The Journey Begins 2

Finally, I emerged from the labyrinth.

I walked straight out without any obstacles and quickly reached the entrance.

As soon as I stepped outside, the light blinded me.

“Waaah…!”

The warm sunlight enveloped my entire body.

Having stayed in the labyrinth for so long, it had been ages since I’d felt direct sunlight.

Mie, who was on my head, was startled by the sudden brightness and hid deeper into my hair.

Then, she slowly got used to it and cautiously extended her antennae.

Cecilia, on my shoulder, spread her wings and seemed to bask in the sunlight.

Her fiery wings glistened even more brilliantly in the sun.

Before me lay the vast landscape of the Sia Kalt Mountains.

The snow-capped peaks stretched endlessly, and the deep blue sky had a few clouds drifting lazily.

“Beautiful…”

The view with human eyes was completely different from what I had seen with my Detection Radar while in the labyrinth.

Rote began to circle around me more widely, as if to enjoy the view together.

Her body glistened in the sunlight, leaving trails of light as she moved.

I stood there for a while, just admiring the scenery.

I felt my body getting warmer.

It wasn’t just the warmth of the sun.

It was a surge of power rising from within.

“Oh! This is… photosynthesis!”

What an astonishing realization!

Even in human form, I could photosynthesize!

“Hehe, isn’t it nice?”

My gloomy heart lifted a little.

It was better than expected to be able to photosynthesize even in human form.

Cecilia stretched her wings like a cat and flew circles around my head, then landed next to me, as if signaling that it was safe.

‘Well, I should really start my journey now.’

I had to go to the Desmere Trench.

But honestly, I didn’t know much about this world and needed a guide.

I glanced at the humans admiring the view.

‘Hmm, Ryandel seems very useful…’

He could create maps and seemed knowledgeable as a magician.

I had to bring him along.

‘And Reby is appealing…’

Reby had eyes that genuinely admired me, and she seemed brave and pure.

I wanted to take her too.

‘Hmm, I don’t need that many people, though.’

Having too many would just complicate things.

Two would be enough.

“Ryandel, Reby.”

I called out to them.

“Why don’t you two come with me to the Desmere Trench?”

The humans exchanged glances.

They seemed to have expected this.

“Um… may I come too?”

Torben asked hesitantly, his beard twitching with excitement.

“Huh, really?”

I tilted my head.

‘He’s useless and even male, so I don’t need him at all!’

“Kind and cute Reby and the very useful Ryandel are enough.”

Torben’s face fell at my words.

Karl and Terry tried to speak but stopped, looking gloomy.

Mie and Cecilia seemed to agree with me, flapping their wings energetically, scattering small blue and red particles around.

“Um…”

Ryandel opened his mouth with a troubled expression.

“Actually, I should return to the Golden Spire and continue my research on Frost Ether. That was the purpose of this expedition…”

“What?”

I stared at him in surprise.

“Such trivial research is nothing compared to how interesting I am! Besides, if you come with me, you might even meet the legendary Master and Nis!”

Ryandel’s eyes wavered.

I could see curiosity and conflict in them.

Is he really considering this?

What kind of magician prioritizes research over this?

Rote suddenly flew faster around Ryandel, as if urging him to decide quickly.

Her body created a breeze that slightly lifted Ryandel’s robe.

It was as if she was saying, “Hurry up!”

Ryandel was startled and stepped back, then began to observe Rote with curious eyes.

Terry approached Ryandel and whispered something in his ear.

Ryandel nodded and turned to me.

“May I think about it for a moment?”

“Sure.”

He walked away with Terry and started discussing quietly.

I caught snippets of their conversation.

“…a great opportunity…”

“…could be too dangerous…”

“…meet legendary beings…”

“…what if I die…”

‘Hmph, I’ll just drag him along anyway. All that worrying about dying is pointless.’

After some deliberation, Reby stepped forward.

“I’ll go!”

Her voice was filled with determination.

“Hehe, great!”

I smiled happily.

Cecilia circled around Reby and landed in front of her.

Reby was initially startled but cautiously approached Cecilia, who didn’t seem threatening.

Cecilia extended her antennae and gently touched Reby’s hand.

“Wow…”

Reby gasped softly in amazement.

“She’s friendlier than I thought.”

“Reby… are you giving up on the Academy?”

Rodrick asked with a concerned expression.

‘The Academy?’

I tilted my head.

Wait, an otherworldly academy?

That’s a cliché filled with exciting events!

And I’m already a stunningly beautiful munchkin!

I must visit it after my journey!

“Third Prince… it’s an opportunity to be with Reby and Nis, which is a once-in-a-lifetime chance! And traveling together will surely make you grow a lot!”

Reby’s face turned red as she replied.

The humans looked at her in surprise.

I felt pleased.

‘Reby likes this Third Prince, yet she expressed her choice so beautifully!’

A smile spread across my face.

Reby was truly endearing.

After much consideration, Ryandel returned, his expression determined.

“I’ll come too.”

“Great!”

“Let’s head to the town at the foot of the mountain first. We need to prepare and plan the long journey.”

So, we all began descending toward the town.

As we walked down the mountain path, the town gradually came into view.

Rote continued to circle around me, while Cecilia led the way as if guiding us.

Mie occasionally flew ahead to scout and returned.

Cecilia on my shoulder emanated a warm glow from her fiery wings.

Near the town entrance, Ryandel stopped.

“I… perhaps we should inform the townspeople first. Would it be okay if we humans go ahead and make the arrangements?”

‘As expected, Ryandel is useful.’

“Sure.”

I nodded.

Ryandel led the other humans toward the town.

Only Reby remained.

“I’ll wait here with Reby.”

‘Oh!’

It seemed I had chosen my party members well!

Feeling good, I sat on a rock and asked Reby,

“What was that about the Academy and the Third Prince?”

Reby covered her face with her hands, looking embarrassed.

“I… three years ago, I first saw the Third Prince and… I fell completely in love with him. I wanted to get closer to him, so I decided to enter the Heshet Empire Academy. I became an adventurer to earn tuition and took this Sia Kalt request for the same reason.”

‘Falling in love at first sight and going this far…’

Is the Third Prince that handsome?

Still, wanting to be with someone is something I can relate to.

I have my Master, and Reby has her Third Prince.

Flap, flap!

Mie seemed excited by the talk of romance, flapping her wings passionately as if cheering.

She even playfully tugged at Reby’s hair.

“Don’t worry, I’ll help you with the Third Prince once I’m done with my journey.”

‘And I want to visit the Academy too.’

Reby’s eyes sparkled.

“Really? Thank you!”

Just then, Ryandel returned, looking cheerful.

“Preparations are done. Let’s head to the town.”

I stood up and walked toward the town with Reby.

At the town entrance, a guard stood.

He froze when he saw me and the Ace Quartet, then greeted me exaggeratedly.

“Reby! Welcome!”

‘Oh! You startled me!’

I jumped back, then smiled and waved.

The guard asked hesitantly,

“By the way, about three years ago, the Red Moon and Michel’s flower scent…”

“Huh? Michel’s flower scent?”

I tilted my head.

Oh, right! Brian told me before.

When I received the Red Moon skill and Michel’s flower trait, goblins and trolls attacked the town, but my flower scent lured them away and saved the town.

The townspeople called it “Michel’s flower scent.”

“Yes! That was me!”

The guard looked overjoyed.

“Thanks to that, my daughter was saved! Thank you so much!”

‘It was just a cleanup for my Master’s festival…’

Still, it felt rewarding.

Killing for Michel and saving the town in one go!

Kill two birds with one stone!

Reby looked at me with admiration.

Ryandel seemed curious, wanting to ask more.

“Um… really, Michel’s…”

‘Finally, he realizes how devoted I am to Michel!’

“Well, let’s go in!”

I exclaimed enthusiastically, stepping into the town.