Meeting at a crossroads

We set forth the following morning. Cynthia was unaware of her drunken moments or she might be hiding it. We returned to the cabin on the North Clevi Forest first for necessary items that we would need while traveling. The items that I got was two rare items. It was still good compared to common and uncommon items which were single use item in this world of the strong.

Elina briefed me while we were traveling. Clevis has two roads, one from south and one from north. The north road led to another two roads which led to Omaria Town to the right and the border of Organia Magia. The Elves and humans of Organia treated each other as allies yet humans were not allowed to set foot on their territory. The Queen also agreed on the terms of Elves rather than object it due to unequal privileges. The citizen were furious at first but soon calmed down when they heard the reason. Elves were kind but also protective of forests. The forest that the Elves lived where a sacred one. It was rich on mana but also dangerous for human. Clevi Forest were a place that rare beast, Dryad, and fairies lived. The elf might be benevolent race but they couldn't restrict other races that lived on the forest to act on their own. It was a place where there was no territory.

The Queen also forbid to create fort, town, and city near the forest so they wouldn't be tempted to enter the forest.

Our travel were uneventful, beast who lived based on their instinct could feel that Elina was not their match. She was also blesses by the Elves as one of the protectors so no one dared to attack her. To reach the gate of the border we have to travel 2 miles away on foot.

It wasn't tiring but Elina wanted to walk rather than run. She might be buying time for some particular reasons. I didn't ask her if she was planning something. She told me that I have to get the second clue from Linnie and I have to get my identification card as a new Ordee.

"You'll be entering the academy. It was one made by Linnie. She was the grandmaster there and would help you with your identification. You would at least spend 3 years from the academy. Don't be too hasty. You need practical experience and knowledge about this world. The academy would help you establish some relationship with strong people." was what she told me before going on the road.

"What is an ordee?"

"They were ability users who were contracted by the Order Organization. They would give you missions that ranges from exploring and attacking the towers. They could also issue some private missions which was requested by a country or a person. It was done legally. Ordee who were on the top 100 were called Order and their responding number. For example, mine was 8th. I am the 8th Order. The Order Organization was the one who issued the numbers. They also allowed fighting and killing for a number. Each country was represented by their own number holder. They still thirst for power to control each other but we shouldn't care for them but we have to be wary. If they learned that we were indispensable then they would treat us a weapon. So never, under any circumstances, tell anyone about your identity." Elina said then stopped. "Promise me."

"I promise."

We continued to walk on the direction of the border. We stayed silent after that. When we were near at the crossroads we encountered a merchant with his guards and pack of beasts that were attacking them. Elina and I looked at each other and nodded. We wouldn't interfere nor help them. The road was a flat plain, no tress could be seen near the road. So when we were passing them someone called out to us.

"Hey! Would you mind helping us?" It was the merchant who called us. Elina and I looked at each other again but before we could voice our answer someone interrupted us.

"Hey! Aren't you Elina? The Time Witch?" one of the guard said walking in our direction forgetting that he was one of the guards. "I was right! Would you like to help us? We were on the same way anyway!" The young guard said to us. Realizing his mistake he introduced himself "I am Velker, Velker Mc Garden!" the youth said to Elina but her only answer was silence. She was confused on whether she knew the youth. She never heard the name before. She could never forget people she encountered even once. "Oh!" another realization passed on the face of the young man. "I was the son of Victor Mc Garden! One of your companions on the Tower!"

Elina, hearing a name she knew, responded with a nod. "Okay, we would help. But, we are short on time so this young man would help you in my stead." Elina said grabbing me by my shoulder like I was smaller than her. "I would first go to the Academy and brief them with the delay. By the looks of it, you were also going there." Elina made an assumption. Velker understanding her nodded and regained his composure. He might be awestruck by Elina's position. She was in fact strong but she couldn't help anyone even if it was me. She could only help herself but only if they attacked first. "Rain, go with them. I would meet you at the academy." she said before disappearing.

Velker and the merchant were shocked because Elina vanished but she only activated Time Freeze and then said goodbye to me. "So, what's the situation?"

"..."

"...."

"Please come to your senses. The front line wouldn't hold on for long."

Velker regaining his composure, again, explained that they were travelling when the beast was attracted by the smell of honey that they have on the carriage. He briefed me about the beast who were enraged and lost their control and also about his companions. They were travelling with their products that they would exchange in the New Folk Town. Velker with her sister and a friend decided to travel with the carriage.

"Based on the situation, it was not the honey that attracted them but the fact that a lot of mana were concentrated on one point." I concluded. I faced Velker and nodded. We have an understanding and proceeded to help the guards. Due to unknown reason, his sister and his friend were unable to fight. I didn't ask him why but it only supported my guess. I wouldn't use the bow. It would only raise their opinion of me. I would lie-low as much as possible.

"Power Up! Produce and Transform." I summoned two handguns and fired it to the beasts. It would only hurt them but it was the only way if I didn't want to expose myself. I looked at Velker and I was amazed. He was good. He was using Lightning Element through his fist. Every punch would stun the beast. The guards weren't just standing. They also joined the fight with the beast. With my help on damaging the beast and the follow up of the guards, we killed the pack of beast. It was a normal brown bear. It was enraged that was why it looked strong.

"Thank you." Velker said bowing to me and giving me a smile. He had a short black hair that was up due to his excessive use of lightning. He wasn't injured nor tired.

"No, it was you who made it possible." I replied honestly. It was the truth. I only did a supporting role on the battle.

"No, without your support and right call then there would be deaths."

"Okay, let's just say that the victory was ours. I am Rain, Rain Sa-" I coughed, I would have exposed myself if I introduced my last name. "It's nice to meet you." I extended my hand for a handshake. Velker, who didn't know the greetings from Earth were confused but he also extended his hand. I took it and shook it then squeezed it for an extra effect. "My teacher taught me, that to know if someone was strong you have to grip their hands." I made an excuse right on the spot. Velker, not finding it strange, squeezed back and introduced himself.

"Velker Mc Garden, first and only son of Victor Mc Garden, noble of Organia, it is nice to meet you too."