The three of them are fully equipped. Two days have passed since then. They are going there again to investigate.
"Should we really go back?" (Aisha)
"Yes. That's a mystery. As adventurers, we can't let a mystery stay a mystery. We have to unravel it and take the treasure." (Belle)
"You two just want the treasure!" (Aisha)
Aisha was spot on. Belle had her eyes on that sword and Leah just wanted the branch of the world tree.
They left albeit Aisha was reluctant. And it took them an hour to reach there.
Am eerily calm circle in the middle of the forest. It's daytime and the forest is crawling with monster. But in this circle, no monster is there.
"You can't believe it when you see it for the first time, can you?" (Aisha)
"A huge hole will open up in the middle. That sounds like a legend." (Belle)
"But it does. Now, let's get moving." (Leah)
Leah was unusually enthusiastic. Probably because of the mystery.
They keep walking but something entered their sight. A man is lying down on the grass.
"Hey look, it's the sleepy guy." (Belle)
"Yeah. He is sleeping outside." (Aisha)
"But he is still mysterious. I can't fathom how strong he is." (Leah)
"You really think so? He looks all lanky and weak to me." (Belle)
Being a swordswoman, Belle is always observing her opponent. So their physical strength can be measured.
The man is lean. He doesn't have any excess muscle and he isn't very big either. He looks just like a normal 20 years old man.
"There you go again. Always looking at what's in front of you. You have to anticipate. What if he suddenly buffs up? Then what will you do? Belle, you need to think of every possibility." (Aisha)
Aisha is a paladin. She is a master of sword and holy magic. So Belle often gets lessons from her.
They were all observing the man when he opened his eyes.
"You girls are really spirited. Where do you get so much spirit from?"
The man asked even without getting up. This question made them jump back and take their stances.
"No need to be so frightened. My name is Akatsuki. Nice to meet all of you." (Akatsuki)
He introduced himself as Akatsuki.
But they stayed vigilant. Because they don't know what this guy might do.
"Sorry if I scared you back then. I was a bit cranky as I had just woken up from a long sleep." (Akatsuki)
He is acting all vulnerable. This got them to lower their guard.
"I am Aisha. Their leader and a Paladin." (Aisha)
"Belle. The swordswoman." (Belle)
"Leah. A mage and an aspiring sage." (Leah)
"Nice. How about we go inside? It's not so nice to talk outside, right?" (Akatsuki)
It was the right thing to do. Because, it was kind of sunny and it was in the middle of the forest.
So they agreed to his proposal. And as usual, they went inside.
It was just as before. The same home with clay colored walls. A living space and kitchen at the front and two rooms in the back.
The living room is well decorated.
"Take a seat. I'll bring something to drink."
Akatsuki told them to take a seat and he went to bring some snacks.
"This is the same place as before but it feels different." (Aisha)
"Must be because he is actively living here." (Leah)
"Probably. But it feels more like a secret home than a normal home." (Aisha)
They were curiously looking around and Belle noticed the sword she wanted.
"Look, it's hanging right there. That sword." (Belle)
Belle excitedly pointed at the sword.
"Belle, calm down. It's impolite to point at something." (Aisha)
"Anything you fancy?" (Akatsuki)
Akatsuki came back with snacks. He poured them tea and some biscuits.
"It's not much but that's all I have for now." (Akatsuki)
They took the teacups. It's not nice to reject someone when they are offering.
They all took a sip and became silent.
(What is this flavor? So rich but nor overpowering and light at the same time. The scent is unlike anything I have ever seen.) (Aisha)
That's what she thought. She is an avid tea lover. But Leah and Belle don't like tea that much and even they were greedily drinking.
Aisha took a biscuit and took a bite. The same thing happened again.
The biscuit blew her away as well.
"Akatsuki, what tea is this?" (Aisha)
"Hmm…I don't know. Something my mother brought. I don't drink tea that often so I don't know the name. It's a special blend my mother likes. And she made the biscuits herself." (Akatsuki)
"Your mother? Are your parents here?" (Aisha)
"No. They left today. I was taking a nap after seeing them off when you girls came." (Akatsuki)
"We just missed your parents. I would have liked to meet them." (Leah)
A normal mage doesn't need to know much aside from magic but a sage has to know about many things along with magic.
The study of life falls under that criteria. She wanted to see if his parents are like him or not.
"So Belle, you want that sword, right?" (Akatsuki)
"Yes. Give it to me." (Belle)
"Belle, it's rude to be so direct." (Aisha)
"No need to be so roundabout. I am just like her. Direct and rude. But you feel like my mother, Aisha. Always telling me to be more polite and stuff." (Akatsuki)
"It's tiring to listen to those all the time." (Belle)
And Aisha became red. Because, she totally owned her mother part.
"Anyway, you can have it. I just crafted that sword for fun but I don't use a sword. You can take it." (Akatsuki)
"Thanks." (Belle)
Belle went and took the sword. She unsheathed it and took a swing.
"Amazing. I just took it and it already feels like a part of my body. (Belle)
"True. It doesn't feel like you just got the sword." (Aisha)
"I can guarantee it's quality. It won't break even if you hit Behemoth with it. I mean, I forged that to get rid of gods. A measly divine beast won't stand a chance." (Akatsuki)
And there he goes. Ruining the mood with one casual remark. It's true but normal humans won't understand his meaning.
All of them are petrified.
"I think you don't get it. Well then, Leah, you can use appraisal, right?" (Akatsuki)
"Yes. I have appraisal." (Leah)
That's a skill that is rare.
"Then can you appraise it? I will lift the restrictions." (Akatsuki)
"But I have the highest grade of appraisal. I can avoid restrictions." (Leah)
"Try then." (Akatsuki)
He took that stance. Let them fail first.
And Leah failed to appraise it. She could not see anything.
"I told you. For someone to see through my restrictions, they have to be at least as strong as that witch!" (Akatsuki)
"That witch? Who are you talking about?" (Aisha)
"Just mumbling. Anyway, you guys are here because I piqued your interest. How about I accompany you?" (Akatsuki)
"Accompany us?" (Aisha)
"Let's say I will be your guide. I will lead you to glory. Leah, you wish to know where did I get the branch of the world tree from?" (Akatsuki)
"Yes. Normally it would be impossible for a branch that big to be owned by a single person." (Leah)
"But I do. Because Yggdra gave it to me. Now then, how about we go to the city?" (Akatsuki)
"Hey, you haven't told us the whole story yet?" (Aisha)
"I will. But I am craving some food. Let's go and have some meat. We will talk over a meal." (Akatsuki)
And just like that Akatsuki teleported all of them to the city gate. He was with them and they entered the city.