New Friend !?

Beta was filled with worry as he journeyed through the Aires region of Pegasus. He had packed some essentials to survive the desert: a compass to avoid getting lost and a pair of goggles to shield his eyes from the sand.

Not long after, Beta spotted a man with a camel chariot. He quickly called out, "Hey, sir! Could you give me a ride to the Kingdom of Sphinix, please?"

The man turned around—it was none other than Absyrtus, or "Abi." He had stolen the chariot from a nobleman, specifically to observe Beta. Absyrtus harbored a cruel past and could sense the potential—or lack thereof—in others. If Beta didn't live up to his expectations, Absyrtus had no qualms about killing him.

Beta was overjoyed to have found transportation. He asked, "Sir, can you take me to the Kingdom of Sphinix? How much will it cost?"

Absyrtus replied, "I can take you there, but it will cost extra—35 copper coins."

Beta was shocked. "Thirty-five? Yesterday, I was told it would only be 20. Why so much?"

"Due to the ongoing battles in Sphinix, it's dangerous. Nobody has the guts to go there. I could lose my life on this journey, and that risk demands a higher price."

Reluctantly, Beta agreed, and they began their journey to Sphinix.

---

The Land of Wo-Ha, Kingdom of Sphinix

The area was marked by a large banner displaying an ancient symbol—the Flying Dragon Mark, an emblem of honor for those who sacrificed their lives for the kingdom. In recent times, however, Wo-Ha had become a battleground. The Kingdom of Euro sought to claim the land of Omrania, which included Wo-Ha.

In a shop nearby, a man with black hair and a lean frame stood. His name was Modri. He was armed with a shotgun slung over his shoulder and a pistol tucked into his pocket, his grip firm from years of practice.

Suddenly, outside the shop:

BOOM!

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

"What? What's going on?" Modri heard screams filling the air.

A man punched a young red-haired woman, who cried out, "AaaAAAAhhhHHHH!"

He sneered at her, demanding, "Where is it? Speak! Where did that coward hide it?"

The girl, holding back tears, replied, "My father wasn't a coward! He wanted peace for all nations, but he died before he could achieve it."

The man raised his hand to strike her again, but Modri reacted instantly. He drew his pistol and fired. Dossssssssshhhh! Blood sprayed as the man's head exploded.

The girl, Ruona, looked both terrified and relieved. Her father, a respected scholar who studied the history of the Kepler Company, had always been blackmailed by this bounty hunter, Rong. But now, Rong was dead at Modri's hands.

---

Back in the Medical Office

Ruona awoke in a medical center. She looked around, trying to recall how she got there. Modri, who had treated her wounds, entered and asked, "Why was that bounty hunter after you?"

---

The Land of Miz-Da, Kingdom of Sphinix

Three hours later, Beta spotted the Miz-Da landmark, one of the three regions in Sphinix. Absyrtus announced, "We're at the Sphinix border, sir. Do you know where the capital is?"

Beta asked, "Do you know how to get there?"

Absyrtus replied, "It's in Wo-Ha, on the eastern side. I could take you there, but only if you work with me for a day. I want to see what you're capable of. Are you in?"

Beta hesitated, wary of doing anything illegal. "Is this something unlawful? If it is, I'd rather find my own way."

Absyrtus quickly clarified, "No, no. It's nothing illegal. I simply want to observe your fighting style. In Sphinix, one of the quickest paths to wealth is through becoming a Hunter. I want to see if you have the skills to survive."

After a moment, Beta nodded. "I'm not a fighter, but I can try."

---

The Training Chamber

Five miles later, Beta arrived at a large building, ten stories high. He knocked on the door, and an elderly man with a bamboo cane opened it. He introduced himself as Carl P. Swanson.

"What's your name, young man?" asked Carl.

"My name is Beta æ Rousia," Beta replied.

The old man chuckled. "Ah, are you related to Mukti æ Rousia and Cordelia æ Rousia?"

"Yes, they're my parents. Do you know them?" Beta asked.

Carl nodded. "I fought alongside them 19 years ago. Those were different times. So, why have you come here, all the way from West Kepler?"

Beta explained, "I'm here to learn how to fight, sir. My family lives in Cell Village in Pegasus County. I want to learn hand-to-hand combat like those boys over there."

"Alright then," Carl said, handing Beta a form. "Fill this out. Staying here will cost 20 copper coins a month—10 for training, 3 for food, and 7 for lodging."

Beta paid the fee and was shown to his room on the second floor. There, he met his roommate, a boy named Vodyan Ossa. He had long, purple hair and an intense focus. Carl introduced them, "Ossa, meet your new friend and roommate, Beta. And Beta, this is Ossa, a swordsman with great potential."

Beta was awestruck. "Wow! A swo...sword...man?"

Carl laughed. "Yes, and Ossa can tell you all about it."

The two boys shook hands, and Beta settled in. While Beta prepared for bed, Ossa, ever focused on his training, returned to practice, pushing himself to surpass anyone he deemed stronger.

---

Back in Wo-Ha City

Modri, after helping Ruona, asked again, "Why was that bounty hunter after you?"

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To Be Continued...

In the next chapter, learn about the ancient fighting technique known as Tai-Chi, originating from the mysterious Aqua continent.