CHAPTER 26 "Preparations for Departure"
This web novel is a draft of the story. Please expect frequent changes and updates as I see fit. Enjoy! -Cloki
Ch. 26/50 (tentative estimate of Arc 1)
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-Siegfried and Klaus broke the news of Siegfried's dark affinity to Azure, and despite its dark connections with Hasher's Cult, Azure feels indifferent about the situation. Her only request for Siegfried is that he tries his best to not use his newfound powers for the sake of the party's safety. Siegfried agrees and decides to stick to the normal plan of learning magic. However, Klaus had a better idea. He suggested that the party searches for Ivy Okada, Hiroshi's wife, and someone else who had supposedly been summoned to Provincia, to teach Siegfried and Azure magic...~
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Klaus: "Find her, Siegfried, and she will help you out..."
Siegfried: "Yes sir, Klaus! By the way, where is the closest satellite lab of Ivy's? Is there one nearby?"
Klaus: "I believe there is a lab near the Undergrowth Swamp, a few miles west of here. The swamp is known for its abundance of rich plants and herbs, which are frequently harvested and used in potions. However, it's also inhabited by dangerous animals such as alligators and snakes, so I'd be extra careful around the waters."
Siegfried: "Interesting. Are there any towns near the swamp? I want to make sure there's a place I can retreat to if I'm injured, or if something goes wrong."
Klaus: "Well, the closest town to the actual swamp is the town of Ribroad, which is similar in size to Formai. It has a guild house too, so you can turn in any quests that you pick up there for Provi. I've been there three times, the people there are very welcoming."
Siegfried: "That's a relief. Azure-san, perhaps we could stay the night in Formai, and then depart tomorrow for Ribroad. Unless you think you'd like to take a day or two to relax?"
-Azure looked physically refreshed, however, Siegfried could tell that she was mentally exhausted. Those back-to-back battles with Gurix and Rigel really took a toll on her, as she's rarely ever had to face that much combat before~
Azure: "Well, considering all that we've done in the last few days, I think I'd like to chill for a while. There's plenty to do in Formai! Plus, with this Provi that we're going to get for turning our quest in, we could get you and me some better armor!"
Siegfried: "That sounds nice, despite this armor being labeled as Vitality Armor, it's just barely been keeping me alive. I think I could go for something stronger..."
Klaus: "Well, it's approaching 5:00 PM. You two should eat, and then think about departing for Formai so that you can make it back before nightfall... I'm not sure you'll make it in time if you take the Aqua Trail though..."
Siegfried: "Is there perhaps another road that we could take that would get us there quicker?"
-If Siegfried were powerful enough, he would easily just blink spell back to Formai with Azure. However, teleportation is an advanced spell that neither Siegfried nor Azure know how to properly cast. If they tried, they'd probably end up teleporting themselves underground and suffocating~
Klaus: "Well, there is another road, however, it's much less traveled, and inhabited by bandits and criminals. If you'd like, I could come along with you two and protect you until you get back to Formai, I've got nothing else that I need to do."
Siegfried: "Bandits and Criminals? What's this road called? It sounds dangerous.."
Klaus: "It's known as the Jasper Path. It was named after a large Jasper mine that was excavated nearby it. However, some 80 years ago, there was a landslide, closing the entrance, and trapping nearly 45 excavators inside the mines. None of them ever returned... some say their spirits travel the trail, haunting those who take it."
-Jasper is a mineral that exists both on Earth, and in Provincia. In Provincia, Jasper is quite rare, and contains magical properties that can be used to boost the effects of fire spells, as well as the potency of fire-resistance potions, given that the properties are properly extracted from the stone~
Siegfried: "...you mean this road could be haunted by ghosts? Bandits, Criminals, and Ghosts. That sounds like a hell of a time."
Klaus: "Supposedly, ghosts. I've never seen any myself, and apparently, neither have any of the bandits that have set up camp there. Regardless, it's dangerous, so I think I should come with you guys to protect you until you get to Formai. What do you think?"
Siegfried: "Well, I-"
-Azure interrupted Siegfried. The sound of ghosts and bandits frightened her enough to the point where she had no choice but to allow Klaus to accompany them on their trip back to Formai. She insisted on his help~
Azure: "YES, come with us. We would love your help, Klaus-sama."
Klaus: "I see, well, you two should have little to worry about! I'll go along with you, and if we see any danger, I'll drive it away. However, I can only accompany you until we reach Formai. I must return to the League of Knights to initiate another quest when we return."
Siegfried: "Sounds good! I appreciate your help, Klaus. Well then Azure-san, I think we should grab something here to eat, and then head out!"
-Suddenly, Jurgen emerged from the back room, holding two swords. They shined with excellence and looked quite sharp. Jurgen was smiling as he walked over to the party. When he arrived, he placed the swords on a table and turned toward the party to speak~
Jurgen: "Yo! Before you two depart, I have something for you. I've been saving these until someone worthy came in to purchase them, but, considering you two have goals well above and beyond the average adventurer, I believe I can entrust them to you for free."
Siegfried: "Whoa! Swords! Jurgen, are you sure you want to give us such fine equipment for free?"
-Azure smacked Siegfried across the face and turned to Jurgen, her eyes beaming with energy~
Azure: "Thank you, Jurgen-sama! We will gladly accept these weapons. They will aid us greatly on our journey."
-Azure grabbed one of the swords and attempted to lift it. However, it was much heavier than she expected, and it took some effort for her to lift it properly~
Azure: "WHOA *ding*, that's heavy. What are these made of??"
Jurgen: "These two swords are identical to each other, one for you, and one for Siegfried. They are made with a Carbon Steel blade, and an amethyst-infused handle, which helps with casting spells through the blade."
-Amethyst is another mineral commonly used with magic. It's a great conductor of mana, which makes it a common material used for wand-tips and sword handles. Other common minerals that are fashioned to specific elements include Ruby, Sapphire, Jade, and Quartz~
-Azure lifted her sword with both hands and could feel the amethyst crystal in the handle connecting to her mana vat. The blade began to glow dimly, signaling that mana was being transferred into the blade to be channeled into a spell. Siegfried lifted his sword, and his sword did the same. However, while Azure's blade glowed blue, Siegfried's glowed black~
Siegfried: "These are exceptionally well-crafted swords, Jurgen. Thank you so much for these. But, why is mine glowing black? Is it because of my Dark Affinity?"
Jurgen: "Precisely, Siegfried. Notice how Azure-sama's blade is glowing blue. The blade glows in whichever color represents your natural element. Azure has a natural affinity for water magic, and apparently, you have a natural affinity for dark magic, and thus, your blade glows black."
Siegfried: "I see..."
Azure: "um...seigi-kun..?"
-Siegfried turned toward Azure, and she was looking at Siegfried with a look of slight embarrassment, however, it was overshadowed by her confident aura. She put her sword down, and spoke~
Azure: "w-well, you seem to have more experience handling a sword than I do... If you wouldn't m-mind.. c-could you teach me how to properly use a sword? I want you to teach me."
-Siegfried smiled at Azure, and put his own sword down. He turned to her and put his hand on her shoulder~
Siegfried: "Of course, Azure-san, I'll teach you how to use a sword. You and I are learning magic together, it's only fair that your party members are on a similar level, right Azure? *wink*"
~~FLASHBACK~~
Azure: "I have to teach him MAGIC? UGH, that totally throws my schedule back like an entire year! How is he going to learn and pick up magic that quickly!?!?"
Daichi: "Well, you did say that this boy here was your party member, did you not? It's only fair that each member of a party is on a similar level, right Azure?"
~~BACK TO THE WEAPON SHOP~~
Azure: "That's what my father told me, Seigi-kun. You know what? Let's learn together, and grow stronger together, okay? You and I together will take down Hasher!"
Siegfried: "That's the spirit! Now then, let's take these swords, and load them onto the carriage. I'm sure Theresia is waiting for us to return. We should check on her."
Klaus: "Theresia? Oh! Is that the Vilstra I saw outside Oakheart when I arrived?"
Siegfried: 'Yep! That would be Theresia. How is she?"
Klaus: "Well, when I arrived, she began honking at me, so I went over to say hello. I moved her carriage inside the town and provided her some food so that she wouldn't go hungry. You should take better care of your Vilstra, Siegfried!"
-Siegfried's face went white. He had completely forgotten about Theresia until just now and was now being scolded by Klaus Lamberdt on how to properly care for a Vilstra~
Siegfried: "I apologize, Klaus! I'll try harder next time, I promise."
Klaus: "Don't apologize to me, go apologize to Theresia!"
Azure: "Yeah, Seigi-kun, I can't believe you forgot about her like that!"
Siegfried: "OKAY GUYS, I'll go apologize to Theresia! Azure-san, let's go. We still need to eat before we go on the road to Formai."
Azure: "Okay, I am kind of hungry. But after we eat, we're going to Theresia!"
-Jurgen walked to Klaus~
Jurgen: "Klaus, I heard about your plan to accompany these two on their trip to Formai. Although I don't think you need to hear this, be careful! This is coming from a dad."
Klaus: "As always, father. Thank you. When I return these two to Formai, I'll be returning to the guild house to take on another quest. I appreciate the time we spent together today, I'll be sure to visit again soon!"
Jurgen: "I'll be here in the shop as usual if you return. If for some reason I'm not here, it means I'm out gathering materials, I'll probably be nearby..."
-Klaus gave a salute to his father, and the three of them left the weapons shop. They were hungry, so they decided to head into a restaurant in Oakheart known as "Fabled Castle". It was a restaurant known for its exceptional quality Grook meat, as well as seafood dishes. Oakheart resides near a large river, so it was common for employees to be out gathering fish~
Siegfried: "Hey guys, check out that restaurant. I can smell it from here! We should go inside."
Azure: "mmmmm, it smells fantastic! I wonder what they're serving in there, let's go Seigi-kun!"
Klaus: "That's the Fabled Castle, they serve many different kinds of meats and fish in there. I'm getting a bit hungry myself, so I wouldn't mind stopping for an hour or so to eat. Let's check it out. I wonder if Aubs is working."
-The three of them went into the restaurant and were greeted by an employee. She was much shorter than the party, standing at about Azure's height. She had Auburn hair and wore a chef's outfit. She had the aura of a hunter around her, despite her physical appearance. Klaus smirked and chuckled to himself.~
???: "Welcome to the Fabled Castle! My name is Aubrey! Please, take a seat anywhere, and I will be right with you!"
[???]: "Oi Aubs! Lemme get another one of them Hijens! You make em right!"
Aubrey: "Hang on! I'll be right there!"
Aubrey: "Sorry about that, I'm the only one working here at the moment, so it's a bit hectic. But not to worry, I have everything under control! Take a seat!"
Siegfried: "Thank you."
-The party found an empty booth near the back of the restaurant. They sat down and put down their belongings. Siegfried looked up and met eyes with Aubrey. She was behind a bar counter, serving a drink to an older gentleman who had the aura of a soldier around him. Then, like lightning, Aubrey flew between tables, cleaning and prepping them for the next wave of customers. She was very quick and agile!~
-Aubrey ran behind the counter once more and, with both her hands and feet working together like clockwork, she effortlessly prepped 3 drinks and an appetizer. She did a backflip and kicked the drinks to the table, each of them reaching their customer without spilling a drop. The crowd cheered Aubrey on as she performed her serving act~
-Aubrey was a master waitress, and chef. She ran to the kitchen and modified 5 dishes that were all simultaneously cooking, all without breaking a sweat. She then left the kitchen~
-Aubrey ran over to the party's table and took out a pen and paper. She glanced at Siegfried and winked, then spoke~
Aubrey: "What can I getcha?"
Siegfried: "First off, let me say... HOLY CRAP, YOU'RE FAST..."
Aubrey: "ee hee! Well, I've been working here for some time, so I know how everything works around here. I'm also a fire-air hybrid mage, so I use air spells to work more efficiently! As of right now, I have 5 dishes cooking simultaneously, and I'm taking another 3 orders. All while my customers are happily enjoying their meals! It seems like a lot, but I've got it all under control. Anyway, what can I getcha?"
-Siegfried was shocked. Regardless, he asked the party what they were going to order, and made his own order as well~
Azure: "I'll have Fabled Fish & Chips, and some Skime, please!"
Siegfried: "Azure-san, remember what happened last time you had ski-"
-Azure leaned over the table and pinched Siegfried's lips shut.~
Azure: "Hehe, we don't talk about that Seigi-kun."
Aubrey: "Alright, Fabled FC and Skime. What about you, Klaus-chan? It's good to see you again! Hehe, you're as cute as you've always been."
Klaus: "Ah hah, your words are kind as always, Aubrey-san. Anyway, I'll take the usual!"
Aubrey: "Got it! What about you, young man?"
-Despite looking younger than Siegfried, Aubrey was referring to him as a "young man". Perhaps Aubrey is older than she appears to be~
Siegfried: "I'll just have the same thing Azure-san is having. It sounds tasty, however, I'll just have water with mine, no skime please."
Aubrey: "Alright! I have 2xFC 1xSK 1xWTR and The usual for Klaus-chan. Coming right up!"
-Klaus-chan...? Does Klaus have a close relationship with Aubrey? Siegfried looked toward Klaus, confused, but Klaus ignored him and was beaming with energy. Perhaps his suspicions were confirmed. However, he hesitated to ask, in fear of invading Klaus's privacy~
-Aubrey left the table quickly and proceeded to head into the kitchen. Meanwhile, Siegfried inquired Klaus about Ivy, as he wanted to know more about her as a person, before attempting to meet her~
Siegfried: "So Klaus, could you give me some more information on Ivy Okada? What does she do now. You mentioned she ran a few labs around Provincia that are connected VIA teleporters. She seems like a very intelligent woman."
Klaus: "Ah yes, Ivy Okada. Well, you're right in saying that she's intelligent. She's probably the smartest person in Provincia right now. She also happens to be one of the richest people in Provincia. She runs numerous laboratories throughout Provincia, and works to develop new potions and spells."
Siegfried: "Wow, so she's responsible for most of the potions and spells that we know of?"
Klaus: "Well, in terms of spells, she has only developed a few, and they're still all very new and unknown to the general public. However, when it comes to potions, she rules the land. I'd say a good 80% of official potions that you buy are from Ivy's brand. I'm sure you noticed a logo of a fox head on most of the potions you've come across, yes?"
Siegfried: "Now that I think about it, I do remember seeing a silver fox head on some of the potions back at the camp...is that Ivy's brand?"
Klaus: "Yep! Ivy's labs are all connected via teleporters and run together as a company if you will. Her company is known as Ivory Fox, and they develop and brew potions... she's been running the company for the past 13 years along with her and Hiroshi's magic school."
Klaus: "When Hiroshi passed, the school was shut down, and she focused on her company, Ivory Fox. Her main lab is in Laeval, as you know."
Siegfried: "I see... perhaps when we meet Ivy, we could also learn how to brew potions Azure-san! How does that sound?"
Azure: "That sounds like a good idea. I'm not sure what dangers we will encounter on our journey to defeat Hasher, so having potions on hand is always a good idea..."
Klaus: "Well, when you two are ready to depart, come let me know. I'll probably be at the Formai Guild House. I'll have something for you there."
Siegfried: "Sounds good Klaus-sama. I appreciate everything you're doing for us.."
-Aubrey then emerged from the kitchen holding 4 dishes. She quickly shuffled around the restaurant, spinning as she went. She served the four dishes to groups of customers, as they continued to cheer her on. She was a celebrity! She then danced her way back into the kitchen, and blew a kiss in Klaus's direction~
Klaus: "-tch!"
Siegfried: "Hmmmm, what was that, Klaus?"
Klaus: "n-nothing! I think our food is almost ready, let's make some space on the table..."
-Siegfried and Azure giggled and made some extra space on the table for their food. They were going to eat, chat, and relax, before setting off back for Formai!~
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