Chapter 24 "A Warning Letter"

Facing a big adventure ahead, I decided to practice Esze with Almira. I didn't know what I would go through later. But one thing, I couldn't expect a smooth road without any obstacles. Because that would never happen in real life.

It could be that I lose my way while looking for hints or having trouble getting spirit crystals even though it was right in front of my eyes. Or maybe I would have to compete with other people who also after spirit crystals. The latter's possibility was thin because the information was limited, but who knew there were people out there with the same ambition as me. Moreover, the Spirit Crystal of Hope was able to grant anything even if it was impossible.

I still couldn't think of any other worst-case scenario. I didn't even dare to imagine it at all. Let time make my mind ready to accept future reality.

Earlier, I told my friends who were still in this town about spirit crystals, such as Kak Shella, Vian, and Vani. They seemed a little surprised to hear that. The light in their eyes slowly rekindled as they were about to go out, but the three people weren't as enthusiastic as I thought.

Of course, I know why they were like that. Kak Shella, Vian, and Vani were already attached to this town. Each of them already had a loved one in this world. Returning to the original world meant having to leave everything behind.

Of course, it would make you confused between the two options. Return or stay.

I felt so. All of my comrades in Dark Night were the closest people to me that I currently have here. Parting with them would certainly be sad. Even if something bad happened, the time I spent with them was so much fun. Maybe I would miss Igresti's swears or Grussel's brutal fist. It didn't make sense, but the feeling was true.

But… my desire to return was still a little bigger. I really missed my mom. She was a person who always cheered me up every time. For example, when I was being bullied at school, she would come to school and ask the details to teachers. The love and care she gave me were able to get through my dark times.

One day I even came home soaked all over. Not because of swimming in the river or playing in the rain, but because my classmates poured a bucket of mop water. My mother was the angriest person and immediately called my homeroom teacher.

She even openly scolded teachers and classmates who bullied me at school, then threatened to report the school to the Education Office. I had to admit her attitude was quite brave, but I felt calm. But it did not change the attitude of my classmates. They still bullied me, not physically but mentally. For example, calling me by a rude name, ordering me around, or humiliating me in front of many people.

Seriously... if only Dimas wasn't always by my side, maybe I would have thought of dropping the school.

In my previous world, I also had two elder sisters. They always made fun of me, but they always protected me. My relationship with them was quite close.

If possible, I would like to be with them again, as well as my mother. I still wanted to see them and spend time together.

I really missed my family.

That was why I had to embark on a journey to seek spirit crystal at any cost. When I managed to collect the eleven things into one, I would wish to return to my homeworld and turn back into a man.

To prepare for all those dangers, I started practicing Esze with Almira in the forest near the town.

"Wow! This is a really high-quality viglet!" exclaimed the woman who was fascinated by the viglet given by Prince Keylan. "Even when I was captain of the reconnaissance squad there, I never got anything as good as this."

Her eyes seemed to sparkle in admiration for a while. It could have been even longer if I didn't wake her up right away.

"Is it that good?" I asked curiously. I didn't really understand the quality of viglet. Maybe this woman could tell me more.

"This is arguably the number one quality item. This viglet is made from real Black Dragon Fangs then coated with an alchemical liquid that could amplify Esze's manifestations. Items like this are certainly not on the market. But if I estimate, it could cost up to five hundred gold pieces."

"Really!? That much?"

My loud voice echoed in the air. Luckily we were both among the silent woods. If I was in a crowd, it was clear what I did earlier would get everyone's attention.

Suddenly my body broke out in a cold sweat. I still couldn't believe what I had just heard. This thing I was holding was worth hundreds of gold pieces?! Even with just a piece of gold, I could live comfortably for a month. If I had that much money, surely I could spend my life in luxury. Amazing!

"Don't you dare to even think about selling it! Viglet can't be sold in the human city market. And you might be accused of stealing if you intend to trade it in Elvian territory." Almira answered as if she could read my mind. "Yesterday's incident was indeed a miracle but don't think you could go back there a second time. They definitely won't let you through."

"But...Prince Keylan said he would accept me if I pay a visit again."

"The Third Prince sometimes has his own thoughts but was often opposed by others. It could be that while paying him a visit, people who hate the prince would target you. You could have been kidnapped and tortured to death to see how the prince would react. Anyway, you better avoid him!"

For a moment, I gasped. I did keep my mouth closed about the incident of my kidnapping to anyone. But I didn't think all of Almira's words matched what I had experienced.

"What happened to you? Your face is a little pale?" asked Almira, her face looking worried when she saw me.

"I-It's fine," I replied while forcing a smile. "You seem to have known Prince Keylan. could you tell me more about him?"

"Why? Are you interested in him?"

"No, just curious!" I replied while waving my hand, denying her words.

"Like I said earlier, Prince Keylan has his own thoughts that often conflict with others. For example, what you experienced there. When nobles and other royals despise races other than Elvian, Prince Keylan even welcomes you, who are a Haier-Elvian with friendly and open arms, even to the point of giving extraordinary gifts.

"I used to be in the Royal Guard. While at the palace, Prince Keylan was the smartest person among his four brothers. He completed his basic education at the palace in no time. Many say that his knowledge surpasses the teachers in the palace. This was evidenced by the various strange objects he creates."

"Strange thing? Like what?" I asked curiously.

"I don't know the details. What was clear was that his invention was often ridiculed by his brothers and other nobles. In addition to having a smart brain, he was also good at both Esze and sword technique. That's all I know about him, nothing more."

"Hoo… I see. I finally understood why Prince Keylan was so nice to me. Maybe because he was often ostracized by the people around him, which makes him not want to discriminate against others," I said.

"Stop talking about your Beloved Prince! Let's start training right now!" shrieked Almira.

"W-What do you mean my Beloved Prince?"

This morning I practiced Esze with Almira in the woods near the town. Having decided to start the journey of collecting spirit crystals, I requested Esze training be more intense each week, from twice to five times per week.

If I get stronger, the chances of me facing the worst-case scenario could decrease. Dimas began to practice the sword art with Grussel. The man insisted on going on this trip. I couldn't stop him. After all, he said about not letting me be in any more danger. After all, he has the right to come with me because he was also from another world.

Apart from the two of us, there was no one else. All the male members, including Kak Indra and Kak Erik, had become royal soldiers in the capital. After all, they were the two people I most wanted to take on this trip. Due to distance and communication limitations, I haven't conveyed all the information I gathered. So like it or not, only Dimas and I participated.

Of course, I couldn't include Vani, Vian, and Kak Shella, right?

***

For several days, practicing Esze had become my daily routine. It started in the early morning when the sun hadn't yet come up and in the night under the dark sky, for two hours per session. Not only did I practice Esze, but I also had to train my physical strength and archery skills. In combat, I couldn't rely on just one fighting style.

Indeed, if you focus on one particular style could increase your ability. But it could be a double-edged sword that would stab me. If there was an enemy that could overcome Esze's attack, I would be done for.

On several occasions, Dimas also sometimes participates in my training with Almira. Training with the former captain of the reconnaissance squad was something not to be missed.

One time Dimas and I had just returned to headquarters after training in the woods near the town. I found Grussel sitting on the terrace of the building, sipping his coffee.

"You two have a guest," Grussel exclaimed, pointing inside the base with his big thumb.

Guided by curiosity, I stepped into the living room and found Kak Shella sitting on the sofa shaking. Her hands trembled, and the letter she was carrying wobbled. Sweat was dripping down her neck and forehead. It seemed that she was in a hurry to get here. She was still wearing plain white clinic attire. It was only when I sat beside her that she realized I was there.

"Anggi!" said Kak Shella. Her pale face was filled with extreme fear. "This is really bad!"

"What is it? Calm down!" I tried to calm her down but to no avail. The girl handed me the letter in her hand. She seemed so frightened that she accidentally dropped the letter. I picked it up and cast a glance at Kak Shella. "What's this about?"

"You should read it," she answered in a trembling voice.

I was very curious about the letter that made Kak Shella like this. Was the letter content about the destruction of the world that accidentally fell into the hands of Kak Shella? Or about the closure of the town's trade routes that would leave Glafelden short of logistics like a few months ago?

Oh, shit! I was more afraid of the second option. Because at the time, I could only eat hard bread due to the empty supply of milk and meat in the market.

But as soon as I read the letter, my whole body got goosebumps. Fear and horror spread throughout my body, relaxing and expanding my pores to let out profuse beads of sweat. I dropped my back on the sofa and stared blankly ahead.

"What happened?" asked Dimas, who was standing next to me.

"The Lurivia Kingdom already knew about me… and now they're sending an elite squad to go after me."