"I heard there was a murder that happend around here last night." said Katsu.
"Yeah, I know. From the sounds of it, it was probably just a mugging. Nothing too serious." Amaya stated.
Katsu looked at Amaya with a concerned look. It felt like each day that passed, she would seem less and less like herself. With Emi being abducted and all, it wasn't something he could necessarily blame her for.
"Nothing serious? Someone did die. You know that, right?" Katsu asked.
Amaya looked at the bright blue sky through the window, watching a pair of birds pass. She was too distracted to even reply. Deep down, Katsu knew that wasn't the case. Amaya was only letting herself get distracted to avoid having to come up with a response.
Katsu threw on his coat while walking over to the door. He took Amaya's silence as a sign that she wished to be alone.
"I have some things to take care of. I'll probably be gone for a couple of days. I'll be back though." said Katsu.
It still looked like there was going to be no response to his words, so he opened the door and took a step out. Just as he did, Amaya replied.
"Be careful."
It was relieving to get a reply, and so a slight smile formed on Katsu's face.
"Don't worry, I will."
__________________
(Somewhere In the nearby forest,)
Kono awoke and sat up, finding himself on the forest floor. His eye-sight felt a bit blurry and his body felt like it was breaking down. When he stood up, he realized the severe pain on his side and in his legs.
'Tssss. My adrenaline rush kept me going for a while. I must've passed out after it wore off.'
His limping steps that brought him forward only caused pain in his hip, which he held. He recalled that whire-haired girl named 'Amaya' he faced and the damage she did to him. From her claims, Kono knew that the girl was a Legendary-rank adventurer, but it was strange because he was updated with all the top rankers. Still, Amaya wasn't someone he recognized at all.
'Maybe she was a new recruit.'
He shrugged it off, only focusing on his limping footsteps and where he would go.
'I'm thirsty and hungry. Also, I'm pretty beat up. I need to find a safe place to rest. Maybe a nearby town?'
Quickly, he threw that plan away as the realization set in.
His situation was a bad one. Showing himself in busy areas would be risky so, he was most likely going to find a place in the forest to stay until his injuries healed.
Crunch.
Kono's thoughts were interpreted by the sound of twigs breaking, followed by two voices that called out to him.
"Finding you was a lot easier than we thought it would be."
"You were pretty sloppy at making your escape."
It was two men who each had a sword hanging by their sides.
"Let me guess. Adventurers? You guys were quick to track me down." Kono replied.
The two men stated that they were indeed adventures and that their specialty was to track and find.
"Huh. That makes sense." said Kono.
One of the men started to approach him.
"You don't look like you're in any shape to fight back. Just give up and we won't hurt you. We're only after the bounty afterall."
The man was right, it would be difficult for Kono to fight with injuries like that, but that meant that the adventure most likely had his guard lowered.
'This is the best time to strike.'
When the man got close enough, his whole attitude was cocky and he even put his hand on Kono's shoulder.
"Okay, now just do as I say." said the man.
Kono's eyes shined purple as he struck the man in the face, blasting him against a tree.
Boom! Thump!
"Instant Knockout. And you two thought that you'll beat me just because I'm hurt. I'll show you why I'm no small deal."
The second man drew his sword and sprinted toward Kono.
"We gave you your chance. Enough games!"
Fwssshh.
Kono weaved to the side, dodging the path of the sword.
"Your sword techniques could use more practice."
With a firm kick from the air, Kono's heel slammed the man into the ground.
Slam! Crackllee!
"That should take care of y- Agh.."
He was reminded of the severe pain in his side.
'I got too carried away. I shouldn't be moving like that.'
Kono turned and continued walking on his original path.
'I guess I should start being cautious if adventures are already hunting me. I'll give it a couple days and they'll all forget about me.'
Hours of limping with each step, Kono spotted a large cabin. There didn't seem to be any sign of life coming from it just by looking. For the most part, it looked to be deserted but it still looked better than most houses.
He carefully opened the door as a creaking sound followed before peeking in. Nobody in sight and no sound besides the creaking of his own footsteps.
Seeing that it was safe to continue, he wandered through the house,checking everywhere. There was no doubt, it was either abandoned or nobody was home. Either way, there were comfy couches and furniture, just calling for him to relax on.
'I don't mind if I take a break. The walking has been tough on m-'
Kono quickly stopped mid-walk as he heard the sound of coughing coming from the side. His head turned fast to see who was there.
An older man was sitting back on his rocking chair, smoking a cigar.
'Someone was here the whole time?' Kono thought to himself.
The old man saw Kono's tense demeanor and went on to assure him that everything was okay.
"It's fine, young man. I enjoy visitors. I'm very surprised you found this place. It's not really a house that just anyone can visit."
Kono paid very little details to the old man's details about the place and instead asked for water. An incredible ache struck his shoulder and ribs, causing him to kneel down.
'My injuries are catching up to me.'
"It would seem you have injuries. Wait here, I'll be back." Said the old man.
When he came back, his hand held out a large cup of water to Kono, who then chugged all.
Gulp. Gulp. Gulp.
A breath of relief flew from his mouth as his thirst was quenched.
"Thank you. I was dying without some water."
The old man's eyes began glowing as they observed Kono.
"What are you doing?" Kono asked.
"I have a skill that lets me view a person's injuries. With your's, I'm surprised you were even able to walk. I can help some with healing magic. If that's okay with you."
"I'd appreciate that."
A green light emitted from the man's hand as it was held onto Kono's shoulders, then his back, then his legs.
When the man was done, he spoke.
"It won't do much right away but if you spend the rest of the day resting, you should be good by tomorrow. You're more than welcome to stay here."
Out of the many people Kono had encountered, the old man was far friendlier than any. Especially because he helped a stranger who had just intruded, and now was letting the stranger spend the night.
"Thank you, sir."
"There's no need to address me in such a way. You can call me Feliks."
Next day…..
The first thing Kono did when he woke up was step outside and take a deep refreshing breath. His body felt just a tad bit sore but overall, he felt back to normal.
"Feeling better?" The old man's voice asked. He was sitting on his porch chair, blowing out a cloud of cigar smoke.
"Yeah, I am. You must be advanced in healing magic." Kono stated.
"Oh, when I was younger, I truly excelled in it."
The old man then went on to ask a favor.
"Hey young man. Would you mind doing a favor for me? I usually have people come over to bring me food and things I need but they've been running a couple days late. I need some food and some more cigars."
This was a favor that was a bit too risky for Kono to do. Because of the man he killed, there were bound to be some people looking for him. But on the bright side, it wasn't against the law to wear a mask. Also, the man helped Kono heal a lot faster than it wou;dv'e originally taken. So, he thought it was the least he could do.
"Sure. I'll go." Kono agreed.
"Really? That's great. Here's a list." The old man leaned forward from his seat, handing a small paper with writing, along with a bag of coins.
{1. Apples
2. Loaves of bread
3. One bag of potatoes.
5. Tomatoes.
6. One bag of blueberries.
7. Watermelon
8. Five packs of Cigars.}
'This old geezer must really love fruits and vegetables. And cigars.' Kono thought to himself.
He then stated that he'll be on his way to get the stuff on the list.
When he had walked far enough, a strange feeling struck him. It was like he had just passed through something. His gaze looked back at the place. once more. A barrier was surrounding a great area around the cabin.
'I must've been too worn out to notice it the first time but, this place is bound by a barrier. I wonder what that's about.'
Kono shook his head and put on a black mask.
'Whatever the reason, I'll be curious about it later.'