Author note: Is having a fragment fine in a story? because it keep telling me about it in microsoft word.

Tried to use hemingway and it almost took me an hour to erase all the very hard to read sentences. I didn't think it would be more tiring than writing the story itself.

Now that it already reach here. Around five chapter left until the end of opening part... It look bleak. With my writing speed i won't make it in time before the sweet holiday ends.

Well enjoy the chapter.

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With a month passed, today, Ein and the other are going to depart from the village.

To them this past month were like a vacation. They didn’t do anything adventure like things, and just spend their days teaching the heroes, and living a calm days. It was a nice time.

In this world where monster exist and conflict often occurred, peace was a luxurious thing. This one month was like a dream to them. However it was time for them to awake from the short pleasant dream.

Today, Ein and the other will depart. They will go back to their occupation, which was adventure, and explore the world while finishing a quest.

As a parting gift they gave the heroes a clothes and weapons. While some the clothes were their hand down, the weapons were bought from the village blacksmith with a cheap price.

Separate from that Ophie, Mary, and Selia received another gift from them. Olwen gave Ophie a intermediate magic book because she want her to keep improving. To Olwen, Ophie was already her cute disciple.

Elfie gave Mary a pendant. Because Mary was a healer, she gave that, and said that it would protect her. Elfie must have given her that not only because she was a healer, but also because she look the worries.

Ein, as per request of Selia, he gave her the broken pieces of what was once his sword of the flowing river, Kalimaya. Most of the pure water stone already gone from blocking Asche’s attack, it was not even fifth of its original size.

However Selia still asked for it for her sword material. She already got it few days ago and asked the blacksmith to make it as her order. Ein felt a little shame for not able to see the sword Selia ordered.

“Take care!”(Ein)

“Don’t slack off and keep training!”(Olwen)

It was noon; Ein and the other were send-off by the heroes.

They waved their arm to each other until the other can’t see each other, just like a young boy manga scene. If it was dawn or evening it would be more perfect.

Ein and the other figure slowly became smaller and smaller as the move farther toward the distance. It became smaller until It finally disappeared completely on the horizon.

“We should head back now.”

“Yeah.”

The heroes who finished sending-off the kind teacher, headed back toward the inn. Only few were left there. Most of them were the middle school group.

“Then, let’s also prepare ourselves.”(Ophie)

Ophie said that to the person beside her.

“It’s about time you say that.”(Lumine)

“Who should we invite?”(Raisen)

Ophie who was asked by Raisen, answered back without looking at him.

“The planned group. Tell the noisy one, and that boring glasses about it.”(Ophie)

”What should I tell them?”(Raisen)

“We are going out tonight!” (Ophie)

Just like that they began their preparation to move on a separate way from the other.

*Knock knock*

Later that night, a knock can be heard from a certain room.

“Come in.” (Ophie)

A slightly sharp voice can be heard from behind the door. Then they came inside the room.

Inside the room there already four people inside. Ophie, Lumine, Raisen, and keynest who came earlier.

“Hello, just like plan, we came!”(Teena)

“Lower your volume! It would be troublesome if they notice our move.” (Ophie)

Ophie warned them.

The one that just came in were Teena and her friend. All of them wear a dark brown coat that covered them from shoulder until knee, it also come with a hood that can cover their face like Elfie.

“We finally gathered here. Now then, let’s escape from here!” (Ophie)

Ophie once again confirmed their objective.

No one objected that. Everyone here thought that it wasn’t bad to live here, but the will that want to explore this new world was stronger.

They who were still a middle school student, still filled with curiosity and dream. Rather than stay here in peace, they rather explore the dangerous world to paint their youth with excitement.

While don’t want to work also one of it reason. They decided to escape from here because the rest won’t approve of their action. To the middle school student, the grown up was a hard people that bounded with responsibility.

“Did you bring the thing?” (Ophie)

“Of course! If not, we can’t escape from here!”(Teena)

They then showed the blanket they brought from their room.

“Good, then hurry up and tied it!” (Ophie)

Ophie arrogantly ordered them.

Yes, this was the classic escape using tied clothes from the window. Why do they need to do something that bothersome? Because by doing this they don’t need to mind the patrol and other from noticing them.

Ophie’s room was located on the furthest part of the inn, and it was the forest behind it. It was the perfect place to escape from being noticed by the other.

“Be careful not to make a sound even after you go down!”(Lumine)

With Lumine warning, they finished tying the blanker to the window and good to go.

“Who want to go first?”(Lumine)

“……”

Immediately a problem appeared even before they move from the start line.

When they think of it rationally. Who want to go down using this piece of blanket that wasn’t guaranteed that it won’t become undone? No one here dare enough to wage their safety for the other.

“Then Teena will go first!”(Teena)

“No you can’t!”(Leica)

Teena who volunteered herself was immediately refused by Leica.

“Don’t worry Leica. I’m light so I think it won’t break.”(Teena)

“I won’t allow it! What if by chance it broke when you go down?”(Leica)

“…… I will glide down? Because I‘m light?”(Teena)

“What are you, a flying squire?”(Icarus)

“Even if she a flying squire, I definitely won’t allow it!”(Leica)

Leica heavily refused that idea, making them lost their test rat.

“I know! Why don’t one of the boys the one that test it?” (Leica)

As if she suddenly found a sudden inspiration, Leica suggested that.

“Boys are stronger right? Even if they fell, they won’t be as hurt as us girls.”(Leica)

“I see. Then you guys decide who will go down first.” (Ophie)

Ophie immediately agreed with her, and the boys started sweating.

“So who want to do it?” (Icarus)

“Why don’t we decide it with rock, paper, scissor? The one that lose first is the one that go down.”(Raisen))

They boys looked at each other and simultaneously nodded. They then distanced themselves and individually made a preparation pose. For some reason all of the boys did that.

When they finish preparing themselves, Raisen sign the start.

“Here we go. Rock, paper… scissor!”(Raisen)

All of them went silent for a while. They looked at the others hand, and finally the sacrifice was found.

“……”

It was keynest. The other made a triumph look and did a high five.

“So stupid.” (Ophie)

They ignored the girls comment from the side and enjoy the joy only boys can understand.

Keynest who was the selected as the pawn, stayed silent, and thought of something.

“Well, good luck with that.”(Kevin)

Kevin who wasn’t selected encouraged him with a smile.

“I demand a redo! If we think of it rationally, and by looking what was demanded. Rather than me who go down first to test this rope. We should let the heaviest and strongest go down first so that…… ”(Keynest)

“”Hurry up and go down!”” (Ophie)(Leica)

“……Yes.”(Keynest)

Keynest complain was immediately shot down by Leica and Ophie. He involuntary went toward the window and grabbed the rope made of blanket.

“If I fall, I should sacrifice my leg.”(Keynest)

Keynest was already thinking what he should do if he fell. He then went out of the window while holding into the rope.

“Slowly, calmly, steadily…”(Keynest)

At that moment a gust of wind blew, a strong gust that can easily close an open window.

“~~~~~~!”(Keynest)

The rope swayed to the left and right with Keynest in it. He desperately try not to let out a voice, and tightly hold the rope as if it was his lifeline.

“That looks tough.”(Kevin)

The spectators from above lightly commented the hardship Keynest was having.

After the wind stop, Keynest abandon the slow, calm, and steadily; and immediately went down the rope. Even thought it was cold that night, Keynest had sweat on his face.

After confirming that the rope was safe, the other started going down one by one.

The boys had it easy because they were more used to this kind of things, while the girls were slightly slow.

As for the side note. There was no happy incident for the boys because the girls didn’t wear a skirt, but pants that Ein and the other bought them.

Teena who was last, throw the others bags weapon before she got down herself.

“Be careful not to fall down.”(Leica)

Leica quietly warned her. However unlike her worry, Tenna skillfully got down from the room by catch and release the rope multiple times. It was similar to how a rescue team enter a high building.

“Hoop, hoop, hoop. See, there’s nothing to be worry about!”(Teena)

Keynest who saw that immediately went all four to the ground.

“Hurry up, and let’s……!”(Ophie)

Ophie was about to order them to move, but when she turned around she saw an unexpected person.

“Look like you’re planning to do something fun. Mind if I join?”

The large body that was trained for the one bad reason and the spiky brown hair that looked like a rough fur.

Together with a mad dog-like face, and sharp eyes, he can easily intimidate people. Moreover the vicious smile that gave an image to a dog baring it fang.

Either it was coincident or just their bad luck. The battle freak dog, Feral, was there.

All of them froze the moment they noticed him.

If it was other person. They can still at least talk about it to let them go, but Feral wasn’t someone who can talk about with. His only way to communicate was through fist.

Now that he had his eyes on them, they don’t know what they should do.

“Must we fight him?”(Lumine)

“But if we do that, the other would notice…”(Ophie)

For the current them, the choice to fight him exist. Unlike Feral who was asleep for a month in a cocoon. The other trained their body, and even some can use magic. They thought if they fight, they still have a winning chance.

“What, you want to fight me? Bring it on!”(Feral)

Feral who noticed their intention to fight, intentionally provoke them.

Hearing that. Ophie and the other unsheathed their weapon and prepare for the incoming attack.

“Hey, hey, you want to fight an unarmed man with a weapon? Well, that’s a good handicap to fight a kid thought.” (Feral)

Even when in front of people with sharp weapons, Feral didn’t back down. On his face was a confident smile that certain of his victory.

Seeing that, Raisen rushed toward him.

“Haaa!”(Raisen)

Without hesitation he swung his sword toward him. Compared to when he fought Asche. His swing was more proper, and the speed and strength behind it also improve. Although it can’t be compared with a pro or master. It should be better than most people from their original world.

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“Hoo.” (Feral)

Raisen was confident he can at least fight on par with Feral. However the slash that filled with his confident never reach him.

“What?!”(Raisen)

It was easily dodged. Feral then hold Raisen’s hand and twist it forty five degree toward the outside. Immediately Raisen release the sword and was at his mercy.

“You improve quite a lot compare to the last time I saw you. However your attack was too straight and arrogant. Even if your body and swordsmanship improve, there’s no point if you use it like that.” (Feral)

“Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch!”(Raisen)

Feral twisted it again, making Raisen in pain.

“Let go off him! Aero blast!” (Ophie)

Ophie already started chanting since Raisen rushed at him. She then waited to attack him with the fastest spell she leant.

A ball of wind gathered around her hand and it flew toward Feral in an invisible state.

Feral didn’t try to dodge it and only raised arm that was holding Raisen. Instead of Feral, Raisen received Ophie’s magic and was blown away.

“Supporting is fine, but what’s the point if your friend got hit with it?” (Feral)

“Tch, it’s because you used him as a shield!”(Ophie)

“Don’t make it someone’s fault. You’re the one that attack him.” (Feral)

“Damn, good for nothing battle freak!”(Ophie)

Ophie was irritated because her magic was easily handled by him. Ophie didn’t know that Feral already dodged many of Asche’s magic that was far more lethal and faster.

The moment she said her magic’s name, it was already enough for Feral to dodge or block it.

“So how about the other, you’re done?” (Feral)

Feral directed that toward the one that had the will to fight.

“Hey Icarus, should we do it?”(Kevin)

“I’m fine with it. But is it fine?”(Icarus)

Icarus asked for permission from the girl behind him.

“Go kick his butt!”(Teena)

“Roger!”(Icarus)

Icarus raised his sword and his other hand let out a light glow.

“Hoo.” (Feral)

Icarus didn’t plan to reveal his secret, but in this situation he had no choice. This was something only the other three know about. Since the time he finished the fight again Asche, he gained his additional title. Unlike the other, he didn’t get a passive skill but an active skill.

“Kevin, buy me some time.”(Icarus)

“Alright!”(Kevin)

Kevin accepted that, and pointed his weapon, a spear toward Feral. He also already gained his additional title, and the other already knew about it.

Kevin showed off his skill, and swung around his two meter spear.

“Come!” (Feral)

Kevin started his attack. Using the advantage of it length. Kevin thrust the spear and attacked Feral from mid-range.

Kevin kept thrust his spear and pulled his spear back. Making Feral unable to counter back.

Feral who was at disadvantage because of the spear length. He can only dodge and wait for the right timing.

“Oraaa!”(Kevin)

The right timing came. Kevin who pulled back his spear immediately thrust it again with a higher speed. Unlike the previous thrust, this one didn’t use two hands. One hand pushed the spear while the other only touch the spear to fix the spear position. It was similar to how people play billiard.

It was fast, and the force behind it also stronger. However it balance was easy to break.

Feral kicked the incoming spear, and the spear was easily sent to the air. The spear spin few times in the air and finally stabbed into the ground.

“Urm…… I give up?”(Kevin)

Kevin, who stood unarmed in front of the mad dog, immediately raised his hand to the air.

Then from behind him, Icarus appeared.

“Sorry for the wait. Take this!”(Icarus)

In Icarus finger a blue light shone, He touched his sword and made a blue line in it. From the blue line, ice came out and covered his sword.

“Rune: Ice.”(Icarus)

This was Icarus’ skill, Rune. By writing runic alphabets on a thing and imagined it effect. Icarus can add the effect of the word into it. This was similar to magic, but at the same time it was different.

Unlike magic that require him to memorize books and chant a long words. Rune only needs him to write runic alphabets on the thing he wants. Although it needed concentration, creativity, and knowledge it was relatively easy to use.

With the upgraded sword Icarus can easily cut through a rock with it sharpness. And the coldness also can inflict frostbite when made contact with skin.

Icarus swung his ice sword vertically from below.

Feral bended his body to the back to dodged it. He made a high kick to fix his position and make distance.

Icarus saw the incoming attack and dodged it by took a step back.

Feral who saw that unexpected technique, let out a smile, a big and scary smile one.

Recognizing him as worthy opponent, Feral finally made a stance.

Icarus noticed that he finally became serious. However just like Raisen, he also had confident that he has the upper hand.

Unlike the previous two. Icarus had full month training. He also has the weapon advantage while Feral was unarmed.

Sword versus bare hand. Even if he was able to defeat him, Feral won’t be uninjured from this. Thinking that a chance for negotiation exists. Icarus lowered his sword and talked to him.

“Hey, why don’t you let us go?” (Icarus)

“Why would I do that?” (Feral)

“Even if you defeat all of us you won’t get anything except injury. So why don’t we pretend this ever happen and let us go?” (Icarus)

“And then what?” (Feral)

“And then…… Damn, I don’t have a choice don’t I?”(Icarus)

“Correct.” (Feral)

Feral suddenly ran toward him. His hand already in position to strike anything that entered his range.

Icarus raised his sword again and also waited for him to enter his range.

Both of them were waiting for each other. And then when Feral finally entered Icarus’s sword range.

“Aero blast!” (Ophie)

“!!!”(Feral)

A ball of wind headed toward his head. Feral was caught by surprise and ducked down to dodge it.

With this not only Feral had the weapon, and training disadvantage. He also lost his movement and proper position to let out his strength.

Icarus didn’t miss that chance, and immediately swung his sword. Feral didn’t stop there and also swung his fist.

Their attack met. Then the battle finally ended with the sound of something breaking.

The moonlights showed little ice fragment floating in the air. Shortly bellow it large pieces of ice fell into the brown ground.

Few centimeters around it a sword and fist can be seen. However instead of being sliced by the sword. The ice on Icarus sword cracked, and it broke down.

Everyone was dumbfounded by the unbelievable situation. Not only the ice broke, there wasn’t any visible wound on Feral’s fist.

“What the hell.” (Icarus)

“What’s wrong? You’re done?” (Feral)

Feral stand up, and lightly splash his hand to warm it up.

“Yes, I give up.” (Icarus)

“Wait, you’re giving up?”(Ophie)

Icarus ignored Ophie’s complain, and dropped his sword.

Not only he had many advantages, his ice also broke without doing any damage to his fist. Icarus already lost all of his will to fight. He thought it was better to forget about this escape thing rather than fight again him.

“What about you four eye?” (Feral)

Keynest vigorously shook his head.

They were unable to fight him anymore, and began to give up on continuing this escape plan. However the moment they gave up on it.

“Then I’m done here.” (Feral)

Without doing anything else or reporting them. Just like that Feral left the scene behind and went somewhere else.

“……”

“……”

“……”

“……”

“……”

“...... So what was that about?” (Icarus)

With a strange feeling, the middle school heroes left that place.

After that they didn’t found any hardship, and easily left the village.

The Night breeze lightly touches their skins. In front of them lies a vast plain field that stretched out without limit. There was no people presence around. Even the insect cry can’t be hear on this night. The only sound they can hear was the sound of rustling grass and the night breeze.

The dim moonlight revealed eight people figure that were moving farther from the village. Although they fulfill their objective, their footsteps were weak and uncertain.

It can’t be helped. After all a strange thing just happened to them. When they thought about it, it was enough for them to stop their feet and tilted their head.

Either way. They didn’t stop their feet and keep walking until the village became a marble size.

They finally let out a sigh of relieve. Their fast heartbeat slowly decreased back to normal.

“We finally went this far.”(Raisen)

Raisen who looked back, said that.

“If you want to go back it’s still possible.” (Ophie)

“No, I was just saying.”(Raisen)

Ophie briefly looked at him and then continue walking. Raisen and Limune shortly followed her.

“What are you doing Teena?”(Leica)

“Saying farewell.”(Teena)

Teena said that while waving her hand to the direction of the village. The other was worried of being found out because of her. However because they didn’t see anyone coming out from the village. They didn’t stop her.

“Are you done? It won’t be funny if we are found out because you waved your hand to the villager.” (Icarus)

Icarus said that half-jokingly.

“Yup, I’m done. Let’s go!”(Teena)

“Wait, you don’t need to run!”(Leica)

Teena ran to catch up with Ophie that already few meters ahead of them. Leica also ran to catch up to her.

“Well, I will be in your care again from now on.”(Kevin)

Kevin said that with spear hanging on his back.

“You sure will. Please try not to burden me as much as you usual do.” (Icarus)

“Hahaha. No problem, no problem.” (Kevin)

“That worried me…”(Icarus)

Icarus suddenly felt reluctant to move from there.

“At least I will protect both of them with my body in time of need.”(Kevin)

Unlike his usual expression, this time Kevin showed a determinate look on his face. Even with spear on his back, the seriousness of his word was properly sent to the other party.

“I’m counting on you.” (Icarus)

“You two hurry up and come here! We will leave you two, if you take your time!”(Teena)

“Teena, don’t shout! People might hear us!”(Leica)

From the distance, they can saw Leica disciplining Teena. Like a mother and child, they got along well.

Icarus and Kevin who saw that looked at each other, and let out a snort.

“Then let’s go!”(Kevin)

“Ah, let’s go.” (Icarus)

Icarus and Kevin started running after the other two.

The cold night wind blew, and there wasn’t any presence around. The only sounds they can hear were the rustling grass, and the sound of grass beneath their foot.

The dim moonlights showed a brave and curious youth that headed to the distance. They only carry only minimum necessary and basic knowledge of this world.

Without adults or parent. The group of middle school student followed the bright moon, and headed off toward the far away and uncertain future.