They were on the ship to Elfior. The wind was cold, biting at their skin as the ship began to move, cutting through the waves with a steady rhythm. The vessel was massive, with about 50 rooms, each one a small haven for the passengers aboard.
Sakura turned to Kiyoshi, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she began to explain. "Do you know how the ship's engine works? It has a magic core. It's made from the mana extracted from magic stones we get from hunting monsters. There are blacksmiths—specialized craftsmen—who create these cores using their skills. The materials they use are magic stones and miteor stones. Miteor stones have this incredible ability to absorb and store mana in its refined form. The core works almost like an electric cell from our world. It can absorb magic, store it, and emit it when needed. That's what powers the engine."
She paused, her voice growing more animated as she continued. "The leaf—the part that rotates—works through the repulsion between holy magic and the magic of death. You see, there are four fundamental types of mana: demonic magic, the magic of nature, holy magic, and the magic of death. The magic we use is a unique blend of these three—nature, holy, and death magic. If the balance is disrupted, it can be fatal. The ratio of these magics determines our class—whether we're assassins, mages, tanks, or healers. Monsters have more demonic magic, while assassins like me have more magic of death. Healers, on the other hand, have more holy magic."
Kiyoshi listened intently, his curiosity piqued. Sakura's enthusiasm was infectious, and he found himself drawn into her explanation.
"Blacksmiths extract holy magic and demonic magic separately," she continued, her hands gesturing as if she were crafting the core herself. "After some enchantment, the holy magic attracts its own kind and repels the magic of death. The blacksmith can control the focus between the two. Over time, the stored magic loses its potency due to the repulsion, so they use the magic core to recharge it. A medium-sized magic core can power this ship for about two months."
Kiyoshi's eyes widened in amazement. "Where did you learn all this?"
Sakura smiled softly, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "After our last quest, while you were in your training, I read a book that explained how things work in this world. It was fascinating."
She then shifted the topic, her tone becoming more serious. "Do you know what guilds are? Guilds are organizations that provide quests, jobs, information, and instructions to their members. There are five main guilds."
She began listing them, her voice steady and clear:
1. Adventure Guild (AMO): This guild deals with adventures, providing information, quests, and instructions. To join, one must pass the awakening test. A magic tester crystal determines the rank of the person based on the colour and brightness of its glow. If it doesn't glow, the test is failed. Those who pass are known as adventurers or awakens. The Adventure Guild also acts as the capital of all guilds.
o Gangs: These are like small, private adventure guilds. They have offices where members discuss, team up, and take quests. Gangs are led by high-ranked adventurers, and members can be adventurers or commoners. The leader decides on recruitment. Quests are given by individuals, village chiefs, or AMO, with rewards varying based on difficulty. Dangerous quests, especially those above A rank, are funded by the kingdom. Gangs can rent dungeons from AMO for raids, which are highly profitable but risky.
2. Alchemy Guild: This guild is for those interested in alchemy, whether awakens or non-awakens. They deal with healing potions, boost potions, and more. Members work under alchemy masters and can earn the title of alchemist after passing tests. Inventing something new can elevate them to the rank of alchemy master.
3. Merchant Guild: This guild is for those interested in trade, whether awakened or non-awakens. They handle all merchant activities, including selling goods for the Adventure and Alchemy Guilds. Members can start shops, transport goods, or work under other guilds or gangs.
4. Church: This is for awakening with healing or priest-like abilities. The church focuses on healing, removing curses, and providing holy blessings.
5. Blacksmith Guild: This guild is for those interested in blacksmithing, weapon design, and new technologies. They deal with weapons and technological advancements.
Kiyoshi interrupted her with a laugh, holding up his hands. "Okay, okay, I got it! That's a lot of information."
Sakura chuckled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I just wanted to make sure you understood."
Kiyoshi's expression softened as he looked at her. "Sakura, I have a question for you. Are you still scared to sleep alone? You're pretty strong, you know."
Sakura's smile faded, replaced by a vulnerable look. "Since I was born, I've never slept alone. I've always slept with Mom. I feel unsafe sleeping alone. But when I hold my sword, it's like I gain this extra power. I feel like I can take on any monster. Sometimes, when we're hunting, I go all out—careless, even. It's like I lose myself in the fight. But I don't worry because I know you're there to support me and heal me."
The ship had now travelled far from the port, and it would take seven hours to reach Elfior. Kiyoshi's thoughts drifted as he watched Sakura. It's good to hear, he thought. I want to become stronger—strong enough to protect her, no matter how hard it gets.
Sakura's voice broke through his thoughts. "Look, dolphins! They're so beautiful!"
Kiyoshi followed her gaze, a smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I heard it's rare to see them. They're considered a lucky omen."
But his eyes weren't on the dolphins. They were on Sakura. She's the one who's beautiful, he thought. The wind from the sea tousled her hair, and she looked so happy, her eyes fixed on the horizon. At that moment, Kiyoshi felt a surge of determination. He would become stronger—for her.