The Journey Begins 2
Finally, we made it out of the labyrinth. We pushed straight through without a single snag and reached the entrance in no time. The moment we stepped outside, the light blinded me.
"Whoa...!"
Warm sunlight enveloped my entire body. For someone who'd spent all her time inside the labyrinth, feeling the sun's rays so directly was a real treat after ages. Miel, perched on my head, flinched at the sudden brightness and burrowed deeper into my hair. But as she gradually adjusted, she cautiously poked her antennae out. Cecilia, on the other hand, spread her wings wide on my shoulder, basking in the light as if savoring every second. Her flame wings shimmered even more brilliantly under the sun.
Before us stretched the vast panorama of the Sia Kalt mountains. Snow-capped peaks stretched endlessly, while a few lazy clouds drifted across the deep blue sky.
"So beautiful..."
The view through human eyes was nothing like the radar-like detection I'd relied on when I was planted up on the mountainside. Lote began orbiting a bit wider around me, as if sharing in the appreciation of the grand scenery. Her metallic body caught the sunlight, trailing afterimages of light as she spun.
We stood there for a while, just taking it all in. A warmth spread through my body—not just from the sun's heat, but a power welling up from within.
Oh! This is... photosynthesis!
The realization hit me like a bolt. Even in human form, I could photosynthesize!
"Heehee! Nice!"
My gloomy mood lifted a little. Being able to photosynthesize as a human was way better than I'd expected. Glessia stretched her wings like she was yawning, then flew up from my head and circled widely overhead, scouting the surroundings. She soon returned, landing beside me, seemingly signaling that it was safe.
Alright, time to really start the journey.
I had to get to the Desmeer sea region. But honestly, with my poor grasp of this world, I needed a guide. I scanned the humans once more as they admired the view.
Hmm, Liandel looks super useful... He could make maps, and as a mage, he seemed loaded with knowledge. I had to bring him along.
Levy's growing on me too... Her eyes held genuine respect, and she had this brave, pure vibe. I wanted her with us.
Hmm... no need for a crowd, right? Too many people would just complicate things. Two should be plenty.
"Liandel, Levy."
I called their names.
"You two come with me to Desmeer!"
The humans exchanged glances, looking like they'd half-expected it.
"Um... could I come along too?"
Torben asked timidly, his bearded face peeking through with hopeful eyes.
"Ehh, why?"
I tilted my head.
No need for someone useless who's a guy to boot!
"I've got sweet, cute Levy and super-useful Liandel. That's all I need."
Torben's face fell. Karl and Terry started to speak but stopped, their expressions turning glum. Miel and Cecilia flapped their wings in agreement, scattering tiny blue and red particles around.
"Um..."
Liandel opened his mouth, looking troubled.
"Actually, I need to head back to the Golden Tower to continue my Frost Ether Ore research. That was the point of this expedition..."
"What?"
I widened my eyes.
"Isn't a mysterious me way more interesting than some boring research? Plus, if you come with me, you'll get to meet your legendary Master and Lady Nis!"
Liandel's eyes wavered, curiosity and conflict flickering in them.
He's actually thinking about it? What kind of mage-researcher are you!
Lote suddenly sped up, spinning around Liandel. The wind from her body fluttered his robe, as if urging, Hurry up and decide!
Liandel stepped back in surprise, then began observing Lote with curious eyes. Terry sidled up beside him and whispered something. Liandel nodded and turned to me.
"Could I have a moment to think it over?"
"Sure, whatever."
He and Terry stepped aside, murmuring quietly. Snatches of their words reached my ears.
"...an incredible opportunity...!"
"...could be too dangerous..."
"...meet legendary beings in person...!"
"...sigh, if I die..."
Hmph, I was gonna drag him along anyway. Better if he comes willingly.
And worrying about dying? What a drama queen.
As I mulled it over, Levy stepped forward.
"I'll go!"
Her voice rang with resolve.
"Hehe, great!"
I grinned happily. Glessia circled Levy once, then landed in front of her. Levy flinched back at first but approached cautiously when Glessia made no threatening moves. Glessia extended an antenna and gently touched Levy's hand.
"Wow..."
Levy murmured in awe.
"She's kinder than I thought."
"Levy... you're giving up on the academy?"
Roderick asked with worried eyes.
Academy?
I tilted my head.
Wait, an isekai academy!? Those are packed with all sorts of fun clichés! And I've got the perfect overpowered beauty setup ready to go. Gotta check one out after my journey!
"I'll see His Highness the Third Prince again if the chance comes. But traveling with Lady Ricoris is a once-in-a-lifetime legendary opportunity. And I'm sure I'll grow a ton being with her!"
Levy replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. The humans looked shocked at her words. I was thrilled inside.
Levy's got a crush on this Third Prince guy. But calling our journey legendary like that? Love it!
A smile spread across my face. Levy was a keeper.
After some deliberation, Liandel returned, his expression firm.
"I'll come too."
"Awesome!"
"We should all head down to the village at the mountain base first. We need to prepare, and since it'll be a long trip, we should make plans."
With that, we all started descending toward the village. As we followed the mountain path, the village came into view bit by bit. Lote kept orbiting me, while Glessia scouted ahead like a guide. Miel occasionally flew forward to check around and returned. Cecilia warmed my shoulder with her soft glow.
As the village neared, Liandel stopped.
"Um... it might be best to notify the village ahead of time. Is it okay if we humans go ahead first?"
Liandel really is useful.
"Yeah, go for it."
I nodded. Liandel led the other humans toward the village. But Levy stayed put.
"I'll wait here with Lady Ricoris."
Oh!
Perfect party picks!
I sat happily on a rock and asked Levy, "What's this academy and Third Prince I heard about?"
Levy suddenly covered her face with both hands, looking shy.
"Ah... three years ago, I saw His Highness the Third Prince for the first time... and I fell head over heels. I decided to enter the Heshet Empire academy to get closer to him. I became an adventurer to save for tuition, and that's why I took this Sia Kalt commission."
Falling that hard at first sight...
Is the Third Prince that hot? Still, having someone you love reminds me of my own—me with Master, her with the prince.
Flutter flutter! At the mention of romance, Miel got excited and flapped enthusiastically, perching on Levy's head and tugging her hair like a cheerleader.
"Once I wake Master and have some free time, I'll help with your Third Prince too."
I wanna check out that academy anyway.
Levy's eyes sparkled.
"Really? Thank you!"
Just then, Liandel appeared from afar, his face beaming.
"Everything's ready. Let's head to the village."
I stood and walked with Levy toward the village. At the entrance, a guard stood frozen upon seeing me and the Ace Four. As I approached, he suddenly bowed deeply.
"Lady Ricoris! Welcome!"
Eek! Scared me!
I jumped back, then smiled and waved. The guard asked cautiously, "By any chance, three years ago, the red moon and Michael's flower scent..."
"Huh? Michael's flower scent?"
I tilted my head. Oh yeah, Brian had mentioned it before. When I got the Blood Moon skill and Michael's Flower trait, goblins and trolls attacked the village, but my flower's scent lured them all away and saved it. The villagers called it "Michael's Flower Scent."
"Yeah! That was me!"
The guard's face lit up with emotion.
"Thanks to you, my daughter survived! Thank you so much!"
It was just cleaning Master's front yard...
Still, it felt good. A slaughter festival for Michael and saving the village? Best of both worlds!
Levy looked amazed. Liandel seemed like he wanted to ask more.
"You really are Michael's..."
Sigh, finally realizing how devout a follower I am.
"Alright, let's go in!"
I said excitedly, striding into the village.