The soldiers of the escort troop had already taken care of the mess by the time Felix and his master came back; they were treating the injured and clearing up the aftermath. On the merchants side a commotion was taking place.

It appeared the soldiers were paid to escort them unharmed. The merchants were denying the troop’s main objective of taking the prisoners to Chindon, and instead were putting their own safety to the first place. They were probably trying for compensation.

Some carts of the traders were being emptied. Their contents were stocked onto other carts that could contain more goods. The emptied ones were now being occupied with the deceased; most of them with the people’s bodies of the convoy, a few from the enemy side. The killed soldiers must be for a proper funeral, while the attackers’ bodies for further examination.

Felix hadn’t noticed in the ongoing battle, but there were magicians in the convoy. Two women were burning down the corpses on a far side from the road. These outer mana users must have been saving their own lives during the attack.

Now Felix thought about it, why hadn’t he kept his safety to himself as well? He had acted because the defeat of the soldiers would lead to his own demise. He had gone in search of his master because he wanted to look loyal and supportive. Besides, Kiria was supposed to be doing alright.

Then why the heck did he engage into the battle the professional fighters were participating?

Kiria could have taken the upper hand with the experience from battles that she must have gone through many times, or by some luck. There was no need to risk his life in that situation.

That damned personality change!

Changing form along with his thinking ways was a dangerous treat. Now he understood it very, very well.

The bright side, his relationship with the warrior woman had turned into a considerably better course. Though he still concluded he had to put more effort into controlling his different appearances’ personalities. And the bad one, Kiria was now aware of his limits.

Actually, she would eventually know if Felix’s intention of learning inner mana control from her guidance was plenty serious. She didn’t seem an unreliable or a greedy type. That was why he had revealed his actual age.

But still, this magical world’s inner mechanics could me more complicated than the shapeshifter could imagine. So better for him to keep his secrets to himself and disclose as little as possible.

“Warrior Kiria, did they get away?” the person who was mostly accompanying the Commander came up and asked. Felix had heard his name was Yank; he must be the second in command in the escort troop.

Kiria didn’t answer right away, waiting for the next approaching man behind the Commander's subordinate. It was the Commander himself, Rasin Kart.

“No, they didn’t,” she started after the Commander arrived. “Two more people were there for a backup. But I couldn’t capture any of them. I killed three, but the last two killed themselves, along with the main prisoner.”

“How did it happen?” Commander Kart inquired.

Kiria reported the details of what had happened after she began chasing the three kidnappers. She said the two additional warriors had appeared to hinder her pursuit and to create a chance to the other three to get away. The warrior woman had had to get merciless and attack the horse Lina was being carried.

She altered Felix’s participation quite well with as little details as possible. It was as if the warrior woman had just shared one of her opponents. And by the time she took down the four combatants, the fifth one was already defeated by her disciple. The rest of what happened was what Felix had witnessed himself.

She is implying I have to deal with my own shit myself, isn’t she? Felix wanted to give his master a thumbs up.

Commander Kart frowned, contemplating what he had just heard. “Who was she that a whole squad of magic warriors is ready to sacrifice themselves?”

“I don’t possess any more knowledge than you already have, Commander Kart.” Kiria didn’t seem to be refusing to tell what she knew.

The Commander nodded slowly, still thoughtful. After pondering for over half a minute, he finally looked at Felix, smiling. “Anyway, your choice of disciple is impeccable, I can say. This must be why you suddenly changed your mind.” He changed the subject.

“I saw talent in her,” Kiria replied shortly.

“If she hadn’t given a hand in dealing with the enemy attacking the merchants, the casualties would’ve been more worrisome,” Yank intervened.

Kiria looked at Felix with the obvious question, her gaze expressing mild surprise.

“Yeah… I’m sorry I didn’t follow your orders, master,” Felix said with a shallow bow. No harm in trying to look modest.

“It’s alright, since you aren’t fatally injured.”

“Over half of the soldiers have injuries. Some people have severe wounds,” the Commander stated, sighing deeply. “We should head to the city of Atten to treat them,” he added, causing the others to nod.

Afterwards, the conversation continued between the warriors about the condition of the convoy. The shapeshifter heard that the cities in this country would keep some spare magician healers who served the citizens of the empire. Some highly skilled healers could even restore lost limbs. But only a number of nobility or the people from the highest status would receive their treatment. The government soldiers had to rely on minor magic healers’ treatment.

The Commander didn’t seem annoyed from this unfairness, though. It appeared the high healers’ skills were required for special cases from the tone of what Commander Kart implied.

Afterwards, the people from the escort troop and the merchants were all instructed to take care of the casualties and treat the injured. They would set out the next day to the nearest city. Therefore, heavy preparations were due before the trip, in order to prevent further life loss.

The shapeshifter looked up from his map and searched the location of the city of Atten. It should be four days long journey from where they were currently staying to reach the city, he speculated. This meant it would take another two weeks to reach Chindon.

Felix then volunteered to aid the people who knew some medicine, not with total willingness, though. By the way the Commander's compliments sounded, how Felix had been a huge help, and the Commander's hopes of how the Kiria’s first disciple would make his master proud, the shapeshifter didn’t have a choice but dive into the work.

Although his knowledge in this field was rather shallow, comprehending the ordinary healer’s work wasn’t a challenge. He only had to copy what he saw and carefully treat the patients. The male wounded soldiers were only glad to be in care of such a pretty young woman.

That was weird. Felix started regretting his first encounter with the warrior woman as a helpless maiden. How much time would he have to pretend to be a girl?

The next day, when every injured soldier was properly treated and the merchants’ side was in a fair order, the head of the convoy prompted all the travellers to move. Felix occupied his seat behind his master’s back on the horse.

The rest of the journey went on without any incidents. Other than telling Felix not to ask of the training, Kiria kept silent. She didn’t fulfill her promise of further explaining the subject concerning mana channels, though. Felix could eventually have his opportunity when they reached Atten, hopefully. He would probe further about the all mana user types and some special techniques.

For the rest of the travel, the fellow soldiers of the Commander treated Felix with extra respect. A few merchants came to his side to express their gratitude. His Sereena character was not a recruit of the escort troop, nor did he have any obligation to protect the merchants. Yet he had risked his life instead of staying put in a safe corner, not fearing of being a target of the attackers.

Taking down three people from the enemy side, although they were ordinary fighters, along with delaying the enemies’ advance had helped the soldiers to deal with the attackers faster. It was a huge supportive action to the small troop.

Additionally, he went to his master’s aid despite the danger of facing experienced magic warriors. He even defeated one of the second stage inner mana users all by himself. A single sword stab was all he got from the encounter.

For a person who hadn’t seen a smidge of training, as Felix had told all the others who asked, it was a feat one could freely boast. The people were saying so, anyways.

The praises were genuine, but slightly embarrassing to hear, as Felix’s original intention was quite different from giving a hand to others.

The only problem was the wound, which kept bothering him throughout the journey whenever he made an abrupt movement. He didn’t risk any shapeshifting attempt to accelerate his healing process, even when he was in a tent and was sure no one was nearby. Thankfully, the damage to his ribs from that kick, which that kidnapper’s suddenly empowered burst had inflicted, was already healed after the last couple of transformations.

During the journey, Commander Kart tried several times to coax Felix to join the military, assuring a bright future and fame. The prowess and courage he showed during the battle, along with a quick and wise decision-making, would make him a Commander in no time, he said. He even tried a few approaches to his master, which were unsuccessful.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Seeing Felix not buying anything he told, the Commander eventually gave up. But not before stating that Felix even had a chance of becoming a candidate of being chosen as one of the Great Pillars if he agreed.

The shapeshifter still kept his curiosity to himself. Most likely, the existence of the said Great Pillars was an all known fact. By asking such a question though, being looked as an alien or a total unknowing was not worth it. Felix would just wait. After all, his intention was to mix in with the society, not to separate himself as a clueless young maiden who was in need of instructions.

After a four-day trip, at dusk, the journey was temporarily ending when they were in a range to spot the city of Atten. Three days later after the attack, the winter had decided to display a shred of its wrath. It had blanketed the land with thick snow.

From a far distance across the white terrain through a small gathering of trees, more than ten miles away, a shade of the city could be regarded. In fact, its bright lights were quite visible from the distance.

As they got closer and closer to the enormous fortress, the shapeshifter could make out more details of the first city he was about to visit in this world. It was big, much bigger than the towns he had visited in this magical realm until now. And it was beautiful.

The city was located on the waist of a short average sized mountain range. From the view, it looked like more than a half of a valley was sliced out and a city was constructed on its rims and on its center. The walls appeared mountainous as usual, despite the long distance.

Furthest from the towering walls, the heart of the city could be seen; an assembly of five or six floored buildings was beatifying the city of Atten. They were probably government buildings or the most prominent hotels in the large habitat. The rows of floors were visible from their eaves. Each floor must be at least four meters tall from the looks of them. Every corner, which was supposed to sink into darkness when the night came, was illuminated with shining lanterns.

The city was quite bright. However, the reason for it was not the sizeable lanterns. They were only for decoration. The most alluring structure was the tallest tower in the whole vicinity, reaching higher altitude than the mountain peaks. It was above all the residences, built on the edge of the mountain, located higher on the ridge’s side.

The structure had twelve levels; each eave in between three rows were considerably bigger than the rest, curved up to the sky. The peak part at the top of the tower was shining the brightest, putting any lanterns in shame. It was like a replacement for the moon that was now hiding in winter’s rule behind the clouds.

Far below the tower, there were craftily built stone houses and other establishments for community gathering; wooden constructions were like decorative or side buildings to them. In that area, the sizes of residences were thinner in number but excellent in quality. Coming down further, they led to other less elegant dwellings.

“Master, what is it shining at the top?” Felix asked in a low voice behind Kiria .

“It’s a monster core, one of the biggest in the Empire. Perhaps even in the whole world,” Kiria answered, checking his amazed expression.

Of course, he was amazed. Witnessing a mini skyscraper in a medieval period, and seeing constructions built with modern-like eastern handcraft was quite a sight to behold.

“It shines that bright all the time?”

“No, only at nights. A device was forged to enhance its illumination. It is turned off at daylight.” From how Kiria talked, it sounded as if this was not that wonderful sight to encounter in a city.

Then what about the three largest cities in the Dawn Empire? Did they have taller towers than this, or did they instead choose quantity to show off the grandness of their fortresses? Actually, the sea was not far from this place’s location. Maybe the tower served as a beacon.

“Is there a tower like this in Chindon, as well?” he asked again.

Kiria smiled, not fully looking back at him. “You’ll see when we arrive there.”

Oh, really? Saving for a surprise effect? Felix stared at the magic warrior in mild astonishment.

Kiria’ response was warmer than her usual almost emotionless speaking, meaning she could be approachable at times. But what was more astonishing was her, trying to impress Felix. The closeness of the answer made Felix’s heart twitch in a part that hadn’t moved in almost four months.

Maybe Felix could really be friends with this woman.

The convoy finally arrived at the city gates. There were houses outside the walls, probably belonging to the lowest class citizens.

Two watchtowers were accompanying an over-twenty-meters-tall steel entrance. The wall encompassing the city was even greater in height; at least fifty meters. It was stretched to a third quarter of the half valley.

On the exterior part of the gate, there was an image of a mighty and pride looking tiger, which he might have seen in his monster book. Only one side of the double gate wasn’t currently closed. The guards must have switched into night mode of the city defense.

The escort troop was let in with light inspection, unlike the rest of the small caravan. Luckily, Felix got in along with the soldiers and Kiria. Still, his master and Commander Kart had to answer a few inquiries to enter the city.

After getting through the inspection safely, some merchants bid their farewell to the escort troop. The Commander must have dealt with the price before the journey. Some traders tagged along. From their relaxed behavior, there was no doubt they would find their own parting ways soon enough.

Like the town he had paid a visit last time, Felix was welcomed with workshops of blacksmith and bakeries, food shops, apothecaries and cheap lodgings near the city gate. Only a handful of stores were closed for the night.

The atmosphere at the inner part of the city was noticeably warmer than it was outside. Not only were the habitations and workshops increasing the temperature with their activity, but also the people’s hospitable attitudes were the cause of this warmness. Some shop owners beckoned the travellers to their side, luring in especially the travellers from the remaining merchants who quickly separated from the scattering convoy.

Carriages that were transporting people could be seen as Felix and Kiria rode further into the city’s center. In the Bening town, Felix had had barely encountered such vehicles other than in the center district, which only the wealthy resided. Now it was a common sight, it appeared.

“Take this.” Kiria suddenly stopped the mount at a corner, and handed Felix a round green item with typed symbols on it. It was a jade badge.

“We’ll be held up for a while,” Felix’s master continued. “Go to the Radiant Turtle Inn and show this token. It’s over two turns, on the right. Reserve a room for two people. They’ll understand what kind,” she said, then gave him a pouch.

Radiant Turtle Inn, over two turns? Felix mused on the small task he was entrusted. After dismounting, he looked at the fist-sized moneybag. From its weight, there was undoubtedly a hefty amount of coins in it.

He gave his master a nod with a small smile, and received the same motion. Being given such a task made him feel glad that he was granted such an indication of trust, however small it was.

“Good night, Miss Sereena, I wish you nice dreams,” Commander Kart gave a polite bow, looking at Felix’s young maiden form.

“Good night, disciple of wandering warrior.”

“Good night, Miss.”

The Commander's right hand and the other soldiers also bid their farewell for the night as they parted. Some wishes were for the sake of courtesy, and some said in a cheerful way.

Need to get away from this bunch as soon as possible, the shapeshifter made a mental note.

“Good night, Miss Sereena,” the last soldier said quickly, earning a few subtle glances from his fellows. His tone was stiff. Felix saw the redness on his face was deeper than the other people’s. It couldn’t be just from the cold.

“Good night to you too,” Felix replied as corners of his lips curved upward. This made the young soldier blush further.

Well, there are some interesting sides as well of being a woman, I admit. He laughed on the inside, then went on to find the destination he was tasked to go

Elegant restaurants and stylish looking buildings that were obviously intended for entertainment stood pompously along the wide road. In spite of the weather and the day’s end, some people were still strolling in the city, some standing in front of the establishments.

Walking on the side of the pavement, Felix found the Radiant Turtle Inn without much difficulty. Its facade was, as its name suggested, slightly reminded a turtle. The exterior was like a large and tough shield, with as few windows as possible. Its front entrance was protruding like the sea reptile. Still, it felt attracting and safe looking.

Entering the inn, the shapeshifter could feel a gentle and warm breeze heating the vestibule. But he didn’t find any air conditioners on sight. Additionally, the whole interior was lit by lamp like objects on the walls. They were the same illuminating devices as he had seen in that brothel’s underground apartment.

Interesting! Is it all from monster cores? Felix thought, but didn’t pursue to discover the source of warm air.

The receptionist didn’t cause Felix any hardship to ensure that he was Kiria’s disciple. He booked the room he was tasked. When he went up to the third floor of the four stored building and saw the condition of the suite, he said many thanks to his master.

It was a two-room apartment with a lobby in the middle, containing quite comfortable furniture for spending days within for a vacation stay. The room was convenient for receiving guests for small business deals if he wished.

A warrior job must bring quite a hefty earning, Felix mused.

Locking up the door, Felix went in the rooms one by one to check further. As expected, they were identical. Following that, he did what he had been dying to do after the journey that lasted for over a week.

He took a bath; a hot and refreshing bath in his female form, for the first time.

Felix hadn’t tried washing his woman form’s body out of embarrassment in the brothel’s hidden compound. He limited himself to occasional touches, sometimes gropes. And other times, after he got free, he didn’t feel safe enough to further explore his female form.

Now, he would finally go all out.

After taking the bath that lasted at least an hour, the shapeshifter collapsed onto a bed in one of the rooms. It had been a tiring trip on the wild; spending nights under open sky, sheltered only by a thick tent. And encountering a bloody attack on the way. He was finally in a cultured dwelling again.

I want to stay here. Can I find a proper job in this city?

Atten was a splendid city, even for the Earth’s overall standards. Finding an instructor at inner mana control shouldn’t be a challenge. But the warrior Kiria had already taken a root quite well in his soul. She was a nice person.

However, no one could guarantee another incident wouldn’t occur on the road to Chindon. Life was a fragile existence in this fantasy world where magic was real, superhumans were a known fact, monsters roamed in some parts of the world.

Thinking the dangers lurking in this realm, Felix would sometimes wish to go back to Earth. There were things totally unknown to him, to an outworlder, which could be quite perishing.

However, as he pondered over the marvels he would witness in the future, that humans could only dream or fantasize in his home land, he couldn’t help but suppress his curiosity to go find and ask a random person about this world.

Magic users, wyverns, griffins, shapeshifters… what else are there?

Felix continued wondering over the possibilities of surprises the future could offer to him, as his eyelids grew heavy. The room was nicely heated; the warm breeze he felt when he stepped through this inn was circulating gently in this suite as well.

A knock on the door woke him from his catnap. It must be Kiria. Still, he checked it before letting her inside.

“You were sleeping?” the warrior asked while extracting herself from her cold outer clothing and the weapons hanging on her body.

“It’s alright,” Felix replied. “Master,” he added hurriedly.

“Then before you go to bed, I would like to discuss some matters with you. You don’t have to address me master when we are alone,” she said. “Are you hungry?”

“A little.” Felix nodded. It was a high time they had a serious talk, anyway.

“I’ve ordered a dinner. They’ll bring it soon.”

Oh, room service. Perfect! The shapeshifter beamed sweetly.