“A young man, you say.”

 

“Yes.” confirmed Rianne to an old man with a good build that doesn't suit his age, one could see that he was hardworking when he was younger. 

 

“Well, maybe he is really a traveler, maybe not, however I hope he is speaking the truth. I don’t want to relocate again after spending years here in this village after all.” he paused and looked at Rianne. “You can rest for now, I am going to check something, it’s better to be safe than sorry after all.”

 

“Un, be careful grandpa Galos.”

 

Galos smiled hearing this. “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”

 

***

 

Galos looked at the direction of the Urganyan Forest for a moment before proceeding to walk towards it.

 

At the entrance of the Urganyan forest, Galos’ eyes became serious and deep.

 

<<Silent Step>>

Galos entered the forest, his destination, the river where the young man was sighted.  With the use of Silent Step, Galos’ every step made no sound. It is a technique that prevents every step of making sound, that’s why he is confident on traversing the forest without being found out by the young man.

 

Galos managed to reach the river, he looked around to find the young man. He tightened his guards to any possible incoming attacks. He squinted his eyes, however he failed to find anything.

 

“Where could he be?” he couldn’t help but be suspicious, he remained there for a good moment before returning to the village.

***

 

Ark formed a faint smile after watching Galos leaving. Unbeknownst to Galos, the young man he was trying to find and observe was on his front all along. As if an illusion, Galos’ eyes were deceived to find nothing but the forest’s scenery. 

 

He then proceeded to eat his grilled fish, without caring about Galos.

***

Galos returned to the village while sighing because of the possibility of leaving the village after years staying here. He prayed that the young man just left for his journey, that's why he couldn't find any trace of him. If not, then he didn’t want to think about it but there’s a high possibility of the young man hiding his traces because of his motives.

 

“Grandpa.” 

 

A voice woke Galos from his thoughts.

 

“You, you are still not resting, but good timing..”

 

“Well. I am worried about you, how about it? Did you find any clue?”

 

“Sigh, I couldn't find him.”

 

“What?”

 

“There's a high possibility that after your encounter with him,he hid his traces because he has motives that you and I are afraid of.”

 

Rianne’s face paled and was shaken to the core.

 

“After years of hiding.” she couldn’t help but mutter.

 

Galos looked at her and shook his head. 

 

“I hope that I am wrong and pray that he just left for his journey. However it is better to be safe. We will leave after preparing our luggage.”

 

“How about Jasmine?”

 

“We don’t have any choice but to leave her here. It is also for her safety.”

 

“N-no way.”

 

Rianne burst to tears.

 

“Rianne, no, Young Miss, please understand that if we bring her along with us she may be in danger once we are attacked. Let alone her, I couldn’t even be sure if I could protect you without giving up my life. Please understand, I also love her as my own granddaughter, that’s why I would rather leave her here than bring her that may endanger her life.”

 

“U-un.”

Rianne wiped her tears, her eyes became more resolute.

“Go prepare. I will have to wake up with the village chief and talk with him. I’ll leave Jasmine in his care. He also dotes her after all.”