"Ryx, are you ok?"

Ryx opened his eyes slowly. He looked at the woman who spoke to him. He narrowed his eyes and gradually recognized her.

A woman with glasses and a red hair ponytail. She wore a long white sleeve shirt that showed various emblems atop the pocket on her chest, and she also used gray long pants with a pair of black boots. What made her unique was a big book that she handled using her left hand.

"Is that you, Greysia? Ohh, Thank God! I think I'll trap here forever." Ryx showed gratitude. Then, he realized Zed was also here with Greysia.

"Had you caught that Kitsune?" Ryx asked.

Zed crossed his arms over his chest. He wore a long red sleeve shirt with a black breastplate that had a dragon pattern on it. On his hands, he used a black gauntlet that had a blue pearl. At his bottom, he wore long black pants.

Zed answered, "It is not efficient if we just chase them. Instead, we'll be waiting in front of their destination."

Ryx’s forehead creased, he looked at Greysia and asked, "Where is it?"

"Deborah. It will take three or four days for them to arrive at Deborah. We will use griffon to arrive before them and then ambush them."

"Griffon? It's great, I am worried we couldn't accomplish what Mr. Jean Moore wanted," Ryx knows how strong Mr. Jean Moore and his background were.

***

Kieran was opening his eyes slowly; he could see the blue sky with the sun hiding behind the cloud. After a second, he remembered what had happened to him. Kieran woke up and see Mio and some old men eating the grilled fish.

Mio noticed Kieran had woken up, so she bawled, "You have wake up? Come here!"

When Kieran was about to stand, he noticed that his chest was covered with a bandage. It seems that he wasn't falling smoothly. He walked toward Mio and the Old man. Then, He sat beside Mio.

"Thank you for helping us, but could I ask why you are here?"

Kieran narrowed his eyes; this old man seems suspicious. How could he be in this deep forest when he was not seeming strong? Was he hiding something? Who was he?

"What are you saying Kieran, that is rough. He saves us, you know?" Mio barked toward Kieran.

The old man chuckled, before Kieran answered, he said, "It's okay, I know I pretty suspicious, but don't worry I am just a merchant."

"Merchant? So why you are here?"

"I'm going to Deborah city. You know this forest has a shortcut to get there. I'm used to using that shortcut. By the way, you can call me Old Hansen. What's your name, youngster?" Old Hansen asked Kieran as well as Mio.

Mio introduced herself first, "My name is Mio Kinutsuka, oh and his name is Kieran. Thank you for saving us," Mio said, without giving Kieran a chance to introduce himself.

 Kieran sighed. He still had suspicions about Hansen, but this time he asked more politely, "I'm sorry, but this forest is dangerous, why don't you just take the normal path, even though it's longer but safer."

Old Hansen breathed deeply. He then said, "Humans are sometimes more dangerous than beasts and monsters. Monsters and beasts have their patterns and territories. As long as you are careful, didn't enter their territory, and didn't cause a commotion, then they most likely won't bother you.

On the border between the Hecrotus Kingdom and Deborah City, many bandits often rob people who pass through the area."

Kieran was surprised, this was the first time he had heard about this. "Really? But I rarely hear of people being robbed. Didn't the border troops from the two regions securing that territory anyway?"

"That's because Amantha city and Deborah city have escort services. If the border troops of the two countries make the area safe, then the merchants and people will not use escort services anymore. You know, paying for these escort services is very expensive. That's why I often take a shortcut through this forest."

Kieran shook his head; he didn't expect there to be something like that at the border. However, seeing how a gang could still grow in Amantha, it was not surprising that the same thing was also happening on the border.

"Old Hansen, could we go with you? We also intend to go to Deborah City," Kieran said to Hansen.

Hansen nodded, "Of course. You don't seem like ordinary people; your presence could also help make my journey safer." Hansen seemed to have realized that Kieran as well as Mio were mages.

Moments later, the three of them were continuing the journey. Hansen carried a cart pulled by two horses. On the cart, there were various kinds of objects. Kieran sat on the wagon while Mio sat in the front along with Hansen. The three of them continued on their way.

Hansen explained that it was not only him who used this shortcut, but also several other merchant caravans often came here. The proof was that the shortcut road looks pretty good. No tall grass blocking the road. Unfortunately, in the rainy season, this shortcut couldn't be used because it was very vulnerable.

After walking for a while, Hansen stopped his horse carriage.

"What's wrong? It's not night yet, do we need to rest now?" asked Mio curiously.

Hansen shook his head, he then said, "We will stop at Jormund village and continue the journey tomorrow."

"Jormund Village? Do you mean in a deep forest like this there is a settlement?" asked Kieran in surprise.

Hansen didn't answer, but a few moments later Kieran could see the settlement in question. There was a high wooden fence with a fairly sturdy gate. Above the gate was the inscription Jormund Village. Kieran narrowed his eyes and saw the two gatekeepers standing in front of the wooden fence.

"Ned, Jimmy, open the gates. It's me, Hansen!"

"Ooh, old Hansen! You're here. Come on in!"

"Hansen, did you bring the thing I ordered?"

Hansen calmed the two gatekeepers.

"Relax, let me come in first."

"You're right, forgive us, please come in."

Hansen's carriage entered the wooden gate. As Kieran was focused on observing the surroundings, Mio suddenly grabbed Kieran's shirt and pulled it gently.

"What's wrong, Mio?"

"I have a bad feeling."