"Time magic, you say? Can you explain that to me in detailed, I've never heard of it."
I said completely confused. So far, I only know a few magic that exist in this world. Fire, water, earth and wind are the most common used by humans. Which originates from the four elemental goddesses, you also have light magic which is an extremely rare type of magic some humans are able to use.
The dark magic is special magic the demon race once used three hundred years ago in the war, however, the amount of human capable of using it was low. I was recently told about, the existence of space magic that have the potential to help me return home, but it wasn't something normally used. At least it's not something you would ever see humans used normally.
"Time magic could be said to be counterpart for space magic, as both are magic that cannot usually be learnt normally by humans, while the four elements of nature were brought by the elemental goddesses. Space and time magic were brought by the god of creation from long ago, in fact these two magic was the one that helped in the creation of the universe."
She explained in a fluent tone. I see, make sense that a god was the one who created time and space magic. But still how amazing would it be to be able to manipulate time. I'd really like to try it if possible but... can a human even use that kind of magic? While I was pondering such thoughts, Alya accepted the orb.
"We, accept your request."
She said showing a satisfied smile.
"Are you sure?"
I gazed at her curiously, trying to guess her intention.
(Hey, is it possible for me to learn time magic through the, time orb?)
-I'm not sure but, I have a feeling it's going to be useful to you moving forward. While we travel, I will do some investigating to understand the orb a little more as, its clearly not something that was made by the hands of a human.
Hearing the words coming from Alya I hummed with a pensive expression, it wasn't made by human then, who exactly could have made it. My curiosity was piqued. I turned my attention back to the village chief.
"Can you tell me where exactly did you get this orb?"
I inquired curiously.
"It was given to me by the previous chief of this village. My father, unfortunately I don't know where exactly he got that orb. Until now I didn't know it purpose, so I had it as a decoration to my home."
The chief explained.
I see, perhaps the previous chief didn't know the used of the time orb either, and just thought of it as an ornament. I made a look of understanding before opening up my mouth, however, before I could Alya thank the village chief instead.
".... I see thank you. Now could you tell me where the nine tailed beast is located."
Asked Alya. I looked at her curiously to understand her intention. As though she could easily see through my thought, she smiled gently before asking.
"Haruto, you want to eliminate the nine tailed beast, don't you?"
She suddenly asked. Hmm... how did she?
"You want to know how I knew about that? It's obvious, I could easily see you were very interested in that beast."
Alya said her green emerald eyes glittered mysteriously. Seeing that I sighed quietly I guess it's no used hiding things from her. She nodded her head, before showing a smile filled with pride.
"Yes, I want to get rid of that beast. I can't just let something so dangerous run free, right?"
I said rubbing the back of my head a bit shyly.
"In that case, chief. Would it be satisfying if we eliminate that beast that has been causing so much trouble for you as compensation for accepting the orb you have given us?"
Asked Alya. Ah I see, she probably didn't want us to stop any further on our journey towards the Kingdom of Albanian, so she wanted to use this as a way to compensate for the orb. Indeed, escorting the entire village would definitely hinder our travel and, will be even further from reaching our destination.
I look silently at the chief awaiting his response.
"Hmmm... yes indeed it would definitely be enough of a reward to compensate for the orb."
The chief replied in a humbled tone.
"Good, its decided then, we will execute that beast, and free you all from your shackles."
Alya said her tone filled with satisfaction, as the corners of her mouth was upturned into a faint smile.
"Wait!"
A loud soft melodic voice sounded. I subconsciously turned my head to the voice's owner, a beautiful girl who seems to be roughly 18 years old, with long pink colored hair and darker pink colored eyes were standing there.
"Is there something wrong, lady Alice?"
I asked curiously. Though I can somewhat understand the concern look present on her face.
"Of course, there is something wrong! That beast is really dangerous. I know both you and lady Alya are strong, but?"
"There is no need to worry about us, you know. we'll easily made mincemeat out of that beast."
Alya said in casual tone. Her eyes were filled with the at most confidence.
"Like she said, don't worry about us. I'm confident we can win."
I replied with a smile.
"In that case I'll come too."
She said with a determined look present in her face. The villagers who remained inside the room looked at Alice incredulously. Alya also looked at her blankly before her expression was eventually turned into suspicion.
"Hey, Alice could it be that you were actually serious about offering yourself to Haruto."
Alya's voice sounded took on a tone that would easily intimidate anyone who heard it. Many of the Villagers took a step back sensing the pressure oozing from Alya who was gazing at Alice, as though she could see her very soul.
"Ha-Haruo..."
Alice said with teary eyes, seeking my help. Cough, cough. I also took a step back choosing not to interfere in the matter between two women.
In the end the crying Alice was drag out the room by Alya who had intimidating atmosphere around her. I could only wish Alice best of luck in my mind.
With that being out of the way, I once again turned my attention to the chief.
"We would like to leave first thing in the morning, could you allow us to lodged in this village until then?"
I asked keeping a faint smile on my face.
"Of course, although our village may not be appropriate to lodge both you and your friend, we will make sure you are both treated well during your stay here."
The chief said bowing his head respectfully. The other villagers also lowered their head in perfect synchronization. Seeing that I couldn't help but laugh awkwardly.
We continued our talk until late into the night, until we ultimately decided to end our discussion.
***
"So, this is the house were staying at?"
Alya asked gazing at the old house which stood tall despite its old appearance.
"Yes, I know it's not perfect but, we'll have to be thankful with what we get."
I said before opening up the door. The door opened up with a creaking sound. Alya then turned on the lights lit by the artifacts hanging on the walls. However, the artifacts glowed before it went out.
"Sigh, of course it's not working."
She muttered, before taking off one of the crystals attached to her light blue dress, the silver crystal glowed completely illuminated the entire room.
The illumination showed us a small room, with only a small number of furniture. A small kitchen connected to the door on the right side of the hallway. And a bathroom right next to the entrance.
"Hmm... you know, I was always curious about those stones attached to your dress, could you tell me what are they?"
I inquired curiously.
"These stones are called spirit stones. They are used to store mana; these are the only ones I currently have in my possession."
Alya informed.
"... I see, when will I get something like that?"
"Humph, these stones are extremely rare. You know, there not something one can find easy inside the human world. They are abundant inside the spirit world."
She explained.
"What Kind of place is the spirit world exactly?"
"Think of it as a spiritual world, where only spiritual being can enter. And even if someone with a physical body entered it, their body would be replaced with a spiritual one instead."
She further explained.
"I see, do you think I can go there some day?"
I asked intrigue. About the spirit world.
"Yes! I think it would be great for you to see our world, I'll definitely take you there someday."
Alya said unusually enthusiastically. Seeing that I couldn't help but laugh somewhat amused.
"Okay it's a promise, but before that we need to solved our current problems."
I said my expression became slightly serious.
"Yes, we should get some sleep since will be leaving early tomorrow."
Alya said as she fell down to the bed. I then lay down on the sofa place inside the room.
"Huh? What are you doing? It's fine if we sleep together on the same bed, you know?"
Alya said poutingly. Ignoring her I silently closed my eyes.
***
On top of a mountain illuminated by the moon, a woman with long waist silver hair stood there, her eyes as red as blood. The woman gazed blankly at the moon. Suddenly her fair white thigh became covered with white silver fur. Her pupil slit vertically. And her beautiful white teeth became fangs.
Her beautiful womanly appearance became that of a wild beast. A beautiful silver fox with nine long tails could be seen standing there, the area where she stood became frozen in ice.
ROAR~
The cries of her howl echoed through the surrounding scaring many of the wild beast living near the vicinity.