Chapter 16

The group continues their journey toward the forest they all started to listen to Ken’s stories once again. He was telling them a story about the story of a monkey who became friends with a crocodile.

Elijah: “The people of your world are very wise they include good morals in almost every story.”

Ken: “Well there are many that don’t have any morals and are written just for the sake of entertainment.”

Marcus: “But man you sure know many stories.”

Ken: “Well I used to be a part of a reader group and I have friends who are writers.”

Jackson: “Well that sounds good.”

Ken: “Well I had to leave it eventually because I joined the army and you know the rest.”

With those words the mood became gloomy but Ken said—

Ken: “I am actually glad that happened because of that I was able to meet you guys so in a way, I am very happy to have died at that time.”

These words relieved the mood to a normal one and so they all decide to keep this topic aside and take a nap to relax. The journey took quite a while and they all woke up to the sound of Joseph waking them up.

Joseph: “Guys wake up we are going to stop in this city for today and leave tomorrow morning.”

All the members of the group except Joseph, John, and Stephen as they did not sleep at all. The group got down from the carriage and went to explore the city as there is a lot of time for the night to come.

The group began exploring the city and buying essentials for their stay in the forest and they began to search for a furnace to refine the connector stone and they are also searching for some high-quality durable fabric to make the connector stone into parts and make it into a locket.

Sarah: “Hey guys I found some good fabric called Defrita. They said it was a mix of wool, silk, and polymer.”

Mika: “It is very soft yet durable and the price is reasonable too so I bought some clothes made from them and also enough to make lockets.”

Then from out of nowhere, they hear the calls of Rian and Ria calling for them to come and the remaining group spotted them and went to them.

Rian: “Guys look what we found a good furnace but the price offered by this old man is very high can you guys try talking to him.”

Elijah: “Sure let me try.” He goes to the shop run by the old man and talks with him— “Hello sir may I know the price of the furnace you showed to my friend a moment ago.”

Old Man: “Sure it costs about three gold and 3 silver and not a penny less.”

Elijah: “May I know why is the furnace so costly.”

Old Man: “Well it is because this furnace is made by using the flames of the legendary bird known as ‘Blue Flame Eagle’.

Elijah: “I see but is there any way to reduce the cost of the Furnace because we really need it.”

Old Man: “I have a task but can you perform it.”

Elijah: “What is it, sir?”

Old Man: “Well I want to refine a cold Yin Pill which helps to be able to survive in very hot climates.”

Elijah: “Well I do want to help but from what I heard from our friend who is an expert, it takes at least eight days of time to refine it. So all I can do is give the method to refine.”

Old Man: “Are you sure it can be done in eight days from what I learned from my teacher it should take at least twenty days time.”

Elijah: “I am quite sure about it and if you wait for a minute we will write it down for you.”

Old Man: “I will and you can take the Furnace for one gold coin.”

Elijah: “Thank you very much, sir.”

Old Man: “No I am the one who needs to thank you.”

Then Elijah called out for Lilly and made her write the procedure to make the Cold Yin Pill as she is the only knowledgeable one about alchemy in the entire group.

After giving the method to the old man and paying him the group continued their journey toward the forest the next morning and after some hours of journey, they finally reached the forest.

Joseph: “Guys I think it will best if John, Stephen, and myself go to a nearby village and stay there for the time being as this forest is not safe for common people like ourselves.”

Elijah: “I understand what you are saying. Your safety is what takes priority now so it is the right course of action. We will contact you when we are done.”

Joseph: “Thank you for understanding.”

With those words being said all the non-fighters in the group left for a nearby town to rest. The remaining group entered the forest.

Suddenly a spear made of ice almost beheaded Elijah but Marcus intercepted it just in time to save his friend.

Elijah: “Who is that dares to attack us while hiding? Come out, you coward.”

???: laughing in a psychotic way “Is it any way to greet someone who you have never even met?”

Marcus: “If you want a greeting then come out and face us.”

???: “Sure if that is what you wish child.” Out came a man with majestic white hair which has a blueish tint to it and eyes glowing red giving the feeling he could burn them with a single glance.

Elijah: “Who are you and why have you attacked us?”

???: “Well I just wanted to test you because of some certain white-haired snake-looking guy.”

Sarah: “Guys I think he is talking about Diore.”

Elijah: “What kind of way are you related to Diore.”

???: “Well I am his friend.”

Ken: “Wait that means you are ….”

???: “You are right, I am Jin Kizaraki.”