As the sun rises, Yuuji and Kenma woke up and left the inn to head towards the knights' headquarters. Kenma got over the previous day's events and was chatting with Yuuji. As they approached the headquarters, Lyria greeted them:
-"Yuuji-san, Kenma-san, welcome. The meeting is about to begin, I'll take you to the meeting room. Kenma-san, are you feeling better now?"
-"Yes, thank you. Sleeping helped, I feel way better now."
-"I'm happy to hear that! The commanders are waiting for you. Please follow me."
Lyria led them to the meeting room. Yuuji and Kenma entered to room, Selena and two other person greeted them. Selena:
-"Here are the travelers I mentioned: Kenma Kamisato and Yuuji Kageyama. Kenma and Yuuji, these are our other two commanders: Elara Silverlake and Cedric Ashford."
Cedric Ashford (45):
-"Welcome, youngsters. I, Cedric Ashford, one of the three current commanders of this country, would like to thank you for the courage and heroism you have shown."
Elara Silverlake (32):
-"We are grateful for your actions. The thought of cooperating with you in the future creates a feeling of confidence and invincibility within me. Based on what Selena has told us, warriors like you are exceedingly rare."
Kenma and Yuuji bowed respectfully and thanked them. Kenma:
-"It is an honor for us to work with you."
They all sat down around the table. Elara Silverlake began to speak:
-"According to the report from Laurent-dono, the skaldar injured by Kenma-dono's attack was rescued by another skaldar with wings that suddenly appeared at the scene. Both of them then got out of the headquarters' and then Aurellio's barrier. These two skaldars were much larger than the ones we usually encounter. We cannot be certain when this infiltration attempt began, but if we think about the tax policy issue with villages, we believe it has been ongoing for at least a month. We have no information about the Grandmaster and the other 30 knights, but... unfortunately, we suspect they were killed when they were replaced."
Cedric Ashford continued:
-"Now, I will explain the plan we devised with Laurent-dono last night. Normally, we would communicate with Gerthania about this issue, since they are the only country that governed solely by humans other than Aurellio. However, we have just got out from a war with Gerthania and our relations are currently at a very low point. So, we will go to Breton first to discuss this matter. Normally, we could send a letter or an envoy, but due to the seriousness of the situation, Laurent-dono, Kenma-dono, and Yuuji-dono, the three of you will go together and talk directly with the Breton government about this issue. Laurent-dono will provide you with more details on the way, and she will have full-permission for the operation. Me and Silverlake-dono, who are currently the highest-ranking officials in our country, will stay here. We will fix the problem with the villages and protect here to prevent any potential attack."
At that moment, Ashford gave Selena a nod. Selena stood up, and talked to Kenma and Yuuji:
-"From now on, in recognition of your bravery and efforts for our country, we are declaring you as honorary knights. You can use all the services provided by our headquarters and facilities."
Yuuji, astonished, responded:
-"Th-thank you, but isn't this too much? After all, we're just ordinary t-travelers!"
Ashford smiled and said:
-"Ordinary travelers would not go that far to risk their lives to solve a problem of a country. You deserve this title."
Kenma and Yuuji thanked them again. Elara added:
-"You will set out in a few hours. During this time, prepare yourselves and be here when the sun is overhead. Do you have any questions?"
Kenma remained silent, but Yuuji asked with curiosity:
-"What was the reason of the war between Gerthania and Aurellio?"
Elara answered:
-"There are six countries on this land where we live. Zahara is a country where all races (human-animal hybrids, skaldars, humans) live together and equally. Tigrann is a country in the rainforests, inhabited only by human-animal hybrids. There is only one way to enter Tigrann, which passes through Zahara. Zahara protects the human-animal hybrids from slave hunters, since hybrids are always being used as slaves. Skaldmara is a country built in steep mountains, governed and inhabited solely by skaldars. Breton is the only port in the region, a country where humans and skaldars are equal, but hybrids are used as slaves. Aurellio is inhabited solely by humans. Non-human entities cannot own property or reside here; they can only enter as tourists. Gerthania is a country where both humans and human-animal hybrids live. However, human-animal hybrids are used as slaves. In Gerthania, humans are considered the superior race, and other races are deemed inferior. The reason of hybrids being accepted as slaves in Gerthania is because they are carrying a bit of human genes. Coming to main topic, in last years, Gerthania has been torturing human-animal hybrids under the guise of medical experiments. Hundreds of hybrids have been cruelly slaughtered. Although we Aurellians deem human race as superior race, we cannot ignore the other races getting slaughtered like this. So, we declared war on them, but they defeated us by using hybrids against us. Some hybrid species has special mana techniques. They channel their mana into a physical form, creating a larger and stronger body to fight in. We call this technique 'Spirit Transformation Technique'. Although this technique is harmful to them, the hybrids who were forced to use it became stronger than our knights, so we had to retreat, which caused the war to come to an end."
Kenma said:
-"I've read about this in a book. Hybrids using this technique can lose their control over time or due to external factors, and start attacking everything around them unconsciously. That's why this technique is also called the 'Monster Transformation Technique', and its a forbidden technique."
-"Exactly," Elara replied. "Do you have any other questions?"
Yuuji asked again:
-"Is there a library in the headquarters?"
-"Yes."
-"If there is a book on element techniques, can I borrow it during the travel?"
-"Of course. The Aurellio headquarters' library holds dozens of copies of books. To protect the data in case of arson, most copies are stored in shelters, while some are kept in the depot to replace the ones taken by knights. So, you can borrow any book you want but you have to verify which book you will borrow."
-"Thank you!"
-"You're welcome. If there are no more questions, we can end the meeting."
With no further questions, they ended the meeting and left the room. Yuuji asked Lyria, who was waiting in the corridor, for the location of the library and went there. After Yuuji left, Kenma approached Lyria and spoke with her:
-"Lyria-san, can i ask a question?"
-" Of course, Kenma-san, what is it?"
...
A few hours later, everyone except Yuuji was waiting in the headquarters' garden. Selena asked Kenma:
-"Kenma, do you know where Yuuji is?"
-"No. When I went to inn, he had already packed up and left, so I thought he would be here, but he isn't here too."
-" I hope he arrives here soon."
As they predicted, Yuuji arrived a little while later. He bringed someone with him:
-"Sorry for the delay! This is my friend, Yachi Ichika. Since she is from Breton, I thought she could help us if she came with us."
Ichika:
-"He-hello. I am Yachi Ichika, member of a well-known trader family company in Breton."
Selena:
-"Yachi family company? I've heard That name, they are indeed well-known. Good idea, Yuuji! Welcome to our group, Yachi-san. I'm Selena Laurent, the commander of the Aurellio army. Nice to meet you."
Ichika looked a bit worried when she heard that Selena knew his family, but then she was relaxed after she realised Selena doesn't know too much. Selena continued:
-"Let's get moving. While I'm gone, I'll leave the paperwork to Lyria. I believe in you, Lyria!"
Lyria bows excitedly, as she was given an important mission to prove her worth:
-"Don't worry, Selena-senpai! I'll take care of everything!"
Cedric Ashford:
-"Observe the skaldars when you arrive in Breton. We still don't know if all skaldars are involved in this, or if it's just a problem caused by a specific group. Even though people and skaldars live peacefully together in Breton, there's still a possibility that this is part of their plan."
Elara Silverlake, to Ashford:
-" I'm not sure about this, senpai. When I was just became a knight, I was sent to Zahara for a mission and stayed there for about a year and a half. Since skaldars live like us humans, we should think of them as similar to us. In other words, there are criminal individuals and gangs in humans, but that doesn't mean all of the humans are criminals, right?"
Cedric Ashford was thoughtful:
-"Yes, but… I still have a bad feeling about this."
Selena interrupts to change the strange atmosphere:
-"Alright, alright! We're leaving now, so focus on your work, senpai! Take care of yourselves!"
Selena, Kenma, Yuuji, and Ichika set off. During the journey, Yuuji studied the magic book he borrowed, while chatting to Ichika. He realised in the fight that being skilled at magic isn't enough, and he has to learn techniques and elements too. Selena drove the carriage while Kenma sat quietly in the back of the cart, his eyes closed. After a few days of travel, they have reached the borders of Breton. A border gate guard approached, but when he saw Yachi, he skipped asking for identification and opened the gate:
-"Welcome, Yachi-sama!"
Ichika:
-"Thank you! These people are my friends, so there's no need to worry!"
-"Of course, have a good trip please."
After passing through the gate, Yuuji asked:
-"Did the guard just call you 'Yachi-sama'?"
Yachi responded, she looked like she was hiding something from everyone:
-"Oh, you must have heard wrong. I come in and out of here a lot because of my job, so they know me well you know."
-"Hmm… Maybe i have heard it wrong."
Ichika stood up and sat next to Selena, to give directions and to avoid Yuuji's questions. As they passed through the vibrant streets of Breton; Kenma, Yuuji, and Selena were captivated by the fascinating atmosphere. The narrow, winding streets were lined with walls covered in decorative tiles and houses with tiled roofs. Red lanterns and colorful banners adorned the street lamps, illuminating the surroundings. The cobblestones beneath their feet were adorned with intricate patterns from years of use.
As they approached the port, the bustling crowds and noises of the busy market became more apparent. Stalls displaying exotic spices, fresh seafood, handmade jewelry, and silk fabrics created a dazzling sight. People and skaldars lived harmoniously in the same environment, children of both races are playing together, joyfully running around.
Selena:
-"The skaldar babies look so fluffy. They look so adorable when you don't see them as troublemakers. I'd love to pet one of their head..."
Yuuji:
-"Life in Breton is really vibrant. It's impressive to see so many different things all together."
Yachi smiled:
-"Breton is Terranova's heart of trade. Here, you can encounter not only people and products from this land but also from other continents. Breton is famous for its diversity and vibrancy."
After showing them around for a while, Yachi brings them to a mansion. As the servants open the door, Yachi says:
-"This is the mansion of Yachi Family. Let's rest and have a meal here today. We'll think about our tasks tomorrow."
They got out of the carriage, and Yachi leaded them into the main building of the mansion. They were greeted by four maids who were all hybrids. Yachi gave some instructions and then turned to her friends:
-"The trip was tiring, wasn't it? Please head to your rooms and rest for now. Feel free to use the baths or do anything else you want, like this is your home. These maids will guide and assist you. I'm going to the kitchen to speak with the chefs. The meal will be ready in about two hours, and you'll be notified when it's done."
They all thanked her gratefully. Selena said she will take a bath and headed to her room. Kenma said he will stay in his room. Yuuji asked the maid assigned to help him:
-"Hey, is there a place here where I can work on magic techniques?"
-"Yes, sir. Please follow me."
They headed to the garden and entered an enclosed area at the back of the mansion:
-"This is the training ground. The barrier that surrounds the area within the fences ensures you can practice freely without fear of causing harm outside. (Pointing to a small shed in the corner of the area) Also, if you need any equipment, there are many training tools in that shed..."
Yuuji asked to the hybrid maid"
-"Are you a cat or a fox?"
The maid, surprised by the irrelevant question and thinking 'was he not listening to what I said?', answered while hiding her irritation:
-"I'm a cat, sir. (She points to her tail) Foxes have fluffier tails than cats. And also, their ears-..."
-"Oh, so you're a cat! What's your name?"
-"Nilou, sir."
-"Nilou-san, would you help me with my training?"
Nilou, surprised by how warmly, just like a friend, someone was treating her and asking for her help, responded:
-"Y-yes, sir, but I'm not very good at fighting."
-"That's fine! Just watching and telling me what you think will be enough."
-"Okay. Should I go get a wooden sword for you from the shed?"
-"No need, Nilou-san. I'll just be practicing the elemental techniques I learned."
Nilou, charmed by Yuuji's kind behavior, asked:
-"Sir, may I ask a question?"
-"Sure?"
-"People and skaldars generally treat us hybrids poorly, since we are hybrids. But you, for some reason, are treating me well, and... honestly, I'm happy about it, but I wanted to know why."
Yuuji smiled and replied, his mom always told him to act people equally and kindly, no matter their race or nationality:
-"Nilou-san, to me, everyone is equal. I believe it's wrong to determine how to treat someone based on their race or social status. Instead, I think it's more important to base my behavior on things like what kind of person they are and what they do and why. So, you're a trustworthy and loyal maid working in this mansion. That's enough for me."
Nilou, impressed by Yuuji's words and bowed in thanks:
-"Thank you, sir."
After a few hours, everyone gathered in the mansion's grand dining hall. As the meals were brought to the table, Ichika showed her friends the collection of valuable items displayed on the wall. The collection included a medallion, an old but magnificent sword, and a golden crown among other items. She told that these antique items were gifts from elite people her family made trades with. They sat down to enjoy a rich and delicious dinner and spent a pleasant evening. After the meal, everyone went to their rooms to rest.
Later in the night, instead of resting, Yuuji decided to go to the training field and develop his techniques a little bit more. In the silent of the night, he slowly got out of his room and started to walk through the hallway with light steps. Then in the corridor, he encountered Ichika, who was carrying a lantern:
-"Are you still awake at this hour, Yuuji-san?"
Yuuji replied:
-"Oh, hello, y-yes, I was thinking of doing a bit more training. What are you doing up at this hour?"
-"I used the bathroom and was heading back. If it's okay, can I join you with your training? I want to train too."
Yuuji was surprised:
-"Sure, but can you even fight?"
Yachi replied:
-"Of course, not to brag but, I am the best spear user in the Yachi family!"
Yuuji, thinking about the night he and Kenma rescued Ichika:
-" But that night..."
Ichika replied in a flap:
-"D-don't remind me that night! Actually, I could have dealt with those goblins when we first met, I'm telling you the truth!"
-"But you couldn't.."
-"Well, because a series of unfortunate events happened. First, I was late leaving home that morning and forgot to bring my spear. The next evening, while I was happy that my horse's agility would get me to Aurellio earlier than expected, my horse's foot hit something, causing it to fall and get injured at such speed. Thankfully, nothing happened to the cart or me, but I ended up using almost all of my mana for healing the horse's wounds. Hehe, I'm not very good at healing magic either. Well, then I set up a small camp by the roadside that night, and goblins attacked me. That's where we met."
As they continued to walking and chatting, Yuuji responded thoughtfully:
-"I see, it sounds like a series of unfortunate events. It's good that series ended after we met."
-"Yes!"
-"By the way, since you can use mana, you must also use an element. What's your primary element?"
-"Fire."
"Oh, my primary element is water! Although it seems like I can use a few other elements as well..."
[Explanation, Mana and Elements:
There are two types of mana usage methods: Elemental and Elementless. Elementless techniques include techniques such as barrier, strength, healing, seal, weakening. Elemental techniques include attack and defense technique made by converting mana into an element. There are 6 different main elements: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Wind, Electric and Nature.
The rate of people with ability to use mana is approximately 80% (dominant gene). Every person with mana is prone to one element, but can learn other elements or create an intermediate element using these elements, but learning more than one element or create an intermediate element requires high skills and a long training, as they prone to one element only.]
Yachi was surprised:
-"Really? Normally, it takes people years of special training to use multiple elements, but it's quite impressive that you did it in just a few days."
Yuuji blushed and smiled:
-"Hehe, I guess the genes I took from my family are very helpful in this point. My family was the best magician family in the village I lived in. Everyone loved and respected us, and they trusted us whenever needed."
Ichika felt bad for Yuuji. She loved her family, and even thinking about losing them was unbearable for her. But Yuuji in the other hand, was smiling and spreading positivity around him. She looked at Yuuji:
-"You lost your family in the war right? That's truly unfortunate..."
Yuuji:
-"Yes, but I've gotten used to it. To be honest, I thought about ending my life at first, but... then a few things happened, and I gave up on that idea. And now I'm here saving people's lives and meeting new friends!"
Yachi smiled:
-"Im glad you gave up on the idea.."
After a moment of silence, Yuuji changed the topic:
-"By the way, Ichika-san, I assume your family is not just an ordinary trader family, am I wrong? You seem to hesitate to mention it..."
Yachi sighed:
-"*sigh*... I suppose there's no point in keeping it as a secret anymore. Yes, my family is actually a respected family in Breton. My father is a childhood friend of the King of Breton, which gives us a high statue here. However, I don't like being seen differently because of my statue. It bothers me when people treat me differently due to my statue. I always want to be treated like anyone else, like just an ordinary people from the community but... to achieve that, I have to keep some things hidden."
-"I see... Eh? Wait a minute, your father is a childhood friend of the King??"
Ichika, looking regretful:
-"That's why I don't like to mention it. People always have reactions like-"
Yuuji interrupted:
-"No, what I meant was, if you have such a close relationship with the King, wouldn't it make it much easier for us to meet him?"
Ichika, looked somewhat relieved that Yuuji seemed he didn't care about her statue:
-"Ah, yes. Actually, I was planning to surprise you all tomorrow. I was gonna say something like 'Alright everyone, let's go!' after breakfast and bring you straight to the King, hoping that the excitement of the moment would keep you from asking questions to me..."
-"No, please don't do that..."
At the moment, they had reached the training area. Ichika laughed:
-"No, no, I'm just joking. I was planning to explain everything properly in the morning. I couldn't sleep while thinking about what kind of speech to give."
-"Wouldn't it be good if you just explained it like you did to me?"
Ichika, silently:
-"No, I can tell you but can't tell them, of course. You are different after all..."
As she talking silently, Yuuji couldn't hear what she said:
-"Can you repeat? I couldn't hear you."
-"Huh? Oh, I mean, let's start the training! I'll go get a spear and a sword right away!"
Ichika ran to the shed. Inside, she took a deep breath, collected the equipment, and returned.
...
After a few hours of training, both of them were exhausted and sat down on the ground. Ichika, astonishesly asks:
-"Really, how did you learn so much from just a few days and one book? Also, you don't even say the names of some techniques when you use them! Saying the names helps with focus and mana control, but it seems you don't need that at all..."
Yuuji, with a calm expression:
-"I just apply what's written in the book, and the rest follows. Besides, some techniques are quite similar to each other. I don't think it's that impressive."
-"No, it's definitely impressive. I can only use three techniques from my main element, fire, and mastering them took me many years. You, on the other hand, use not only your primary element but also two other elements, with many techniques from each!"
-"Hehe, I suppose it's an advantage of coming from a magician family."
-"I'm jealous... By the way, about that last technique you tried to show but failed..."
Yuuji's expression turned serious:
-"It's indeed a very dangerous and difficult technique, but I'm sure it would be very useful if I can use it flawlessly."
-"Please be careful."
Yuuji changed the topic:
-"I will... Anyways, tomorrow will be a long day. Let's end the training tonight and have a good sleep, we will need energy tomorrow!"
Yachi, in a jokily manner:
-"Sure. But if I wake up tired in the morning, I'll ask for your nourishing healing technique, so be prepared."
Yuuji smiled:
-"With pleasure!"