After Marcus had killed the two greater basilisks, he encountered someone who would change his fate, for better or worse. The meeting seemed entirely by chance; at least Marcus didn't think it was intentional by either party. It all happened one day after he had returned from an unsuccessful hunt. Marcus wanted to take a dip in the nearby pond. The weather was uncomfortably humid, so he spent most of his time sitting in the shade, doing nothing.
Approaching the water source, Marcus could see some animals like elks and deer sipping water. He took off his clothes and submerged half of his body in the water. He had already checked the area for crocodiles and snakes, and thankfully found none.
However, he forgot that his sonar-like ability didn't work when he was in water. His surprise was palpable when he saw a man clad in medieval armor standing two meters away, carefully observing him. The man seemed equally surprised to see Marcus, and there was a tense moment of silence as they assessed each other.
Marcus had too many thoughts racing through his mind. How could he not have realized someone was near him? Moreover, why was this person dressed so fancily, wearing armor and wielding a sword? Could it be that he was brought into a stereotypical medieval fantasy world? Was this guy a killer, here for his life?
Cedric, too, was speechless at the sight of Marcus. He only wanted to find some water to drink, never imagining he would stumble upon a naked man taking a dip in the pond. Cedric had faced various kinds of beasts until he arrived here, and fending them off was no trivial matter. But this man, taking a leisurely bath in the pond, must be more than what meets the eye.
"Is he a criminal exiled here? No ordinary folk would trespass such dangerous forests," Cedric thought. Gripping his sword, he didn't act on his thoughts. After all, he knew little to no information about this man, and if he threatened him, he might also get attacked.
Cedric wisely maintained his distance from Marcus, who, despite looking young, had an unsettling presence about him. Hoping that Marcus knew the surroundings well and wouldn't initiate a confrontation, Cedric lowered his sword and said, "I mean no ill will. I have something to ask, and I'll leave after that."
In his mind, Cedric doubted that Marcus would cooperate with him. After all, who would let their guard down around a stranger, especially one with bloody clothes? He secretly readied himself for any likely attack.
Marcus, too, was clueless about what this strange guy had to ask of him. He didn't know if rejecting him would lead to an attack, so he reluctantly accepted.
"Give me a moment. I will satisfy your curiosity after I am done," Marcus said.
Marcus saw the man nod and then disappear into the bushes.
Cedric was not expecting an affirmative answer. Though surprised, he found it advantageous and decided to leave for now, arranging to meet up here when the other was ready.
Soon enough, a fully dressed young man approached Cedric. Cedric saw a young man with white hair and pale golden eyes standing in front of him. His clothes were so plain they looked out of place, but what surprised Cedric the most was that this person was about his own age.
Cedric was determined to know whether this was a criminal or an ordinary person. The answer would be best answered by the person himself. There was no reason to lie, but even if he did, Cedric didn't care. He only wanted to know how to get out of this forest.