Four months have passed since that night that I met Celestia, the Moon Goddess. Nearly five months have passed since I began my closed door training with Halone and Tael, and now they stood before me as we prepared for a final spar.

Over these months not much has changed. Xia, Olivia and Alice had been given rooms to stay within Flowing River. Ken had come to teach Alice, and for some reason she had been oddly motivated to grow stronger. Perhaps the link between us caused my motivation to impact her? She, like I, had been training with Ken for this entire time, and from what I had heard from Tael she has gotten a lot stronger, even though she still preferred playing over training.

Olivia had become a lot more lively. Halone had taken it upon herself to teach Olivia the ways of a weaver, as she put it and said Olivia soaked up everything. She still seemed to be in a dream-like state, but sometimes I could see clarity return to her eyes whenever I spent time with her. There had been once where she stopped, blinked while clarity returned to her eyes and looked around with some confusion. When she saw me, she muttered ‘Alisha?’. I tried to speak to her but she soon went back to the dream-like state. Halone said the signs were good, and it wouldn’t be long for her to come out of her current state of mind, but I had to be prepared since she would be confused and panicked when it did happen.

Xia had returned to her family, only returning once a fortnight, to continue her studies and training. Although her family didn’t assist her, her mother had been the one to help train her. According to Xia, her Arcane magic is derived from an ancient school of magic so finding those to teach her were vastly limited, Vale did not hold any who could teach it.

Elizabeth passed a message saying that for now she would be joining Bloom’s team and that everyone would wait for me to finish training before heading to the hunting zone. According to the message, the hunting zone laid in a bountiful area where two dungeons laid, one a dimensional and another an exterior labyrinth. The average monster level sat at 65 and the materials from the monsters were in high demand, meaning we would earn a lot of money for the material. I could already see Aubrey jumping in joy over the news.

The plan was to take seven carts with us, and the Guild would come by to take the carts and replace them. There are lodgings there, with a fresh water source nearby, meaning we could be out there for months. Elizabeth had also mentioned in the message that Alexander had been delayed and she had been asked to pass the message on. I knew that meant the possibility of war coming was high if Alexander was out for this long. Though it is possible that he was simply busy.

Summer and Xeno had stopped by, and while they could not enter, they too had passed on messages, eager to let me know they had decided on a name. They planned to tell me once my training had ended, with Xeno saying he and his husband were preparing meat and ingredients of the highest quality so that we could host a party together. He had asked if I could cook for the party, and I had accepted. After so many months of nothing but training I had grown eager to focus on cooking and fighting.

I hadn’t heard from or about Elise. I still felt a bit guilty for storming out on her that night, and wanted to make amends. I planned to talk to her before we left for the hunting zone, along with seeking out the elf twins, whom I wanted to sit down with and help them with their problem, since I had made a promise.

Finally, Coffee. He had grown and fast. Once a small pup that I could easily lift with two hands had grown to be just above my knees. He had taken up living down here with me during my training and had loved playing with me, though our idea of playing had been fighting. I found he was rather speedy and powerful, sometimes overwhelming even me with my full strength. Of course, we both always stopped short, never hurting each other. It helped doing this with Coffee as his actions reminded me of a monster, but he was far smarter than a monster when it came to fighting, and even though he was a wolf I could tell he learnt very quickly.

Level 56 Coffee Nocturne

Celestial Wolf Spirit Beast

Health: 30,000/30,000

He who howls at the full moon. Forever by the side of his lifelong companion, Alisha ‘Starcaller’ Nocturne.

According to Halone, I had a similar Status to Coffee, which also reminded me of Tessa’s.

Level 56 Alisha ‘Starcaller’ Nocturne, Hero of History.

Celestial Nightweaver Fox

Lunar Fist of the Wind

Health: ???/???

Chosen of Celestia. Starcaller is her name, one with the night sky. Those who dare face her will feel the full force of the night sky as she rains her fists upon them. Those who run from her will never escape the call of the stars.

Rather surprised that my Status to others had become so long winded, Halone told me it was normal for those who passed the Crossroads to have a Status as such, or those that had become Chosen by a God or Goddess.

I hadn’t had time to train with the rapier. According to Tael, I have been progressing a lot faster than they had thought, and wanted to fully focus on my training, which I accepted.

“Alisha, today your closed door training ends. Though we have yet to teach you fully, you are, as of this moment, on a whole different level than four months ago. After this, we will continue to train you when you come by, and while you still have much to learn, you have now officially become our student. Today, we will give you a final test to ensure you are worthy of our secret techniques. Even if you fail, you still have mastered most of Flowing River’s techniques and can develop your own. You will face the two of us, and you must land two blows to each myself and Tael. Are you ready?”

Not falling for her question, I flash step right in front of Tael, dodging a strike from Halone as I flash step to her side and throw a punch on reflex at her temple. Pivoting as my blow is blocked, I block a blow from Tael before flash stepping away. Halone flash steps behind me and I barely move as I avoid her fist and grab her wrist. Throwing an elbow back, I hit her jaw as I let go and flash stepped away. Feeling the strain on my legs, I knew I was quickly reaching my limit. I could only use flash step eight times before needing to rest, but I had gotten myself into a good position.

Droplets of water drip off my hand as I prepare myself. Tael flash stepped next to me. I threw a hand up as a shield of water appeared, softening Tael’s kick. Surrounding one hand with water and the other with wind, I used the water to parry his blows and the fist with wind to attack. Sharp wind surrounded my fists, leaving cuts wherever they passed.

Smelling Halone directly behind me, I searched and found a path to flash step through, narrowly avoiding a kick. Both flash stepped, one before me and the other behind. Focusing on the one behind, I used my sense of smell and moved my body with the smallest of movements to avoid blows. Tael, in front of me, threw a fist towards where I would be moving. Smiling lightly, I moved my head to meet the blow and at the last second created a water shield as I moved my head slightly. His fist slows as it passes the water and moving past his arm, I unleashed Flowing Strikes, striking him dozens of times.

Knowing he was now out of the fight, I pivoted on my foot while bending my backwards, dodging a kick from Halone. Straightening up, I swept my leg underneath her quickly, and followed with a blow to her chest as she jumped, striking her.

Lowering my fists, I sigh in relief. “Good! You have passed. Alisha, from this day onwards, you are truly a student of ours and you will always be welcome here.”

Smiling, I felt fatigue in my body. Even though it had only been about twenty seconds, we had fought at a speed that had been hard for Xia, who was watching to keep up with. We only fought like this because the three of us had spared a lot recently, and I knew the faster the fight finished the better as Flowing River got stronger the longer a fight went for.

“Thank you, Teacher Halone, Teacher Tael.” Xia had told me what to say at this point, it was a tradition of all dojos and their students. The word Teacher resounded within me, possibly to do with my memories, but I couldn’t grasp exactly why.

“And thank you, Student Alisha. You have given us hope that we will gain another student just like you. Though you still have more to learn, for now you are a fully fledged user of Flowing River. We don’t have anything special to give you at this moment, but when you come by next time we will provide you with an item to signify your mastery of Flowing River.”

Smiling as we talked, we left the basement to see Alice and Olivia waiting. Olivia got up and hugged me before walking beside me. We were leaving today. The sun had just risen and I had already planned out the day. Bidding farewell to Tael and Halone, we first stopped by my house. Aubrey had taken it upon herself to harvest my garden and store it correctly. I had planned to buy her something today and found myself eager to find out how strong she had gotten.

Stolen novel; please report.

Nearly three months ago, a phenomenon occurred. The trees, flowers and grass in the underground had suddenly flourished, growing quickly and becoming a wilderness of sorts. After flash stepping out of the underground in a hurry, I found myself astonished to see a giant tree had grown on top of the Guild. I sensed the magic in that tree and knew it had been Aubrey. Halone told me it was similar to the phenomenon I had caused, and I couldn’t help but marvel at it.

The harvests that she had done for me seemed much more bountiful than before, and while I was slightly worried she was using her lifeforce, I also had a feeling that she could naturally empower plants of all kinds. You only had to look at the forest that had been made in the underground area.

Storing all of the fruits and vegetables away, we left as we continued to our next destination, the office of the Royal Guard. Xia led us there, and after thirty minutes of walking, we soon arrived. Walking into the building that had guards by the doors, we met with a receptionist.

“Hello. Are you here to lodge a problem?”

“Ah, I’m looking to speak with Roland.”

The receptionist raised his eyebrow. “Can I ask for your name?”

“Alisha. I know it’s a bit sudden, but I want to speak to him.”

“Alisha…” Frowning, the receptionist looked up. “The hero of the slums?”

Giving him a stiff smile, I nodded. “Yes. I wanted to have a quick word with Roland.”

“Certainly. Are you here to join the Royal Guard? You are still the talk of the barracks, many believe with you within the ranks it would make the Guard a wonderful place.”

“No, I don’t hold such desires, at least not at this time.” I wasn’t against the idea personally, but something within told me not to as it would mean I would be tied to Vale. “It’s regarding something I can not easily speak to others about.”

“I see. Please wait a moment, I will see if he is within the city.” The receptionist left and after about ten minutes, he returned.

“Sir Roland will meet you in his office, please come with me.”

“Xia, can you wait here with the others?” Xia nods. I, along with Coffee, followed the receptionist who led me through the building and up the stairs. Leaving me at a door, I knocked.

“Enter.”

Hearing Roland’s voice, I enter and see him looking out the window. He turns to me and nods. “Alisha, it’s been a while. Have you recovered?”

“Except for my memories, I’m fine. I’ve just finished my training so I’m looking to head out soon.”

“I’m glad to hear. How can I help you today?”

Roland sat at the desk as I hesitated for a moment and looked behind me.

“Don’t worry, no one can hear us here.”

I turn back to Roland and pull out the sheet of metal I had received from Gastron. Roland looks at it and stands up.

“That…I see, so you’re a Chef, Alisha?”

“Yes. I met with Gastron a few months ago and became his Blessed. He said to give this to you and you’d know what to do.”

“Ah, that bastard. I told him not to tell anyone I was his Chosen. Well, what is done is done. What you hold there is a metal used to create a soulbound weapon. Though, in this case, it is less a weapon and more a knife for cooking.” Walking around his desk, Roland held a hand out and I gave him the metal.

“I can have this forged for you. I need a vial of your blood, some soul energy and two strands of hair.” He walks to his desk and pulls out a box, from which he retrieves a vial and a dull stone.

I make a cut on my hand and force my body to stop its regeneration, letting the blood flow into the vial. Letting the wound heal, which happened instantly, I took the stone.

“Pour your mana into it, it’ll filter out your mana and extract some of your soul energy.” Nodding, I do as he says and after ten minutes, the stone has a black glow to it, with some silver dots in it. I pluck two hairs from my head as well.

“I’ll get this sorted for you. As for the price, it is five Mithril coins, but don’t concern yourself about that. I do ask that you keep my status as a Chosen of Gastron from others.”

Giving him a smile, I nod. “I’ll do that. I’m the Chosen of Celestia, something I don’t want others to know.”

Chuckling, Roland put the vial, stone and hair into the box along with the sheet of metal. “I see. Gastron can be a bit…eccentric when it comes to his tasks. Do you create mana-infused food?”

“Mm, I made stat-giving food a few months ago, that is why Gastron wanted me as his Blessed.”

“You made food that gives stats? Impressive, it took me years to achieve that. If you ever need help, feel free to ask. I’ve been told I’m a nightmare in the kitchen when I cook though, so be prepared.”

I chuckled at his comment. “I’ve had two friends too terrified to help me after I’ve made food.” We shared a knowing laugh.

“I didn’t expect you to become His Blessed, I had thought you to be a fighter. You should look at opening a restaurant, it will provide a good source of income. As you grow stronger, the cost of everything will go up. I can make some arrangements to get you a business licence and a plot of land.”

“I’ll take you up on that.” I had always been told I should start a business, and figuring without the Church chasing me I could have time to rest and do those types of things. “Oh, I also grow my own fruits and vegetables, would you like to try some?”

“Why not?” Handing him some, he nodded. “Very high quality. The energy in these are already evenly spread meaning the flavour is enhanced no matter what part you use. Are you growing these on a large scale?”

“No, just in my backyard.”

“Well, if you do go with opening a restaurant I can always enquire into getting a large plot of land for you to grow more of these fruits and vegetables. While I also do wish to continue our chat, I am rather…busy with something. We should meet up at some point to share pointers in cooking. I’ll also deliver everything needed to start a business to Elise for you.”

“Thank you, Roland.”

“Anytime. If you see that bastard before me, do give him a telling off. I do not mind you knowing, but I do wish he wouldn’t tell everyone.”

Chuckling, I bid farewell to Roland and left his office. Linking back up with everyone, we left and headed towards the Guild. I had a few things I wanted to do at the Guild, one of which was to talk to Elise, the other was to give her a letter Olivia had given to me. During one of her moments where she had clarity in her eyes, Olivia had dug through her bag and handed me a letter. It was addressed to Elise and sealed.

I also needed to speak to an executive about the underground “spell merging” chamber so I could merge Wind and Lightning. I also now knew Water magic, a school of magic that had taken me two weeks to get a grasp on, that allowed me to use Water Shield, a spell that placed a dense shield of water up, slowing direct attacks.

Entering the Guild, I quickly found a guild attendant and asked for Elise.

“Ah, Elise is free at the moment. I will ask her to meet with you, I will take you to a private room.”

Following the attendant, he led us to a private room in which we waited. Looking at Olivia who had sat on the ground to pet Coffee, I felt happy she had become more lively. It had hurt to see her so timid that she couldn’t leave my side, and now seeing her be more active made me happy. I could not wait for her to regain her clarity fully.

Alice sat on my lap and ate cores as usual and Xia stood to my side until I told her to sit by my side. I felt tempted sometimes to give her an order to never stand at attention like that, but I didn’t want to force someone to do as I ordered, deep within I felt guilty at even thinking of it.

The door opens and Amanda walks in, followed by Elise, who looked…exhausted, like she hadn’t slept for weeks. Well, I hadn’t slept for months, but I knew I was well off compared to how Elise looked. Amanda gives me a smile before leaning against the wall while Elise looks at me and walks over, sitting down opposite me.

“I take it you’ve finished your training? I’ll let the others know you’re ready to leave, it’ll take three days for all the equipment to be ready.” Elise spoke formally while also sounding exhausted. Moving Alice off my lap, I lean forward.

“I’m sorry for walking out the other night, Elise. I know you were only worried.”

Elise smiles slightly and waves her hand. “Don’t be. I’m not mad at you or anything, I understand why you were annoyed that night. If I had been in your position, I would’ve been the same. I’m just exhausted right now Alisha, otherwise I would have hugged you. Are you doing okay? Have you recovered your memories?”

“A few images of Elizabeth and Olivia, but that is it. That was a few months ago.”

Elise smiles, her eyes looking happy. “I’m glad to hear it. Have you noticed any changes in your behaviour? I’ve been worried that by forgetting your past you might be more willing to do something like join the Royal Guard or give up going to Crater.”

I knew she had been worrying about me for some time. “No, nothing like that. I don’t oppose joining the Guard, but something is telling me not to.”

“Good. It seems your instincts are top notch as always. As I said, joining them is likely the best thing anyone could do, but you will be tied to this city until the day it is destroyed. Don’t tie yourself down, Alisha. Your future isn’t here.” Elise gets up and ruffles my hair. “I’m going to go rest, come and talk to me some time, ok?”

I smiled and told her I will. Elise excused herself and left, with Amanda taking her place on the couch.

As I’m about to speak, Amanda looked at me seriously. “Please forgive Elise today. She has for the last five months been working non-stop while also trying to find a way to help you recover your memories. Seeing you today should give her enough peace of mind to finally rest. Don’t feel guilty either, she goes to this length for any of her adventurers, it’s a bad habit. She once researched for a year to find a way to resolve a crippling poison for one of her adventurers.”

Looking at the door Elise had left through, I smiled softly. I wanted to thank her somehow, and planning to find something to buy for her when I went to buy something for Aubrey, I wondered what Elise would like.

“Now, I want to talk to you, Alisha ‘Starcaller’ Nocturne. This concerns not only you, but everyone here.”

Looking at Amanda, she leaned forward and said. “War is coming for Vale.”