[48] Just something left
As time passed swiftly on their long journey, Ash finally arrived at the Dragon Kingdom after some time spent attending to Billy. During the journey, Billy received numerous valuable lessons from Ash, especially concerning wise decision-making. The knowledge he gained from Ash had broadened his perspective, teaching him how to make sound decisions to avert disaster.
Upon arriving at the inn, Billy expressed his desire to learn alchemy from Ash. His interest and eagerness to master alchemy, especially after witnessing Ash's impressive skills, were immense. Billy was keen to delve into this craft, recognising its potential benefits in various situations.
One of Billy's early achievements was creating a Heal Potion. In their world, products like Mana Potions and Heal Potions were not yet available on the market. Such items were crucial, especially for adventurers who frequently faced danger, undertaking quests such as monster extermination, escort missions, or conquests. They often encountered creatures beyond comprehension and could use magic.
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"Well, Billy. I need to tell you something," Ash said, his tone serious yet gentle.
At that moment, Ash was training Billy with his new weapons, Castor and Pollux—silver and gold Eagle Edge pistols. For the past two months, Ash and Billy had been residing in the Dragon Kingdom, and now Ash felt it was time to provide the intelligent boy with an important explanation.
"Hmm?" Billy responded with an inquisitive look, his eyes focused on Ash.
"Do you know what I've been working on in my spare time?" Ash asked.
Billy skillfully holstered his pistol at his side and positioned himself facing Ash, though he had to look up to meet the man's gaze. To level the playing field, Ash knelt slightly, bending down to make direct eye contact with Billy.
"I know, Mr Ash, you're setting up an orphanage under the management of the Costatine company," Billy replied confidently.
"That's right. So, do you know why I'm building this orphanage?" Ash inquired.
Billy nodded, "Of course. You'll be continuing your journey, and since you can't take me with you—because I'm still a child—your plan is to place me in the orphanage while taking care of the children there."
Ash smiled proudly and reached out to gently pat Billy's head. "Good boy, although there are some parts of what you said that need correction. You won't be alone in taking care of the children there. There will be people I know who will look after and care for you. Meanwhile, my other associates will help search for your missing parents. You can feel safe at the orphanage."
Billy listened attentively, his eyes widening at the explanation. As Ash turned to leave, Billy's small hand gently tugged at the hem of Ash's clothing.
"Will we meet again?" Billy's voice trembled, filled with hope and a hint of sadness.
Ash sighed softly, his heart touched by Billy's concern. "Of course, if you're unsure," he replied, lifting his cowboy hat from his head and placing it on Billy's, despite the hat being too large for the child. "Keep this hat for me until I ask for it again."
Billy touched the hat gently, his eyes shimmering with a mix of gratitude and loss. The child vowed to become what Ash hoped for, his eyes sparkling as he watched the man's silhouette against the setting sun and the evening breeze. The image of Ash, so manly and captivating, left a deep impression on Billy as a true hero.
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A week had passed since Ash left the Dragon Kingdom to continue his journey to East Port. During that time, Billy found himself with ample free time and decided to make the most of it by completing some tasks.
One day, Billy was involved in a bandit extermination quest alongside Desmod, one of the Costatine Division's guards. Together, they endeavoured to complete a mission from the adventurers' guild, which involved eliminating a group of bandits causing trouble in the region.
"Well, Desmod, you can speak to me more formally if you like," Billy said with a slightly teasing tone.
Desmod, a burly man with a serious expression, glanced at Billy before replying, "Even if you say so, it's hard to change habits."
"What!? Just because I'm Ash's direct pupil doesn't make me special," Billy explained with frustration. "I've heard that there are others taught by Ash who have achieved remarkable feats in the Asura Kingdom."
Billy felt uncomfortable being treated as someone of high status. As a child of common folk, he felt disproportionately treated compared to his humble background.
Desmod sighed, appearing to reflect deeply. "You may not know, but all the employees at Costatine's company hold our chairman in great respect. He is a saviour to us who had lost hope and were trapped in painful pasts. Ash helped us reintegrate into society and provided an opportunity to start anew without reopening old wounds."
Hearing this explanation, Billy felt the weight of Desmod's emotional burden. He sighed softly, adjusting the cowboy hat on his head. After a moment, Billy took off the hat and wore it with Ash's distinctive style, even though it was slightly oversized.
"I feel that way too," Billy said, covering his face with the cowboy hat, adding a touch of mystery to his expression.
They both managed their horses, each wearing comfortable cowboy saddles. Billy, who had once been a shepherd, could never have imagined his life changing so drastically after the teleportation disaster that had befallen him.
As they approached the increasingly dense forest, the narrowing path forced them to leave their horses under the shelter of a large tree. They then proceeded on foot through the forest, carefully avoiding any sounds that might attract enemy attention. From behind the bushes, Desmod, a beastman with sharp senses, began detecting movement.
Desmod signalled to Billy with a subtle hand gesture, indicating that Billy should remain alert. They moved cautiously, maintaining distance and trying to avoid noise.
"Shh… Look, they're transporting loot," Desmod whispered, his eyes fixed on a cave that appeared to be the bandits' hideout. He observed a cart pulled by horses, covered with thick cloth concealing its contents.
Billy examined the cart closely. From the shape and the bulge of the cloth, it appeared there was something moving inside, like a cage. "Loot? Are they slaves?" he whispered, his sharp eyes catching the movement of human hands visible through the fabric.
Desmod nodded slowly. "Correct… According to the information we received, the leader of this bandit group is a saint-ranked swordsman who once served as a knight in the Dragon Kingdom. His name is Raymod the Poison Dragon."
"Damn," Billy murmured, a cold smile gracing his face. "It seems this quest is getting more interesting." His enthusiasm was sparked by the new challenge, and he readied himself for the escalating situation.