[12] Second name

[Reluctance...]

Suddenly, I felt reluctance from Ciel within my mind. I could understand, as Raphael is a somewhat sacred name, but what was the reason?

'What? Will something happen if I use the name Raphael?' I asked inwardly.

[Actually, there is no immediate issue, as the choice of name is entirely up to you. However, considering your current race and your goal of spreading the Bilbe religion, it might be better to use another name until we find a more suitable solution,] Ciel responded.

Ciel's explanation left me puzzled. Was she actually in favour of spreading the Bilbe religion? Given who Ciel was, I decided to trust her.

"Sorry, sir, what was your name again?" The old man in front of me asked again, apparently not understanding the dialect I used to say my name.

"Ash... My name is Ash," I finally replied, deciding that my beastman name would be Ash.

The villagers looked relieved and grateful. "Thank you, Ash. You have saved us. We will never forget your kindness."

I just nodded, trying to contain the emotions welling up inside me. The name, even though I had just said it, felt so natural and right.

The villagers warmly welcomed my presence and decided to let me stay the night before continuing my journey.

-Ash-

I had just managed to fall asleep by midnight. It had been an exhausting journey, though I couldn't feel it at all due to the miracle bestowed upon me. However, I knew I was very tired after rescuing the remaining villagers from the bandit attack.

After helping them clean up the mess and interrogating the captured mage, Ramos, I felt a slight burden lifted off my shoulders. The previous night had been sheer torment for the mage. The villagers' anger towards him was so great that they wanted to execute him. But since I needed information from him, I had to get what I needed before handing over the unfortunate mage to the villagers' wrath.

Several crucial pieces of information I gleaned from Ramos were: first, the location of my current whereabouts; second, the vastness of this world; third, the location of the nearest town; and fourth, about magic, especially its mechanisms. Although Ramos' knowledge was limited or perhaps he was simply a poor teacher, I managed to get some information. The villagers who overheard my interrogation kindly provided me with a family heirloom magic guidebook.

I was very grateful to the villagers for satisfying my curiosity. There was a reason I chose to interrogate Ramos rather than ask the villagers directly. I didn't want to burden their minds after the calamity that had befallen them.

Before sleeping, my body stirred again. At this moment, I was completely bare-chested, wearing only trousers. My silhouette already appeared mature, even though I was only twelve years old. I placed the large bag beside the door.

Standing and taking my cross necklace, I performed my nightly prayers. Feeling the weight of the necklace in my hand, I prayed earnestly, hoping for strength and guidance for the next day. The oil lamp in the corner of the room cast soft shadows as I moved in sync with my prayers.

"Father in Heaven, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude. Thank You for Your protection today and the strength You have given me. Grant me the wisdom to face tomorrow and the ability to protect those in need."

After finishing my prayers, I sat on the simple bed provided by the villagers. My eyes slowly closed, feeling the drowsiness quickly setting in. In the stillness of the night, I hoped that tomorrow would bring better hope and peace for everyone.

Under the dark night sky, with stars shining faintly, I let myself drift into sleep, carrying hopes and prayers in my dreams.

-Ash-

The morning sun shone through one of the intact houses. Morning light penetrated the wooden gaps, shining into my eyes and waking me from my dream. Yawning, I stretched my arms, enjoying the rare moment of freedom and tranquility.

'Yawn~ It's a completely different feeling waking up in my old hut. Something refreshing, feeling alright without any threat from monsters. Previously, I was always vigilant even in my sleep, never letting my guard down because I once did and a monster came in the middle of the night.' I scratched my slightly itchy shoulder, then got up from the bed.

A refreshing morning, I thought, and I had to continue my journey. I must thank the villagers who had welcomed me despite the misfortune that had befallen them.

With renewed vigour, I steeled my mind. Standing and taking a change of clothes from my bag, I straightened myself up. Taking the time to perform my morning ritual as usual, I felt a new calm and strength flowing within me.

"Father in Heaven, thank You for Your protection and blessings. Grant me the strength and wisdom for today, and keep me and those in need safe."

After praying, I put on my change of clothes, ready for the new day. As I opened the door, the morning light greeted me, and I saw the villagers busy continuing their work post-disaster. As I stepped out, they momentarily froze, their eyes on me.

"Eh, Mr Ash. Are you leaving already?" one of the villagers asked, looking surprised.

"Yes, I must hurry to the city as I have important matters to attend to," I replied with a tone full of resolve.

"I see, that's a pity. We were planning to welcome you at my house. I was just about to introduce you to my sweet daughter!" he said half-jokingly, though I knew he was sincere.

"Ahaha~ Thank you for your kind intentions, but I must depart this morning," I replied with a smile.

"Hmm... I see. I cannot impose on our saviour. If you ever come back to this village, do not hesitate to visit my house," he said warmly.

"I will. Well then, I bid you farewell," I said, shouldering the large leather bag onto my back.

As I was about to continue my journey, many of the remaining villagers called out to me to stop for a moment. They wanted to give me something as a token of their gratitude, and I was moved by their enthusiasm. Some gave me dried meat, a water pouch, even a short sword.

"Thank you, everyone!" I said sincerely, feeling touched by their generosity.

"What are you saying, Mr Ash. You saved us, your kindness far outweighs the items we give!" one of the villagers replied, his face full of appreciation.

I smiled and nodded, feeling warm inside from their kindness. "I will never forget your kindness. Until we meet again."

With steady steps and a heart full of gratitude, I left the village, heading towards the city in the east of the northern part of the continent.