Well, I have certainly been being very idiotic these past few years, huh? The fact that I had no idea where Ignis Drakonis is located when it was very obvious testifies to my idiocy. But still, who would have predicted that the Divine Flame Beast's ruins were located inside of the volcano that is literally right next to the village I was born in.
That must be why Death God told me that I should be looking for Ignis Drakonis first. Because it's ruins are so close to me. Anyway, after that, me and Luscia were able to decipher some of the other riddles that describe the place where the other Divine Beasts are.
For the Beast of Lighting, the 'precipice' part must mean the top of a mountain. However, we weren't able to understand what the 'peaceful gateway' part means. Even though we weren't able to decipher some parts of it, I was able to understand that the ruins of the Beast of Lightning is located at the top of a mountain.
For the Beast of Water, we weren't able to fully determine where it's location could be. We, of course, understood that the ruins must be where there is water. But, we weren't able to know anything else besides that except that the ruin is located at the bottom of some water body.
For the Beast of Quake, it was a bit obvious were it could be located. Since it said that it is found in 'intertwining traps', we figured that it must be located on the inside of a maze, a labyrinth, or maybe even a dungeon. But, it could be hard to find it's ruins because every one of the things that I have mentioned are places that many adventurers go to. If lots of people go there, the ruins must have been found by at least one person, right? Since there were no news that says it has, it means that the ruins are inside of an unknown dungeon, or it was just never found. Or maybe, everyone who found it died.
Lastly, for the Beast of Light, we had no idea what it meant. It's description in the passage was the most vague out of all of the Divine Beasts. Every other description includes at least one major clue as to where it is but, the Beast of Light has no such thing. The only thing that could qualify as a clue is the fact that no human can enter the ruin's vicinity, or something like that. As such, I currently have no idea where the Beast of Light is.
Armed with this information, I should have enough time to investigate every part of the world that corresponds with these descriptions, right? It is not like The Scourge is suddenly going to appear in this world and wreak havoc.
Oh yeah.
After I had finished my deciphering session with Luscia, I thanked her for her help and let her go home. She asked some questions about why I wanted to know these things but, I told her that I just wanted to pass the time. I don't think she believes me but, I wouldn't believe myself either if I was her. Still, I can't tell her to shoulder this kind of responsibility when she has a whole new life ahead of her, free from the shackles of being a general.
I wanted to do this thing so I can't suddenly tell her these sorts of stuff. Maybe I can tell her if it is a very big emergency. Speaking of the future, I will be having my birthday in just 3 days. I hope I can have a nice talk with Luscia before then. Though, I will still need to get Ignis Drakonis before I leave because I might not get another chance after a few years.
*******************
(Switches to Luscia's Point of View)
Today is the 27th day of the 8th Month. After talking with Teacher Irene, it seems like Alex will be spending his birthday here. After that, he will leave because he will have to participate in a test that the sons of every knight house will have to undertake called the Proving. If they weren't in the top 40%, or if they fail, they will have to wait 2 years in Quaran because they don't allow participating members to leave to make sure they don't get injured when on the journey back home.
That means, if Alex fails even once, I won't be able to see him. My study here in Vulcan only lasts for 2 years and a few extra days, because mother let me stay here for a few more weeks as a bonus for getting good grades. However, I won't be able to see him again, even if he passes because it will take him too much time to come back.
The time I have left with him is slowly dwindling by the second. I want to spend most of my time with him so that we can both have nice memories.
Huh?
No way.
I thought that I would be immune to acting like a child because of the time I spent as a hardened general. Turns out, even I'm not immune to the feelings of a child.
"Miss Luscia, Mister Alex wishes to see you."
"What?"
It is still early in the morning. Why does he want to see me?
"He says that it is a matter of utmost urgency and importance."
"Really? Then, I will see him."
I don't understand why he wants to see me but, I will go. I mean, I was just thinking about spending extra time with him.
********************
(Alex's Point of View)
"Hi, Luscia. Sorry for calling you so early."
"That's okay. Anyway, what do you want to talk about?"
"Just normal things. It can be anything."
"Huh? Why?"
"I want to have a normal conversation a real kid would have."
"Okay."
Yes.
I called Luscia here because I wanted to spend some time with her while sitting down on the hill where my house is. I called early because I don't want my parents spoiling what could be a nice conversation. When I was thinking that, Luscia started talking.
"So, what is your favorite color? My favorite is blue."
"Really? I thought your favorite would be purple or pink."
"Nope. Anyway, what is yours?"
Hmm.
"I would say that the colors I was born with would be my favorites. So, red, black, and gold. But, I also like my white hair and my silvers eyes as well."
"Jeez, I meant what is your favorite ONE."
"Sorry. I just like them all equally."
"So, you are indecisive?"
"...Call me whatever you want."
"Alright. Thanks for answering. That will be very important information."
I wasn't able to hear what her last sentence was but, it shouldn't be too bad. I should ask a question as well.
"Hey, Luscia."
"Yes?"
"Does the sunrise look nice?"
"The sunrise? Yeah, it is."
"Good."
"Why?"
"Another reason I called you here early was so that you can see one of the most beautiful scenes this village has to offer. You could say that I guide others to a treasure that I can not possess."
"So that is a part of the reason. You know, the last thing you said sounds a bit poetic."
"You think so?"
"Yes."
...
There was silence between the both us. Who knew that having a casual conversation could be so hard? Maybe I should start discussing the most important topic right now. I clear my throat and start speaking in a serious tone.
"Luscia."
"Y-yes? What is it?"
"I need you to answer something important. If I needed to do something dangerous, and there was a risk I might die, would you allow me to do it?"
"Of course not."
"What if it is absolutely necessary and that those actions could save the lives of other people?"
I need her to answer this. This will decide if I should tell her about my mission or not.
"It depends on how dangerous it is. I can't let you do something super dangerous by yourself. Though, I would still hold faith that you will survive and come back. I mean, what with all of your training and stuff, I think you can handle almost every situation."
"You think that highly of me?"
Personally, I think that I am not that great. Most of these things only happened because of the mission. If I didn't have that, I would be a regular person.
"Yes, I do. Here is some advice from a noble. You should be more confident. Let it show on your face and in your actions because when you meet someone for the first time, the first thing they do is look at your face. Your face will influence how they think of you until they start to get to know you."
"Hmm. Great advice. I will remember that."
So, I should show confidence every time I do something, huh? With nothing else to talk about, we both sank into silence again.
...
"Speaking of your personality, you like capes because it makes you look more impressive, right?"
"...Yes."
"That means you must be good at theatrics if you like wearing one."
"Shut up."
And that was the little conversation I had with Luscia at dawn before I started preparing for my excursion into Volcanus Maximus to reach Ignis Drakonis.