After a couple of days of hard work, the village started to look better and the people could return to everyday lives. Although, there was something that bothered some of them, that being the forest and the resources they were able to gather from it.

Olaf decided to head into the forest for the rest of their stay and see how things were there. And as expected the forest was quiet. The Fenbogs were all dead, the Elemental is dead, and there were no other creatures that they knew about living in the forest.

Ryuji went back to the cottage, or what remained of it, and buried Raidens body near it. Ryuji also gathered the papers and returned them to the village library where Fugaku was cleaning up.

(Fugaku) - Oh. . . What brings you here?

(Ryuji) - I found those papers with Olaf in the stables a while ago and used them to navigate the forest.

(Fugaku) - That would prove useful for the future of our village.

*Step*

*Grab*

(Fugaku) - I have found this book, it looks like a child's story at first, but it does resemble some of the things that happened to you.

(Ryuji) - Such as?

(Fugaku) - Glowing eyes, hearing voices, a child with supernatural powers.

(Ryuji) - That does sound like me, indeed.

(Fugaku) - I also heard you will leave for the capital with Olaf.

(Ryuji) - Yes, he said there are others with power like mine.

Or at least that's what I think he said, Ryuji was mumbling.

(Fugaku) - Great, hope we will see each other soon. And you will find out where your powers come from.

(Ryuji) - See you soon.

*Step*

*Step*

And Ryuji left the library.

While he was walking around the village, some of the people were looking at him with sad faces. He was wondering what happened. The truth was that they were sad to see him go after everything he did for the village. And the others knew that it was his choice and that it was going to happen sooner or later.

When he arrived home, he heard voices coming from inside. It was his uncle Toya talking with his parents, comforting them about Ryuji's leaving. It was a hard step for Ryuji, but he had to take it.

(Toya) - Speak of the devil.

(Ryuji) - I am sorry that everything happened so fast.

His parents were in tears.

(Akiko) - My child, I am proud of you as everyone from the village is.

(Masao) - And everyone is supporting you in your journey.

(Ryuji) - Thank you, thank you for everything.

Ryuji started running towards his room in tears.

(Toya) - You two raised a fine child.

The night settled on the village and Ryuji went to the stables. He was surprised to see Olaf there as well.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

(Ryuji) - What are you doing here?

(Olaf) - That is my question. It is too late for you to be outside.

They both started laughing and Olaf grabbed Ryuji by the shoulder and told him that he will protect him no matter what.

Olaf started to tell Ryuji about the capital and the people that were living there. And stories from the time Olaf was about his age. He was mischievous and many people were getting upset over his doings. But someone was not, it was the king that ever since been ruling over the capital and its surroundings.

The king offered Olaf the highest position in the military and Olaf did not disappoint the king. Most of the conflicts were solved without bloodshed and the few fights that were paid in blood were all won by Olaf and his garrison. They were feared but respected by everyone. And as they grew old, youngsters replaced them, but the teachings remained.

After Olaf finished his stories, Ryuji was already sleeping. Olaf brought Ryuji home and then he headed to the inn.

The following day Ryuji woke up and prepared to leave. They were supposed to go in the morning, but since they stayed up the night it was postponed until afternoon.

(Ryuji) - This should be everything.

(Akiko) - Are you sure?

(Ryuji) - Yes, I have checked at least 5 times.

(Akiko) - One more time, I won't harm you.

*Sigh*

(Ryuji) - Fine.

*Step*

*Step*

*Knock*

(Ryuji) - I will be done in a few minutes.

*Cough*

*Ryuji turns around*

(Ryuji) - Ah, it was you.

(Olaf) - I see you are ready.

(Ryuji) - I am getting there, but sure. Thank you for last night.

(Olaf) - Don't mention it.

(Ryuji) - I can't wait to see the capital with my own eyes.

(Olaf) - It will be a pretty long road to get there. Three days if we are lucky.

(Ryuji) - You never mentioned that.

(Olaf) - I must have forgotten, I am an old man after all.

*Both chuckles*

(Olaf) - I will be downstairs with your parents if you need anything.

*Step*

*Closes the door*

*Ryuji continues packing*

Olaf went downstairs and told his parents that he would help and protect Ryuji on his journey.

*Step*

(Ryuji) - I am ready.

(Olaf) - Good. The cart is waiting outside.

(Akiko) - Take care!

(Masao) - Don't forget to bring me something nice from the capital.

(Ryuji) - I won't, I promise.

(Ryuji) - Farewell.

As they were leaving the village everyone was waving at them, and wishing them a safe journey.

The Archer told Ryuji about a place where people worship deities and they are called Eudits, or Euda. They have heroes and deities with an ancient history. Olaf said that there are many other races and species of creatures out there and that this Elemental they encountered was one of the rarest of them all.

Some areas such as deserts are mostly populated by Orcish people and warriors. Some of them are civilized and some are just hungry for war. Swamps are the habitat of mermaids and wild creatures, mostly pacifist, but some are territorial and will not hesitate to attack.

The worst place to go is the realm of the Underworld where the Undead and Demons are exiled. There is someplace they roam around, at an abandoned castle. It is said by the legend that there will be the reincarnation of the Demon Lord. But no additional information about such a thing was found in the following years.

Ryuji was fascinated by hearing all those things and being able to experience them outside of his village.

It has been a few hours of walking and they have reached their first resting point. A small inn was built on a hill near the crossroads.

*Step*

*Step*

*Horse neighing*

(Olaf) - This is our first stop. We continue tomorrow at dawn.

(Ryuji) - I didn't know there is an inn nearby our village.

(Olaf) - You never left your village, it is understandable.

*Mage chuckles*

(Mage) - I was once your age, and it felt the same when I started traveling.

(Paladin) - That was about a year ago.

(Mage) - It felt longer than a year.

(Olaf) - 5 beds and meals for 5 people, please.

(Innkeeper) - That would be 3 gold coins, kind sir.

*Grab*

*Drop*

(Innkeeper) - One of the servants will take you to your rooms after you are finished with your meal.

(Innkeeper) - We hope you will enjoy your stay.

*Step*

*Step*

*Sit*

(Olaf) - You didn't have the chance to introduce yourselves to Ryuji, have you?

(Mage) - I almost forgot about that. My name is Sol.

(Archer) - Mine is Hayato.

(Paladin) - I am Kenta, nice to meet you.

And then they sat at a table, ate their fill, and went to rest. And the next day they left early in the morning.