Feels fresh

Back with main group, Celestine left the carriage as she looked around the neutral zone

Celestine looked around with a smile. "The amour of magic is this place is largen".

Ken them looked at her, as he pressed his glasses. "This is a dream come true for Mages like me".

Celestine took a deep breath, the air filled with the faint scent of blooming flowers and the essence of magic swirling around her. The Neutral Zone was unlike any place she had ever been, a realm where the boundaries of magic were blurred, allowing for an eclectic mix of spells, creatures, and natural wonders.

"It feels alive," Celestine said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Imagine the possibilities! We could learn so much from this place."

Luu Luu stood beside her, looking skeptical. "It's beautiful, sure, but remember, this is also a dangerous place. We can't let our guard down."

Kaguya nodded in agreement, glancing around. "The energy here feels different. We need to be cautious. If Aiden's village is truly nearby, we should expect both allies and enemies."

Kin adjusted his glasses, looking even more excited. "Dangerous or not, this is an unparalleled opportunity for research. I could document the magical anomalies here for months! Just think of the alchemical potential!"

"While you're geeking out, remember we're here to protect Celestine," Alicia said, her voice firm as she scanned their surroundings. "We can't afford any distractions. Our priority is her safety."

Prim looked between them, her expression thoughtful. "What if we're already being watched? The Neutral Zone is known for its unpredictable inhabitants."

Celestine raised a hand, silencing their chatter. "Let's focus. I can sense Aiden's magic nearby. We need to stay together and approach with caution."

As they continued forward, the atmosphere thickened with anticipation. The trees around them shimmered with a faint glow, and small creatures darted between the underbrush, curious yet wary of the intruders in their territory.

Suddenly, a rustle came from the bushes, causing everyone to tense up. "What was that?" Kaguya whispered, her eyes narrowing as she peered into the shadows.

From the foliage emerged a group of goblins, their expressions mischievous yet non-threatening. They chattered among themselves in a language none of the knights understood.

Kin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Goblins? They might know the way to Aiden's village. Let me try to communicate with them."

Before he could step forward, Luu Luu put a hand on his shoulder. "Wait. We don't know if they're friendly or if they'll lead us into a trap."

Celestine stepped forward, a calm determination in her eyes. "I'll try. I have a way with beings that can sense magic. Goblins are often more curious than hostile."

As she approached the goblins, they stopped their chatter and stared at her, their beady eyes glimmering with interest. Celestine spoke softly, her voice carrying a gentle magic that wrapped around the words like a warm embrace. "Hello there, little friends. We mean you no harm. We seek the village of Aiden. Can you help us find our way?"

The goblins exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from suspicion to curiosity. One of them stepped forward, tilting its head. "Aiden? Slime king?"

Celestine nodded eagerly. "Yes! Can you lead us to him?"

The goblin grinned, revealing sharp teeth, and motioned for them to follow. "Come! Follow goblins! Aiden good!"

As they trailed behind the goblins, Kin couldn't contain his excitement. "This is fantastic! I've read about various goblin tribes, but to interact with them directly—"

"Just keep your enthusiasm in check," Alicia reminded him, her tone serious. "We're not here for a study session."

As they made their way through the Neutral Zone, the group remained vigilant, ready for anything that might lurk in the shadows. Celestine's heart raced with anticipation; she was closer than ever to meeting Aiden and uncovering the mysteries that awaited them.

Kin them looked at Luu Luu. "Hey Luu didn't you go too Aiden Villages so why didn't know"

Luu Luu looked away as she whistles. "Will um, I didn't pay attention when first went to his village, don't look at me like that, you didn't think straight when you are being chased by a fire spirits".

Prim then looked at everyone. "You all could have also asked me, I know where the village is sense Me, Maia and Claudia are the first of the princes knight to visit him"

Alicia looked at her sister. "Yes when you sneaked out, I still haven't forgotten that day"

Prim stopped in her horse as she let out a nerves laugh. "Was it so bad"

Celestine then sighed as she spoke. "You mean how she made a whole Amry of knight ready look for you".

"Yes, that day was quite the event," Kaguya chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. "I still remember the panic when everyone realized Prim was missing. I thought we might never see her again."

Luu Luu nodded, crossing her arms. "And all for a little adventure. You really scared everyone, Prim."

Prim rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. "I didn't mean to cause such a stir! I just wanted to see Aiden and learn more about him and his village."

Alicia shook her head, a hint of amusement in her eyes despite her stern demeanor. "Next time, at least tell someone before you go off on your own. We're a team for a reason."

Celestine smiled gently, seeing the camaraderie among her knights. "What matters is that we're all here together now. We're on a mission, and we'll face whatever comes our way as one."

As the goblins led them deeper into the forest, the atmosphere shifted. The air felt charged with magic, and the trees grew thicker, their trunks twisted and gnarled. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting an ethereal glow on the path ahead.

Kin leaned closer to Luu Luu, curiosity sparkling in his eyes. "But really, what was Aiden like? Was it true he can communicate with spirits and has a knack for alchemy?"

Luu Luu considered his question, her expression thoughtful. "He's... unique. He's kind and funny, but there's also something serious about him. His connection with the spirits is powerful. He helped us when we were in trouble, and I could sense his strength even then."

"I wonder if we'll get to see his alchemy in action," Kin mused, adjusting his glasses. "The possibilities are endless. If he can create things out of nothing or transform materials—"

"Kin," Alicia interjected, narrowing her eyes at him. "Remember, we're here to protect Celestine, not to conduct experiments."

"Right, right," Kin replied quickly, raising his hands in mock surrender. "No experiments, just observation."

As they continued their journey, the goblins suddenly stopped, their expressions shifting from friendly to wary. One of them pointed towards a clearing up ahead. "Danger! Orcs!"

Celestine's heart raced as the tension in the air thickened. "Orcs? How many?"

The goblin shrugged, eyes wide. "Many! Big and angry! Not safe here!"

"Then we need to be careful," Kaguya said, her voice steady. "We can't let them catch us off guard."

Prim looked concerned. "What if they attack Celestine? We have to protect her!"

Alicia's grip tightened on her weapon. "We'll form a defensive line. Kin, stay close to Celestine."

Kin nodded, trying to hide his anxiety. "Right. I'll be ready with—"

Luu Luu cut him off. "Let's focus. We can't let fear cloud our judgment. If we work together, we can handle whatever comes our way."

Celestine felt a surge of gratitude for her knights. "Thank you, everyone. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."

With their resolve renewed, they pushed forward into the clearing, ready to confront whatever threat awaited them. The sounds of orc voices echoed through the trees, growing louder as they approached.

As then a black flames went as it killed all the Orcs, everyone was ready for an attack then they saw who it was Aiden and Guren, Guren was Holding his buster sword as he looked all of them, Aiden then removed his mask, his yellow hair flying in the wind.

Aiden looked at all them. "Nice too see you again Prim, Luu, and nice too meet you Lady Celestine it is owner too meet the Goddes Reborn, my village is near by".

Prim just blinked looked at Aiden. "Aiden... How are you a human".

Luu Luu looked at Prim. "Long story and something Aiden instead happy to rebit".

Kaguya looked at Aiden spoke something that took everyone back. "He is Hot"

Everyone cleaned there ears, even Celetsine wondering the fuck

Alice just looked at him. "He is a slime"

Kagury loomed at him. "From 10/10 to 8/10"

Luu Luu looked at her. "Will today we learned something that I will try and forget"

Aiden chuckled at Kaguya's comment, clearly amused by the unexpected reaction. "I appreciate the vote of confidence, Kaguya," he replied with a playful grin. "But I assure you, I'm still the same slime, just… with a different appearance."

Guren sheathed his buster sword, his expression slightly softer as he surveyed the group. "We got here just in time. I didn't want you to handle the orcs alone. Aiden's power has grown since we last met, and I'll protect my friends."

Celestine raised an eyebrow, still processing the sight of Aiden. "So you're not just a slime anymore? What happened to you?"

Aiden took a step forward, the atmosphere shifting with his presence. "Let's just say I've been evolving. I've unlocked abilities that allow me to take a human form. It's a work in progress, but I can still access my slime powers." He paused, looking over the slain orcs. "And it looks like my flames did the trick."

Maia, who had stayed behind in the carriage with Claudia, suddenly appeared, her eyes wide with astonishment. "You really are no longer a slime? You look… different!"

"Let's not dwell on that," Aiden said, trying to steer the conversation away from his appearance. "We have more pressing matters. The orc threat isn't over yet. They may have scouts nearby, and we need to move quickly to my village."

Prim nodded, shaking off her initial shock. "Right! We have to stick together and make sure everyone is safe."

Luu Luu glanced at Aiden. "So, anything new in your Villages? Or is it still the same old Village?.

Aiden smirked. "Oh, plenty. A village run by a slime, after all. There is some minor changes".

Kaguya grinned. "With you leading the way, I'm sure it'll be an adventure. Just no more fire surprises, okay?"

Aiden shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "No promises. But I'll try to keep it under control."

With that, the group resumed their journey toward Aiden's village, tension easing as they moved forward together. Celestine felt a strange sense of camaraderie growing among them, despite the unusual circumstances.

As they walked, Guren fell back to walk beside Prim. "So, what's the story between you and Aiden?" he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Prim's cheeks flushed slightly. "It's nothing really. Just… a mutual understanding, I guess. He helped us when we needed it."

Guren raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Seems like there's more to it. A powerful slime and a dedicated knight—it sounds like the beginning of a good story."

Prim smiled, grateful for the support from the Oni. "Yeah, I suppose it does."

Meanwhile, Luu Luu and Kaguya continued to exchange teasing remarks about Aiden's appearance, while Alicia kept a watchful eye on the surroundings, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

As they neared Aiden's village, the air grew thicker with magic, the landscape shifting to reflect the unique energies surrounding it. Celestine couldn't shake the feeling that this place held secrets beyond her imagination, and she was ready to uncover them.

Celestine looked at him. "I think you know why, sorry too imposed".

Aiden looked at her. "The Orc disaster, yeah they are not only a problem for you".

Aiden's expression turned serious as he leaned against the kitchen counter, crossing his arms. "The orc situation isn't just a problem for your group; it affects everyone in this region. They've been getting bolder, and while I've managed to hold them back near the village, it won't last forever. We need a plan."

Celestine nodded, her brows furrowing with concern. "We're here to help, but we need to understand their movements and what's driving their aggression. Have you noticed any patterns?"

Prim chimed in, her voice steady. "We can also gather intelligence from the surrounding areas. If they're targeting your village specifically, there must be a reason."

Aiden sighed, running a hand through his hair. "They've always raided nearby settlements for supplies, but lately, their numbers have increased. They seem more organized, almost like they're being led by someone or something."

Luu Luu's eyes narrowed. "You think there's a bigger force behind this? Maybe even a new leader?"

"It's possible," Aiden replied, his tone contemplative. "I've encountered strange creatures in the forest that didn't belong to the orc tribes. There's a sense of something brewing in the shadows."

Kin, who had been silent, finally spoke up. "I might have a way to gather more information. If you allow it, I can use my alchemical skills to create a reconnaissance spell. It could help us see what's happening in the orc territories without putting anyone in danger."

Aiden raised an eyebrow, weighing Kin's suggestion. "That could work, but you need to understand that I don't trust you completely. Your history with Vult doesn't sit well with me, and I don't want anyone exploiting my people."

"Fair enough," Kin replied, maintaining a calm demeanor. "But if we're going to combat this threat, we need to work together. I'm not here to cause trouble; I want to ensure my research is safe, too."

Celestine intervened, her voice firm yet diplomatic. "Let's focus on what's important right now. We can set up a watch around the village and strengthen our defenses while Kin gathers intelligence. But we need to communicate openly and trust one another, or we risk losing everything."

Aiden nodded slowly, considering her words. "Alright, let's establish a plan. Kin, you can work on your spell, but I want everyone to be on high alert. We can't afford any surprises."

As they discussed their strategy, Kaguya watched the group dynamic, feeling a mix of anxiety and excitement. "So, are we going to battle orcs soon?" she asked, her enthusiasm bubbling beneath the surface.

Aiden turned to her with a slight smile. "If it comes to that, yes. But let's hope we can resolve this without unnecessary bloodshed."

The conversation shifted toward logistics and preparations, each member contributing their ideas and insights. A sense of camaraderie began to form, uniting the knights and Aiden's villagers in a common goal. As they planned, Aiden felt a sense of purpose returning to him, bolstered by the knowledge that they were in this together.

"Alright, let's get to work," Aiden said, his voice steady and determined. "We've got a lot to do, and not much time to do it."

To be continued