Chapter 5: Our adventure

The grasslands stretched endlessly before them, the wind carrying whispers of unseen things.

Viktor and Kyoryn walked in silence, neither willing to break it.

Kyoryn stole glances at her companion, curiosity gnawing at her. Who is he really? Why does he act so distant?

Viktor, on the other hand, focused on each step. The idea of traveling beyond his familiar hiding places had always seemed like an impossible dream.

Now that he was doing it, he wasn't sure how to feel.

After a short walk, he stopped and surveyed the empty space ahead. "We're here."

Raising his right palm, a glowing magic circle formed in the air.

He pressed his hand forward, and for a moment, nothing changed.

Then, as if reality itself shifted, a small wooden shack flickered into existence.

Kyoryn gasped. "By the Gods, how did you do that?"

Viktor smirked. "Illusion magic. When the villagers would hunt in the woods, I'd come here to hide. Found this abandoned shack and made it my second home. The magic keeps it hidden from unwanted guests."

The two stepped inside. The space was small—barely enough for a bed and a makeshift kitchen.

Dust clung to the air, and the wooden walls creaked.

Viktor walked over to a chest beside the bed. "The previous owner left a lot of clothing. We might find something that fits." He began sorting through the garments.

Kyoryn, meanwhile, wandered around, her fingers brushing over the worn wooden table. A folded note caught her attention.

Curious, she picked it up and read:

"Dear Father, it pains me to tell you this, and I realize the method I'm using isn't the best… but I will just say it. I truly care for you, and that is why I must leave. I know when you read this, you will most likely try to find me. Please don't. I need to walk my own path, even if life feels meaningless at times. I want you to be happy… even if it's with her.

—Love, Viktor."

Kyoryn's heart clenched. She turned to Viktor, who continued packing as if the letter didn't exist.

"Do you regret not saying goodbye?" she asked softly.

Viktor paused for a fraction of a second before shaking his head. "It had to be this way. He'll forget about me, start a new life, have a family. I'll just be a memory that fades.".

He handed Kyoryn a bundle. "These should fit. I'll wait outside while you change. Just tell me when you done." Without another word, he stepped out with a bundle in his hand.

---

As Viktor sat in quiet meditation. Hover off the ground.

That's when the door creaked open.

Kyoryn stepped out, now dressed in a white shrine maiden's uniform, holding a red umbrella to shield herself from the sun.

"This was my standard uniform back home, so I chose this, does it look okay to wear?" she asked.

Viktor gave a thumbs-up. "Looks good. Guess the previous owner had decent taste. Now, it's my turn to change into something else." He grabbed his own bundle of clothes and went inside to change.

A while later, he emerged, now wearing deep blue robes with a traveling bag slung over his shoulder.

Kyoryn raised an eyebrow. "You took your time."

Viktor handed her a second bag. "I was packing supplies for the road. Package food, clothing, basic cleaning items and whatever I found useful. That remains me, come see this map I found in chest."

He spread a map on the ground, pointing to the different regions:

Therionis – the land of demi-humans and intelligent beasts.

Mythrenor – the land of elves and mystical creatures.

Stormheaven – the land of humans and wild beasts.

Nxythor – the land of demons and corrupt beings.

There were ideally two main route that can take them to the other realms.

"My family and I arrived by boat since realm portals are expensive," Kyoryn explained. "The sea route is dangerous depending on which waters you cross."

Viktor bit his lip. "Portals seem like the best option… but we don't have money for that. Begging is out of the question and stealing will draw attention to us. We need secure method and easy way to gain a money."

Kyoryn's eyes lit up. "Guilds! My father told me humans have adventure guilds where people earn money by taking requests—defending villages, fighting monsters, retrieving artifacts from ancient cities."

Viktor's ears twitched in interest. "Sounds useful… but what about you? Can you fight?"

Kyoryn hesitated before nodding. "I have a power, but I need physical contact for it to work. Trust me, though—when the time comes, I'll protect you, just like you protected me."

Viktor studied her expression. There was something in her eyes—a quiet resolve.

He decided not to press further. "Alright, then. The closest kingdom is Sungalepore. Maybe we can join a guild there. Whatever money we earn, we have to understand our budget for income and expenses. Any leftover we can spend on ourselves...this can actually work out."

Kyoryn grinned. "We're going on an adventure!"

Viktor chuckled at her enthusiasm. "You're oddly excited about this."

"I always wanted to see what the land of beasts had to offer," she admitted. Then, her smile faltered. "Besides… I'm the only one in my family who survived. The least I can do is make the most of this awful situation."

Viktor was taken aback by her honesty.

He folded the map and tucked it into his bag. "How intriguing," he murmured before offering her a small, genuine smile. "Alright, then. Let's begin our adventure."

Kyoryn jumped up already ready to leave, "What are you waiting for. Let's go." She said

After Viktor turned the house invisible again, he and Kyoryn continued their journey to Sungalepore.

On their journey they will encounter many challenges that will test whether they have the will to survive.

But the two weren't concern in slightest, rather their child like imagination only view this as one big adventure for the two of them.