Belle walked along a narrow path, searching for his next destination. He had been walking since last night, leaving the Emerald City behind as Ethan lived close to the city gate. Thoughts filled his mind as he pondered the value of having numerous abilities that he was too afraid to use. One of his powers included teleportation, but the fear of what might happen held him back. What if he teleported somewhere unknown or took someone else with him? These uncertainties plagued his thoughts as he took one step at a time.
After walking for two more hours, Belle's legs began to tremble. His already frail body struggled to endure the nine-hour journey since leaving Ethan's place. Most humans and even awakeners would be afraid to stay in the forest until nightfall. Belle wondered if he would perish or find an end to his miserable existence if he stayed there until night. The desire for death lingered in his mind, as he saw himself as a monster responsible for the deaths of others. He believed he was no different from the spatial zone monsters he despised. Exhausted, Belle sat down on the narrow path that cut through the forest, hoping for a peaceful slumber. If he were to wake up, he would have to find a compelling reason to continue living. However, death seemed preferable to him.
Meanwhile, a man dressed as a butler approached a carriage and whispered, "Young master, we need to find a place with enough space to pitch for the night." A young voice from within the carriage responded, questioning the safety of staying in the forest at night. The butler reassured the young boy, explaining that, apart from divine rank monsters and those above, there were no significant threats in the area. The boy's father had prepared capable guards in case they did not reach Cocoyutus promptly. Satisfied with this explanation, the young boy decided it was safe to pitch camp.
"Yeah, we are finally pitching!" a girl with blue hair exclaimed, standing up and rushing outside. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, giving her an alluring look, and she had a sense of teenage innocence in her eyes.
"We are pitching, but we won't be running around," the boy, who was none other than the one who had answered the butler, replied.
"You're really grumpy, always trying to control me. We're just twins, and you're not even older than me," the girl pouted.
"I may not be older, but I am more responsible than you. That's why Mom and Dad said I should take care of you," the boy explained. Just like the girl, he also had blue hair, but his was cut short.
"I think since we're away from home, we should decide who takes care of the other through a fight to determine who is stronger. If I beat you, I give the orders and take care of you," the girl suggested with a mischievous smile.
"You clearly have an advantage. One of your abilities is directly suited for combat, while none of mine are," the boy replied, looking away.
"Well then, how are you planning to protect me?" the girl asked, leading the conversation exactly where she wanted it.
"Young lord, there is a boy sleeping right where we are making a clearing," a voice called out, interrupting the little lord who was unsure of how to respond to his twin.
"A boy? Are you sure he's not a monster?" the young lord inquired.
"The guard sent by the master has already confirmed that. Maybe you don't know, but he is at the late stage of Ascendant," the voice answered.
"Late stage Ascendant? Dad is really going out of his way to see us enter Baddock Academy," the boy mused to himself, but his sister had already jumped out.
"Let me see him! He must be really strong to survive out here in the forest. I bet he's cooler than my brother," she exclaimed, trying to make her way through.
As Belle slept on the narrow path, unaware of the events unfolding nearby, A group of armed men approached, their leader dismounting from his horse and surveying the surroundings.
"Wake him up " the leader said.
One of the men carefully nudged Belle awake, his gentle touch bringing him out of his slumber. Belle blinked sleepily, trying to make sense of his surroundings.
"Are you alright, young man?" the man asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.
Belle stared at the man for a moment before realizing that he was being addressed. He found himself wide agape, not expecting any interaction in the forest .
"I am fine," he brought out his book, scribbled the words on it and show them.
The man extended a hand to help Belle up. "Come, join us by the fire. We're travelers as well, on our way to Cocoyutus. Perhaps we can offer you some supplies and rest."
Belle hesitated, unsure if he could trust these strangers. But the weariness in his bones and the gnawing hunger in his stomach urged him to accept their offer beside he don't really care if they do bad to him, he was sleeping here in the first place to know whether he can die totally . With great effort, he stood up and followed them to a clearing where a campfire crackled and warmth radiated through the cool night air.
As Belle approached, he noticed a blue hair hair who was just trying her best to peer out from some men that was blocking her and next to her a young boy. Both had an air of rich people about them.
"I am Greg Lumberton ," the boy introduced himself, gesturing to the girl beside him. "And this is my sister , Liana Lumberton . We are on a journey to join Baddock academy ."
"I am Belle," Belle wrote on his book and shoed them.
"Belle what? Are you a girl" Greg asked.
"just Belle, I am not a girl" Belle wrote on his paper and showed him .
"sorry, you really look girlie and bears girls name,"
Greg said t. ". Please, take a seat and warm yourself by the fire."
Belle hesitantly sat down, accepting a blanket from one of the men. As he wrapped it around himself, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope flickering within him.
"Young man, it is clear that you have endured much," the bodyguard who the butler has said to be at late stage ascendant said trying to get more out of Belle."
Hearing him, Belle looked into the older man's eyes.
" I have no parents, just want to go to the Academy" Belle wrote showing them the words that where total lie, he knew nothing about the academy and was thinking nothing about it.
"okay Thats is great, we can all go together then" Greg said .
"Okay" Belle answered by writing in his paper and showing it to him as everywhere turned quiet.
"we will be going in now, see you tomorrow," Greg said seeing the awkward situation and finding it hard to keep a conversation with Belle since he don't talk.
"okay Belle Said as he watch them go into their tenth.