Tracking down a mysterious scent(1)

While Aetheris and Vincent were entering the inner section of the barren mountains to look for the Spring of 'Rebirth' a little cat with a sad expression was spying through the window.

"He's gone. He probably thinks you're just a normal cat, so of course he left you behind…" Yuuki grumbled, her frustration seeping through as she filled out forms. "This habit of his—making a mess and expecting me to clean it up—is really starting to get on my nerves," she added, casting a glance at Sebastian.

" My young master has grown, did you see the benevolence he granted to that poor fellow...hahhh why can't I receive the same grace...am I not worthy"Sighed Sebastian as he looked at Yuuki with teary eyes.

'The relationship between these two is weird. What happened to my life... I'm supposed to be on vacation, yet somehow I've become a nanny and a therapist,' Yuuki pondered with a sigh, her mind drifting as she continued her paperwork.

There is boot licking, ass kissing, glazing, blind worship and then there is Sebastian who is on his own complex league that even confused Yuuki.

"Hahhh, what is he planning this time...he could've asked the great priestess to heal the boy but why did he make such a simple deal unless...meh none of my business" concluded Yuuki as she waved her hand and Vincent's team disappeared from the scene

...

"I can smell the flame-like scent, but in this area, it is very faint," Aetheris added, his gaze sweeping over the scorched marks on the nearby trees. The remnants of past battles, or perhaps something more ominous.

He turned his attention to Vincent, who was visibly shivering from the cold as the night crept in, its chill sharp and unyielding.

Aetheris observed for a moment, contemplating the contrast between the searing heat of whatever had left the marks and the biting cold that now wrapped itself around them.

"Hmmm...we will camp right here for the night, I can't sense the presence of magical beasts so we'll be safe" concluded Aetheris as he began to stretch his body,

The two of them had entered the Barren mountains and appeared within a forest; it took them hours to reach their current location since Aetheris couldn't have run with Vincent by his side since he would be killed by the accumulated force upon stopping.

"I don't want you to die on me so hold on a sec.." said Aetheris as his eyes began to shimmer golden neon surprising Vincent

*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM*

Aetheris began to run along the edge, moving so fast that he created illusions as he went. Dropping trees up into the air, he simultaneously used [Telekinesis] to guide them into a neat pile near Vincent, his movements a seamless display of speed and precision.

" [Mana barrier] + [Silence] + [Shadow clone]," muttered Aetheris as a spherical barrier covered the 0.5km; seven clones began to appear simultaneously within the barrier.

"[Material forge] " said Aetheris as the trees began to break into planks, using his silver metallic threads he crafted basic building materials

His clones quickly began to assembly a small cottage 3 room wooden house,

Vincent watched in awe as the wooden planks moved effortlessly into place, forming the walls and roof of the cottage. Each piece seemed to fit perfectly as if guided by an unseen hand. His mind, still struggling to comprehend the speed and efficiency with which Aetheris worked, began to settle into an uneasy calm.

Aetheris glanced at him, his glowing eyes still shimmering as he commanded the trees into their new forms. "It's temporary. We'll need proper rest before heading deeper into the mountains. The Spring of 'Rebirth' isn't something we can find overnight." His tone was calm but carried the weight of experience as if this wasn't his first time building makeshift lodgings in the wild.

Vincent could only nod. His own thoughts raced, still struggling to understand the power this mysterious being wielded. And the deal they had struck... It was simple, almost too simple.

Aetheris had promised him a chance at life, a chance to reclaim his broken body, yet it came with a sense of unpredictability. What exactly did Aetheris gain from this?

"Let's get inside," said Aetheris as he opened the door; Vincent followed quietly as anticipation filled his eyes.

As they stepped inside, the warmth of the newly constructed cottage wrapped around them, a sharp contrast to the biting cold outside. The interior was simple, with wooden walls that still carried the faint scent of the forest. The shadows cast by the dim light flickered across the room, giving it an almost eerie calmness. Despite the lack of luxury, the shelter provided more than Vincent could have hoped for, considering the desolate wilderness they found themselves in.

"Let's eat first," said Aetheris as he guided Vincent to a simple wooden dining table; the food was a simple meat stew, bread, and 100 percent fresh fruit juice.

Vincent sat down at the table, his body still tense from the day's journey. The scent of the meat stew wafted through the small cottage, comforting and warm, making him realize just how hungry he was. Aetheris, calm and collected as always, served the food with precise movements as if this were a routine task.

The stew was hearty, filled with tender chunks of meat and foraged vegetables. Vincent took his first bite, surprised by the rich flavor, especially given the humble setting. It tasted far better than he had expected—warm, savory, and filling. The bread was slightly hard but perfect for soaking up the stew, and the fresh fruit juice was sweet, a refreshing counterbalance to the meal.

Aetheris, sitting across from Vincent, ate quietly, his glowing eyes occasionally glancing toward the door as if he was still calculating their next move.

For a moment, the silence between them wasn't awkward; it felt natural. The flickering light, the simple meal, and the sturdy wooden cottage created a moment of respite. Vincent finally felt a small sliver of hope that, perhaps, he could survive this ordeal, and maybe even regain the strength he had lost.

"Thank you... for this," Vincent said quietly, his voice betraying a hint of gratitude that he hadn't shown before.

Aetheris, still eating, merely nodded in acknowledgment. "We'll need our strength. Tomorrow, we move deeper into the mountains. The Spring of 'Rebirth' won't be easy to find, but we'll get there."

Vincent's grip tightened around his spoon, the weight of Aetheris's words sinking in. He didn't know what lay ahead, but for now, this meal, this brief moment of peace, was enough.

...

Thank you for reading 🙏 😊