Book 1: Chapter 19: Rose: Trip to Rescue
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She look a lot brighter this morning, that’s good to see, I was somewhat afraid that what I did there might ended up making things worse, but enough about that. There’s a lot of questions I wanted to ask regarding all of those scenes, it’s pretty clear that those came from her, I’m just still not quite sure how it all fits together, perhaps when the time is right I’ll get some explanation.

Right now we’re walking toward the capital, from Maova’s estimation it shouldn’t be long until we got there, just maybe a couple hours.

*Growl*

“Um, Rosia?” This is quite embarrassing… we both stop after hearing the sound.

“Yes?” I asked.

“How long has it been since we last eat?” She asked.

“Over a day long” I replied.

“Well I should’ve thought about that” She said.

“There’s no need to ponder on-”

“[Blood Fruit]” She cut me off. Then a fruit blood in color appeared.

“Here, take a bite out of this” She said handing me the fruit.

“What is this thing?” I asked.

“It’s a fruit made from the blood I drank, it's a ration made of blood you could say” She explained. 

*Bite*

“It barely have any taste” I noted.

“Well one wouldn’t eat it if it taste like blood will it? I personally find it pretty good but then again look who’s talking” She replied.

“How did you make this?” I asked.

“Well it is made from the blood I consumed as I have already said, it’s one of the true ancestor’s defining trait, ability to manipulate blood into all sort of things” She explained, but what is a true ancestor?

“What is a true ancestor?” I asked.

“In the simplest term they’re the most powerful of all vampires” She explained.

“So there are more than one type?” I asked.

“Yes, two more to be specific, and neither are weak to garlic, running water, or any other silly weaknesses” She said.

“I see” I replied.

“So are you done eating?” She asked.

“Yeah this is enough I’d say” I replied.

“Okay then” She said as she grab the fruit from me and eat it.

“Alright let’s go” She said.

“Of course” I replied.

 

#####

 

“Hm?” She let out while suddenly stopping, of course I stop as well. She seems to be looking around.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Ah, it’s nothing” She replied. That’s an obvious lie.

“We both know that’s not the case” I said.

“Perhaps, but it’s just a feeling I’m having” She said.

“Are you talking about the one we talked about before?” I asked.

“N-No, nothing like that, it’s not someone that major” She replied somewhat awkwardly. I think we should stop with this topic and get moving for now.

“If you say so, let’s move” I said while moving ahead.

 

#####

 

“What stopping you now?” I asked as she stop moving again.

“I think I see a group of people over there” She said, I look in the direction she’s looking at and there is in fact a group of people over there, but it seems like there’s something else going on as well.

“Are those monsters?” I asked.

“Most likely, I think we should go and help” Maova suggested.

“It is your call” I said while brandishing my sword.

“Well then, let’s go!” She said.

**Dash**

We both immediately sprint toward the group. Maova naturally reach them first.

*Slash*

And immediately cut into one of the monster, a hobgoblin from the looks of it, it died instantly.

*Stab*

As for me I stabbed a nearby wolf and kill it more or less instantly as well.

“Are you all alright?” Maova said to the group. At this point there are still many monsters about, a few wolves, many goblins, and some hobgoblins.

“W-Who are you two?” A man asked. Now that I get a closer look at the group there’s something familiar about them, but that can wait. We have to get rid of them fast

“Maova” I said.

“I know” She replied. We can’t use chantless magic here unless we raise some suspicion, but we’ll be fine without it.

“[Dark Spike]!” Maova chanted as multiple spikes of darkness manifested from the wolves’ shadow and pierce them all, that was terrifyingly quick.

“[Light Arrow]!” I chanted as multiple arrows of light appeared and they all fly toward the goblins at high speed, piercing them and shredding them apart.

“Whoa” A few people in the crowd let out seeing the spectacle we put up.

“There’s still some goblin left and many hobgoblins about” Maova said.

*Slash*

“I can see that” I replied.

*Slash*

“So should I put an end to this now?” She asked.

*Slash*

“You should do that since the beginning” I retorted.

*Slash*

“Fair point” She replied.

*Slash*

“[Wind Barrier]” She chanted as what seems to be a barrier of strong wind enveloped the group, with this none of the monsters should be able to harm them.

“What now?” I asked.

*Slash*

“Kill every last one of them obviously” She replied coyly.

*Slash*

“Don’t point out the obvious and do your thing!” I scolded.

*Slash*

“Okay okay… [Dark Bullet]” She chanted as multiple ball of darkness appeared and rapid fire at the hobgoblins still alive. It’s much faster than my arrow and still very destructive despite the ammunition being smaller than the arrow.

Yep, every last one of them is dead. She should’ve done that since the beginning. The barrier then dissipate.

“Are you all alright?” Maova asked.

“Y-Yes, we’re fine thanks to both of you” The man replied, the more I look at them the more familiar this all feels...

“May I ask what you’re all doing here getting into trouble for?” I asked.

“We were having a special class outside of the capital, but then a hoard of monsters showed up suddenly and took us by surprise” The man replied.

“Yes, if it’s not for you two we could’ve died, we owe you our lives” A woman replied being closer in age to the man than the rest of the group.

“I see, well can I perhaps inquire where you came from?” Maova asked.

“From the academy within the capital, one of nobility” The man replied… so that’s how it is…

“Is that so? What a coincidence” Maova said.

“What do you mean?” The woman asked.

“I was recommended to go to this place as a teacher, it’s why I came to the capital in the first place, and looked who I find on the way” Maova explained, while showing the teacher the letter she have.

“This is indeed real… so you will be one of the new teacher?” The man asked.

“Eh, maybe, I want to take a look at the academy first” Maova replied.

“I see, well I hope I can repay you somehow” He said.

“How about before all of that we go back first? I don’t want to get ambushed by monsters” I cut in.

“Yeah, I don’t think I can stand staying out here” The woman agreed.

“True enough, I think I’ve seen enough for today. Heard that class? This trip is over, let’s go back” The man said. The kids then talk a bit among themselves.

“So do you want us to help keep you safe on the way back? You’re all a bit far from the capital after all” Maova suggested.

“That would be most helpful, thank you” The man replied.

“Okay then, let’s go back, follow me” Maova said as she take the lead, I walk close by.

“Hear that class? Follow them closely” The man said to the class and they all followed us.

“Hey” Maova said to the two teachers as they’re walking.

“What is it?” The woman asked.

“Why isn’t there any guards around? One would think they’ll be around during this kind of trip” Maova explained. It really is strange.

“Believe it or not the ones assigned to help us ditched us after the monsters showed up” She replied.

“Huh, so that’s why” Maova commented to herself. I doubt they’ll send any guards incompetent enough to flee at the sight of battle, perhaps they’ve been instructed to leave? Sounds like something fishy is going on…

 

#####

 

“Can we rest for a bit? Some kids here are rather tired from walking” The man asked as the group stop moving.

“Sure, though that makes me wonder how come you’ve come so far from the capital in the first place” Maova replied looking back at them.

“We originally have some transports with us, unfortunately they all disappeared” The woman explained. So even that is taken away as well.

“I see” Maova said to herself. I think it’s pretty clear what’s going on. The group all sat down, while Maova and I sit close to each other, a bit far from the group.

Is it just me or is that girl staring at me for a while now?

“What is it girl?” I asked looking at the girl. She have short orange hair and blue eyes. She panicked a little seeing me addressing her and some of what I presume to be her classmates look at her. She looked familiar actually, have I met her somewhere before?

“N-Nothing!” She said, it’s painfully obvious how false that is. I stand up and walk toward the girl. She look nervous.

“Is there perhaps something you are curious about?” I asked.

“Now now, don’t talk like you’re interrogating her” Maova said in a casual tone just like always, walking to see me talking to the girl.

“I didn’t” I replied.

“Anyway what’s your deal?” Maova said to the girl.

“Well… can we talk somewhere else?” She asked. Both Maova and I look at the two teachers.

“It’s fine” The man said.

“If that’s the case then let’s go talk over there” Maova said. The three of us then moved away from the group and sat down.

“So? What do you want to ask?” I said.

“Well… you look kinda familiar” She said. 

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Like I have seen your face somewhere before…” She replied. Could this mean she have seen me before? I didn’t really think about how much of me have changed, seems like my face hasn’t changed at all if she recognizes me. Or she could be talking about something else… 

“Could you elaborate?” Maova said. I was about to ask that.

“Someone I know have similar face to yours” She replied… hold on could she mean…

“Rosia don’t act out in front of the kids” Maova said. 

“I’m not” I replied feeling more restless than ever.

“She’s my best friend actually, she’s not here right now though” The girl said in further detail.

“Really? Where is she then?” Maova asked.

“It seems like she’s sick for today, honestly that sounds really worrisome” She said. That doesn’t sound good.

“Rosia stop that, if my-and probably yours-estimation of the chain of the events here is correct then she’s probably fine” Maova said… Ah, as in she being sick is just a convenient excuse to not be here, and therefore the one doing this is…

“I see” I replied. I think I calmed down a little.

“What’s with her?” The girl asked.

“She’s looking for her missing sister, she must’ve thought you implicate yourself as to knowing where she is” That’s a good excuse there Maova.

“Really? Then I’m sorry for that, I don’t think this friend of mine is actually your sister, I mean the hair and eye color are different and all” The girl said. If nothing that confirms it more.

“There’s no need for that” I replied.

“So is there anything else you want to ask?” Maova said.

“Well… what class will you be teaching?” She asked.

“Hold on, I still haven’t even decided on being a teacher just yet, I’ll see how the academy run first before anything else” Maova replied.

“I see, well I hope you teach ours, you’re both really strong” She said.

“Who will really know? We’ll just have to wait for the answer” Maova noted.

“Anything else you want to say?” I asked.

“No, I’ll go back to the others now” She said while standing back up and walk to the group.

“Well that was a reveal and a half” Maova commented.

“Indeed” I replied.

“Say, if that is in fact your sister’s friend shouldn’t you recognize her?” Maova asked.

“I wasn’t one for paying attention to others, I do remember seeing her, but nothing specific” I replied.

“We need to fix your memories at some point” She said.

“No need to go that far, I’m fine as is” I replied.

 

#####

 

After a while we all resume walking to the capital. There’s not much going on outside of the group chatting amongst themselves for a bit. It won’t be long until we reach the capital entrance.

I can see the capital clearly from here. It’s surrounded by walls that is many yards high, making it very easy to spot. To think I’ll stumble across this place again, but then again the fact that I’m even alive in the first place is already unexpected…

“I know it’s a bit sudden to ask but does this young miss get the recommendation as well?” The man asked as we keep walking.

“Unfortunately not, I would love to have her as an assistant if I were to teach, but unfortunately she doesn’t get the invite” Maova replied.

“Well perhaps we could find a way to arrange that? Many people here are in your debt after all, including ours” The woman said.

“That would be most helpful, but let’s not keep our hopes up” Maova replied.

Now we’re not that far off from the entrance. Just a bit of walking left. I actually haven’t seen much of the capital, so this will be the first time for me to see how all of this works.

“Here we are” Maova noted.

“Halt! Who goes there!” The guard asked, he then looked at the group of people and flinched in surprise.

“O-Oh! It’s the group from the academy, I’m supposed you’re done with your trip and wish to enter?” This man isn’t fooling me with that obvious reaction.

“We do, and these two as well” The man said as he look at her and I.

“I see… your identification?” He said.

““Here”” Both of us said as we handed down our guild card. He take a glance at both and quickly give it back.

“You all may enter” He said as he signaled someone who is also occupying the entrance to open the way in.

“Time to go in, I suppose you’ll all go to the academy right?” Maova asked.

“Exactly, we have to report what happened after all, you both will come with us right?” The man said and asked.

“We will, but we don’t exactly know where exactly we’re supposed to go” Maova replied.

“Don’t worry, we’ll guide you there” The woman said.

“Much appreciated” Maova replied.

 

#####

 

Here we are at the academy, it’s been a long walk considering how big the capital is.

“So where is the office or whatever the place I’m supposed to go at?” Maova asked.

“We’ll show you where you need to go, but first…” The man said. Then turn to the students.

“Students! There will be no lessons for today, so you’re all free to use the facilities, but don’t go disturb other class understand?” The man said. They either nod or say something before dispersing.

“With that done, we’ll guide you to the principal office” The woman said.

“Very well, guide the way” Maova said.

 

#####

 

“So you have the recommendation to be a teacher here” The elderly man who is sitting down said.

“Indeed, but I would like to know what exactly a humble adventurer like me could possibly teach, or how long this contract will be” Maova said.

“Well we are in need for extra hand in training the students, I suppose you already know but aside from the nobles we also train those who will become a knight as well. They are a rowdy bunch” The principal explained.

“So you would have me train and reign them in during practice?” Maova asked.

“Essentially, of course you could be assigned to train the nobles at some point” The old man explained.

“I see, and the amount of freedom I’ll have?” Maova asked.

“I don’t exactly want to restricted those come here to assist us personally while also helping the students from certain death, so you could resign whenever. You’re essentially working here part time after all, speaking of which, if we were to give you freedom to teach, we have cut down on your salary, not necessarily because of anything on our end, but the other members of the school might not appreciate it, since they work under much tighter guidelines” The principal explained.

“That’s fine, but what about our living space and such? Do we have to manage that ourselves?” Maova asked.

“Unfortunately we can’t arrange that for everyone here” The principal said.

“I see, well I’ll figure something out. Also another thing, can she be with me as my assistant?” Maova asked regarding me.

“I see no problem with that, would she ask for payment as well?” The principal asked.

“Not really” Maova answered. Well from the looks of it we weren’t in need of it in the first place, Maova should have plenty to spare.

“I see… we’ll arrange your lesson plan for tomorrow and onward, is there any specific time that’ll inconvenient you? Or time you’ll be free?” The man asked.

“Well I think an hour before and after midday will be the time I’ll teach” Maova said.

“Very well” The man replied. Only two hours in this place doesn’t sound very good for our objective to be honest, maybe if we can at least visit this place whenever then it’ll be fine…

“Oh, can we come to the academy whenever? If I felt generous in teaching extra hours or just using some facilities” Maova requested.

“That’s fine” The man replied. Good call there.

“Ah, one more thing” Maova said.

“What is it?” The man asked.

“Where’s the dungeon?”

 

#####

 

“What dungeon were you two talking about?” I asked. Right now we’re walking toward this place Maova ask about.

“It’s something that exist in the capital apparently. A cave that lead down into den of monsters, apparently it was created long ago and nobody ever reach the bottom floor” She explained.

“And where did you heard this from?” I asked.

“Well, from someone I know pretty well” She said. That’s not a lot to go on.

“So why are we going there?” I asked.

“It’s a place full of monsters right? It’ll be a good place to train” She explained.

“So that’s how it is” I said. It seems for today we’ll be fighting a whole lot, and then we’ll start searching for her tomorrow.

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