****Aesar POV****

Ryfon was running ahead at breakneck speed while skillfully maneuvering through the large and dense trees. We were making our way out of the Forest of Asteria. After we checked on my great uncle in Casaluna to get an understanding on their situation, we set on our quest.

During the time when we arrived in Casaluna, I was surprised at how well their conditions were. The walls were only damaged some and few soldiers were injured. That’s to say that the soldiers in Casaluna were powerful; though, they were still below the might of our village’s soldiers.

My great uncle, who had been studying about the Forest for centuries and various other things did not have any clue to what happened. This was quite frustrating. But from what Stiria said, it was still possible to go to the realm where my village disappeared to; it gave me a sense of relief and hope.

Although Ryfon and I can go on without rest for a long time, Great Uncle convinced us to stay at his place over the night. I could tell that he was hardened by the current events. However, in his state, he still managed to comfort us on our village’s safety. He would constantly bring up the strength of Mytethnaes’s soldiers and my dear mother’s strength, as well as my honored grandfather’s strength. This reminder was reaffirming, for I did not doubt their strength. I’ve seen and experienced it first hand before.

We however did not meet with the elites that came with us after the appearance of the black sphere. Perhaps they were caught by it.

As we continued to make our way out of the forest, I felt as if part of me was missing. Whenever I would adventure out of the village, I had no worries. I was confident in my strength and I could return to my dear mother after my excursions. This time, I was leaving home without anyone to return to, always constantly agonizing over the safety of my loved ones.

After brooding over the past events, I focused on the task at hand and continued to move at blinding speed.

Large trees and various other plants came and go as quickly as I saw them. We were making fast progress.

Ryfon and I had our usual attire and weapons, but this time we had a black cloak draped on our backs. Thanks to my great uncle, we were able to take 10 platinum coins, 32 gold coins, 30 silver coins, 20 copper coins; though, most of the money was with Ryfon. We also had provisions that could a few days, a map and spare clothing; all of which were stored in a dark brown leather bag.

The two of us moved across the forest quickly by foot, as it was the only means of travel in and out of the forest, aside from flying. Along the way, we encountered varies creatures, but they were dealt with quickly.

Our first general direction was west to Crystal City, a city that would provide a way to cross the sea. We planned on sailing to Galedria Kingdom which was west of the kingdom we were currently on, Edendas Kingdom.

After a short period of traversing through the Forest Asteria, Its edge finally came into view. I saw Ryfon disappear into a bright light as he exited the dark forest. My heart started to rapidly pound against my chest as I knew that I would be next.

Bright light soon greeted my eyes as I stopped on my tracks and slowly shifted my head left and right while lush green knee-high grass entered my field of vision. Off towards the distance were large mountains that had pearly white peaks. I processed everything that I saw. I turned my head to where Ryfon was, only to see a hardened look.

From this, thought back about my dear mother and my village.

I knew back then that my dear mother was just as adventurous as Ryfon and the current me. Although, she never had the chance because honored grandfather forbade her from leaving the forest, just as my dear mother forbade to from leaving. It’s quite the irony really; I’ve heard that people outside the forest viewed the Forest of Asteria as very dangerous, but to my village, it was a safe haven. I wanted to show her what’s beyond the forest. I wanted let her experience what she wanted before she met me. Someday, I will take her with me, whether honoured grandfather likes it or not.

Still standing on the same spot, I glanced at a black luster, circular gem that hung on a white thread, placed around my neck.

My heart started to ache.

After a few moments of finally grasping my current state, I carefully placed my precious necklace underneath my long sleeve shirt, hiding it from any wandering eyes.

“Aesar, are you ready?” said Ryfon as he distantly stared into the horizon.

I replied “Yes, I’m ready. Lead the way.”

At this, Ryfon glanced at me and nodded. In a split second, we had seemed to disappear from where we were at. Without various obstacles in the forest, we were able to travel faster.

It was wonderful. I could clearly see everything around me. It was very different from the forest where large trees would block out majority of the surroundings and blanket the ground with its thick leaves preventing most of the light from ever reaching the ground.

We ran nonstop and no words were exchanged between the two of us as it would disrupt our rhythmic breathing. My legs were starting to feel a bit tired, but it would not be a bother if I were to continue for a longer amount of time. Ryfon seemed to be fine, but over time, our speed gradually slowed down.

After quickly passing through a sea of knee-tall grass, various animals I have never personally seen, and mountains passing by as we sped through large amount distance, Crystal City came into view.

The city was huge. Large, thick stone walls 25 meters tall that seemed to be magically enhanced towered into the sky while enclosing the city. In the center of the city was a large castle on top of a slightly elevated ground. The castle was the biggest structure I have ever seen, easily doubling the height of the walls. Its white, tinge of gold stone walls and beautiful azure roofs, gleamed against the mid-afternoon sun.

The rest of the city was difficult to see as the large wall hid the rest of the city. Our slightly elevated position allowed us to see only so much.

I glanced to my left and found Ryfon who seemed a bit drained; not so much physically, but mentally. To run at such speeds would require mana to physically enhance the body to make it move faster.

As for me, I did not use mana, it was all natural. Thus, I am only a bit tired physically. Whereas, Ryfon was a bit tired physically and mentally.

Regardless of our current state, we are still capable of doing so much more.

After briefly stopping at the sight of Crystal City, I followed Ryfon in a normal stroll to a path towards our right that would lead us to the city next to the sea.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

On a dirt path about three meters wide, various glances were directed towards us as we passed by some Elves, Beastmen, Nagas and Humans. This was probably due to our looks. We were quite handsome and would probably be assumed as nobles judging from our fine quality attire and equipment.

We made our way to the gates of Crystal City in a normal pace. Next to the gates were two guards standing at the ends of the gate, and there were two other guards carefully inspecting various groups of people or individual that wanted to enter into the city.

I glanced up into the sky where the sun was slowly setting as it caused the blue sky to dye in an orange color. It was a sight that I never got tired of. Back in the village, I would climb on top of the trees and watch beautiful sunsets such as the one I was seeing.

Once we neared the gates, the glances of the four guards had a suspicious look, but never took any actions.

We manage to get through the gates without any problems. The guards only asked a few questions and then ask for an entrance fee of 2 silvers for the both of us which we paid without any hesitation. Part of the easy entrance was probably because we were both elves and were presumed as high-ranking individuals from the looks of our fine quality equipment. It helped that Edendas Kingdom was an elven kingdom.

Although my expressions were not shown, on the inside, I was amazed. Upon entering Crystal City, buzzing noises from crowds of individuals bombarded me. Left and right, people were walking past me and in front of me. My senses were overloaded. I stopped on my tracks trying to suppress and control my incredibly sharp senses. After a few moments I was able focus on what I wanted. Although my senses were still sharp, it still did not bother me as much. The constant honing and controlling of my senses during my time in the village when Ryfon and I would hunt helped immensely with my control and focus.

After stabilizing, I got a clear view of the city. Various people of various races walked on cobbled roads. Some had armor and weapons whom I presumed were adventurers.

From what I’ve heard from Ryfon and other elves from our village, adventurers were various individuals that would do various quests that would range from bounties, monster subjugation, and guarding, as well as other things.

It was a surprise to me that Ryfon was not an adventurer. When I brought it up in my early years he said that he had no need for it, for he was only out to wander the world, not to get a job, even though the rewards were very generous. He also had no need for the rewards for he was rich from selling monster materials he had slayed.

I continued to observe my surroundings.

All the buildings were finely built with stone that were placed accordingly. In front of my direct view was the Castle I had previously seen outside the gates.

I turned towards Ryfon only to have found him with a tired look. For him to have traveled many parts of the world, this must not have amazed him to a high degree.

“This place was just as amazing as I last saw it,” said Ryfon with his tired expression.

I said to him “It doesn’t seem that way judging from your tired, almost bored expression.”

“Don’t get me wrong, this city is amazing compared to most of the other cities I have seen. The economy is thriving here and every building is an architectural beauty. Not to mention that the duke and the duchess who control these lands are good people. And if you don’t know, that huge castle up there,” Ryfon pointed at the large castle I was previously looking at and continued “is where they reside.”

“Now let’s go find an inn.” And with Ryfon’s last line, he moved forward and maneuvered through the busy streets, as if he knew where to go. And with that, I followed him.

Few glances were directed towards us here and there, by both male and females. But the two sexes had looks with very different meanings behind them. This however was ignored by us as we continued to make our way to an inn.

After moving on the cobbled streets for a while, the sun had finally disappeared from sight. This however did not darken the city. In fact, after the sun disappeared into the horizon, the city lit with colors. The streets were clearly visible from the lights emitted by crystals that were place on top of poles accordingly placed on the street sides.

Shortly after the sun completely set, we stood before a large building two stories high. It was an inn, an expensive looking one at that.

I followed Ryfon as we entered through a finely, crafted double-doors.

Upon entering, we made our way to a counter directly in front of us. A young looking male elf stood before the counter and lowered his head as he greeted us. Ryfon asked for a single room with two beds. He then gave the receptionist 10 Silver coins to pay for two nights that included two meals a day, one in the morning and the other at night.

As we made our way to our rooms, with a raised eyebrow, I questioned, “Why two nights?”

“I figured that I might as well show you around this city tomorrow and perhaps look for various things we may need. This is your first time out of the village, might as well spare a day. I know you may not like straying from our original goal, but with the 4 Legions in the village they should fare well. This could also lighten the mood,” he replied with a solemn look.

At this I scowled a bit, but I did not refute him. To find a way to reach our village was my one and only goal, not to sightsee. But he was right; we needed to raise our morals. We couldn’t go on like this; it will only consume us with nothing but a desolated-filled journey. We will only decay from our disillusion.

And with that, we arrived in our room, a much decorated room, with two large beds.

We got in bed shortly after we removed some of our gear. Ryfon took the bed nearest to the door and I sensed that he was already asleep. I shortly followed, after.

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