The day proceed normally as I rushing to capital with my best boy Henry. The destination was the main branch that locate at the capital of Polowa which about 4 days trips from the branch I belong.
Today was the third day and tommorow I will arrive at the capital on time as requested by that mysterious requester. That damn guy, because of him I need to rush my ass off to capital instead enjoying my money.
As I grumbling while preparing the camp for a night, I hear some human footsteps near bushes. I was lucky for this past few days as no problem whatsoever happened. Normally, noted that, normally, I would encounter some bandits or werebeast roaming around. Pretty much things that my level can handled.
The footsteps become clearer and gradually I became relax. It's not a werebeast steps nor some cautious bandit but a person. That person have a steady steps which most likely that he or she must heading this way after seeing the light from my camp.
As I prepared my sword, the person greet me with hearty voice
"Hello there.."
"...hel"
"Wrong answer!!... *sigh* why no one ever answer the correct one.."
as I surprised with the eccentricity of mage, yes noted that, a MAGE, the most mysterious identity that most people never interact nor seeing in their live. The mage quickly recover himself.
"Well anyways, I came to you as I need a rest and maybe some ration for this poor old man as you the only one I has seen for past week.."
"S-sure honourable mage, I will prepare your ration right away!"
As I flustered with the old mage request, I never dare to disrespect this person. You see, I have talents that was horned from adventuring for the past decade, I can quickly tell if someone can screw me over. Call it instinct of what but this old mage is seriously can screw me over and over and over (no homo).
"*sigh* ...please drop the title and just call me old man will ya?"
"B-but"
"I don't want to pretend aloof like that old fogey at the tower, It's me who ask something from you, so young man just treat this mage like regular old man will ya?"
"If you said so, o-old man.."
"Hahaha, good lad it nice to see some quick thinking kid this days"
After that, the old man and I just resting by the fire and chatting. If people doesn't know, it really seems like a some regular grandpa have a good time with his grandkid.
The old man is really nice man, he chat a lot and drifting from topic to another topic non-stop from the start, as I keep nodding and pretending to listen (like always) the old man suddenly cough.
"Hey old man?! are you alright?" I ask urgently as the old man keep violently cough.
The old man's hand suddenly glow white and he quickly press it on his chest, the cough greatly reduce but he really look pale.
" Hot damn, I will be dead today it seems..." the old man said with sad face but quickly change back and look at me.
"Lads, it's your lucky day" the old man face smile mysteriously.