Chapter 3: The Mysterious Wanderer
The village was abuzz with chatter. The destruction caused by the black mist beast had left the townsfolk shaken, but the sudden disappearance of the creature had them baffled. No one had seen what had happened, only that the beast was gone, leaving behind faint traces of its eerie mist.
Noah sat at a quiet corner of the village tavern, sipping from a cup of lukewarm tea. His dark cloak concealed his figure, and his demeanor made him blend into the crowd. Zap sat on the table, pecking at crumbs and occasionally looking around with curiosity.
"You know," Zap whispered, "you could've at least let them see you do it. They'd probably shower you with praise, food, and maybe even treasure."
Noah chuckled. "And what would I do with all that attention? No, thanks. I've had my fill of fame in the past. Let them think it was a fluke or a blessing from the heavens."
Zap fluffed his feathers indignantly. "You're really going to let them believe a random gust of wind saved them?"
"Why not?" Noah leaned back, a lazy smirk on his face. "It's easier this way. No responsibilities, no unnecessary questions, no one following me around."
As they spoke, the tavern door swung open, and a group of armored soldiers entered. Their polished armor bore the emblem of the Kingdom of Colchis—a golden phoenix surrounded by flames. The room fell silent as the soldiers scanned the room, their presence commanding attention.
The leader, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward. "We're looking for information about the black mist beast that attacked this village."
The villagers exchanged nervous glances, but no one spoke up.
Zap nudged Noah. "What do you think they'll do if they find out it was you?"
Noah sipped his tea calmly. "Nothing. Because they won't find out."
The scarred soldier's sharp eyes swept over the crowd and landed briefly on Noah. For a moment, Noah thought the man might approach him, but then the soldier turned to an older villager near the bar.
"You there," the soldier said. "Did you see anything unusual? How did the beast disappear?"
The villager, an elderly man with a weathered face, stammered, "I—I don't know, sir. One moment it was attacking, and the next… it was gone. Like it vanished into thin air."
The soldier frowned. "Vanished? Do you expect me to believe that?"
"I swear, sir!" the villager insisted. "It was as if the gods themselves intervened!"
The soldiers muttered among themselves, clearly skeptical. The leader growled, "If anyone remembers anything—anything at all—you are to report it to the Kingdom of Colchis immediately. Do you understand?"
The villagers nodded hurriedly, and the soldiers left, their heavy boots echoing through the tavern.
Noah exhaled softly. "Well, that was close."
Zap chuckled. "You? Worried? That's a first."
"I'm not worried," Noah said with a shrug. "I just don't like unnecessary attention."
Meanwhile, in Colchis Castle…
Elder Ren paced the grand hall, her mind racing. The report about the black mist beast had reached her ears, and while she trusted the soldiers to investigate, something about the incident felt off.
"What kind of creature disappears without a trace?" she muttered to herself. "Unless…"
Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Empress Raya, who strolled into the hall with her usual air of confidence.
"You're thinking too much, Ren," Raya said with a smirk. "It was probably just a coincidence. Maybe the beast got bored and left."
Ren frowned. "You don't believe that, do you?"
Raya's smirk faded. "No, I don't. But whatever it was, it's not our problem for now. We have bigger things to focus on—the regional tournament, for one."
Ren sighed. "You're right. But I still feel like something… or someone… is out there. Watching."
Back at the Village…
Noah wandered through the marketplace, blending effortlessly into the crowd. His hood was pulled low over his face, and he carried a small pouch of coins he'd earned by doing odd jobs for the villagers.
Zap perched on his shoulder, whispering, "So, what's the plan now? Stay here, or move on?"
"Move on," Noah said. "This place is too noisy now. Soldiers, rumors… I don't want to be around when things escalate."
As they turned a corner, a young girl bumped into Noah, nearly knocking over a basket of apples she was carrying.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" she said, flustered.
Noah crouched to help her pick up the scattered apples, offering her a kind smile. "No harm done."
The girl looked up at him, her wide eyes curious. "Are you a traveler? You don't look like you're from around here."
"Just passing through," Noah said lightly, handing her the last apple.
"Thank you, mister!" she said with a bright smile before running off.
Zap tilted his head. "You're surprisingly good with kids."
"I've had practice," Noah said vaguely, his gaze drifting to the horizon. The towering silhouette of Colchis Castle loomed in the distance, its spires piercing the sky.
Zap followed his gaze. "Thinking of going there?"
"No," Noah said firmly. "That's exactly the kind of place I'm avoiding."
Zap chuckled. "And yet, something tells me we'll end up there anyway."
Noah sighed, adjusting his hood. "Let's just enjoy the peace while it lasts."
To Be Continued…