Simple paranoia

Atlas looked at the rifle with a cold sweat running through his body. He never expected that, in a world of magic, someone would have created a rifle, which was mostly similar to a musket.

Although it was slightly different from the muskets Atlas had seen in movies, it was undoubtedly a firearm.

"Is it some kind of weird staff?"

It was normal for everyone to feel confused, after all, a firearm was very different from what everyone was used to in this world.

"It doesn't matter, let's take it and go back" said Veronica, closing the box and lifting it.

They nodded and returned to the convoy where Basgran was waiting for them. Night had already fallen so he was already preparing food for when they arrived, but his discovery was more important than eating.

The five met Basgran outside his carriage and Veronica placed the box on a table they had prepared.

"What is this?" Basgran asked curiously.

"We found it in the house of the town representative, it is some kind of weapon"

Basgran raised the rifle and studied it curiously. At one point he put the muzzle in front of his face, so Atlas bit his lip slightly nervously, and it was only until Basgran put the rifle in the box that he was able to calm down.

"It is an interesting find, I have definitely never seen a weapon like this, not even in my homeland"

Basgran combed his beard with one hand thoughtfully and finally said: "You can go, I will study it later"

They all nodded and left, while Atlas took one last look at the rifle before leaving as well.

Atlas headed to the last part of the convoy where Faun should be, but was suddenly stopped by a white spear that stood in his way. Atlas looked at Veronica who was looking at him from the side and asked: "Do you need anything?"

Veronica looked at Atlas in silence, then after a few seconds she responded.

"You've never used a spear, right?"

Atlas trembled slightly, but eventually sighed and nodded.

"…Yes, until recently I started using it"

With a staff, he could create several different weapons, such as axes, halberds or any weapon he needed with a shaft and a blade at the end. But creating the ethereal blade with more detailed shapes was more difficult, while a spear blade was ace simple.

"Your movements are crude and you don't even have technique… you will die in the first confrontation you have"

Atlas kept his serious expression, but inside he knew that what the woman said was completely true.

"Should I quit?"

She was silent for a few seconds, then lowered her spear and shook her head.

"No, everyone starts without knowing anything, but they can learn"

Atlas narrowed his eyes and before he could say anything, Veronica spoke again.

"You don't know anything, but you have potential. I voted for you after the third test"

Veronica looked around, where the mages and non-mages gathered to eat.

"Come find me if you want to learn, it's up to you to improve, but I can teach you some things"

Saying that, Veronica walked away from Atlas while he watched her until she disappeared between the carriages.

'Is she going to teach me how to use the spear?'

Atlas stood there silently thinking, then he finally looked up and went to find Faun.

'I always tried to learn everything by myself... but she is a master with the spear, I don't see why I can't learn something from her'

Atlas agreed with himself to go find Veronica later to learn how to use the spear, but he would leave it for another day.

Soon, Atlas found Faun and Adoh, so the three of them ate quietly until it was time to sleep. Atlas said goodbye and returned to his carriage, but instead of entering, he continued walking to the front of the convoy and reached the first carriage, Basgran's carriage.

The carriage was much larger than the others and even had its own door. Atlas stopped in front of the door and hesitated for a few seconds before knocking.

Atlas heard someone approaching from inside, so Basgran opened it and greeted him happily.

"Do you need anything?"

Atlas nodded his head.

"The weapon we brought… I think I can learn to use it"

Basgran widened his eyes slightly in surprise.

"Oh really?"

Atlas nodded and did not hesitate to make up a lie. 

"My father was fond of strange weapons… I may learn to use it if I study it a little"

"Oh? Well, I don't see why not, give me a moment and I'll join you"

Atlas nodded and let Basgran return to the carriage, closing the door. Raising his head, Atlas looked at the two moons shining beautifully in the sky and scratched his head.

'It's just paranoia... it may not even be a rifle; I just have to confirm it'