Chapter 2.2 — A Request I Cannot Refuse

  I sighed as I walked through the yard at the orphanage. For some reason I always felt nostalgic when I saw this place.

  “Seriously! When did I get so old?” I rubbed my neck.

  It's somewhat embarrassing to admit, but the orphanage was my first home when I came to this world.

  I looked around while keeping my face hidden under the hood. The instructors were running around the yard, training the children in swordsmanship.

  The clacking of the wooden swords echoing through the yard while the smell of oak filled the air.

  I felt a warm sensation surging through my body. Without realizing it, my lips had slowly stretched into a smile.

  Dammit! I really do miss those times.

  A few moments later I had arrived outside the headmaster's office. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

  “Please enter.” A familiar voice called out.

  I slowly opened the door and walked inside.

  A woman in a maid’s uniform stood beside the headmaster's desk. She had gentle eyes, brown hair tied up in a ponytail, and a warm aura.

  “Leo! You finally came.” Mirra’s face lit up.

  I nodded, my eyes turned to the other person sitting in the headmaster's chair.

  It was an older woman with golden hair, a single long braid, a simple belt sash, and a calm presence.

  Our gazes met as her lips parted.

  “Ahh… it’s good to see you again, Mr. Nachman.” She said softly.

  I scratched my head. “Yes, It's been a while Miss Tina… how are you doing?”

  "I'm fine, thanks for asking.” Tina chuckled.

  Mirra leaned in closer. “Thank you for coming Leo. I'm sorry it had to be this way.”

  I tilted my head. “Huh? What do you mean? Didn't you send me a letter with a request?”

  Tina nodded. “Yes we did, but it's a bit more complicated than that.”

  “Can you please elaborate?" I asked.

  Mirra and Tina looked at each other for a moment, then turned their heads toward me.

  “Well, have you noticed anything weird lately? Especially something with Cleinwalth forest?” Tina rubbed her chin.

  “Huh? Something weird with the forest?” I stared at her, confused.

  “Yes, we can't really explain what's going on… since we don’t understand it.” Mirra sighed.

  That's pretty cryptic?

  My eyes drifted back and forth between them. Tina seemed calm and composed, but Mirra looked very uncomfortable, like she was ready to jump out the window.

  They’re hiding something! I can feel it.

  Suddenly, I remembered that weird feeling I had earlier. A sharp, uncomfortable feeling, like something was wrong.

  As I was lost in thought, Mirra stepped closer to me.

  “Is everything alright, Leo?” She asked, with a concerned expression.

  I blinked for a few moments, then snapped out of my thoughts.

  “Ohh, yes… everything is fine.” I smiled awkwardly.

  Mirra furrowed her brows.

  “I’m sorry that we're not much help… but you're the only one we can rely on when it comes to something like this.” Mirra sighed.

  I folded my arms.

  “I see… but I'm not the only one who knows these forests… There are others that would be a better option. If I might ask, why're you requesting someone like me?”

  Mirra lowered her gaze, Tina looked to the side, both stayed silent.

  I stared at them for a moment.

  There's no doubt! They’re hiding something!

  Looking at their reactions, I think someone might be pressuring them. Someone who has power and influence, and who's able to affect the orphanage, somehow?

  I lowered my gaze.

  This is troublesome.

  However, Tess has placed her trust in these two!

  And I have placed my trust in Tess!

  “Hmm… alright, it sounds a bit flimsy but I'll take on the request!” I said firmly.

  Tina and Mirra’s eyes shot wide.

  “You, you accept! Just like that?!" Tina shot up from her chair.

  “Of course, this used to be my home… so I'm gonna do everything in my power to help!” I slammed my fist into my chest.

  Mirra grabbed my hands with both of hers, and shook them.

  “Ohh… thank you so much Leo!” Mirra's face turned bright.

  “It's no big deal!” I said with a grin.

  “Besides, it's obvious someone is pressuring you into this. I don't know who, but I'll make sure to protect this orphanage, no matter what!”

  “I’m sorry that we can't say much about it. But this request, they asked specifically for you.” Tina sighed.

  Mirra nodded. “We’re truly sorry… Please forgive us.”

  Mirra and Tina bowed their heads repeatedly. It felt a bit awkward to see two grown women, basically begging me for help.

  I felt really bad for them.

  Suddenly, a woman's voice called out.

  “Come on you two! It's a disgrace to see someone beg so much!” The woman said mockingly.

  I turned my head and met her gaze.

  The woman stood with a confident stance and a huge smirk on her face. Her black hair hung down to her shoulders, and she wore tight combat gear, ready for battle.

  She stared at me with a sharp gaze. It felt like the air was sucked out from the room.

  My eyes widened.

  “Wait a minute! Aren't you Lady Martha’s maid?! “...“ Miss Rin, right?!”

  “Ohh… you remember me, well that makes things easier.” Rin smirked.

  A cold sweat ran down my spine, I gritted my teeth. “May I ask why you're here?”

  Rin slowly closed the distance between us.

  “Ohh… I’m sure you can figure that out, Mr. Nachman.” She said in a sarcastic tone.

  I blinked. “Don’t tell me the request is from the Drachj?ger’s?!”

  Rin’s smirk grew bigger. “Ahh… see… you are a smart man.”

  I turned my head toward Tina and Mirra, they both nodded, confirming my suspicion… I turned my head back toward Rin.

  “Why didn't you just contact me directly? Why put the orphanage in danger?” I gritted my teeth, composing myself.

  Rin tilted her head, then let out a long sigh.

  “You don't need to be angry. My Lady is not interested in putting the orphanage in harm's way.” Rin shook her head.

  “Huh? Then what's with all the charade?” My expression turned confused.

  Rin folded her arms. “Resolve! Mr. Nachman.”

  I scratched my head. “Huh?”

  “I needed to be sure that you still care. That this was more than just another job for you." Rin explained.

  “However, you were willing to accept a vague request for the sake of the orphanage. That tells me that you still care for this place and these people!”

  "That's why, I am now sure that I can trust you with this request." Rin explained.

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  I leaned in closer. “Trust me with what?”

  Rin lowered her gaze. “With what I'm about to tell you, Mr. Nachman.”

  Ehh!! What’s she about to tell me?

  Did I somehow end up in a spy movie or something?!

  Rin cleared her throat.

  “For a little while now something’s weird been happening in Cleinwalth forest. We've been getting reports that monsters seem to attack randomly, despite being unprovoked.”

  I raised my brow. “Well, that’s what monsters do, you know!”

  “No, not these.” Rin shook her head. “We’re talking about monsters that usually would run away or hide at the sight of people, attacking settlements in packs!”

  “Ehh? In packs?” I said, confused.

  “Yes, one report had a pack of Klein Horned Rabbits, attacking a small settlement near the edge of the forest!”

  “There was also another incident, where a handful of Klein Deer attacked a small camp that was filled with adventures.” She explained.

  I took one step closer to her. “Why haven't I heard this directly from the guild? It's this kind of information that we need to warn people about!”

  Rin nodded. “Yes I do agree… However, it's the local Lord's duty to protect the people. That's why we send our men out to investigate.”

  “And what they found… well, we're not sure.” Rin hesitated.

  “What did they find?” I rubbed my chin.

  Rin looked to the side, she seemed a little uneasy. Then she turned her head toward me.

  “I don't know, it didn't really make sense to us.”

  “All I can say is that our men fled in terror. It was like they had encountered fear itself!” Rin said, with a hint of tremble in her voice.

  “However, there was one more thing.”

  Rin pulled out a piece of paper, containing a drawing of an ancient looking symbol.

  My eyes shot wide at the sight of it.

  Tina and Mirra looked at each other with a confused expression.

  I gasped. “Huh? This is—”

  Rin slowly nodded. “This is why we need your help… normally we would seek Miss Tessaria's aid, but since she's not available—you were the next logical choice.”

  “Do you know what this is? Mr Nachman.” She handed me the drawing.

  I stared at it for a moment. “I’m not sure. You said you found this in Cleinwalth forest?”

  “Our men did, or that's what they claim they saw.” Rin folded her arms.

  I looked up at her. “I need to go there, now!”

  Rin’s lips curled into a grin, “I agree, but you won't go there alone, I’ll escort you to the location."

  “Huh? You? Are you sure?” I gaped in surprise.

  Rin placed her hands on her hips. “Ohh, you got a problem with that?”

  “Ahh, no… of course not.” I said with an awkward grin.

  Rin let out a small giggle. “Good, I didn’t think so!”

  She turned around and began to walk toward the door. She then stopped and looked back over her shoulder.

  “Make sure to get everything you need. We’ll depart first thing in the morning.” Rin said and left the office.

  Mirra stepped closer to me and put her hands on my shoulders.

  “Please be careful Leo! Can you promise me that?” Mirra said in a concerned voice.

  “Of course, I'll make sure to come back in one piece.” I grinned.

  Tina sighed. “Good, since Miss Tessaria would kill us if something bad ever happened to you!”

  I chuckled. “Ohh, don't worry about that. It’s been eighteen years so she’s probably forgotten about me.”

  Mirra leaned back, she pressed her hand against her lips, hiding her smile.

  “Ohh, please don’t sell yourself short to Leo. Miss Tessaria definitely will never forget you.”

  I waved her off. “Yeah, yeah… but it's been eighteen years, so I'm not gonna hold my breath.”

  Suddenly, Tina slapped me on my back. “You need to learn more about women!”

  I glanced at her with a blank expression.

  Ehh! What’s that supposed to mean?!

  ***

  A little while later in the Nachman ShellCraft Store.

  I had a weird feeling about everything so I needed my fathers help with something.

  “You want me to get what from Giselle??” Grey folded his arms.

  “Father, I know that you have some business in the Capital. I just need you to ask Giselle, if she has this?” I showed him a piece of paper with the item written on it.

  Grey rubbed his neck.

  “Hmm… I see… well I don’t know if she has this, but I can try and ask!”

  Grey sighed. “But you do know how rare this thing is, right? It's not gonna be cheap.”

  I let out a small chuckle. “Heh! Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”

  “Well, alright then… I guess you know what you're doing.” Grey nodded.

  I stared at him for a moment, examining his posture.

  “You seem a little tired father, have you been resting?”

  Grey tilted his head. “Ohh really? I mean, I’ve been keeping my workload to a minimum, and I've made sure to rest alot.”

  “I see, well that's good. Just make sure to not push yourself too much.” I said in a soft tone.

  Grey hit his chest with his hand.

  “Don’t worry Leo, I've been following Simon’s instructions. I'm healthy as a horse, hehe!”

  I scratched my head. “I guess so… just make sure to follow Simon’s instructions and let me handle the big crafting jobs, alright!.”

  Grey nodded. “Of course!”

  I nodded, satisfied with his response.

  Grey then leaned in closer. “By the way Leo… that quest you're going on tomorrow. Please make sure not to take any unnecessary risk, alright!”

  I widened my eyes. “Of course I won’t, don’t worry father.” I smiled.

  “Also, can you please not tell mother about the quest? She’s not gonna like this.” I whispered.

  Grey pressed his hand against his month. “My lips are sealed… Just make sure you’re ready to run for your life, when she finds out about it!”

  I felt a lump in my trough. “Yes, I’ll make sure to keep that in mind.”

  Grey slapped me on my back. “Haha, that’s the spirit.”

  I nodded as I smiled awkwardly.

  Mother will definitely kill me when she finds out.

  Best not to dwell on that happy thought yet!

  ***

  The next day at the edge of Cleinwalth forest.

  “So, are you ready Mr. Nachman?” Rin asked.

  I nodded. “Yes, I’m ready when you are, Miss Rin!”

  Rin walked ahead as we slowly moved through the forest. The deeper we went the darker it became.

  “Do you know how far it is?” I asked curiously.

  She glanced back at me. “It’s gonna take a little while, so make sure to pace yourself and not get tired too fast.”

  I furrowed my brows and nodded. “Don’t worry, I’m used to this kind of quest.”

  Rin scratched her head. “Ohh yeah, you know this region pretty well, so guiding people must come natural to you.”

  “Actually, I’ve heard you don’t do any other work besides gathering and guiding quests, right?” Rin grinned slightly.

  I raised a brow. “Huh? What do you mean? I do plenty of other quests too, it's just there’s a limit to what type of quest I can do.”

  “A limit?” Rin asked curiously.

  “Yes, because I have to take care of my family, I can't take on quests that are higher than F-rank.” I lowered my gaze.

  “I see… is that why you haven't ranked up yet? Why, you’re still an F-rank?”

  I looked up, then let out a long sight.

  “Yes, that’s part of it… you can’t rank up unless you fulfill certain requirements, which I can’t really do!”

  Rin's eyes widened. “Ohh, so it has nothing to do with you being cursed?”

  I shook my head. “No, it has nothing to do with that! I just can’t allow myself to take too many risks… my family, they rely on me!”

  “Ahh… because I’ve heard rumors that you’re lazy and useless?” Rin said in a soft tone.

  “Huh? Lazy? I get the useless part… But, Lazy?! That’s what you’ve heard about me?” I gasped in disbelief.

  Rin chuckled. “But it seems that rumors are just rumors after all, hehe.”

  I gritted my teeth.

  Seriously? Is that what people think about me?

  You know what, people—sucks!

  I looked away, feeling somewhat hurt, but before I could share my thoughts—my body suddenly stopped—I raised my hand toward Rin.

  “Stop!” I shouted.

  She froze, glancing back at me. “What’s going on?”

  “Just wait for a moment!” I whispered.

  My eyes scanned the area, a bead of sweat rolled down my face. My heart pounded faster as I felt more uneasy.

  “Something feels wrong…” I lowered my gaze.

  The sound of branches breaking and leaves rustling, echoed through the forest. It sounded like it came from far away, but the intensity grew bigger and bigger.

  I immediately looked up. “It’s coming toward us! Get ready!” I pointed ahead.

  Rin turned her head forward and in a single motion drew her blade.

  Huh? Wait! Did she just draw a katana?!

  The sound from the forest suddenly intensified, a pack of Klein Wolf burst through the bushes and lunged at us.

  Rin’s movement became a blur as she slashed out, cutting the heads off a few wolves.

  Without hesitation, she contained her onslaught, cutting everything down in her path. I stood frozen at the sight of her efficiency.

  It was like her sword danced through the air, the cry of the wolves encoded through the forest only to fall into silence.

  Before I knew it, she had taken out the entire pack, not breaking a sweat.

  Rin’s eyes tracked the surrounding area.

  “It seems like that's all of them.” She said composed.

  She then turned around and stared at me for a moment.

  I blinked. “Uhm… is everything alright?”

  Rin, slightly tilted her head. “How did you know they were coming? I didn't sense anything until the wolves were almost upon us!”

  I paused for a moment, then rubbed my chin.

  “I’m not sure? I just get this feeling sometimes. It’s probably just luck!” I said with an awkward smile.

  Rin knit her brows together, she didn't look convinced.

  I made a fist and gently pressed in against my lips, letting out a light cough.

  “Anyway, we should keep moving.” I said calmly.

  Rin lowered her gaze, then turned her head forward.

  “Yes, you're right… let’s go.” She nodded.

  We continued walking through the forest, keeping our guards up. The deeper we went, the darker it became.

  I don’t know why, but the longer we walk the more uneasy I feel?

  The way those wolves acted, they seemed more ferocious than normal. Could it be, has it already begun?

  Suddenly, Rin called out.

  “There! Can you see it?” Rin pointed toward some trees.

  “Huh? See what?” I said, confused.

  I narrowed my eyes trying to look in the direction she pointed toward. That’s when I saw it.

  Between the trees, there was an object sticking up from the ground. It was a stone with a rectangle shape.

  We moved closer, my heart began to pound as I could feel the hair on my skin rise.

  I could hear a humming sound emanating from the object.

  Suddenly, a surge of purple energy emanated from the stone as strange symbols began to glow from the stone.

  My eyes shot wide as I gaped in disbelief.

  “What! What is that thing?!"