side we intend to fight for, yet you've called us. We understand you're a veteran and might want to train soldiers for the war, but it doesn't make sense to grant power to those who won't fight on your side."

Elioth kept the smile on his face while observing Viktor still standing in the same position. Nina stood by the door holding something in her hands while Alma continued surveying the surroundings. However, as Elioth glanced inside the house, he noticed the archer's eye gleaming with a vivid green-blue hue.

Despite the ongoing silence, Elioth never lost his smile and spoke.

"I'd like to say I trust you'll make the right decision." He maintained a serene gaze, briefly locking eyes as he continued, "But the truth is, I only want what the war took from me. You just confirmed that you plan to enter it, and that's enough for me."

Viktor furrowed his brow, and Alma clicked his tongue, redirecting his gaze inside the house.

Elioth soon stood up, still leaning on his cane, and extended his hand.

"However, before you head to the capital, if you plan to go later this year, you're at least a year and several months ahead. The selection process happens at the beginning of summer and winter. Plus, it's only open to individuals above 16, and you don't seem to be—"

"We already know," Alma interrupted, still leaning against the house's door. He took a step forward, concluding, "If you want us to listen, answer first. Knowing we're heading to war isn't enough. Why is a strong veteran working as a salesman? What exactly do you want from us? Respond while we're still willing to listen. Otherwise, we're leaving. It's easier to escape those weaklings than to stay and hear your half-answers."

Alma leaned against the door once again, this time facing the interior of the shop with a serious gaze, locking eyes with Elioth, who remained silent but slowly wiped the smile off his face.

"Two leaders won't make a team," he commented.

"To hell with it, let's go," Alma quickly turned towards the exit, but then heard.

"I didn't choose to work as a salesman; the war made me do this."