If the Witch’s word were true, then Hyrion was transported to an area near the city of Zestential. In his bag, there was a letter of recommendation he must present to the local guild. After that, he was told to just follow anything they asked of him.

Zestential was a huge city that had more than a million of residents. Cities from Hyrion’s homeland averaged about ten thousand. Also, Hyrion hadn’t interacted with people for the year he was on a run, so being forced into a city with more than he could imagined terrified him slightly.

Hyrion observed the area around him. He was in a middle of a forest without any notable landmark. In situations like this, there were three things he had to look out first: trail, river, or a main road. Since none of those were in sight, he had no other way but to search in a random direction.

He covered his eyes with his left and pointed his right hand forward. He spun three times and walked. He stumbled on a rock and fell. He then decided to go to the direction where his right hand after he fell. Little games like this should ease of the tense that built up.

The Witch gave him a vague goal. He had become her Champion—whatever that meant. She didn’t tell him any specifics other than becoming strong, so he was free to do anything as long as it led to that. He didn’t want to be in serious situations anymore. He knew how one misstep lead to his friend’s death and his own destruction. He had another chance to live, and he would use much better than before. A carefree life should do that.

As he continued his journey, he finally found a trail. It looked like it was traveled by someone or an animal recently. He followed the direction the steps took.

Time passed. The flora that surrounded him were more or less the same. He didn’t cross with any animals. In the forest, only the sound of wind blowing to the trees could be heard. Birds, and even insects were silent.

This had put him into full alert. He had a sword sheathed on his hip, but he had no idea how to use it. For years in the rebellion, he avoided any practice and made sure he never got involved in fights. He’s frustrated at his past self for not doing any training. To ease himself for a bit, he practiced what he would say to the local guild.

There was a loud thud. He heard the rustle of shrubs from a distance. He unsheathed his sword halfway before hesitating. The steps were loud. He concluded that it must be a large animal or a monster perhaps. He hoped it was not the latter. He started the first step of his run, but his legs froze. They were shaking too much. The creature was fast approaching. He had no other choice.

He ducked and curled into a fetal position.

When he was a child, elders warned him that if a large animal approached them, it would be better to act dead. If the animal thought you’re dead, then it wound find other to prey upon.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Hyrion held his breath and mentally repeated, “don’t eat me.”

The sound of footsteps stopped. The creature was definitely close. Too close for comfort. What should be the exact distance that was enough for comfort? Hyrion shook his head. It wasn’t the time for random questions. His life was at stake. He heard another set of footsteps. Did the creature ignored him and continued to run? He slowly opened his eyes. A creature with long fangs glinting the sunlight. Its face looked similar to a tiger, but it had red eyes and no stripes on its orange fur. It was also an absolute unit.

“Ah sh—”

The Tiger-like creature stared at the forest were another set of footsteps could be heard before it ran away. If a large creature was afraid, then he should scramble away from the area. However, it was too late. He ultimately stayed in the same position.

The footsteps stopped around him, and there was more this time. Unlike the last time, he didn’t feel any shake from the ground.

“It got away,” a man said.

“We’re only here as escort, “a woman answered, “don’t mind it. Anyhow, Cerea, is that guy still alive?”

Hyrion felt a tug to his cheek, and he saw a girl with short side ponytail.

“He seems to be unhurt, but I found him in this strange position. That huge cat must’ve had rolled him into a ball to play with him,” Cerea said.

“I have no idea how you came up with that.” The woman sighed.

Hyrion stood up and brushed off the dust on his clothes. There was a buff guy fully decked with obsidian armor staring at him. Another was a lanky blond-haired guy with leather clothing. The woman wore glasses and stood with grace similar to nobles he met back in Lionfang’s palace. They all felt like they emitted this grand aura that he couldn’t help but admire.

“Are you okay?” Cerea asked. She looked over profile to find any wounds or scratches.

“I’m fine. Thanks for saving my life. I’m Hyrion.”

“I’m Cerea, nice to meet you!” She reached for his hands and shook it.

“Yo, I’m Ridge. You’re lucky we’re here or you’d be a toy for that cat. Or mincemeat. We’ll never know.” He casually saluted then pointed his two fingers at him

Hyrion chuckled sarcastically.

“Lance.” He muttered.

“I’m Leili, the captain of this group. It’s strange to find someone here. Let alone a single person. State your business, Hyrion, and we’ll decide how to deal with you.”

“I’m supposed to heading toward Zestential City.”

“Zestential?” Cerea said. “We’re also headed there. Are you going to attend the Invitational as well?”

Hyrion had no idea what the Invitational was, but he nodded.

“Great, we’re also going there. How about you come with us?”

“Wait.” Leili raised her hand to stop Cerea. “Do you have an idea where you currently are?”

Hyrion shook his head. “In fact, I’m lost.”

“Lost!?” Ridge was surprised. “No one can get here without knowing where they are. Are you stu—”

“You don’t seem to be a threat,” Leili interrupted. “We’ll let you come along until we’re at the gates. We won’t ask you any questions, but if you ever pose a threat. We’ll have no choice but to restrain you.”

“Fine with me. Let me just pick up my bag.” Hyrion took his items while Cerea, Leili and Ridge went ahead. Lance didn’t budge. He waited for Hyrion to join the three before he walked.

“We’ll arrive there by noon,” Ridge said. He looked as if he wanted to say more to Hyrion, but he noticed the glare of Leili.

Hyrion was glad he met other people. He wouldn’t have to worry about any threats or getting lost anymore. This group looked like normal travelers—except Lance—, however, to be able to scare the tiger-like creature, they must be strong.