CH- RAVEN'S MEETS A FRIEND

Axel knew very well regarding all this mission and main quest stuff. So, completely ignoring Odion's diary, he decided to remain calm and composed regarding the whole situation. He looked into the nearby wardrobe and found a set of loin clothes which seemed old but well ironed. Wearing a white shirt, a pair of classy black pants and worn-out boots, Axel went to grab a clear vision of this anonymous world of fantastical magic, well, that's what he recalled from the novel.

As he stepped out of the cottage, his eyes were met with a bustling town filled with laughter, joy and enthusiasm. Hawkers calling out to sell their goods, children laughing and playing, the elderly in high spirits and lovely conversations scattered all across. He was at a loss of words as looked around. "This scenery is...perfect!" - he remarked. Walking around the people, he realized he could understand the people's words perfectly and even communicate with them, although he had never heard of such a language. To Axel, it sounded somewhat French...or maybe Italian. Eavesdropping wasn't his habit and he disliked it pretty much but for the sake of the quest, he tried to understand what this excitement was all about. From afar he heard a child say- "All the best big brother! Hope you get selected for the Dorwine Legion!" Then again, a woman said- "I'm certain that the Dorwine Legion is waiting for you, my daughter." Following all the conversations very precisely, Axel deduced that it was probably the recruitment drive for the Dorwine Legion, a supposed military brigade founded by the Grand Duke to recruit talented individuals with psionics to help out with the country's defence mechanisms. 

Suddenly, a thought flashed his mind. "Wait a second! Isn't the Grand Duke the leader of the Dorwine Legion? Then, to get closer to him... I must get into the Dorwine Legion myself!" As he was lost in thought he noticed a poster regarding the recruitment from the opposite billboard. Upon further inspection, his conclusion was indeed correct and the best way to get closer to the Grand Duke was joining the legion himself. As he was staring at the poster distinctly, a brunette man came and stood beside him out of nowhere. 

The man said in a carefree voice- "Thinking of signing up, aren't you? It's not too late to give your name there." 

 Axel was a little puzzled by the man's gesture. This man had broad shoulders and his body was in good shape as he wore fine clothes. He had golden eyes like that of amber with a broad grin on his face. He looked somewhat similar to Odion's age. Realizing Axel's confusion, the man cleared his throat and said in an abrupt voice, "Oh! Where my manners? I am Elias Auclier... Nice to meet you!"- he raised his hand, signalling Axel to join shake his hand. The name Elias rang a bell as Axel remembered the plot of the novel, but however, according to the original plot, Elias was supposed to befriend him after they were recruited. But to avoid losing his mind, Axel shook his hand and introduced himself as...Odion. "You look like you want to sign up for the legion's recruitment drive! Since we are friends now, how about you join me? I'm headed there anyways." Elias said without hesitation. The crimson eyed young man agreed to his advances and tried to go with the flow.

While they were sauntering, Elias kept talking about his life and his dreams of becoming the Duke's Knight while Axel just listened without a word. "So... Odion! What is your psionic?" This line made Axel's hair curl up. He thought in panic-"Shit! If I don't have a psionic, how will I get recruited? I can't complete my mission then! But I need to get there, wait... I'll manage to trick or deceive them by finding a way sooner or later. After all, the actual recruitment test is a week away." Noticing his silence, Elias gave him a questioning look. Axel immediately understood his intentions, and reassured him..."Oh! That's a surprise, who knows, maybe my psionic is more superior than your hallukinesis?" letting out a soft chuckle. The brunette alongside him also giggled.