The third day of their journey unfolded beneath a sky painted in shades of twilight, with Lucas and Silas traveling in silence. The landscape had transitioned from the dense, shadowy embrace of the Weeping Forest to an expansive plain, where the horizon was crowned by the rugged silhouette of the Foxtail Mountains. Despite their majestic name, the mountains barely resembled the tail of a fox, but their imposing presence suggested a formidable journey ahead.
While on their journey, Lucas's AI suddenly beeped. "Power levels critical. AI requires a new energy source to continue computing and communication. Reserve energy has been depleted. Host is advised to locate a new power source immediately."
He assume AI will need power source like mana but as of now he can't do anything.
As they rode along the dusty path, Lucas observed a steady stream of travellers moving in and out of the forest. The hunters, returning from their expeditions, wore expressions of weariness and defeat, their bodies marked by the trials of the wilderness. In contrast, those heading into the forest wore hopeful smiles, brimming with optimism for their quests.
The forest, though free of magical creatures, was no less treacherous. Shadow cats, wolves, and mountain bears lurked within its depths, proving a significant challenge for the average traveler. Lucas marvelled at the prowess of the shadow cat and wolves that had accompanied them. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Shadow and Fang departed, their departure leaving a palpable sense of loss.
By nightfall, they reached Foxtail Town. It was a bustling settlement with a population of around twenty thousand. The town thrived on the trade of herbs from the Weeping Forest, animal goods, and local rice. Silas had secured a room at a modest but comfortable inn, its wooden beams and stone walls evoking a medieval charm.
After a brief respite, Silas invited Lucas to join him for dinner. They ventured into the heart of the town, where the streets were lined with vibrant stalls and the air was filled with the rich aroma of local delicacies. The town's prosperity was evident in the bustling inner quarters, while the outer fringes were plagued by poverty and hardship. Lucas couldn't help but notice the numerous children, some his age and younger, begging for scraps. The disparity between wealth and want struck him deeply.
They arrived at a tavern, its lively ambiance a stark contrast to the quiet of the inn. Inside, Silas greeted an old acquaintance with a gruff voice. The man, known as Valon the White Eye, was a peculiar figure with a crooked nose and one eye as white as snow, the other a functional, penetrating gaze. He greeted Silas with a mix of warmth and jest.
"Ah, Silas! Been ages since I last saw you, old oak. And who might this sprout be?" Valon's gaze fell on Lucas, who bristled at being referred to as a "seedling."
"Name's Lucas, not 'seedling,' old man," he retorted, his annoyance evident.
Valon chuckled heartily, revealing a set of discolored teeth. "Feisty, isn't he? Just like you were in your youth, Silas."
As they settled at the table, Lucas devoured his meal—roasted pork and vegetable pottage—with gusto. His mind, however, was preoccupied with thoughts of home. He asked the AI for a recipe from his previous world, only to receive the usual response: "To do basic communication and compute, please find an energy resource." Lucas surmised that the AI was low on power and found some amusement in his predicament.
Silas and Valon reminisced about old times, their conversation punctuated by laughter and occasional grumbling. After a while, Silas broached the subject of their journey.
"So, Valon, you received my letter, I presume?" Silas asked.
Valon nodded. "Indeed, and I gather you and your young ward need a ride?"
Lucas's ears perked up. "But, grandpa, isn't this our destination?"
Silas chuckled. "No, Lucas. Foxtail Town is but a waypoint. Our journey continues. We're heading to the Almera Kingdom, governed by the true Magus Sir Almer."
Lucas was taken aback. "How far do we have to go?"
Valon interjected with a sly grin. "I'm a Goliath Griffin rider. I'll take you as far as you need to go. The cost, however, is two mana stones."
Silas's eyes widened in shock. "Two mana stones? You one-eyed bandit! Why not just rob me outright?"
Valon smirked. "If that were my intention, I would have done so long ago."
A spirited negotiation ensued, with Silas and Valon haggling for two hours. In the end, they settled on one mana stone for the journey.
As the evening wore on, Lucas watched with a mix of fascination and amuse as Valon flirted with the waitresses, his advances bold and direct. The old man's antics were a stark reminder of the harsh realities of the world.
Lucas's thoughts turned to the Goliath Griffin. He imagined the size of the majestic bird and how swiftly it might travel. Tomorrow, he would see it for himself. For now, the journey to the Almera Kingdom felt like it was just beginning, a mere prologue to the adventures that awaited.
As Silas and Lucas retired for the night, the weight of their journey ahead hung heavy in the air. Lucas knew that the path to the Almera Kingdom would be fraught with challenges, but he was determined to face them head-on. The journey, he realized, was not just about reaching a destination but about discovering the depths of his own strength and resolve.