The Alchemist.

[Natasha's POV?]

… I took care of obtaining certain supplies, along with the human woman. Who, in spite of her condition, seemed to be the most useful of the trio. 

Even though she was the one and only reason why we had to stop for breaks three extra times, throughout our trip, that is…

"Thanks for the help, by the way."

"It's fine. I needed a break from those two…" she muttered, in exhaustion.

"I see… Are they annoying, perchance?"

She kept walking, as we headed to our destination. "Somehow, no. It's not that they annoy me, but… You know how, from time to time, you just need to be alone?"

"Yeah."

"Well, that's what this is about."

I wonder… Is this the so-called period? 

It didn't matter much to me, so I nodded and we continued on.

A multitude of trees rested far above us, their crowns fluttering slightly due to the passing wind. Not much else happened to them, considering the sheer density of the trees of my land.

Not even a shred of sunlight could peek into the innards of the crowns, unless they allowed it.

"... I heard tales about the elven trees, but seeing them with my own eyes is an experience."

"I know. They're truly wonderful."

"Though… If you all live in trees, how do you live through the Extreme Falls, exactly?"

An expected question, asked by most outsiders. 

"Simple, we just retreat underground."

… That might have confused her more. Maybe that's why she didn't ask any further questions.

So, anyway, we continued on our voyage, with the luggage in our arms. Enshrouded in silence… With a few grumbles coming from the woman, that is.

I almost wanted to offer her some help, but… I didn't. Something deep inside told me that I shouldn't.

'Right. But if she asks for help…'

Not much happened afterwards, until we reached a small, hidden area. Sunlight struggled to reach this place, serving as a perfect hideout for the other two.

"We're back. Let's get going."

Randall got up and stretched a bit, while the beast did the same… slowly, that is. They remained with the hoods on, though. Which is to be expected.

If they couldn't even do that…

'They wouldn't have been sent here to begin with.'

Regardless of their actions, we departed after some minutes had passed.

Randall and the beast carried most of the bags, many of which contained food and water.

"So… Where are we going now, exactly?"

"We can't afford to spend too much time in populated areas, so we are leaving."

"Alright… It's a pity that we won't be able to get some first-hand experience regarding the culture of this place, though," muttered Randall, almost disappointed. But this time, no one really gave him a reply.

"The mission comes first."

"I know, but still…"

"..... Maybe, we can return once the war is-"

"Absolutely not," I commanded abruptly.

'Too risky for everyone involved.'

The human and the beast, both with their respective deep blue and gray hoods, turned their heads to face mine.

But sadly for them, I wasn't planning on elaborating. It's already as obvious as it gets.

A few elves passed by, not really minding our presence. Some of them headed right into some trees, while a peculiar duo walked towards a small space, away from the crowd.

One of them held a harpoon with his left hand. Wearing a smile on his cheery expression, the crimson badge hanging on his waist moved at random intervals, due to the irregular rhythm of his steps.

As for the other one, he held a simple, hand-sized wooden box, and walked in a far more… methodical manner.

'A Hunter. And the other is… Wait, that uniform?'

"Huh? Natasha, why'd you stop?"

What's an Alchemist doing all the way out here??

"... Change of plans. I need to check something."

"What??"

I followed the two individuals, and reached the same spot… A small field, relatively far away from the main village.

An empty, open arena. The two elves stood each in one of the two ends, opposing each other.

"So, the usual rules?"

"Yeh."

'A duel?... Strange. Alchemists aren't known for their fighting prowess…'

A few heavy breaths came from behind, as the other three seemed to catch up. 

"Why'd you run off?" asked the man, not minding the monster's signs of exhaustion.

"Silence."

My sights stayed on the far duo.

"Here I come, Frien," voiced the hunter.

The alchemist smiled, while his hands slid towards the small, brown box. He grabbed a few cards, only to spot the harpooner, who had closed half the gap.

A card flew towards the harpooner's face. With its tip quickly set ablaze, his blue eyes widened. He spun out of the way, barely dodging the flaming card.

Which exploded mere moments later.

"Straight to the point, as usual," commented the one named Frien, while extending his right hand. A dark umbrella's handle soon materialized between his fingers, whereas another card appeared on the other hand.

'Judging by the power of that card… The alchemist's control over Alkahest isn't that bad.'

The one with the harpoon summoned his Ego, a vest-dress resembling that of a dwarven sailor.

"This battle wouldn't be going like this if we fought near the sea," commented the hunter, as his battle-hardened arm rushed to strike the alchemist's face with its jade harpoon.

"Sadly, your assumption is not too far from the truth."

The alchemist pressed a button in the umbrella, and the weapon blocked the weapon's impact after transforming into a shield.

Retrieving three more cards from the box, he placed the four of them between each of his fingers. And when the weapon went back looking like an umbrella, the four cards flew in the harpooner's direction.

He deflected them all with an accuracy that would put most archers' to shame… But not even that was enough.

For one of those cards exploded in a green cloud, causing the sailor to widen his eyes and hold his breath.

'I think I've seen enough… We should leave.'

Frien was the alchemist's name, right? What an interesting fighting style.

***

A few hours later, the four of them stood in the middle of an uninhabited forest.

Hiyoshin, who held a rather long spear, found herself repelling the attacks of a single, bear-like monster.

A downward swipe attack, which she merely dodged, and a charge.

"Ngh…"

The bear's fangs approached her head, but the strong gales pouring out of a magic circle slowed them down. Enough for her to deal the killing blow with her spear, thanks to an opening.

But she didn't.

Hiyoshin attempted to maintain her posture, supporting her relatively weak body with the spear on her hands.

"Why didn't she finish it off?" asked Randall, who eyed the panda underneath the hood.

"She couldn't."

A bit of surprise splashed the man's face, akin to someone throwing four water drops to another person's face. "Why?"

"... Hiyo consumed too much Mana in one attack."

"So?"

Jean sighed exasperatedly, and clutched the right half of her face with one hand. "When you use magic, you have to control your Mana consumption, ensuring it remains gradual. Otherwise, in a fairly good scenario, you'll probably end up like Hiyoshin right there…"

She stood strong in spite of the exhaustion, and watched as the bear, who had a body filled with claw and spear made wounds, charged in.

… Fortunately, her sluggish movements matched to keep up with the monster's.

"... But in the worst of cases, you can cripple your body for the rest of your life."

A frown appeared on Randall's face, only to be followed up by the appearance of his wet rapier.

… The bear fell to the ground, seconds later. It's slow, dying breaths broke the silence created by the others.

Shuddering, Jean averted her gaze from the dying body… Knowing what sort of scene would take place soon.

Whereas Hiyoshin approached the monster, only to get down on her knees, and place her spear on the floor. 

Her dark paw latched onto the fallen monster's fur. With her eyes slightly elated, she took out a bite of it.

"Disgusting," commented Natasha, who refused to observe the beast-woman's unsightly… lunch.

The two humans also let her be, for now. Especially Jean, who had to walk away… 

Only to puke near a tree.

She took out a handkerchief out of a small handbag, and wiped her face clean. 

"That's a lot of vomit…"

"Randall… that sort of comment… was totally unneeded," she replied, while regaining her breath.

"I know."

"Then why did-"

Another surge cut off her words, leading to some further disposal of throat juices and half-digested food.

"We'll be on our way once you're done throwing up, ok?"

After Randall patted her in the back as if to give her encouragement, he walked off.