“Hey, look at what I’m bringing,” the short man with a dagger on his waist waved his right hand to his two companions sitting around a campfire. His other hand was holding the animal on his shoulder so it wouldn’t slip.

“No way, another deer?” one of his companions, the man in brown-robe, replied. “How are we supposed to eat these all?” he complained.

The last man laughed. “That’s just show how effective Vaiz’s traps are. Don’t worry, we can always take the extra back to the guild for souvenir,” he said.

“Just put it down, Vaiz. We have finished grilling the previous meat. Let’s eat before skinning that one,” the man told and Vaiz obediently took the empty seat next to him, laying the deer behind.

A rustling sound came from the bushes on their side, alerting the man to reach his broadsword by reflex. When something actually appeared, he already stood in front readily.

“Mwa Ha Ha Ha Ha! What a delicious smell you have here!” the something that turned out to be a big bearded man laughed.

“What...” the swordsman was dumbfounded.

Following his sniffing nose, the newcomer ignored the frowning swordsman and went to the campfire. He took a skewered meat and sniffed it, before taking a bite. He raised his brows. “Delicious!” he said, sinking his teeth for another bite.

Vaiz stood up immediately with that. “What are you doing, man! That’s our food!” he yelled.

The bearded man kept on eating as if nothing happened and said nonchalantly, “Come on. Don’t be so stingy, boy.”

“You!” a vein appeared on Vaiz’s forehead and he was about to reach his dagger when his robed friend stopped him.

“Wait, Vaiz!” he said while grabbing Vaiz’s arm. “It’s okay, isn’t it? We have extra anyway. Right, Rowd?” he added and tried to get the swordsman’s approval.

Rowd complied, he put down his sword and asked, “Who might you be, sir?”

What he got in return was a glare, however. “Hmph! Youngster nowadays really knows no manner. You should name yourself first before asking other’s, boy!” the man scolded.

Rowd opened his mouth with the unexpected replied, but decided to play along upon seeing his friend’s eye sign. “… You’re right, I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m Rowd and those two are my friends, Loen and Vaiz. We are adventurers of Fantastica,” he introduced.

“Fantastica? Dava brat’s underling, are you?”

“You know our guild master, sir?” Rowd asked in surprise.

“Hmph! Sure I am. If not because of me, that cocky brat would have lost his head long time ago. He will never admit, though, being arrogant as he is. Nevermind, I’m thirsty. Drink!” the bearded man ordered.

“Here,” The robed man Loen readily passed a water canteen. “I’m sorry if I’m mistaken, sir. Could you be Master Mahza of [Rahziel]?” he asked as the man drank from the canteen.

“Ah, that’s refreshing!” the man returned the now empty canteen to Loen. “Yes, I’m the great Mahza. You have good eyes, boy!” he answered with a wide grin.

Loen’s eyes widened at once. “Master Mahza, I knew it! It’s an honor to meet you, sir!” Loen bowed deeply.

“Mwa Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha… Get up, boy. You really know how to please an old man, I like you. Hmm. From your appearance, are you a mage?”

“Yes, sir. My focus is the ,” he replied enthusiastically.

“Hmph, another elemental-mage. I never understand what is so fascinating about learning what everyone does. My son too, he prefers . He-,” Mahza suddenly stopped and started to cry. “Boo hoo... *Sob*. Arz, uuuu...,” he wept.

Loen confused at Mahza's sudden change. "Are you okay, sir? What’s wrong? Did something happen to your son?" he asked.

“He is dead. Uuuu… To think he would die so young, what a useless father I am. *Sob*. The is nothing but a myth,” Mahza ranted. “Nevermind, I’m sorry for being so sentimental,” he said and wiped his teary eyes with his sleeve.

? Myth? Dead son?

Loen’s thought processed the words. “Our condolence to you, sir,” his mouth expressed sympathy, yet his mind was racing with the possibilities.

“Thank you. I… Well, have high expectation on him, and still completely accept his sudden leave,” Mahza replied while trying to calm himself.

“Is your son the reason you are alone in this forest, sir?” Loen tried to dig more information.

“Yes, I just rested his body in a cave not too far from here.”

“Then, can you tell us where the cave is? We would like to pay a respect-visit to your son.”

Mahza frowned but then let out a loud laugh, “Mwa Ha Ha Ha Ha. Your attitude is really something, boy. What is your name again?”

“It's Loen, sir.”

“Loen, is it? Of course I’ll tell you. Go to the right until you find the monkey territory. Once you do, go left. Continue until you find a big tree. Then, turn half-right and go ahead. You'll find a rocky hill, the cave is there,” Mahza explained.

“Have you memorized Master Mahza's direction, Vaiz?” Loen turned to his friend.

Not ready with the sudden question, Vaiz almost jumped from his seat. “Me?” he repeated. “Yes. Yes, of course I do. But, that is rather vague, sir. How does the big tree look like? Is there anything else I can use for landmark other that what you already said?” he asked.

"Ha ha ha, you'll find it. It's in a small clearing, the only big tree there. Ah I need to pee, excuse me," Mahza stood up and left.

Once he lost from their sight, Rowd grabbed Loen's shoulder. “What is this all about, Loen? Who is that guy?” he asked in low voice.

“He is Mahza, Rowd. A great mage. You probably don’t know because he has been secluding himself until now, but he is a well known figure among mages. Just trust me, we may gain something big on this," he replied, almost whispering too. “Wait here,” he said and followed to where Mahza had gone.

He found the big man was watering a tree and took the next one to do the same.

“Master Mahza, may I ask something?” he said. His mind was busy arranging how to convey the words.

“Hmm.”

He take it as yes. “Sir, you mentioned being a myth. Does it mean you have finished your research on it?” he asked

“I did. What of it?”

Loen carefully chose his next word. “Sir, if you may... Can I see the legendary artefact? I always curious on how it looks,” he asked.

“Hmph. It looks exactly like in the book.”

“But, it's hard for me to imagine a real one from a mere picture, sir. So, if you may...”

“Hmm. Even if I want to, I don’t have it with me, boy. I have used the last one on my son, but he… *Sigh*. Nevermind,” Mahza said. He finished his business with the tree with a dejected face.

“Then, can you teach me how to make it, sir? Or create one for me, if you don’t wish to share the knowledge. I’ll pay you,” Loen tried to persuade, also finishing his business.

“You’ll pay me?” Mahza sneered. He began to walk back to the camp, disregarding the young mage.

“I- I know I can’t afford the price. But you said it yourself, it’s nothing but a myth. That’s why, can you give me a discount, sir?” Loen said as he caught up.

“… What do you want to do with it, anyway?”

“That’s… I haven’t decided yet.”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Mahza stopped and turned, he looked directly into Loen’s eyes. “You haven’t decided, or you don’t want to tell?” he asked. His tone had become serious.

“Wha- whatever do you mean, sir?” Loen replied. A chill began to run down his spine.

“Playing smart, are you?” Mahza’s expression had turned sour. “Let me tell in your place, then! You are nowhere near a level that can make use of the . Hence, you are most likely going to sell it again to whoever the fools willing to pay a huge amount. It won’t be too difficult to find such fools, and after you get a discount from me too. IS IT NOT!?” his volume increased as he talked.

“No, sir. I never thi-“

“YOU IMBECILE WORM! YOU THINK YOU CAN TRICK A SOUL-MAGE?!" Mahza enraged.

“Wha- I didn't mean-”

*BAM!*

Mahza hit a tree beside him, causing the poor tree to decay starting from where he hit and quickly spread to cover every inch of it. Leaves were falling one after another from the dying tree, until it withered completely. Mahza made a wicked smile and said, “You didn’t what, Loen boy?”

Fear crawled into Loen's heart. He felt his strength was leaving him at once and his body limped to ground. “I- I’m sorry,” he dropped his head, not dare to look back at the old man. Sweats were drenching his body, he knew his live was at Mahza's mercy now.

Seconds were like hours and minutes were like days in Loen’s mind as he was awaiting for his doom. Nothing happened so far, but he didn't have enough courage to raise his head. Thus, he waited, for whatever fate had prepared for him.

*Sigh*

“Listen, boy. was… my lifetime dream, purpose of my life. I had sacrificed too many things to achieve it. However, it bring nothing but sadness to me now. You have malice, thus I can’t give you one, as it will only bring more sadness to other people. But I won’t take your life either, I have already taken too many lives recently. Let’s forget everything and pretend nothing happen. And please never mention again in front of me. This is the best offer I can give you,” Mahza sighed.

“I’ll go back first,” he turned and walked away, leaving behind the still moping on the ground Loen.

Even after Mahza left, Loen couldn’t muster enough strength to stand up. When he finally did, he had to rely on a big tree to withstand his fall. Even though he thought he had calmed enough, his body wouldn’t stop trembling. It couldn’t forget the immense fear it had experienced a moment ago.

Loen was able to returned, at last, after a great effort to walk while clinging to trees. He was almost recovered completely when he reached his friends’ place, but then he saw Mahza and his body began to tremble again.

Damn it, am I going to live like this for the rest of my life?

He cursed himself, for showing such weakness, for not able to overcome his fear. He thought, if he wanted to get rid of his fear, he needed to get rid the source.

That geezer is too dangerous, how am I supposed to get rid of him?

However, Loen knew he could never face Mahza from the front, it would be a suicide. He needed to use underhanded method. It was a risky move but necessary, as he couldn’t afford to spend the rest of his life living in fear. His pride wouldn’t allow it.

Once again Loen looked at Mahza, who was talking casually with Rowd, and it ignited his hatred towards the man. The feeling only grew stronger with every second passed and Loen couldn’t remember anything he had ever hated more than the old mage. He was able to overcome his fear with that and his body had stopped trembling before he knew. He then moved out from behind the bushes, trying to appear as calm as possible.

“Hey, Loen. What took you so long?” Rowd asked.

Making a wry smile, he replied, “Sorry, I got a stomachache.”

“But you’re alright now, aren’t you?” Rowd asked again in worry.

“Yes, I’m fine now. Thanks,” he said, hastened his steps to where his belongings were.

He took his valuable wine out along with a flask of poison he got from one of his previous quests. He glanced towards Mahza to make sure the mage didn’t see what he was about to do before dripping several drops of the poison into the wine bottle and shaking it.

Didn’t notice that Vaiz was observing all he did, Loen brought the bottle to Mahza. “Master Mahza,” he called. “I’m sorry for what happened in the forest, it was my mistake. Please accept this wine as an apology,” he said with a bow.

“Did something happen?” Rowd inquired.

“I almost made Master Mahza stepped on a shit,” Loen grinned.

“Yuck. But you didn’t actually step on it, did you, sir?” Rowd asked.

“Mwa Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha… Of course not. I’ll take it then, give me!” Mahza snatched the wine bottle and gulped the content greedily. Loen anxiously watched it, afraid that Mahza would realize the poison.

“Wah, this is a good wine. That’s right, when was last time I drank alcohol? I’ll need to get drunk to forget this sorrow,” Mahza said, more to himself.

He then returned his attention back to the adventurers in front of him. “Thank you for the foods, youngsters. I’m forever in your debt. Now if you excuse me, I haven’t had a sleep at all these days and since my stomach is now full, I think I’ll take a nap,” he said, taking the wine bottle with him to sit under a shady tree.

“Thank you for the wine, Loen boy!” he yelled and took another gulp. Not long after, his snore was heard. Mahza had fallen asleep while hugging the wine bottle.

“What an interesting fellow,” Rowd said.

“You think so?” Loen replied.

While cleaning up the leftover from their late breakfast, Vaiz asked, “Should we continue our travel to [Firzoa] soon?”

“No, help me find Mahza’s son’s corpse first,” Loen quickly replied.

“Are you seriously want to pay a respect-visit, Loen? I thought you just want to take his good side?” Rowd asked.

“No, not a respect-visit. It’s for a different reason.”

“Okay, we should still have some times until the appointed meeting time with Miss Alveria. Let’s set off now before the sun gone high,” Rowd decided. “It should be fine to leave Mahza alone, right?”

“Yes, don’t worry about him,” Loen answered.

“What about my new deer?” Vaiz remarked. “I can’t shoulder it around while tracking the right path. Loen, you take it, this round trip is for your cause,” he said.

“What? No way! Just leave it here,” Loen refused.

Vaiz glared, “You can’t waste food, man!”

“I’m afraid Loen is right, Vaiz, we have to leave the deer behind. If we are going to enter deep inside the forest, I need his magic ready,” Rowd interceded.

Vaiz fell silent for a moment before agreeing. “Argh, whatever! Fine, but this trip is better worth more than my deer!” he said.

“I hope so too,” Loen smiled wryly.

The three didn’t wait any longer to pack their luggage and move, following the small animal trail leading deeper into the forest.

Meanwhile, the bearded man who had given them direction was sleeping soundly, unaware that he had been left alone. “… Arz…,” he mumbled in his sleep. Tears were dropping to his cheek.