Chapter 7

Once we left the city with all of our rations I told Nejime to lay every down, I was going to carry everything on a platform of stones. I've already gotten fairly skilled through all the practice I had travelling alone, and moving a larger structure has already been possible for me for a bit.

Seeing my platform start to carry her baggage, Nejime couldn't help but exclaim.

"Stone weaving is truly amazing every time I see it. Why the weavers still don't use their powers a lot more is for moving their tribe or carriage is still a wonder to me,"

"I'm pretty sure that's because of the belief in the great weaver. On another note though, when Sen'Ru told me about you searching for people, he told me about it by saying you had a questionable background like me. Are you willing to tell me what background you have?"

Not thinking for long she responded.

"It's nothing too weird, just a Shuriman noble and a commoner woman. The commoner woman was a traveller from Ionia though. She died when I was still a child, and she always wanted to show me Ionia herself. So in her honour, I wanted to see Ionia for myself. Staying in Shurima wouldn't have done me much good anyway, half Shuriman's are looked down upon in the aristocracy here."

"Sorry if I brought some bad memories up. Another topic then. You seemed really strong or skilled, I couldn't get a grasp on you. What did you do?"

"What did I do? I blocked the magic you used to inspect me. It was a good attempt, but it's easy to see that you're self-taught. Shuriman magic academies are not for nothing. But as for how strong I am, hmmm... let me just show you"

Saying so she sat down and slowly channelled her magic. When she finished channelling her magic she opened her eyes and unleashed a wave of massive pressure, making me fall to the ground.

Activating my mana sense I tried to get used to her energy, and let the system analyze it. Sorry, but not sorry, I'll learn your magic with my system.

[Force energy control learned:

An energy capable of applying physical force to everything affected by it.]

Just as quickly as her shockwave knocked me down, it also passed and I stood up again.

"*cough* *cough* fuck, you're strong, really strong. How come you still need a bodyguard?"

"It's nothing that amazing, I could only use that much magic because I had to channel my magic for quite a bit. Sure, the overall amount of magic and force are important, but they can't beat speed. If you hit me with a stone before I can finish channelling my magic you win. In fact, what you can do is much more amazing, when we left the city you were able to form a platform to carry us and surf on the sand as if it was nothing. A level I'll probably never reach"

"..."

"Sorry if it sounded like self-pity. But it's just so infuriating."

"Did you spend a long time practising?"

"Quite a long time. I already told you I was of noble descent, didn't I? Well, that allowed me to visit an instructor for magic and visit a magical academy. Now, does channelling magic for it to result in a blast seem like the result of yearlong tutelage?"

"No, it does not."

"And you are not the only one who thinks so. So, since I had no talent in magic there were two choices in front of me."

"Political marriage or leaving?"

"Yes, and I think you can see which I chose."

"Hm... for the choice of leaving. Was it one you were offered or did you leave on your own and run away?"

"I don't think a noble house would just give up an important asset. Especially one a bit more exotic."

"Then what noble house are you from? I'd like to know what we'll have to deal with."

"I am from the royal bloodline. I'm pretty sure that-"

"-That the army invading Nashramae is looking for you? And we'll probably have to deal with Ascended and other highly skilled warriors coming after us?"

"Yes, that is very likely."

"Ahh, I really should just ditch you, you know that right?"

"You could, but I have this." Pulling out a badge, showing a mask she continued. "This is my mothers family crest. When I was younger my father told me this is the only thing my mother left behind, before she went back to Ionia. And you shouldn't know your way around Ionia, so if you help me now I'll definitely help you once we're there."

Thinking I sat down, not helping her would send me back to travelling alone. Although I was able to find out a route thanks to the plan I had with Nejime, I didn't know how I should progress after that, I also don't have any money. And even if I make it to Iona, I still wouldn't know my way around or have the local currency.

"Alright, I'm poor though, like really poor, so I'll have you pay for everything, and don't go and regret it. Also, we need to speed up. If you're really of royal descent then they will send some Ascended skilled at tracking."

Saying so I sat down and told her to grab something. Once she grabbed the platform I reshaped it. The platform became narrower and I formed a layer of rock protecting us from sand or wind. Once the platform was fully reformed I used my magic and sped up with all the force I have.

"If I go at full speed we should reach the next port town, show me the way."