Chapter 22: The Meal in the Forest

The dense forest was covered in morning dew, welcoming early feeders to quench their thirst.

Beside a mossy fallen tree, the campfire blazed with crackling sounds, roasting the skewers placed above it. Oddly, there was a dining table arranged nearby, complete with utensils, seasonings, and three padded chairs.

Occupying one of the chairs, Livia suddenly commanded in a grave tone, “Ain, don’t move.”

Ain immediately paused, feeling puzzled and weary. Did he somehow offend the purple-haired Livia? Just as he racked his brain, even considering the odds of escaping if things went south, Livia raised her hand and waved at him gently.

All of a sudden, numerous water currents spawned before Ain like surging waves in a turbulent ocean. They gathered around him fervently, spinning around in a whirling circle, quickly forming a blue water sphere that completely enclosed him within.

He instinctively attempted to struggle however found all resistance futile. Water infiltrated his mouth and nose, his vision reflecting only white and blue.

In the past, he’d once stared at the washing machines in the public laundry facility, wondering what it’d feel like inside one. Although somewhat untimely, he finally filed this inquiry as consummated.

Thinking of his interactions with Sage and Livia so far, and the latter’s earlier words, Ain stopped struggling. If she said not to move, it was best not to move.

Once he restrained himself, the turbulent flow naturally became smooth and fluid, caressing his body with the force of a giant and the tenderness of a fairy. The water that’d unfortunately entered his nostrils left a pleasant aroma, akin to an exquisite perfume, evoking the concepts of fresh breezes and lavenders.

…Seven, eight, nine…

Having realized Livia’s intentions by now, Ain simply counted. When he reached ten seconds, the swirling ball of water abruptly dissipated, as if it was just a figment of his imagination. However, the gentle breeze still circulating around him with a pleasant fragrance was distinctive evidence of its recent existence.

Just as the water ball disappeared, Livia flicked her hand once more.

This time, a sudden heat wave manifested around Ain, propelling the gentle breeze into a sweltering tornado. The residual water soaking him quickly evaporated, solving the predicament that’d just come to mind.

Soon, Ain’s figure, concealed by steam, stood inside a circular region, devoid of any vegetation. The Flora below him had suffered for this odd ‘bath.’

Just as he’d guessed, Livia was displeased by his unkempt and messy appearance, and kindly lent a magical hand, cleansing all the blood and dirt staining his skin and clothes.

As the white steam gradually dissipated, a cleansed Ain was revealed.

Without the grime, morning sunlight finally graced his smooth and unblemished skin, reflecting a fair complexion. His hauntingly black eyes devoured all light, emboldened by sharp eyebrows and a sophisticated nose. Residual baby fat veiled a chiseled jawline, expressing palpable anticipation for a handsome future. Soft black hair, a little puffy from the heat treatment, radiated a brilliant luster, reaching just below his neck.

His features reflected a youthful and tender aura, yet his eyes emanated an inherently icy and dreadful intent, conjuring an unexpectedly eerie charm.

Sage and Livia observed Ain curiously, nodding in admiration and satisfaction. Aside from his tattered and mismatched clothes, his pleasant appearance alluded a distinguished heritage.

Livia clapped her hands with bright eyes, “There you go. Now you look clean and handsome. Come take a seat.”

Receiving Livia’s praise, Ain fidgeted awkwardly, unused to receiving such compliments. After a while, he nodded and squeezed out, “Thank you.”

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While approaching the table, he thoughtfully canceled Possession. Nox appeared beside him and the numbing void in his eyes receded, taking with it the cold and haunting aura. Now, he truly exuded a youthful vibrancy with hints of caution.

“Wooo…” Nox stared at the two strangers with interest, settling on Ain’s shoulder as usual.

Sage glanced back at it, “A ghost pet? Good choice.”

Ain nodded while taking a seat. He hadn’t considered Nox’s ghost aspect yet. It was his only choice back then anyways.

Once everyone was seated, the cooked skewers magically floated over and landed on their plates. Livia pointed at the seasonings, “Ain, try these seasonings. The meat will taste much better.”

Livia demonstrated while speaking, shaking the seasonings onto her skewers. Sage mimicked her actions, encouraging Ain, who was amazed at the floating skewers.

After sprinkling the seasonings, Livia retrieved a fragrant drink, personally pouring three glasses.

Just like that, their small feast finally commenced.

“It’s delicious, right?” Livia asked, enjoying the appetizing skewers.

“Mm-Mhm.” Ain nodded while chewing. Initially, he was about to speak out, but he recalled learning in the orphanage that talking while chewing was bad etiquette. Hence, he hummed in agreement while nodding.

As they ate, more skewers kept being cooked automatically. Once their plates were empty, new servings floated over. Whenever this occurred, he would stare in amazement. He wasn’t even sure who was responsible. From the dynamic so far, it was likely Livia.

After a couple minutes, Sage asked with a smile, “It is very early in the morning. Were you out here hunting?”

Ain finished chewing before replying, “Yes.”

“I see. That is very admirable of you. Spirit masters need such an adventurous spirit to truly excel.”

Livia nodded gently, “That is right. Many spirit masters simply train behind closed doors, never venturing outside to sharpen themselves. Ultimately, they just become dull blades, falling in the face of true adversity.”

Ain pondered seriously before nodding in understanding. The most intuitive example was himself.

From awakening his innate talent to the final battle against Carl, only a few days had passed. In this short period of time, he went through a complete metamorphosis. From struggling against a Rank-0 puppet, he’d ultimately defeated two Rank-1 Spirit Masters.

His combat abilities had improved drastically and so did his mindset. Unknowingly, the despondent and gloomy aura he’d exuded for years melted like snow under the sun. His eyes now reflected hope and anticipation.

There were clear goals for him to pursue now.

To become stronger.

To learn of his past.

All of this was inseparable to his recent experiences. The dull knife he’d been before was now gone, revealing hints of lethal sharpness.

This was all synonymous with experience.

Sage and Livia observed Ain’s expression, grateful for his careful consideration. It wasn’t difficult for them to perceive that he’d only recently become a spirit master. Furthermore, the signs of healed wounds, broken bones, and toxins were all apparent. They hoped he wouldn’t be deterred by whatever he’d experienced so far.

“It is good that you understand.” Livia commended, tucking away some loose strands of hair. More skewers arrived as she continued, “You must be from the nearby city, right?”

Ain nodded while eating.

“It is quite far for a Rank-1 Spirit Master. You look like you have been out for a while. Your family must be worried.” Livia said.

Ain’s chewing paused. Staring at his plate, he replied softly, “I’m an orphan. I don’t have a family.”

This time, he’d forgotten to swallow the food before responding.

Sage glanced at Livia, his thoughts unknown. Livia was apologetic, “I am sorry. That was insensitive of me. At least your friends must be worried.”

“I don’t have friends.” Ain replied, appearing a little downcast.

Livia paused awkwardly. Sage stopped chewing as he stared at Livia, making her uncomfortable.

“I am sorry.” She apologized again. It was unknown whether she was apologizing to Ain alone.

The meal continued in silence.

It wasn’t long before the feast was over. After all, Ain had already eaten a fair bit before their arrival.

With a thought, Livia stored the dining set, clapping her hands contently, “That was a good meal.”

Ain nodded wholeheartedly. The seasonings were nothing short of magic. He wished he’d waited until their arrival to start eating.

“What are your plans?” Sage asked with a smile, his hands behind his back.

“I’m going back to the city.” Ain answered truthfully. There was no harm in sharing this information.

“I see. We are heading there too. Let us go together.” Sage said.

This time, Ain took a moment before answering, “Okay.”

Although he knew the general direction, he wasn’t sure of the distance. It would be safer to travel with Sage and Livia.

“Do you need help packing up?” Livia asked, glancing at Ain’s belongings near the fallen tree trunk.

“No, it won’t take long.” Ain replied. He first picked up the Prismatic Void Stone before packing everything else away. The scouting puppet was also recalled, attracting curious gazes.

“What an interesting puppet.” Livia commented before promptly ignoring it, much to Ain’s relief. He was wary of them coveting his belongings. The Prismatic Void Stone was left on the forest floor until now exactly for this reason. He was afraid of drawing attention to it.

After some thought, he unsummoned the puppet, storing the Puppet Command Token away. It wasn’t useful while traveling alongside Sage and Livia.

Once the preparations were complete, they embarked on their journey to Everlite City.