24 Chapter 22: Ceres Astel and The Travel Towards the Past [Part 2]

"Mama~! Here~! Look! I made you cookies! Papa too, have a taste~!"

Ah… I remember this place. It's our house back in the kingdom. Our family is quite on the above average class and sort of well-off as well. Mama usually buys me a lot of dresses and shoes.

"Oho. Now these are lots of fine chocolate cookies!"

Geez… Papa. Those are not chocolate cookies. I just burnt them a little. Haha.

"Honey, they're not chocolate cookies."

"Uu… They should be ordinary cookies… but… I baked them too much…"

"A-Ahaha! Don't worry, Ceres! Everyone makes mistakes! Just make another one next time. But of course, I'll eat these."

Aaah… You'll hurt your stomach, Papa. Mama, you should stop him, too!

"Eh? It's okay, Papa. They will not be good…"

"What are you saying, you child?? It's my daughter's precious cookies!! How can I not eat them??"

"I am that daughter though…"

Haha, Papa is so weird.

"Fufu. Papa can be weird at times, isn't it Ceres?"

"*giggle* Un! But I love Papa and Mama!"

"… Huhu. Is this happiness…? It is, right Honey?"

"It is dear. It is our happiness indeed."

It is my happiness too, Mama, Papa.

"Hug!!"

"You spoiled child. Come here."

"Fufu. Let me in too."

"Hahaha. Of course, dear!"

"Mama. Papa. I love you!"

…

"Hn…? Mor… ning? Hnnn~~ *yawn*"

Oh right. I'm staying at an inn right now. The light from the rising sun is now already passing through a small space between the closed curtains. I didn't notice I fell asleep while thinking about things.

At any rate…

It is the first time that I've dreamt about Mom and Dad in a joyous situation… I feel so happy, it makes my heart flutter. It's so warm. I wonder why? Most usually, I dream of horrifying things but now… All I saw was smiles and laughter. It's the time when I can still smile widely like that.

"Hnng…! Haa…"

I stretched my body which is now light as a feather, hugging the pillow beside me. I want to sleep more with this feeling. I want to dream more of Mom and Dad again and enjoy my time together with them once more.

"Oh, you're awake now?"

It feels so warm too, even my pillow feels warm. Did I bring a pillow this large before coming here with that guy?

"Good morning. *smile*"

With this guy who's smiling in front of me. More like, inches away from my face.

"Are you still half asleep? Closing and opening your eyes like that."

"…"

Just like that in an instant, all the memories came back all at once and how it woke me up…

"Uhm… Uhm…"

"Yeah?"

I found myself clinging to him with my arms and feet as I use his right arm as a pillow. I feel his hands on my head, probably preventing it from falling. My body is so stuck to him that even my chest and legs are, without any reserved, touching his body.

"~~!!!"

I felt all the blood rushed upwards towards my head as I realize that this is something embarrassing. No… something so embarrassing I could die…

"Uhm… Th-This is…! Ah- I… I…"

I slowly distance myself away from him on the bed as I get the blanket to cover up my body. And moreover… My shirt's all messed up it almost showed more than it should…! So I tried to fix it even for a bit, combing it with my fingers.

"Are you okay, Ceres?"

"Y-Yeah… I'm… I'm sorry…"

I can't believe it… I can't… No… I don't want to believe it…! For me to cling to him while I was asleep… Where is the barrier that I placed??

… It's gone… And if I take a good look, it really looks like I did break it and entered his space… I can't say anything to blame him…! Though I know it's all my fault for doing so, still! It's still embarrassing…!! And why isn't he even bothered or even at least embarrassed by it?? Is my body that not appealing to him??

"Phew. It looks like you're okay."

"Eh…?"

"It's nothing. Do you want to take the bath first?"

I fix my hair while still holding the blanket that is covering my body. I look at him bewildered by his reaction but it would be wise to just forget all about it. Hmp. It seems like he's not even bothered by it at least. Sorry for having a boring body.

"Y-Yeah. I will then."

"The personnel arrived earlier and told us that there will be a breakfast prepared for us later. They prepared two even though it should only be one. You found a really good place."

"Wait… D-Do you mean…"

"Hm?"

"Th-That personnel s-s-saw…"

"Saw what?"

"Saw me clinging to you!!"

"Ah… Yeah. With a huge grin on her face. Haha."

"…!!!! 'Haha' won't sum that up…!!"

Aaaaaahhh…!! I'm dead…! I'm dying…! Please someone kill me…!

"Haha. Don't worry about it. We'll be leaving here later anyways."

"… I really can't accept it even if you say it like that, though… *sigh*"

First thing in the morning and this… I thought it would be a great day since I've dreamt of a good dream for the first time in a long while but… It was a naïve thinking…

"I'll be waiting for you outside. I'll take a bath after you."

"Alright…"

…

[Hans' POV]

"*inhale* …"

I…

"*SIGH!!* Goodness gracious…!!"

What in the world just happened…??

It was just a whim on my side, or half-joking about it but I didn't think she would let me sleep on the bed!

"…"

I'm now standing just in front of the door as I just got out of the room, contemplating about the happenings just this night, no, just earlier this morning. I almost couldn't sleep at all. It was fine at first, yeah. I thought I would calm down eventually after talking with her. But it just got worse when she fell asleep.

… She was so defenseless.

Her loose shirt…

Her slightly, pulled down shorts… (I saw a bit of her underwear…)

Her chest that's moving upward and downward from her soft breathing…

Her slightly opened lips…

And her disheveled hair that runs across her face…

If I were not a great gentleman, I would've done something already. Yep. Of course, I am a gentleman. I absolutely didn't ogle at her while I had the chance.

And moreover! Her sleeping posture is too much for me to handle! Just recalling the times where I had to recite the numbers of pi in my head just to remove my thoughts from what's beside me.

Though I don't know past .1415. So had to resort to multiplication table.

"*sigh* And to think she would end up clinging to me throughout the night."

She was meekly sleeping for the first few minutes but after that, she kept moving and tossing around in bed, making the barrier that she put up useless.

But what happened after that is…

["Mama… Papa… Don't leave me…"]

"She was crying…"

I was at my wits end. But when I saw her crying, all unnecessary thoughts were instantly blown away. While I feel her hands that are clutched on my clothes trembling, I was brought back to my reason. No… I couldn't think about anything at all. At the least, I just held her cold hands to calm her down, but I don't know if it helped. Everything that ran inside my head had vanished and I found myself patting her head as she used my arm as a pillow. I think it helped, or is what I'd like to believe. But…

There really is a lot that happened to her before, huh…

And there was last night's too. I thought it was because she couldn't take how I forcefully put a ring on her finger and cried because of disgust but, it looks like that's not it. When I tried to get the ring off of her finger, she pulled her hand back, wearing a face of disappointment. Then followed by another flow of tears. Is she reminded of something because of it? Or did she liked it to the point of crying?

Whatever the case, it hits hard when I saw her in that vulnerable state. I didn't think she could make an expression like that, while crying on top of it.

… I want to ask her about it.

…

"… *sigh* Let's just have the personnel get the breakfast ready."

I was told that they would prepare the breakfast for us and deliver it when we are ready. I just have to call for her downstairs where the lobby and the reception desk is located.

The place we stayed in is a fairly small inn compared to what I saw before going here, but the customer service is great. The people are nice, most especially the owner, who is actually the mother of the personnel who assisted us. She runs the inn with her husband and two teenage daughters who serves in the eatery here which also turns into a pub in the evening. I'd like to try their drinks someday. Too bad we have to go early today.

This town is called Atleir Town. It's just a day travel from Florensia Town by a carriage pulled by a horse. It's a lot smaller than Florensia Town but it doesn't fall behind with its beauty and prosperity. The scenery of the mountain range that surrounds the two towns is visible from here. Making it a great spot for artists who are looking for inspirations. This town is also known for their beers which they brew using an ancient method that is passed through its generations. I bet that Frank would love to come to this place.

I also heard that the range is full of mountains that contains dungeons and dangerous forests. It is one of the most famous spot for hunting for some adventurers who loves thrill. So most of their visitors here are adventurers that are on their way to the mountain range to hunt. And because of that, this inn is always bustling with crowd even early in the morning.

Just like this.

"Excuse me."

Arriving where the eatery is, I found the two daughters working hard, serving the customers. I tried to call out to them to let them know that we would like to have our breakfast but it seems like they're still busy and didn't notice me. So I went inside the kitchen, hoping for the owner would be there.

Well I found her there but she's also busy together with her husband and I can't seem to disturb them at the moment.

I'll just come back later.

"Oh? Mister with the golden hair! Did you have a good night sleep with your wife?"

"Ah. Yes. Thanks to you."

Perhaps, noticing me loitering around the place, the owner called out to me with a vigorous voice, befitting her healthy physique. She continued to move her hands while being helped by her husband, making it really easy to see that she's really used to her work. I really notice those kinds of things when it comes to people who cook.

And it seems like she misunderstood us to be a married couple but I don't mind it either way, so I'll just let her believe what she thinks.

"Uh. Are you okay?"

"Hm?? Ahh. Of course, we're okay! It's the usual rush hour in the morning. Our daughters are doing their best so we just could let out pride as parents down, now can we?? Haha!"

*clang* *clink* *clang*

"I see."

*chop* *chop*

She's really lively even with all her intense work.

"If it's okay with you, I could help. I'm a chef."

"Really? But we can't let our dear customer to have him help!"

"Ah. No. Let me rephrase that. Let me help, please."

"… Haha! Alright, here's the apron, have your way!"

"Leave it to me."

I put on the apron that was given to me and used a handkerchief that I make sure to bring with me every time. Ever since I started cooking in this world and at Ceres and Anya's restaurant, I make sure to use this handkerchief that I bought whenever I cook. It's just a simple white cloth that has black broidery on the edges.

"Let's do this."

Getting used to helping Ceres cook back home, it didn't take much time to get used here this time. It's much more busier than it is in our restaurant, nonetheless, cooking is fun so I didn't have the slightest of complain.

"Hmm…"

The way they cut the ingredients, the way they heat the meat, the way they boil the soup, it's almost the same with how Ceres did them. Perhaps it is just their culture reflecting on their cooking. But…

"It's really different…"

I really find this all different from how I cook. Or rather, from my world's cooking.

Well, I'm not saying that it is bad or it makes the food inedible. Yes, the ingredients are a bit different from my world, from the appearance and shape, and how they are procured and harvested. But the taste is not that different from the ones that I know.

Here, some of the ingredients are cooked together. Where in my world, there should be steps and procedures or in other words, the order of cooking them. Even the heat of the flame, the cutting of the ingredients, and how they actually cook them is a bit lacking in terms of perfection. I'm pretty sure it's just how they cook it ever since. But compared to how I used to cook them, I really think I can still make this dishes better.

But I'm just a guest here. I shouldn't do anything unnecessary.

"An order of the Fomapo-Settuce Salad, here you go!"

I relayed the dish from the kitchen right after I made it, placing it on the counter for the customer to receive it.

"Thank you very much, Mister!"

One of the sisters placed the dish on a tray with a huge smile on her face. She must really love her job to still feel like that even with how busy they are right now.

"You're welcome."

"You're really used to this, aren't you Mister?"

"To some degree, yeah."

"Hm. It's really a big help."

This time, it's the husband that thanked me. It really feels better to see them smile like this even though it's different from what I'm used to.

The first thing that encouraged me to cook was to see a smile. There was once a time when I watched a T.V series where the main character is a cook. He cooks for everyone that comes to his shop. Whatever kind of cooking they demanded, he made sure to give them the best of flavors that will melt their taste buds and cheeks, making them smile as they eat his dishes. All of his customers went home with a huge smile plastered on their faces every episode. I really thought how I would like to cook for my mother that time and make her smile.

Because she lost hers when my father died.

"Oh, Ceres? You done taking a bath?"

"Yeah."

She got down from upstairs, wearing her usual getup of long-sleeved white shirt that has a wide opening, revealing her shoulders and leather shorts that measures down just above her knee. Usually she wears a leather chest cover above her shirt but maybe because we're just having breakfast right now, she's not wearing it.

As usual, her right bangs is fixed to the back of her ear with her silver moon shaped hair clip. Her wet hair that sticks on her neck and face, and the slowly dripping water droplet seem so alluring to me. Probably because of what just happened. Still, I tried to be as cool as possible.

"What's wrong? Staring at me like that."

"Ah. No. It's nothing.

And… Hm. Good. It looks like she's back to her usual self. I was thinking that it'll be hard for her to just forget about it, there's also last night's happening too. Aside from her slightly flushed cheeks, her face is back to the usual stern Ceres. I'll just make sure to forget about it for now. But the way it bothers me can't be simply removed just like that, it seems.

"What are you doing there cooking like it's the most natural thing in the world?"

"It looks like they were having a hard time. I couldn't just sit and do nothing."

"*sigh* I feel like I'm getting used to you being so nosy."

"I'm great, aren't I?"

"I'm not praising you. Ms. Owner? Can I have an apron?"

"My? Even Mrs. Wife wants to help? What's this, today is a good day!"

"Wi-?! … Ah. *sigh* Whatever."

She then tied her hair into a ponytail like she always does whenever she cooks. Ceres then wore the white apron that matches her black glistening hair. She proceeds to do whatever she's told to and cook as she's instructed. It's like we're back in our own restaurant and our hands moved like they used to, forgetting almost everything and focused on what our hands do.

"Slime, is the stock ready?"

"In about 2 minutes."

"Alright. I'll be cutting up the fish so get on with the filling."

"Roger that."

"Ah. Mrs. Wife, are the settuce ready?"

"Yes, here they are."

"Oh my! Already this much!"

"Ain't Ceres awesome?? Hehe~"

*bonk*

"Ow-"

"Why are you the one being proud of it? Hmph."

"Haha! You two are very close, eh? Now that's a married couple for you!"

"Hm. We're also a married couple, dear."

Perhaps listening for a while now, the husband joined the conversation.

"Hahaha! Now that you mention it!"

"Dear…!!"

"… *sigh*"

"Aren't you going to deny it, Ceres?"

"I gave up."

After a while, the customers have left one by one and slowly the eatery became empty as if the rush hour earlier was just a lie. It became quiet all of a sudden with only the chopping on the board can be heard.

"…"

Taking a glance at her direction and having laid my eyes on her face, I saw the smile she usually has whenever she cooks. Maybe she just doesn't care anymore or like what she said, she just gave up on denying it, but…

I still feel happy that she doesn't mind it that much since yesterday. I mean, if it was like before, she'll be denying it with every fiber of her being. Now even with them misunderstanding us, she can still smile like she's having fun. Can I take this as a sign that I got closer to her than before?

If so…

It's really worth coming with her on this travel.

"But to think you two would be this capable of cooks!"

"It's nothing much. Right, Ceres?"

"Yes. We just did what we could and helped."

"I see, I see!"

"Maica and I are taking a peek from time to time and thought you two were really awesome!"

Now the two daughters entered the kitchen while we're cleaning up. The dishes piled up without us noticing. So going out of our way, we just considered it as the continuation of our help and washed the dishes together with them.

"Yes. I also think you two are amazing."

"See?? Even Maica is saying that! My twin sister can be quite stoic at things so if she praised you it's really heartfelt!"

Laica said so with her energetic voice even making hand gestures as she does so. They're like two peas in a pod if you look at them. With only the way their hair is fixed different, but their personalities are the complete opposite of each other.

If they think well of us like this, then it would be rude to just deny it more than this.

"I see. Thank you. You two also did your best, you know? Serving the customers, running around holding a huge tray. It's quite admirable."

I wiped my hands with the apron then pat their head as a reassurance of what I just said.

"… Hehe. I'm praised."

"Yaaay! Hehehe~ Too bad Hans already has a wife. I wanted to volunteer too!"

"…!"

"Well, well. You'll find someone better in no time. Right, Ceres?"

"Hmp."

*stomp!*

"Ow-! My foot!!"

"Oh my, oh my! It seems like Mrs. Wife got jealous. I'm sorry for my daughter, she just couldn't get herself a boyfriend, that's why she's like this."

"J-Jeal-?!"

"Hey, Mom! It's like you're saying I'm just a desperate girl!"

"Haha! Aren't you not, dear??"

"Please, Mrs. Owner! I-I am not! Please don't misunderstand! I wanted to correct it this earlier but I just gave up. We're not married or anything! This guy's just my co-worker, or like, my subordinate! Hey, you! Say something too!"

"Nah. This looks interesting so I'll just watch."

"What are saying like it's none of your business?!"

Well, it IS interesting seeing Ceres flustered. She's cute as she tries her best explaining things. It's just fun teasing her.

"Eh? But you rented a single room though? Are you serious you're not going out at least?"

Putting her pointy finger on her lips, Laica asked with an innocent face.

"We're not!"

"Eeehhh~ I see, I see! Then I now have a chance then, Sir Hans??"

"Hm… If you grow up after at least 5 years, I'll consider it then."

"Muu… 5 years is too long!!"

"Hng!!"

*stomp!*

"Ow-!! Why did you step on my foot again, Ceres??"

Even for me, her stomp is like being hit with a baton by a muscular man.

"… Are these two really not going out…?"

Maica, who's washing the dishes expressionless, said so.

…

"Are you two going to Estelanta Kingdom?"

"That's not it. We are going to the cemetery."

"Estelanta Cemetery, huh? We can drop you somewhere near it, if you want."

"That will do. Thank you."

We got on the carriage that is departing for a travel directly towards the Estelanta Kingdom.

After helping at the inn, we got our breakfast and lunch for free as a payment for helping them. They even included some packed meals for us that will stay fresh for three days so it's really worth helping them. Though I didn't have that kind of ulterior motives when I helped them, I still feel lucky after receiving this much.

Ceres' bag is full so I'm now carrying the rest. 3 hours ago, while Ceres was readying her stuff, I went ahead and went a round at the town. Memorizing the field in my head as I try to enjoy the scenery. I also looked around some stores to find something useful even for me. I bought a book to serve as my practice material while studying their writing system.

Before coming here, whenever I got a break from work or even just for a second I'm free, I will have either Anya or Tia teach me since Ceres was so against in getting close to me. But Anya and even Tia did a great help and now I can read most of the letters, though it was quite just simple since I can already speak the language itself.

I bought two books. One is a history book, History Documentation, which explains in detail what happened before in this world. The other is a like a geological book that discuss about different places that are recorded in the history. Thinking about it, I've only got the slightest of clue to what kind of world I was sent to. I really ought to study them now that I have the chance to do so. I like reading so it's really not that of chore reading this, anyways.

But I want to read a novel some time. I wonder what kind of novels they have here.

"This will be a 7 day travel but if you're going to the cemetery, you will arrive after 6 days."

"Alright. Just as planned."

"Did you prepare a medicine for motion sickness this time, Ceres?"

*bonk*

"Ow-!"

We are now on our way to the cemetery where Ceres' parents lie in peace. But the carriage that we got on, which is actually a part of a caravan, is directly going to Estelanta Kingdom. Good thing the driver went his way and will drop us somewhere near the cemetery.

Estelanta Kingdom is the largest kingdom in the human continent which thrones the King and his Queen who reigns the whole continent. There are other kingdoms that spreads all over the human continent but are fairly small and is only ruled by nobles from the branch family of the royalty. It's like they're small connections from the Kingdom.

"And dear passengers. I should warn you first now that we've come here."

"Hm? Is there some sort of a problem?"

Wondering, I asked the driver first.

"Not really a problem because we're already in a safe hands. I know you have already heard, there are sightings of pride of [Dire Ligers] from around the spot where we will be camping for tonight. But I assure you that the adventurers we hired will definitely keep us safe. Should something happen, the adventurers will do something about it."

"Hmm…"

Our point of destination, which is the Estelanta Cemetery, is also governed by the kingdom and is a day travel from there so we will be arriving our destination earlier than the people with us who are on their way to the kingdom. There's a map scribed on 2 pages of the book that centers around the Estelanta Kingdom. It says here that from our point now, we are heading towards north-east.

Therefore… We will be camping around a plain that has large boulders scattered everywhere. If ever those Dire Ligers attacked, we can use those boulders as an advantage for us. Though I still won't know unless I see the actual site.

Nice. The book already had its use.

Then after a while.

"Ceres? Are you sleepy?"

"I'm not."

Although saying that, I can see her eyelids closing slowly as her head nods slightly and straighten up again when she notice it.

"Did you not get enough sleep?"

"And whose fault is that?"

"Huh? It's mine? Though from what I remember, you slept like a log."

"…!! You… How did you know that?? Does that mean you're awake all the time??"

Oh no. It slipped.

Hm.

Oh well.

"Who wouldn't? I mean, sleeping beside a cute girl my age will definitely have me awake the whole night. I got nervous I couldn't sleep."

"…!"

"Well, even a slight nap will be no problem for me. I'm used to night raids back in my world, so going for days without sleep is an ordinary tasks for… me… Ceres? Why is your face so red?"

"Wh-?? N-No! Don't look! I-It's not…!"

"Really? If you feel under the weather, just tell me. The owner gave me some medicine that may help us on our travel."

"I said, it's not!"

["S-So… He WAS conscious of me that night… Now that I think about it… What's this…? It's embarrassing yet, I'm relieved, at the same time. But why should I be relieved in the first place…?? It's not like I'm happy having him seen me as a woman…"]

She's just covering her face now for a while but…

"Hm… If you say so. But still I'm getting worried if you're like that."

"I got it, I got it! I'll tell you, I just have to tell you, right?? But I'm really fine right, now so leave me alone…!"

"Hmm… Alright, then."

Along with the rattling of the carriage wheels, I'll just enjoy the scenery of the plains where we are tracking for now. This will be a long travel so I must find a way to spend the time while being inside this carriage. The carriage we are in is like those in olden times. A large wooden cart that has big wooden wheels installed, with a cover at the top preventing the sun, or possibly the rain from bathing us. It has enough space for 8 people and we're one of those, who are either sleeping or just like me, enjoying the scenery outside.

We are now travelling on a plain that is simply a grassland with few trees sprouting from here and there. Though the mountain range is still visible, it's not the same now from when we are at the village. That's to be expected since it's already been 3 hours since our departure. We left the town at about 2 in the afternoon so I'm guessing we will be camping if we won't make it to the next town, but…

The driver just said that there won't be towns that we will be stopping at. So this will be one continuous travel straight to the cemetery.

Thinking that, not after a while, I felt a slight weight from my shoulder and noticed that Ceres has fallen asleep. The moment she fell asleep, she just went ahead and latched herself to me and got herself a good night sleep. But I guess she really couldn't sleep much yesterday night before that.

I'll just let her sleep until we reached our first camp site.

I look out from the carriage and leaned my left arm to it as I hold my chin, enjoying the new scenery with my eyes as the wind slightly blows, making our hairs flutter in response.

…

Night has fell and now we're preparing for today's slumber. The carriages surrounds the camp and forms a circle around, acting as a barrier for sudden dangers like the possible attack of the Dire Ligers. Some brought out their own sleeping bags, others set up a large tent that can contain 5 people at a time. Ceres and I bought a sleeping bag from Atleir Town before leaving so we won't have any problem sleeping here.

Each group joined together and lit up a campfire to fight the cold and some have already started cooking their dinner. While we already have our own dinner for today that we got from the owner of the inn, the others still shared some with us.

Bathe by the starlight and lighten up by the campfire, one brought out an instrument that resembles a guitar and began singing the night away. We all sat on stones and some on wooden chairs that circles the fire, eating, drinking, and singing. Everyone had fun altogether and I see no harm in it as I actually found myself enjoying the jolly atmosphere. But on the other hand…

"Are you going to sleep already?"

"Yeah."

"I see. Just hop in your sleeping bag, I'll take care of our things. Though you still got sleepy after sleeping that much in the ride?"

"L-Leave me alone."

Perhaps remembering the time when she fell asleep while leaning on my shoulder, I can see a faint blush on her cheek illuminated by orange from the campfire.

"Alright, alright. Good night, Ceres."

"Mm. G'night."

I saw her lie down in her sleeping bag but I noticed that she didn't fully closed it. I guess she just wanted some time alone. For now I'll just arrange our things and call it a day myself.

"D-DIRE LIGERS!!"

Wha??

"Where are our hired adventurers????"

"They fell asleep after drinking!!"

Goodness… They knew that will be having a guard duty then why drink. Maybe they got a bit lax after enjoying the atmosphere.

In any case this is a dire situation because of the Dire Ligers.

Pfft…

Dire situation and Dire Ligers…

"What are you creepily snickering there, Slime?"

"Ah. You're couldn't sleep?"

"Yeah. Not after the screaming of everyone."

"Hm. Alright, time to move."

"Where are you going, slime?"

"You already know! I'll go and be a little bit nosy!"

I ran towards the caravan leader who is using a monocular to look out, leaving Ceres together with the non-combatant civilians. As expected of this caravan that is known for its safety, even with the trouble of losing their guards, they still manage to secure the place in an orderly manner.

"Mr. Mirchel."

Mr. Mirchel is the leader of the caravan. He's a well-built, gentle looking, gray bearded old man who wears a high class suit, befitting of a noble merchant.

Even in this situation, he kept calm as he instructed other adventurers to secure the civilians to a safe place. The site has now become a bit rowdy from the building of barriers and other tools that may help us prevent the Dire Ligers to get to the civilians.

A huge bonfire was lit around where we adventurers are to draw the monsters attention here.

"Oh, are you one of the passengers? I suggest you take shelter behind the caravans before the Dire Ligers come. I'll gather some of the combat capable people to do something about this."

"Ah, no. I'm also an adventurer. Let me help."

"Really? That would be great."

He then proceeds to pat my shoulder wearing a relieved expression. Maybe the situation is quite sever that even if having just one more people would make him feel like this.

"If I left you alone and die, Anya will get sad when I go back."

"Ceres?"

"Don't misunderstand."

"Ceres… Uu… You're making me cry…! *sniffle*"

"*sigh* Alright, alright. You're welcome."

"So your wife will be helping too? Is she an adventurer too?"

"Right."

"I'm not his wife. But sure. I'm helping."

"Now this will be more reassuring. May I ask your ranks, just in case?"

I answered first before Ceres.

"I'm a Level 13 Rank G."

"I'm Rank C."

…

C?? Wasn't it just recent that she's still Rank D?? Just what in the world is Ceres doing on her free time…?

"Rank C! I see. That's favorable for us."

Uhm. What about mine? Is Rank G not favorable for you guys?

"They're here, Sir Mirchel! Approximately 5 minutes until contact!"

"Got it."

Mr. Mirchel then stood up in a stool and looked everyone in their eyes. The eyes of resolution and courage. Even with only us 24 combat capable people here including me and Ceres, which is greatly outnumbered by the incoming hungry Dire Ligers, everyone believes that they will get through here alive because of his display of bravery.

"Everyone!! Prepare for a brutal fight against the Dire Ligers! The sighted Dire Ligers around her prowls the night to hunt. They will viciously attack everyone in sight! However! If we work together, we will definitely pass through this peril! Are you all ready?!?!"

"OOHHH!!!"

Everyone in the place shouted a cry of resolve.

"Alright, let's do this."

Now, now. Why not do this with a bang?

Once in a while, I should let all out without caring about surroundings from time to time, right?

This could also serve as a test for my strength.

"Hm."

I couldn't help but smile.

Even in this dangerous situation, I can't contain my excitement.

"H-Hey, you with the noble hair, where are you going all by yourself?"

I walk directly towards the direction of the incoming Dire Ligers, while cracking my finger.

"Well, let me try doing something. Leave it to me."

"…"

Ceres looked like she wanted to say something but… Let me just act cool sometimes.

I went into full combat mode as I now circulate every mana inside my body, spreading it throughout out my skin. I slowly squint my eyes as I look towards the pride of the ferocious Dire Ligers running at us at full speed.

A new skill. Nice. This would be perfect. Thanks Ms. Information.

I activated the skill in my mind and the surrounding place went brighter in an instant. It's still a bit dark around my field of vision but my line of sight is bright like I'm seeing during the day. It's a weird feeling. I was expecting it to be like a sight in an NVD.

"Ceres."

"… Hm?"

"I'll be back."

"… *sigh* Acting cool like that… Take care."

"Yeah."

"H-Hey. Don't you need to stop him?? He's just a Rank G! Facing a pride of Dire Ligers is just plain suicide!"

"Hm… That guy's just not normal, you see."

My bad, everyone. After getting pumped up like that.

But if I have the chance to not let everyone here get hurt, specially Ceres, I can't just fight idly in the back while I see her getting hurt just because she's on a higher rank than me. Anya would definitely kill me if I let something happen to her dear sister.

I promised to protect her, didn't I?

"Alright…!! Come!"

Hitting my right fist to my left palm, i look straight towards the direction of incoming Dire Ligers.

The ground has started shaking from the rumbling running steps of the Dire Ligers. Everyone has brought out their weapons, swords, axes, maces, daggers, bows, and others.

As for me…

"My fist will do for now."

Man, I really need a weapon.

I gathered the mana around the place around me and poured them in my right hand. I've gotten pretty well with manipulating the mana in the air as I practiced doing it when I went to the dungeon with Tia.

The air got stronger, and the ground below me began shaking even more, not because of the incoming monsters, but from the intense mana concentration in where I stand.

This will be the first time I will use this skill to its maximum output after placing all my crystal points into my Intelligence.

Slowly…

The mana gathered around my fist to the point it manifested even without the help of Mana Detect. Sparks and something like an electric current began appearing from where I stand.

"Wh-What the… What is that guy doing…?? What is this powerful surge of mana???"

"Even though I'm not a magician, I can see the mana concentration and actually feel it!"

"I-I think I've seen him before…"

"Alright! Everyone, stand back!"

Everyone did so as per my instruction and hid behind a huge boulder where the caravan and the civilians are hiding.

The light has become so bright, I had to deactivate the Night Vision skill.

It's ready.

"RAWR! GRRRRAR!!"

The pride is now greatly agitated maybe because of the mana gathering in one place.

Now, now… Just be patient…

*inhale*

… And…!

"… MANA BURST!!"

With every fiber of my muscles in my right arm contracted and pulled, I swing my right arm pulling it backwards. Forcing the concentrated mana in one point, I then strike my fist forward with unbelievable velocity towards the direction of the Dire Ligers.

And like a click from a pulled trigger…

*BOOM!!!"

All of the mana that I gathered in my fist instantly bursts out from one point creating a pressured bluish ray, obliterating everything it passes through. The burst blew away almost everything from where I stand, even some small boulders couldn't take the abrupt force. I i was pushed backwards because of the recoil but i managed to dig my fit to the ground. Also because of the sudden burst of light, it made it seem like daytime for the surroundings. Like a continuous and non-stopping lighting, the burst expands from its from its linear direction. If I just let my guard down even for a second, I would probably be blown away from the reaction and recoil.

"Wh-Whaaaa??!"

"Sir…! Mirchel…!! What is happening?!?!"

"I… I don't know… Let's just believe in him for now. That man… He's something. Even after all the years being an adventurer. He's the only one I've seen who could pull something like that with a mana."

The Mana Burst lasted for at least 10 seconds. Seeing the explosion from the mountain that it hit far away from our place, the pressure from my hand is now disappearing and I can feel the sensation in my arm again. Every time I use Mana Burst, I can feel my arm go numb during the activation.

Rocks are scattered everywhere and falling around. The dust and steam from the heat covered the place and made it all the more harder to see. But the light from the sky is enough to make it at least visible for us. After a short while, what greeted us is a scorched ground, creating a magma, without any sign of life on it.

"He… did it…"

"All by himself…"

"With just one attack…"

Even I'm surprised from its firepower.

Mana burst uses my Intelligence, I guess. I was expecting a normal kind of Mana Burst that I usually use during my ability testing because of my Strength. But after pouring all my crystal points in my Intelligence, it really got stronger to the point of scorching even the land from its wake.

"Phew… That's it, I guess. Ceres! How's that?"

I hit my palms together a number of times, removing the dust that accumulated on it.

"… Really… You never cease to surprise me. *sigh*"

"Hehe. Nah, it's nothing much."

Being praised by Ceres isn't bad.

"Hm. Welcome back."

"Haha. Thanks."

…

Chapter End 22

Name: Hans Alius Schmidt

Race: Human

Class: None

[Title/s]

Contracted One, Black Sheep

[Status]

Strength: 206(+206)/9999

Agility 82(+82)/9999

Intelligence 498(+498)(+500)/9999

Defense 15(+15)/9999

[Skills]

Mana Detect Lv. 10/10

Crush Strike Lv. 10/10

Beast Soul Activation Lv. 1/1

Mana Burst Lv. 6/10

Telepathy Lv. 1/1

Night Vision Lv. 1/1

Status Lv. 1/1

Harden Lv. 8/10

Damage Resistance Lv. 8/10

Beast Soul Link Lv. 1/1

[Crystal Points: 0]

[Name]: Hans Alius Schmidt

[Class]: None

[Sex]: Male

[Level]: 36

[Race]: Human

[Rank]: F

[Title]

Black Sheep

[Skills]

[Active Skill]

[Passive Skills]

N/A

[Quest/s]

(None)

[Party Members/Raid Members]

(None)

Next chapter