[76] Stepping II

After a warm dinner, Alice fell soundly asleep in her mother's arms. The mother gently carried her to bed, laying her small, tired body on the mattress and covering her with a blanket full of love. Now, the only ones left in the dining room were Ash and Vanz, who seemed relaxed and were enjoying their leisure time.

Ash uncorked a bottle of fine wine he had made himself—a drink he reserved for significant moments, especially to strengthen bonds with those who played important roles in his life. Unlike the usual alcohol in this world, which tended to be acidic and harsh, Ash's wine, crafted with modern techniques from Earth, had a smooth, rich, and captivating flavour.

Vanz, after tasting the wine, burst into laughter, his face beginning to flush from the alcohol. "Ahahaha~ Are you sure about giving me wine this good, Ash?"

Ash smiled awkwardly, sipping water from his glass calmly. He looked at the wine bottle lying on the table, then spoke casually, "Of course, Vanz. It's just a small token of appreciation for all the help you've given me while I've been in this town. Besides, I'll be continuing my journey to other places in a week's time."

"Heee~" Vanz looked at Ash with a half-drunken, yet serious gaze. "Are you sure you don't want to... marry Alice?"

Vanz's sudden question left Ash silent. His body seemed to tense for a moment, even though he knew Vanz was just joking in his drunken state. But Ash also knew that behind the jokes of a drunk person often lay a truth or a genuine desire.

Quickly, Ash responded, his voice calm even though he was slightly unsettled. "No, Vanz. I see Alice as a cute little sister, nothing more."

Vanz snorted, chuckling with half-closed eyes. "Hmph, you might regret that later when she's grown up, Ash!"

Ash only gave a faint smile, choosing not to prolong the conversation. Although Vanz was drunk, he understood that the relationship he had with this family was enough for him. The companionship, friendship, and respect that had been established were more than sufficient to build memories he would always cherish, even if his time with them was limited.

---

The next day, Ash resumed his work with dedication. He was not just an ordinary wanderer; within him lay the soul of a meticulous researcher filled with curiosity. In this religious city, he was not only earning a living or simply surviving, but also actively studying the behaviour and mindset of its people, as if he were a psychologist observing every little detail that formed the social dynamics of the Milis capital.

Ash recorded every observation in his notebook, filling page after page with thoughts and analyses. He noted the interactions among the residents, the social norms they upheld, as well as the biases and prejudices hidden behind their friendly demeanour. This city had layers of complexity that intrigued Ash more and more, even though much of what he learned did not always align with his expectations.

Ash often spent his days in public places, where he could observe the behaviour of the townsfolk without drawing too much attention. In the city park, he would sit quietly on a bench, watching the busy streets with a deep gaze. Occasionally, he could be seen on a bridge, with a brush and canvas in hand, painting the surrounding scenery, even as passersby looked at him with puzzled expressions. But such looks did not bother Ash; he was used to being the unwanted centre of attention, but that did not deter him.

When tired, Ash would sit under the shade of a large tree, plucking the strings of his guitar and singing soft songs he had brought from another world. The melodious sound of his guitar blended with the gentle breeze, creating a harmony that soothed anyone passing by, even if they did not understand the meaning of the songs he sang.

One day, the usually peaceful city of Regilius was suddenly shaken by a series of horrifying events. People began to disappear mysteriously, without a trace and without any reasonable explanation. This caused panic and confusion among the townspeople. Even with the tight security provided by the city guards, these cases of disappearance continued to occur, as if some unseen force was at play behind the scenes.

What was even more worrying was that the targets of these kidnappings were small children. However, not just any children were victims. From the information circulating in the streets, rumours had it that every child abducted was a non-human—those from races other than humans, such as the beastfolk, elves, and dwarves. This sparked an even deeper concern in Ash, considering how strong the sentiments of racism were in this city.

Why were only non-human children targeted? What was the purpose behind these kidnappings? These questions kept swirling in Ash's mind, disturbing his peace. Ash could not allow this crime to continue unchecked. Even though he was not a native of this city, his heart was moved by a sense of justice and compassion.

Ash decided to take action. He began investigating these cases, gathering information from various sources. He spoke with people in the market, listened to the stories of those who had lost family members, and observed the behaviour of the guards who were supposed to maintain order in the city. Ash knew that behind this mystery, there was a truth that needed to be uncovered, and he was determined to find the answers.

As in a tragic story, it happened to someone very close to Ash.

"Ash! Alice!" The mother, with a pale face and eyes full of anxiety, suddenly grabbed Ash's cloak as he was busy investigating the kidnapping cases. Her breath was laboured, and her whole body trembled with fear.

"Don't tell me... Has Alice disappeared too!?" Ash's voice trembled as panic began to creep into him. He immediately stood up, looking out the window with a sharp gaze, as if searching for something in the encroaching nightfall that was beginning to shroud the city.

"Yes! Ash, what do we do! Vanz is also away escorting the rabbit tribe convoy! He's not here to help!" The mother was on the verge of tears, her voice hoarse and full of panic.

Vanz, the head of the household who was also an experienced adventurer from the rabbit tribe beastfolk, was usually the main protector of this family. As a member of the rabbit tribe, Vanz possessed extraordinary speed and agility, characteristics typical of his race. He had brought his family to live in this city because of its proximity to the great forest where his tribe resided and as a hub for various adventurer quests. However, right now, Vanz was far from home, escorting an important convoy, and was not here to help when his family needed protection the most.

Although outwardly Ash appeared panicked, he had actually prepared himself for this worst-case scenario. In his heart, he had been waiting for such a moment to occur. If Alice had indeed been kidnapped, then the magical tracking device he had created would soon reveal the location of the kidnappers' hideout.

Trying to remain calm, Ash looked at the still-anxious mother. "Ahem, the important thing now is for you to stay inside the house. It's too dangerous outside," he said in a firm yet reassuring tone. He pulled out a silver cross from his pocket, a piece that seemed to glow in the dim light of the room. "Take this," he continued, handing the cross to the mother's trembling hand. "It will protect you in my absence. Don't worry, I will bring Alice back soon."

The mother, too shocked and anxious to ask more, could only nod slightly, accepting the cross with her still-shaking hand. Tears began to well up, but she tried to hold them back, attempting to trust Ash completely.

Ash then straightened his slightly dishevelled cloak, making sure every fold was neat and functional. He pulled the hood over his head, covering most of his face, hiding his true expression—a mixture of tension, determination, and a hint of fear. However, beneath all that, there was a strong conviction that he would succeed.

Without saying another word, Ash left the house, his steps quick yet full of caution. That night, Ash's shadow merged with the darkness of Regilius, navigating through narrow streets and silent alleys.