Since the tragedy at Taro, Midir had packed his belongings and set out alone toward the center of the continent, traveling like any ordinary wanderer.
In a remote place like Taro, the locals rarely traveled far in their entire lives.
The only map the village possessed was a crude sketch, showing nothing but general directions and the names of a few surrounding cities. This was why he had originally intended to wait for a merchant caravan to lead him away.
Fortunately, Midir had found a reasonably clear map of the continent and some common currency among the belongings of the ill-fated merchants. The map showed that the Royal Capital lay over two thousand kilometers to the southwest of Taro.
Following that meditation session, Midir still knew little about his identity beyond the information regarding the Flame Demon; his memories remained as impenetrable as a thick fog.
However, he discovered that after reigning in that volcanic rage, he was gradually gaining control over the power within his body.
Judging by the strike that had annihilated the Flame Demon, Midir felt that his strength might be considered staggering by normal standards—rarely were such exaggerated feats described even in the storybooks children sang about.
After numerous attempts, Midir finally managed to compress that world-shaking power to a controllable level. Now, at the very least, he wouldn't cause a drastic change in the local terrain every time he struck.
In addition to his increasingly perfect control over the fire element, he was even more excited to feel other elemental energies gradually coming under his command. Perhaps it wouldn't be long before he fully mastered the original strength of this body.
Another discovery following his mastery of fire was quite unexpected: memories related to cooking suddenly surfaced in his mind.
Now, after returning from a hunt, Midir chose to process his prey himself. The resulting food wasn't just worlds apart from what he had eaten back in Taro; it was several levels higher in quality.
Midir chuckled as he poked at the bonfire, whispering to himself in self-mockery.
“Perhaps I was a chef once? Maybe even a famous one?”
A steak, scored with cross-hatched cuts, sat on a rack over the bonfire, sizzling with tempting fat.
Though the fire was strong and grease dripped steadily into the embers, the steak remained in a perfect state, without a single hint of charring.
Under Midir’s control, the bonfire behaved like an obedient child, precisely roasting different parts of the meat as directed.
“Using the fire element to grill meat is actually a great choice. I wonder what level my skills are at? If I really can’t find my memories, maybe I’ll just go open a restaurant!”
Midir pondered this as he opened the map in his hand.
After several days of long-distance travel, Midir estimated that he had covered more than half the distance.
He had passed through several small towns along the way but chose not to stay.
He felt it was better to head straight for the Royal Capital. If he couldn't find information about himself there, then these small places certainly wouldn't have anything either.
The safety advisory issued by the Royal Capital had clearly proven useful. During these days, he hadn't encountered any more monsters like the Flame Demon, nor had he met any fellow travelers like himself.
Until today. Gazing into the distance, he saw a winding line stretching across the main road to the horizon, looking like a slumbering black dragon.
It was the first time Midir had encountered such a massive caravan. There were over a hundred tall pack beasts alone, and with the various hauled goods and thousands of accompanying personnel, it was no less impressive than an army. It stretched for several kilometers along the official road like a giant serpent.
“Ho, a group this large is still moving around in these conditions? Might as well go ask for directions.”
Having made up his mind, Midir quickened his pace and approached the head of the caravan to gather some information.
“Hello, my name is Midir. I am a traveler from Taro in the east. May I ask you for some information?”
Midir walked up to the lead carriage and asked the person aboard politely.
The caravan leader was a serious middle-aged man with a weathered, square-jawed face. Upon hearing Midir’s question, he answered coldly.
“Taro? Never heard of it. We have no answers for you here. Move along.”
Midir didn't get angry at the cold shoulder. After all, a lone man traveling on the official road was bound to look suspicious. He patiently continued.
“I just want to know about the route and recent events. It won't take much of your time.”
The middle-aged man gave a cold snort and turned his head away, clearly having no intention of saying another word. He waved his hand to signal the guards to drive Midir away.
Just then, a playful female voice drifted out from the carriage behind the man.
“Eh? Mr. Steve, don't be so rigid! He’s just trying to ask for directions, right?”
As the curtain on the carriage door was pulled back, a tall young girl hopped down, landing lightly beside Midir.
Midir looked over and saw a young girl who was staggeringly beautiful.
She had eyes as clear as lake water, shimmering with a light of curiosity and intelligence. Her long golden hair was tied in a lively ponytail that swayed gently with her movements, radiating youthful vitality.
The set of crimson leather armor she wore was in an adventurer style, which not only highlighted her rebellious personality but also accentuated her graceful and lithe figure. Her skin was a light wheat color from the sun, creating a sharp contrast with her outfit that made her look even more vibrant and charming.
The blue-haired woman Midir had seen in his consciousness was already breathtakingly beautiful, but this girl’s beauty left a deep impression on him with its more vivid and real presence.
The girl studied Midir’s appearance closely, her sharp light-blue eyes making him feel a bit uneasy. Then, she turned to the middle-aged man and said,
“He doesn't have a dangerous aura, you know~ and there are no signs of a disguise. He shouldn't be a thief or a bandit. Besides, I can smell a faint scent of the elements on him... Hmm... fire and wind! You're a mage, aren't you?”
“You can even smell that?” Midir couldn't help but ask in surprise.
The girl giggled and gave a playful answer.
“It’s a talent~ just a talent.”
As she spoke, she didn't forget to point behind her at her long, pointed ears.
“So~ Mr. Uncle... wait, no, young man, what do you want to ask us?”
Only then did Midir notice the girl’s long ears, a characteristic of the elven race.
“I’ve traveled from a small village in the east and am on my way to the Royal Capital. I was wondering how much further it is. I’ve also encountered many troops heading to various places along the way; has something happened?”
“I say, just how remote of a place did you come from? Don't tell me you don't know that Lionheart City recently declared a state of emergency for the entire continent?”
“Because of the sudden monster outbreak after a hundred years of peace, even the number of merchant caravans traveling between regions has dropped significantly. Although the areas around the official roads have always been safe zones, it's still a bit dangerous for you to be alone. Why don't you join our caravan? I can personally guarantee your safety~ for a fee, of course.”
Seeing that Midir seemed completely ignorant of current events, the girl found it quite novel and immediately extended an invitation.
Rate on N.U.
