The next day Isaiah woke up to the sound of birds chirping, he sat up from his bed and felt refreshed from that night's sleep. Better yet, many of the pains and aches lingering in his body have either weakened or died down. He inwardly praised Senzuki's skill as a medic while testing his strength. Stretching his body here and there, and though there was some pain it wasn't like yesterday.

'Healing magic is preferable, but not bad... I guess they did use the expensive stuff.'

Taking a peek outside, he found that the camp had been situated on a small incline, a campfire in the middle was in the process of being disassembled while three other tents surrounded it, Senzuki was busy taking the campfire apart, and alongside her stood a woman with the same beast-like features as hers, except that her ears were smaller and a much longer, less bushy tail.

She reminded him of a cat.

'A cat girl? Ohh. A fine addition to my collection.'

He quickly got up and then limply made his way towards them, but before he could say hi, they both turned their heads.

"Ah, morning."

"Good morning,"

Senzuki greeted first as Fei quickly covered herself with a hood,

Isaiah tilted his head as she looked at Fei,

"Is there a problem,"

"Ah no, I thought you..."

"It's fine, I told you." Senzuki said as she removed her hood, "Isaiah-san here isn't like the others."

"Ah but..." She looked around, her cheeks turned red as she turned to Isaiah, "Is it fine?"

"I don't have a problem with it?"

"Really?"

"Yep, I find it cute and all."

"Ahh..." Her red cheeks slowly began to subside as she nodded, "Oh, that is something you shouldn't be telling everyone, but, good morning."

'She's a great contrast to Senzuki's seriousness, not bad.' Happy at his discovery of another flag to raise he then turned to Senzuki, "Is there a problem though?"

"Well, some people don't really like seeing us so Fei's been hiding hers."

"Ah, well I don't mind them, I actually like them so there is no need to worry."

"Then that's good, see Fei, Isaiah's not so bad, not everyone holds such negative thoughts about us."

"So you guys are not from here then?" Isaiah asked,

"Yep. I am from the Nyanning empire up the east, Senzuki is our neighbor from the Kisunean empire."

'China and Japan?' He wondered. "I see, well I too am born from the east, the southeast in particular."

"Ah, then do women in your place have ears and tails too?"

"No, sadly no. I wish they did. "

"So then you're from the mainland?"

"Do only mainland people have ears and tails?"

"No, only those outside the mainland have."

"Ahh, well we aren't really part of the mainland, I live on an island just outside not too far and all."

"I see, from a tropical island maybe. You are a lot less white than Hannibal, and here I thought you simply tanned yourself," Senzuki replied.

"Oh no, my skin is brown as usual." He then turned his attention to the objects they were carrying, "Ah you guys are moving right, can I help?"

"Oh no, it's fine." Senzuki shook her head,

"I insist, it's bad if you girls are the only ones doing the work."

"Your leg's not properly healed yet though. It would be horrible if we let the injured work."

"I can use magic, it's easier that way."

"Hmm... Then I guess you could help us out." She pointed towards a group of boxes located near the campfire, "I'd like you to move them inside the carriage," She then grinned towards Fei, "Because someone forgot to return them."

"It's not my fault that Hanni won't help me. I can't carry them all."

"Fufufu." She then turned to Isaiah, "Then please, if you don't mind."

"Sure." Isaiah nodded then turned around, he reached his hand out and the boxes floated out of the ground and close to him as if held by invisible hands. When he turned around Senzuki gave a nod of acknowledgement while Fei had a surprised expression,

"Most impressive." Senzuki nodded,

"Oh wow..." Fei exclaimed, "You know... I always wonder how your magic works."

"Indeed, rather mystical." Senzuki chuckled, "I've always wondered why yours is so different?"

"Different?"

"Yes, oh, let's continue down the hill while we talk?" Senzuki then proceeded to position herself towards his side as they went down, "Well your magic, you see, is different from what I've been taught."

"You can use magic?"

"Not me but Fei and Hannibal can, I am sure you've seen her."

"I can use fire and Hannibal can use wind magic. What about you, what magic elements can you do?"

"Well... Just about anything." Isaiah grinned, "Fire, earth, water, air, lightning... You name it."

"Ohh!" Fei exclaimed and Senzuki raised her brow in surprise.

"Yet Hannibal said your mana's rather small? Despite that your control over the elements is that strong?" Senzuki asked,

"You could say my skill allows me to use magic very efficiently. I have a really good one you see."

"A skill! Oh, you're lucky with that kind of skill then. My skill allows me to strengthen my magic for some time but that's it."

"That's really cool you know, not many have that kind of skill." Isaiah gave a thumbs up to Fei as he turned to Senzuki, "What about you Senzuki do you have a skill?"

"Me, I am not sure, do I or do I not."

"You can't check?"

"It's rather expensive to check requiring blood and much money, plus it's not like you really need to know your skill, if it's useful to you it will show itself, if not then you are simply unlucky." Senzuki placed the bundle of stuff inside the carriage,

"Expensive? Can't you just pull up your status page?"

"Status page?" Senzuki tilted her head, "What that?"

"..."

'Plus how would I show you the status page of others when they don't have one in the first place?' Those words from Epsilon came running down his ears once more. He hadn't really believed him when he said that but even Senzuki doesn't know a thing about a status page.

'No wait, maybe they call it here differently.'

"Well, it's like a page, or like a paper that floats in front of you and says everything about your skills and abilities."

Both women were confused by his words, they tilted and shook their heads but couldn't make sense of his response.

"Is there something like that?" Fei asked Senzuki who shook her head. "Tell me more, Isaiah, what is this status page about."

"Well, it should appear if you say that."

"Status page?" Fei wondered and looked around but found nothing, even Senzuki turned her head around to search for this status page but found nothing but their surroundings, "Is it supposed to look or like, hmm."

'They don't have it then! That bastard wasn't lying... Well, nothing I can do about it, more power to me!' Isaiah chuckled and scratched his head, "Ahaha, it's nothing nothing, I must've confused something for something else. Never mind that, let's put the things back in the carriage right."

"Right... We still have tomorrow to think of and we need to leave early if we want to reach Heins within three days."

"We are still that far!"

"Indeed, three days by foot."

"Yes, so come let us make this quick," Fei said as she began arranging the things inside the carriage.

***

It was afternoon when the group just finished loading their stuff and cleaning their camp, Iska and Hugo had gone out earlier to scout the road ahead and when they returned Hannibal started planning today's path based on their recommendations. To secure their cargo Iska and Hugo were given vanguard duties, Hannibal drove the horse with Fei guarding at the front. Senzuki and Isaiah got the rearguard role.

When everything was set Isaiah waited outside the carriage as he watched Senzuki don a heavy coat covering her whole body. Though it pained him to hear that Fei had been married to Hannibal for five years now, Senzuki being free from any such commitments did improve his mood a lot. It didn't matter anyway, Senzuki had been his original goal in this troupe, all the others were just bonuses.

"Shall we get on then?" Senzuki said as she finished her preparations,

Isaiah could smell a soft, fruity scent coming from her coat, "You're not uncomfortable with that?"

"No. We might get into a lot of trouble if they found out about my features anyway."

'It's more suspicious if you wear a heavy coat though.' He thought as he helped her get up the carriage before he too entered it. Senzuki whistled to let Hannibal know they were in position while arranging some pillows to her side,

"Ah, I hope you don't mind if I take a nap, I haven't slept yet."

"Oh, it's no problem, though you have trouble sleeping?"

"No, I volunteered for night guard so I tend to sleep in the morning."

"Ah, that's cool. So good night, or like good morning I guess?"

"Ahahaha." Senzuki chuckled, "Good morning to you too." She then wiggled around to get herself more comfortable then closed her eyes, however, she later opened them again and looked at Isaiah,

Isaiah saw her looking and raised his eyebrow, "Is there a problem?"

"Ah no... It's just that I sometimes can sense you staring at me or something, so I was wondering what's wrong or anything."

"Oh..." Isaiah's cheeks turned red, he thought about it for a while as it would be terrible to outright admit you're a creep or something, though he had indeed been stealing glances at her he couldn't exactly help it. But the way she looked at him, Isaiah felt an intense pressure to tell her the truth. "That... Err, well it's just hard not to or anything. I hope you don't find it strange or anything, you're just cute and all... But I'll try to stop."

"Cute? Oh, I see, I see." Her cheeks turned red, "What a strange man you are, but I hope you find success in your effort."

"You're not angry or creeped out?"

"I would like to say somewhat, but it's tolerable I've been subjected to much more intense gazes than yours so you could say I am used to it."

"Well, you shouldn't. You should try and ask them to stop."

"Really? Ask those who are above you, people who are richer, stronger, and more powerful to stop looking at you. What would I then do, a weak lady like me, if I were to offend them?"

"Still, you should try to voice your opinions. Maybe they won't be that offended, maybe they'll be fine with it."

"Voice my opinions..." She chuckled, "Unless you are strong and powerful, your opinions do not matter."

"Ah..." Isaiah nodded, he remembered the time when he was confronted by the guild about his slave status, he remembered just how powerless he was and how his words didn't even matter to them... "Still, try not to be too negative, it brings us nowhere."

"I agree, forgive me, it's just that that is how the world works."

"Well, just so you know I will respect your opinion so if you don't like what I'm doing then do tell me. I'll change, I promise I will not be offended or anything."

"Hmm, then I shall take your offer." She then yawned, "You're different from all the other eastern men I've met, it makes me wonder are you truly from the east?"

"What's wrong with the east?"

"Well, people from the west are somewhat tolerant of us, but those in the eastern hemispheres aren't."

"Even though you guys are from the east too?"

"Especially because we are from the east. Our nations have been embroiled in many wars and conflicts that our relationship with them had been very bad, save for a few nations we trade to, most eastern people hate us that much."

"Oh... Well, I am sure someday that would disappear."

"Time will heal, but time moves too slowly." She then laid her head at the box to her side and closed her eyes, only to open them afterward, here she saw Isaiah looking elsewhere but her, it was clear to her that he was struggling to do that. She took pity on him as she found his struggle cute, and so decided to tease him a bit more "You can look at me if you want, but only if I am asleep."

"No, it-"

"Don't worry." She interrupted him, "I like to stare at you since you're cute too, so it's a mutually beneficial trade."

"Err w-what?" Isaiah turned to Senzuki but found her already asleep, like a cat on the table her manner of sleeping was very cute. "Oh..." He nodded, 'Did I hear her correctly?'

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"Can you repeat that for me?"

Senzuki did not reply as she was fast asleep.

"Well in that case... Don't mind if I do then..." Isaiah then stared at Senzuki though it didn't take long before he got embarrassed and looked away, 'This is some effective reverse psychology shit.' He clicked his tongue.

It was now difficult for him to steal glances at her.

Isaiah fixed his posture as he sighed, he was wondering what he should be doing to entertain himself. Seconds turned to minutes which turned to hours. Isaiah alternated between closing his eyes and just thinking about his future when he heard rushed footsteps,

"Hannibal, bandits up ahead."

Hannibal nodded, "Right."

"Bandits?"

Isaiah stood up in a hurry and upon seeing the worried faces of the other adventurers he began to think how he would wake up Senzuki only to find her standing up and fully awake, she was looking around her eyes scanning the plains around them.

"We are surrounded."

"Are we?" Isaiah wondered, all he could see was tall grass covering the plains but after a few seconds of looking, he could see movement far away from them, "Hannibal they are at the rear too! Twelve-spotted, possibly more!" He shouted,

"Then, as planned."

'Plan?' Isaiah wondered but the team began to move.

Hugo and Iska returned to the carriage, they removed the cloth on the sides to give a clear view of their surroundings, they then arranged two boxes to give them some protection, while Senzuki and Fei removed a belt that dropped sacks of sand held together by some metal wire which was doused with water to give them protection from fire. Seeing the preparations complete, Hannibal then applied a green substance underneath the horse's nose which caused them to trash about uncontrollably, but with his expert hands, he was able to direct their maddened energies onwards, giving them a temporary boost to their strength.

The carriage began to pick up speed. Iska and Hugo took the left while Senzuki and Fei took the right, Isaiah was given the rear to guard all by himself. Except for Isaiah who was too enamored by the sudden transformation, they focused on their area eyeing the many movements that were appearing from all sides.

"You think it's them again?" Fei asked as she readied her bow,

"Possibly, then again it might just be normal highwaymen." Senzuki squinted her eyes, from here she could see about two horsemen from her side rapidly approaching, they were armed with swords.

"Ugh..." Isaiah looked around, having finished examining the mobile fort they created, "Senzuki-san, what do I do?"

She looked up and only remembered Isaiah, "Oh... Right, ahh..."

"We already did the preparations, like we planned leave the rear to Isaiah," Fei answered,

Isaiah looked at everyone and saw expectant eyes, but that was fine. He was sure he had the necessary firepower to defend the rear all by himself, plus their opponents are just random thieves.

"Leave it to me."

"Ganbare!" Senzuki cheered causing Isaiah to smile confidently,

The cheerful mood was suddenly interrupted when an arrow landed on one of the sandbags. More arrows started flying in,

"Woah!" Isaiah managed to stop one mid-air before it collided with their vehicle, after inspecting the crude but ultimately boring design of the arrow he threw it away. The rest of the missiles miss their target or strike the boxes. Senzuki and Fei fired off their weapons as Hugo went to their side and fired off a crossbow. He managed to hit a horse which crashed to the ground bringing its rider with it.

Hugo flashed a grin as he smugly reloaded his weapon, making sure Isaiah saw it. Isaiah grunting, reached his hand out and with a wuuung launched two bolts of lightning striking two riders down.

Senzuki turned back annoyed, her hair had risen from static and she pouted,

"Go back to your place Isaiah-san, I appreciate your work but let us handle this."

"Sorry..." Isaiah lowered his head shyly, being scolded by his crush made him feel very embarrassed. he then turned to his spot and found four riders chasing after them.

One of the riders suddenly stood up from his horse and began coursing electricity around his entire body. Isaiah returned the gesture by filling his whole body with electricity and both men fired off their magicks. A beam of white light escaped their hands and collided, surges of electricity ran through the field which spooked the horses but the thieves managed to control them. That said their mage fell off his horse and crashed into the ground.

Isaiah did not stop however, he then lifted multiple boulders from the ground and started throwing them at the horses, one of the riders got hit but the two survivors dodged the initial assault. But before the rocks could crash harmlessly into the ground, they suddenly changed directions and as if magnetically attracted to the two thieves started following them.

"Eek!"

"Run!"

The rocks started gaining speed and caught up exploding into tiny pieces and like a buckshot pierced through their bodies, making Swiss cheese out of their flesh. Isaiah flinched when he saw that since that was not his intention. But his shock was interrupted when Hannibal suddenly arrows doused in fire started flying in, their aim was sharp and would have dealt a devastating blow to the wooden wagon had Isaiah not stopped them mid-air, he then watched as Senzuki and Fei fired off a volley, that said hitting a mobile target dozens of meters away was difficult. Their pursuers retaliated and fired a few shots to which Isaiah stopped once more,

"Incoming, hold!" Hannibal suddenly shouted from the front and before Isaiah could even react the carriage made a hard turn to the left throwing him off, he managed to hold onto Senzuki who grabbed him when he slipped.

"Thank you."

Senzuki nodded before returning her focus just as a flash of bright light flew straight toward her. Isaiah reached his hand out and stopped the attack, returning the magick to the bandit who fired it off. The mage managed to dodge just in time but refrained from firing another. Senzuki clicked her tongue and aimed her bow, then with extreme precision hit the bandit in his neck.

Senzuki didn't even flinch as she watched the man fall off his horse and die, his comrades all ignoring his calls for help. Senzuki turned to Isaiah and smiled, "Thank you for blocking that."

"You helped me out though so yeah." Isaiah quickly returned to his post. It seems that the bandits are now becoming cautious, having lost five men in quick succession they started attacking at the side which was guarded by Hugo and Iska, this proved to be a mistake.

"Isaiah, throw this at them, quickly!" Iska handed him some pouches which he propelled toward the thieves. They tried to run away but with his magic, they started following them, suddenly they ignited creating smoke and throwing off debris. It is not clear if they were killed but they were no longer to be found.

Isaiah peered through when he saw something move, but then an arrow flew straight at him, had it not been for the sandbags he would have been shot. Iska and Hugo retaliated with their weapons and Isaiah readied himself to fire off another blast but suddenly their pursuers began to separate, fleeing in all directions.

"Yes, haha, take that!" Hugo loudly cheered as Iska sat down with a sigh. Senzuki and Fei relaxed and arranged their spot as Hannibal began to slow down the horses, after much running and carrying a huge load they collapsed from exhaustion, one of the horses was struck in the knee and so Senzuki went to fix it up. Isaiah got out of the wagon to stretch his legs, his knees felt numb from crouching the whole time.

"You did well." Fei patted him on the shoulder, "Had it not been for you Senzuki might have been injured."

"I am sure you could do it, I saw you preparing to chant."

"Still, my mana isn't that much, if the enemy continued to attack I would have run out of mana. It's good to have a reliable mage on our side." Fei grinned as Senzuki arrived, having finished taking care of the horses,

"Thank you..."

"It's fine, I just did my part... And sorry, earlier I did stuff."

Senzuki nodded. "It's fine, people get excited after all."

"Up north there seems to be a train of carriages, we might join them for the night," Hannibal said as they began to pack up.

True enough, there was a caravan of merchants traveling the highway, after negotiations Hannibal managed to secure himself a spot among the adventurers guarding them and so the troupe was able to rest without worry. The next day however the troupe had to separate themselves from the caravan as it was heading for a different route and so they began their journey alone.

The bandits were with them but they kept their distance, shadowing the trope for the whole day. Hence why at night Isaiah, Senzuki, and Hugo had to volunteer as guards, and so passed the second day of the journey.

On the third day, things became more precarious. They couldn't make much distance because of the constant shadowing, however they got bolder. Arrows would randomly find themselves whirring past them, with Hugo, Senzuki, and Isaiah exhausted from last night their combat power was significantly reduced. Hannibal decided to take a gamble and rest the troupe at a nearby hill giving them time to relax for an hour,

2 kilometers from them lies the ruins of an ancient castle, Hannibal felt uneasy about this spot and so sent Iska to scout it out.

"So how was it?" Hannibal asked Iska as soon as she arrived.

"Terrible, as expected, it seems they are waiting for us, 20 at the least many more I suspect, heavy weaponry even."

"Cannons?"

"A ballistae, though I doubt it would be used, there was one."

"Strange, I never heard that the ruins had any siege weapons."

"So what's the plan?" Hugo asked,

"I propose we breakthrough them... I can lead the charge, siege weapon or not I can block that too." Isaiah offered but Hannibal refused,

"No can do, one mistake and we might all die and I barely have any medical supplies left so I'd prefer we don't get another injury," Senzuki replied and Isaiah could only nod shyly,

"I appreciate the offer though, I understand you wish to prove yourself but safety should be our priority." Hannibal patted his shoulder,

"So our only option is through the Capsico mountains then?" Fei mused, "I mean it's good to be protected by a steep incline on both sides but... Eh, one wrong move and we are all dead."

"That's the safest option?" Isaiah asked, "Can't we just go somewhere else, like choose a much safer path than this one?"

"Those are the only ways we can move forward and the Capsico route offers a more direct but dangerous path compared to the safer highways, that said Capsico does offer some unique advantages such as the fact that there will be no ambush, it is practically impossible to climb the cliffs and so the only way for them to confront us is with a head-on attack or that they follow us from behind, thankfully we can prepare for that." Hannibal then with a massive grin opened a very small box tucked underneath the wagon's driver seat, "This is a surprise tool that will help us later." He winked,

"Say I always wonder what is that?" Senzuki asked,

"You will see... If they arrive, we use this then bam! Problem solved, so to speak, I doubt it would solve the issue in one go but it's worth the try." Hannibal then returned the box before facing the whole crew, "So... We-you guys got no problem with the mountains yeah?"

"What choice do we have?" Hugo shrugged, "Let's get going and then get paid. I already miss eating meat smeared in honey."

"Right, let's prepare for the journey then, expect there to be a fight so keep alert and ready." He turned to Senzuki, "You already know this but stay out of danger at all times, let us do the fighting, if you get injured it'll be over for us all." Upon seeing Senzuki nod Hannibal then sighed, "Once we reach Heinz I'll talk to the guild and the merchants to see what we can do with these bastards, it would be best if we could form an alliance with other troupes and attack them."

"Other troupes?" Isaiah asked, "Is the bandits that big of a threat?"

"Yeah... You may not know this but, we are commissioned by a man with a rather problematic background you see."

"Who?"

"Ephillus of Orkelion, that man has many enemies at his guild, being a rumored bastard of the guild's founder."

"Then why did you join him then?"

"We learned too late. Plus he was the only one willing enough to give us a commission."

Isaiah nodded along with their reasoning, Commissions pay more than normal quests so no troupe would refuse one. That said,

'To think Ephillus comes up, man the world is small.'

"Right let's get going then!" Fei clapped her hands as the troupe separated to prepare for the journey ahead. Because the carriage was too big for the mountains, it was dissembled into smaller pieces. Out of it, two smaller wagons were formed, their goods all tucked in with each wagon being pulled by a horse. Hannibal led the formation with Hugo while Fei and Iska took the flanks, and Senzuki and Isaiah were given the rear.

Except for Isaiah their face had a tense vibe as they kept their eyes peeled, every small movement in the distance was met with extreme caution and so their speed was very slow. They were also wary of their rear as the bandits stationed at the ruins would surely move to chase after them. Considering that this route is well-known there was a possibility of a pincer attack hence why they were all jittery, not a single noise or conversation was to be had with their mood.

That said, Isaiah was getting more and more excited. He liked the idea of using his magic, fighting was what he was born for in this world, however, it wasn't just the prospect of combat but also the fact that he was embroiled in a huge conspiracy that made him tingle in delight. He always loved these kinds of scenarios whenever he read books and being in one now made him feel very intrigued, especially more since Ephillus himself was in the center of it all, he knew that it was no coincidence meeting him at the highway. If he could win the war for him then without a doubt he would gain a very valuable ally.

Though he disliked politics it doesn't mean he would always avoid those.

"Sounds exciting," Isaiah murmured as he hugged himself for warmth, the mountain path was very cold, and though he was provided with a coat it was not enough to shield him completely.

"What is exciting?" Senzuki asked, to diffuse the tension around them.

"Well..." Isaiah calmed himself a bit, he did not want Senzuki to start thinking of him as a bloodthirsty warmonger. "I don't know, I just feel excited, like things are about to get exciting or something."

"Hmmm, for what reason?" She tilts her head, she seems to be enjoying guessing his intentions, "Ah could it be you love to fight? Ara, Isaiah-san, I never expected that you were such a barbaric and bloodthirsty animal."

"I... I am not!" Isaiah's cheeks burned red as he looked away, "I mean I kinda like battles but I also love peace you know. Its-its not my fault I like to fight too I got good magic after all I might as well use it, you know. There is nothing wrong with it."

"Ahahahah, I was just teasing you." Senzuki rubbed her shoulders on his, "Your honest reactions are just so cute for me to resist you know."

"Ehh."

"That said, I am glad you're here with us Isaiah-san."

"Aah..." Isaiah's face was a mess, he didn't know how to react to that sneak attack, "I mean."

"It is terrifying to think that later on we might have to fight for our lives, but with you around I think things are a lot less stressful." She then sighed, "Which is why I am amazed at how confident you are in your powers but you should be careful as it might not work out one day." She jokingly poked at his nose,

"Oh, I guess."

"Speaking of which, when you first arrived at us you were in such a mess. What a reckless man you are, quite the opposite of how we do things, carefully prepared."

"That would be the case, I was rather surprised when you guys started turning the carriage into some sort of battle wagon, a man that was awesome you know."

"Ah, that never occurred to you to modify your equipment?"

"No... Why?"

She then raised one of her brows while tilting her head, "So brute force worked for you till it didn't. Fufufufu.." She chuckled,

"So-so" Isaiah shrugged,

"So you best do what we do and be more careful onwards then."

"Yes ma'am!"

"Ahahaha." Senzuki chuckled, "I'm no ma'am... I am still young you know,"

"Really ma'am? To me, you look as if you are married you know."

"Ah..." Senzuki's face froze, "Is... Is that so?"

The jubilant mood from awhile suddenly disappeared and was replaced with an awkward feeling that Isaiah could feel down to his core. It was similar to the times when he said one random word killing off the many conversations he was once a part of.

"Oh dear, haha." Senzuki chuckled turning the mood back up, "I am of marriageable age so it shouldn't be that surprising that one or two came my way already."

"Oh..." Isaiah had half expected that Senzuki might have been married at one point but he was not expecting this, "If it's a painful topic I won't pry, you don't have to tell me."

"I see." Senzuki nodded, "Thank you."

Isaiah smiled, but he couldn't quench his thirst and decided to ask anyway, "So you got married? Wait, you must have run away from one, is that why you are with this troupe?"

"Ara, I thought you won't ask me?"

"I... Sorry, I just, kinda... Nevermind."

"Is marriage really that surprising to you?"

"Well, you look young for that?"

"Young? People can get married once they reach 13, were you never asked for an engagement? How strange, considering your powers I was sure that many noble houses would be dying to marry you into their families, how old are you Isaiah-san?"

"I am still 19 years old."

"19? Ooh, I too am 19 you know."

"That so? No wonder why I feel so comfortable around you."

"Oh, are you confessing to me?"

"What... No! No! I..."

Senzuki laughed, "Ahahahaha, I was just teasing you, I know your true feelings."

"Eh? I..."

"It's fine, it's fine. I know you are just playing around." She then playfully bumped his shoulders, "Thanks for helping me relax, it's very stressful knowing that you might have to fight to the death in a few hours, so being able to laugh is a good trait."

"Thank you, I guess."

"I should be the one thanking you."

"You don't have to worry in the upcoming battle, I can beat up an entire city's garrison or a group of bandits, limited space doesn't concern me at all."

"Fufufu, I hope that confidence of yours is backed by substance."

"I am serious Senzuki, I will protect you all."

"Then I shall entrust my back to you."

Isaiah then reached his hand out prompting her to tilt her head,

"Pardon?"

"Oh... This is what we do in our place whenever we make a deal of sorts."

"I see..." She reached her hand out and Isaiah shook it, "It is great to reach an agreement"

"I'll leave my back to you too, partner."

-

Isaiah had given much thought to his future, and right now there were two things he wanted to achieve,

First and foremost was to build up a cool resume.

Nicole was still his primary goal, Senzuki was just being a part of it. But if he wanted to have a shot at getting a noblewoman's hand in marriage then he needed renown and the best way to gain renown was through adventuring and defeating powerful monsters. Now he could have just created his troupe with just himself as its member but there were issues that he experienced when he went solo, such as the logistics and bureaucracy that comes with going on adventures, thus he decided to join Hannibal's Silver Spoon instead as they were already experienced with dealing with the background stuff of adventuring.

The second was to figure out why he was sent here.

Epsilon had made it very clear that something happened to him in the past and that was what he wanted to know, however, he was still unsure how. Surely there was a reason why he was summoned here and with a powerful system to boot. There was no way this was all coincidence.

"Saan na kayo? San kayo?" (Where are you? Where are you?) He murmured as he kept a close eye behind and above them.

However completing the second goal wasn't feasible in the current situation and so he decided to instead focus on the first one, building up a resume and freeing himself from his slave status. To achieve this he first needed to establish himself as the troupe's ace, which would give him much of the credit for any future achievements they make, and to do that he needed to annihilate the bandits thereby establishing trust with the rest of the troupe.

He was told that they might be waiting ahead and that the group at the ruins ahead might come from their rear, and though everyone was at their witts, quietly praying that the bandits would not come, Isaiah instead wanted for them to attack. He was that confident of his victory.

"Ali na, ali na, come to papa!" (Come here, come here) he looked around them,

Just as Hannibal stated the Capsico Mountain was flanked by two extremes, on his right was a deep ravine whose bottom was covered by white mist, and to his left was a steep impassible cliff. The only way their pursuers could catch them is through the front or the rear with the latter being more likely which is why Isaiah was stationed at the rear with Senzuki acting as his support.

Speaking of which Senzuki was looking at him this whole time, wondering just what he was saying, when Isaiah looked at her she simply smiled at him and looked away. Isaiah wanted to erase the notion that he was some kind of warmonger to her but at the same time he couldn't help it.

"Say Isaiah-san there is som-" Senzuki was just about to talk when her ears twitched, they picked up something and she turned her head at their rear. Something was moving along the path they just took, but it was too far to confirm what it was. She didn't want to raise the alarm as goats were very common in these mountains.

"Is that movement? No, that's a goat. Wait they might have a goat." Hugo pointed over the mountain cliff's front,

"A goat?" Fei asked as she retreated to the front wagon and used their telescope, though the image was blurry she could see the shape clearly, "There are mountain goats everywhere, look at them climb."

There were five goats, two adults who were watching the troupe closely, and their young who were chewing on something. They resembled the goats Isaiah knew only that one had three horns while the rest just had two.

"Nothing to worry about..." Hannibal sighed, "Plus it's Capsico, no one would dare climb the mountains now?"

The troupe began to move forward as they sighed in relief, Isaiah followed suit but found Senzuki watching the back,

"Anything wrong?"

"Oh... Right," Senzuki turned to Isaiah then looked back, "Probably goats as well... Yeah."