Chapter 17: Hearty meal

"CHINGLA LALA CHIGGA!!!"

A loud voice boomed right next to Ray's ear, jolting him from his sleep.

His vision was still blurry when he saw Professor Vladimir standing over him, grinning like a madman.

"It's chicken dinner time! MUAHAHAHAHA!"

Ray squinted.

"...Umm."

Ignoring the professor's antics, he grabbed his coat and slipped it on. The sky outside was already orange and purple—afternoon.

"How long..."

he muttered to himself. Just then, Professor Archwood approached him.

"Ah, there you are. Dinner will be ready soon. Everyone's already had a bath at the waterfall."

He waved a hand toward the Silver birch forest.

"The water is clean, don't worry. You're the only one left, you should go and freshen up before dinner."

Ray nodded, heading inside the caravan to grab a towel

——————————————————

The path leading to the waterfall was lined with magical lamps, their soft glow repelling monsters and illuminating the way.

The surrounding silver birch forest was breathtaking—towering trees with shimmering white bark stretched Twice heights of humans. Fireflies and glowbirds danced through the air, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

Ray reached the waterfall. The water, crystal clear, barely reached knee level. Carved stone steps allowed for easy access, while a wooden staircase led up toward the source of the flowing water.

As he climbed, he noticed something peculiar—fish climbing up the waterfall. Some even flew.

"It's....clean."

Ray murmured, confirming the water's purity.

But then—

A faint humming sound.

Soft.

Melodic.

Heart breaking...

Ray paused, looking around. As he reached the top, the humming vanished. The water remained still.

No sign of anyone....

"Was I imagining things...?"

The sky above was clouded, casting a dim, somber light over the waterfall.

Ray took off his clothes, stretched his limbs, and gazed at the sky for a moment before stepping into the water.

He walked across the surface, feeling the cool sensation beneath his feet, before slowly sinking down—waist-deep. This was as deep as the water could get.

For a while, he just stood there, listening to the faint echoes of the forest.

Then, the humming returned.

But this time, something changed.

Every other sound stopped.

No birds...

No wind...

No rustling leaves....

Just that hauntingly soft hum, coming from NOWHERE and EVERYWHERE.

Ray frowned. His senses sharpened.

Then—

A whisper.

"Don't you..miss me? Please....Ruru?"

His heart skipped a beat, A sensation of heart blasting. Slowly, he turned around.

Nothing...

No one.....

He exhaled sharply, closing his eyes for a brief moment before stepping out of the water.

As he made his way back down the wooden stairs, an odd sensation settled over him. Almost like someone was guiding his steps.

——————————————————

Back at the camp, long wooden tables were set up, with logs serving as makeshift seats. Most professors were still busy—some cooking, others discussing plans.

Professor Archwood and Vladimir entertained the students with Magics and Muscles.

Ray took his usual seat, only to feel a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Professor Waikatsu sitting beside him. Ray blinked.

"...Eh?"

"Whatcha thinking, kid?"

"Nothing"

Ray muttered, cracking his fingers. Ellios tried to copy him but failed—

His fingers wouldn't pop.

"...Eh, whatever,"

Ellios shrugged.

"The weather's nice, huh? We'll be reaching the northern border real soon. The Kingdom of Frhosien isn't far now."

"By tomorrow?"

Ray asked. Ellios nodded.

"Yep. By morning, we should be able to see Frhosien's borders."

Just then—

Snowflakes began to drift down from the sky.

"Ooooh, we should eat quickly before it gets Frostier."

Ellios said before getting up to check on the food.

Dinner was a hearty meal—roasted rabbit, root vegetables, thick stew, smoked fish, and fresh coconut juice.

Everyone ate until they were full.

Afterward, the professors packed everything and signaled for departure. The students climbed back into the caravans, and the journey resumed.

They crossed the Northwestern border. The scenery transformed. The once-vibrant autumn landscape gave way to a vast expanse of white.

Snow-covered forests. Jagged ice spikes. Towering rocky mountains, And the cold.

The further they traveled, the stronger the winds grew. Night had officially fallen.