“I will tell all the villagers about your success. I want you to rest. Tonight, there will be a big celebration for you all.” Tivet left the house.
“Mister Tivet, we don't need a big celebration just because we killed the monsters that plagued your village. We are just a group of travelers who will leave this village,” Rhino explained and refused.
“But you guys...”
Tevanny held her brother’s shoulder. “You don't need to give them such great credit to make a big celebration. They came to help and left happiness. God must have sent them to help this village, and when it's all over, God will pull them back again.”
Tivet sighed and looked down. “You are right. I am so excited about your success that I forgot about your feelings. Forgive me.”
Elisia approached Tivet with a smile on her sweet face. She gripped Tivet's right hand gently. “You must be please with the return of your sister for a very long time, and to hear that we killed a monster. I can't deny that. However, your sister is right. Good gratitudes are enough for us.”
“Really? You want nothing from us?” Tivet asked.
Elisia shook her head. “Not much, we just want to be given a chance to stay here for the next few days, at least until we have enough supplies to continue our journey.”
Tivet was suddenly happy. “You got it! I will tell all the farmers here to give some of their harvest to you.”
“Yeah, stay here for the next few days. There are many things you can do in this village,” Tevanny continued.
Elisia and her friends smiled happily. “Thank you!”
After all had agreed, Tivet left the house to return to the shop. Everyone started doing their own activities. This time, Tevanny and Elisia are undergoing an examination by Upgrade regarding the Kryptida infection in their bodies. Upgrade touch their infected body parts and provided a wound dressing.
“Elisia, your infection isn't too bad. With a little treatment from me, you'll get better,” Upgrade said. “And for Miss Tevanny, I can say your infection has spread all over your body, but it's not too dangerous. I haven't been finding a suitable medicine for you, but if you have ancestral medicines that you can use, use them every day!”
“Okay, Mr Upgrade,” Tevanny answered.
“Just Upgrade, without ‘mister’.”
Elisia looked at the bandaged arm. She could feel the small stones hardening against her skin. The girl thought the infection could get worse if left untreated. Luckily, she had Upgrade that could help her treat the infection. The only person who understands the most about this disease.
“Upgrade, doesn't this disease have a cure yet?” Elisia asked.
Upgrade somewhat smiled. He touched Elisia's left cheek with a sad expression. Elisia could sense that the answer to her question was not yet. The sadness also rubbed off on her, making her eyes tear up.
“I understand.”
“Be patient! If we can get to Kraftwerk or the Outskirts of Lung, we can contain your infection even more. You have to be strong and calm. Can you do it?”
Elisia wiped the tears from her eyes and nodded vigorously. “Yes, I can!”
Upgrade left them both in Elisia's room, meaning Tevanny's room. Tevanny and Elisia looked at each other and smiled. They understood each other since the incident in the forest. It formed a bond between them, even though they were not related by blood. Elisia thinks of Tevanny as someone who is in her memory, who was still unclear.
“Tevanny, can I sleep in your room? I've been lying here before and tidying up this room,” Elisia asked.
“Of course you can, sweetie! You have cleaned this room well.”
“Thank you, Tevanny!”
Tevanny got out of bed and took a book. She brought the book before Elisia and gave it to the girl. The book that Elisia had read, even the girl also got it as a gift for successfully killing Forgotten. Perhaps this was what the reward of that achievement meant.
“I want you to have this book. This is one of the sacred books left behind by our ancestors. No one wants to study this book, but the knowledge in this book must live on. Hearing that you've opened this book and read its contents makes me believe that you deserve it.”
Elisia received the book. “So you're really going to give this book away? Then, what about the ancestors who have bequeathed this book to you?”
“Our ancestors had left a message that read, 'anyone can use every relic we leave behind, including the mysterious outside world'. After all, I am the only one who is still loyal to the old teachings and still preserves their legacy,” Tevanny said. “I have seen the potential in you, making me believe that our ancestors have chosen the right person.”
Elisia hugged the book tightly. It was like being given a wonderful gift from someone special. With this, Elisia could explore the vast world using knowledge.
“Thank you, Tevanny. You are a good person to all of us. Maybe it would be better if you join us on the odyssey,” Elisia said while offering.
“Me? Go on a journey? It seemed impossible because this is my homeland. I won’t leave that until the end of life,” Tevanny replied. “But where is the destination of your odyssey?”
Elisia surprised and glanced up. “Hmmm... about that. I don't know because we have different goals. If you ask me, my goal is Gwelissa.”
“Gwelissa? The name of a beautiful country,” Tevanny said. “You must need a lot of supplies. When Tivet done in the shop, I will ask him to bring some of the harvest to you.”
“I don't think that's necessary.”
Tevanny and Elisia turned their heads.
“Why?” Tevanny said surprised.
“Because Tivet has come with the farmers with their crops.” Risk pointed back.
They both got up and looked into the kitchen. Apparently, food ingredients from fields and gardens had filled Tevanny's kitchen. Various vegetables, fruits, and meat adorned the room. Elisia thought about what food they could eat from these ingredients. Only, these materials were too much to carry on an odyssey.
“Tibet, we really appreciate the villagers and your gifts, but this is too much for us,” Rhino said.
“It doesn’t matter. All of this is a gift from the villagers who are happy with your success in killing the monsters that disturb the village. Now, this area is safe and peaceful, thanks to you,” Tivet replied.
Elisia got an idea. She pulled Risk's shirt so that his body bent slightly. Her mouth pressed against Risk's ear and words was whispered to him. Tevanny tried to hear the whispers, but Elisia's low voice made her hear nothing.
Risk nodded and straightened up. He approached Rhino to convey words from Elisia.
“I think we can turn all these ingredients into food for all the villagers. We can have a small party in the field across from the house with food and music,” Risk suggested.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Oohh.., you're right! It's been a long time since we cooked on a large scale,” Rhino said understandingly. “Tibet, can you tell all the villagers that we are having a small party at Tevanny's house?”
“Party? Weren't you the ones who asked me not to throw a party for you?”
“We made this party by inviting all the villagers. Think of it as appreciation because you allowed us to stay here,” Risk explained.
Tivet immediately understood. “Oh, fine! I will deliver it right away!” He left right away.
Everyone's behavior surprised Tevanny. She turned to Elisia to find out.
“What are you planning to do this time?” Tevanny asked.
“I'll explain later. Now, let's prepare these ingredients to make a lot of food!” Elisia invited.
Rhino and Risk prepared the cooking utensils. Tevanny had a very large frying pan, which was placed in the back shed. Rhino asked Elisia to take the firewood that had cut beside the house. The girl moved there happily. As she walked, she checked her stats.
Elisia Naumann
Level 6 (750/1100 exp)—Vanguard
Max HP : 750 /750
Stamina : 579/580
Skill Point (SP) : 124/124
ATK : 370
DEF : 194
RES : 10,2%
Agility : 45
.
Skills
1. Molten Flame (level 3 (250/600 exp))
SP Requires : 42
ATK +50% and every attack gains 40% chance to ignore 15% Enemy Def.
Duration : 28 second
2. [Unknown]
3. [Unknown]
4. [Unknown]
5. Sixth Sense (level 2 (150/500 exp))
Can see the level and basic stats (Max HP, ATK, DEF, and RES) of other characters.
Duration : Passive
6. [Unknown]
.
Equipment
1. Wool Jacket (not equipped)
2. Dublin Spear (saved)
3. Flame Pendulum (equipped)
4. Necklace of Fortune (equipped)
5. Book of Hex Aegis (available)
6. Monstra, Book of Monsters (available)
.
Elisia was still curious about the [Necklace of Fortune] that Risk had given her. She fingered the necklace, looking like she was holding an expensive necklace. A memory came back, where there was a woman, who, just like in the previous memory, gave her a necklace that was shaped like a pendulum. Suddenly, her pendulum gave off heat energy again.
“Hmm..., Is this a sign that...”
Elisia threw away that thought and walked over to the pile of wood in front of her. Pieces of each wood neatly arranged with rectangular piles. Elisia thought this must be Rhino's work, since Rhino was the only one in the house while they were away.
[Piles of Mahogany Wood]
Elisia took three smaller logs and piled them near the wall of the house. She took again. Elisia didn't understand, but the pile of wood felt a little lighter than it looked.
“Am I getting stronger?” She thought.
She carried the pile of wood into the house. She put it by the back door. The girl saw Rhino, who was chopping onions and celery.
“Rhino, is there enough wood?” Elisia asked, who showed six logs.
Rhino stopped cutting the vegetables and glanced at Elisia. “Could you take four or six more wood? We need a lot to cook outdoors.”
Elisia raised her thumb and returned to the pile of wood. Arriving there, Dao greeted her, who was chopping wood with an axe. The girl astonished, even though there was no one before and no sign of anyone nearby.
Dao turned his head towards him while throwing logs into the pile. “Oh, Elisia! Nice day to get back to work!”
“What are you doing here?” Elisia asked in surprise.
“Dao cut these logs for the needs of residents. Dao counted six sticks missing earlier. Did Elisia take it?”
“Yes, Rhino asked it for a small party that held this afternoon,” Elisia replied. “He asked for six more sticks.”
“Dao will bring him into the house soon. Please bring the basket into the house!” Dao pointed to a basket on top of a wooden box.
Elisia approached the basket. There were a lots of delicious looking snacks. She lifted the basket and walked to the back door.
“The cakes are gifts from the villagers. Dao doesn't know if there's Elisia's favorite cake in it.” Dao stopped Elisia.
Elisia turned. “It doesn’t matter. Thank you, Dao!”
The girl walked into the house and immediately put the basket on the table. Without asking, Rhino checked the basket and ate one cake. Elisia's expression was flat when she saw her friend's behavior. After that, Elisia saw Tevanny cutting the plants on the floor. She approached her.
“Tevanny, can I help you? Elisia asked.
The woman looked up and smiled. “Come here!”
Elisia sat across from Tevanny and watched the way the black-haired woman cut the vegetable called [Pok Choy]. She cut the leaves straight up into smaller sheets and put them in a wooden container. It laid the stems apart intact. Elisia took a knife and practiced it. The girl cut the vegetable with a tense hand, like holding a spear.
“Cut it slowly and hold the knife limply. You'll have no trouble cutting it.” Tevanny held Elisia's hand to teach her how to hold a knife and cut the vegetables properly.
Elisia felt a soft and shrewd movement from Tevanny's hand. The vegetable slices became more neat. After Elisia understood, Tevanny let go of her hand and let the young fighter try it herself. Apparently, Elisia learned quickly.
After twenty minutes of cutting all the [Pok Choy], Tevanny brought the wooden container with the chopped vegetables to Risk, who was in the kitchen. Elisia brought a container filled with vegetable stalks that were still intact. She didn't know they would serve what kind of dish at the party this afternoon.
Tevanny put the container next to the stove. Risk put a handful of vegetables into the pot. Elisia could see the steam from the stew that was covering the kitchen. Tevanny pushed Elisia out of the kitchen to do something else while carrying the container containing the vegetable sticks earlier. Elisia surprised.
“What are those vegetable sticks for? Are they not edible?” Elisia asked innocently.
"No, we will save this vegetable for later cooking at the party. Now we are going to the field to see how it is.” Tevanny stepped to the front door, followed by Elisia.
They exited and directly crossed the main street, which was not too crowded. They saw a field large enough to hold a small party that Elisia had planned. The condition of the field is quite good, with a rather dense soil. They clean the field from agricultural waste. After that, they stood while looking at the grass there.
“Do you think this rather tall grass can interfere with the party?” Elisia asked Tevanny.
“I think so. Maybe we should cut it a bit. I'll get the lawnmower.” Tevanny returned home.
Elisia stood there alone, looking at the grass swaying from the gentle wind. Elisia felt her heart was very peaceful, moreover she had passed the path of cleansing sin. Her mind felt clearer than before, making strange memories swirl in her head.
“Since yesterday, a lot of memories had came to my mind. Is this a sign that… something wrong?” Elisia mumbled.
The memories that were drawn in her head always brought up two people who had been present in her previous memories; an adult woman whose face was like Elisia's and a man with blonde hair complete with a rather thick blonde mustache. Elisia thought those two must have had something to do with her in the past. However, the memory is never clearly visible and appears at a glance.
Suddenly, a hand tapped Elisia's left shoulder, surprising the girl. She turned the head; the hand belonged to Dao.
“What is Elisia doing here alone?” Dao asked.
“I’m waiting for Tevanny to pick up the shears. We will have a small party here this afternoon,” Elisia replied.
“Party? Oh, so this is what the villagers were talking about,” Dao said. “Can Dao help?”
“Sure you can, after Tevanny brought the lawnmower here.”
A thought crossed the young girl's head when she saw Dao stepping onto the grass that was about to be mowed. She approached the robot man for a casual chat on a cool afternoon.
“Dao, do you remember when you were born into this world?” Elisia asked.
Dao turned around. “Born? Dao was not born. They created Dao in the laboratory.”
“Laboratory? What's that?”
“It's a place to do science experiments. That place robot humans like Dao were created.” Dao walked to the sloping ground and sat down. “When Dao system fired up for the first time, the first person Dao seen was Upgrade. In Dao system, whoever was first seen by the system would consider a master. That's why Dao always with Upgrade, serving him well.”
“Then, how have you progressed to this moment since you first became active?”
“During the development of the system, Upgrade included many files on martial arts and fighting arts. After that, they tested Dao for the abilities that had been entering memory. Dao felt so great to beat all the training robots. But one day, Upgrade took Dao away, leaving the laboratory. Upgrade also shut down Dao system, and restart it somewhere else.”
“Looks like you have a mystery in your life,” Elisia praised.
“Dao always live with the mystery. Dao only does what they wrote in the system.”
Listening to the story from Dao made Elisia not realize that Tevanny had come with grass clippers. Dao received the grass clipper and went straight to work, while Tevanny approached Elisia, who was still sitting on the sloping ground.
“Elisia, were you talking to Mister Dao just now?” Tevanny asked.
"Y-yes. This afternoon the weather is very supportive to relax and talk,” Elisia answered.
“I accept it.” Tevanny sat on Elisia's left.
The conversation with Dao earlier made her want to ask Tevanny the same thing. However, she found it disrespectful, considering they weren't close enough yet. Elisia gave up that intention and asked if.
“Seeing Dao work hard like that makes me remember our late father. He was a hard worker who always thinks of Tivet and me. The house was a witness to his hard work,” Tevanny said.
“Then what happened?” Elisia asked.
Tevanny looked down. “An accident happened. They robbed our father on his way from Grasswood to Hanoi. The bandits took all of his belongings and also took his life. We got the news after three days, and it made our mother sad. After his funeral, our mother mourned our father's passing and did not want to eat for two weeks. As a result, our mother had to follow father to the realm of eternity.” Unknowingly, Tevanny's tears fell.
Elisia wiped the tears from Tevanny's cheeks. “Sorry for asking that. I don’t know.”
"It does not matter. At least, after our mother's death, my relationship with Tivet grew closer. We work together to make a living by baking cakes and selling them. Finally, Tivet has his own shop and a more comfortable place to live. He likes to come over to my house to sleep and eat. What a sweet brother,” Tevanny told.
Elisia also sad to hear Tevanny's story. She wondered how her parents were now and whether they worried about their daughter. Elisia thought, were the two figures in her memory from her parents?