The valley was astoundingly beautiful, and vast. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, shining on a bright path that stretched for as far as one could see. In the distance, one could barely make out the huge mountain range that made the divide between the Joka Clan and the southern regions. The southern regions themselves were like a band, they divided the continent distinctly, even though there may not be much space directly south, it was almost never ending from East to West. 

All throughout the chaotic southern region, many small clans vied for power, and although none of them are great enough to conquer it alone, they are powerful enough together to keep out the big clans. There were three big clans, the Baste to the North, Joka to the South and the mysterious Astrals that have conquered the sea. Each of the great clans hold with them an affinity for one of the many cultivation paths, with the Baste’s have their martial arts hybrid cultivation that allows them to theoretically use all of the elements. The Joka’s use wind cultivation, and are known to have very free spirited people, although a strict main branch in association with the Church of Heaven, has arisen to try and keep order. Avari is a part of this branch. Not much is known about the Astral’s, but it is known that every member of the clan, besides the younger generation, is a sky level expert that prefers to stay one with the light. All of the clans have at least one Saint level backer, with the Astral clan supposedly having three. But above all of them was the mysterious ‘Dark God.’ He keeps to himself, staying in pure darkness at the bottom of the world, where the sun never touches. He is said to be above even Saints, although clan leaders would tell you otherwise.

Audun let these thoughts collect themselves in his head. The past week, from talking to Avari and reading some books he found on the corpse of the dead man, he had learned a whole lot. He figured that sense he was going to be adventuring, and even joining the Joka Clan for a bit, he should learn about the world. It all interested him greatly, but there was still so much he was going to have to discover for himself. Even the valley they were in now was riddled with legends and remained vastly unexplored due to the high level of demon beasts above even the Earth realm throughout the forest. The one that excited Audun most was the place they were going to pass by soon.

“Avari, we are about the pass by where you said the lakes of throne lay, I want to do a quick check.”

“For the one millionth time, no! It is dangerous, and I will not have you eaten by some random demon beast.”

“Oh come on! I can handle myself, and plus I cultivate with wind, so I can make sure I feel out the area. If I sense any danger, I can run right away.”

“Ugh, you are hard headed idiot! Fine, but I’m accompanying you. I’ll make sure if we encounter danger, we escape.” Audun let out a huge smile. It had taken a few days, but he had gotten her tongue to loosen. She was no longer so much of a stiff, and he even got out some of that inherent Joka playfulness once. It made her much more attractive. Her being only fourteen as well got his hopes to skyrocket. 

“But! I want us to make camp first. The sun is almost down and I will not allow you to go into there while it's dark.” A part of her questioned why she was so firm with him. He may be a great asset for the clan, but she was going farther for him than any would ever ask. She thought maybe it was because he reminded her of her brother.

Audun opened his mouth to begin complaining, but after seeing the complicated look on her face, he closed it. “What are you thinking about?”

She gave a sad smile. “Just a time long before this one, one that is long gone.” She stopped and brought out a wooden home from her interspatial ring. It was how they had been sleeping, and it was safe due to the various defensive inscriptions.

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“Is there any way that we could sleep under the stars. I can tell it is going to be a pleasant night.”

“Heh, I suppose I can lay down a formation.” It was dangerous, but a Joka would naturally prefer to be in the spacious outdoors than a cramped camping house. Besides, demon beasts rarely wondered onto the path. She put the house back, and brought out several pillars infused with spiritual energy. Placing them around the site, an invisible barrier came up.

Minutes later, the rest of the camp was ready, and the sun was low in the sky. They sat around the campfire, eating silently and politely. When they were finished, it was dark. The only light was that being provided by the fire, and the forest looked absolutely haunting. Audun felt a chill rack through his spine.

“It’s easy to forget where I came from in all of this, you know. Ever since I left home and started training, no, even before that. At some point, I just stopped looking back.” Whatever it was about this moment right now, Audun felt the need to open up. So much had happened since he left, and in all that time he never let it hit him. He was never not busy enough to let it hit him.

“I understand, Audun. Leaving home is hard, although your leaving was a bit more permanent.”

Audun’s eyes widened and he stood up. “Why did you call me that name?”

“You talk in your sleep. I apologize for listening in, but I had a hard time falling asleep. I have not been without luxury for quite some time.”

It appeared she didn’t know what it meant that his name was Audun, or maybe she did. It makes sense, she is just bringing him back to give him to the church. That’s why she is so insistent. Audun prepared a method to flee.

“I don’t know what happened between you and the Baste Clan, I have been away from home for quite some time on my mission. What I do know is you have a good heart, and you are strong. I’m going to be honest with you Audun, my clan is in serious danger. Someone is plotting to overthrow my family, and has been launching a series of attacks on key schools and military bases. I had hoped that bringing in a strong outsider like you, one with whom I could forge a connection too, would allow me to use you to discover who plots against us. I’m sorry for thinking of using you like this, but… I was out of options. Audun Baste, please help me.” Tears were streaming down her face, causing a pang of empathy in his heart. Even though it had been a short time, she had saved his life, and they had instantly clicked. In his heart, he believed she could be trusted.

He moved towards her, instinctively hugging her. “I hope I’m not executed for this, but I thought maybe it would help.” Wiping away her tears, he spoke softly, “I will help you, and your clan. I may have been without family for a while, but I still know the feeling. And I still can recognize when one is close enough to be called family. I have your back as you would have mine, in any and all endeavors.”

“Thank you, thank you so much.” She closed her eyes and laid down. A million thoughts ran through her mind as she did, and she was glad the poor lighting could conceal the blush she felt on her cheeks. Neither of them said anything, but they did not sleep apart that night.