I woke up feeling paradoxical: tired and refreshed. As a ray of sunshine among the dark clouds, I was able to pay for a bed yesterday, thus, I did not have to find a dark corner somewhere in the forest for the sake of some privacy. When I arrived here, I only put some defences on the room, which by the way is super simplistic, just a single-bed, and a [Silent World] and let myself cry to sleep. However, now I felt that the [Silent World] was unneeded since I just soundlessly let my tears flow and the end result was a puddle that covered half of the bed. 'An exaggeration but it definitely felt like that'

I believed that there far too many tears to be only from yesterday's event. It made me wonder if perhaps the anxiety of coming to this world finally caught up with me in my fragile moment. Either way, I was feeling refreshed after letting all out, even though that also came with fatigue, but I could deal with that.

I took a glance at the window and noticed that it was still dark which I was thankful for since I still had to meet Nova today and I did not want to break that promise. With that in mind, I was before two choices: either sleep until dawn or just get up and get working on something useful.

However, frankly, I was keen on both of the choices. I wanted to take a long nap and forget about everything. However, the bed was soaked on my tears and that was making it uncomfortable. I also did not want to get up this early with the fatigue I felt. Maybe I could take a cold bath to wake me up, but I wasn't one to put myself through such an inhuman torture.

Thus, I just lay down there with nothing in mind watching time pass by, hoping that the dampness of the bed to dry faster- 'Wait a second! Couldn't I just dry it myself…?'

I sighed to myself while cursing myself, realizing that my brain was not working like it was supposed to. Thus, with fire energy, I got rid of water and by consequence of heating the bedding, the bed became so comfy that I could not resist close my eyes and enjoy another trip to slumber.

.

.

.

"Crap, I overslept!" I gnashed my teeth in frustration.

Currently I was fast walking towards the orphanage even though I really wanted to run straight to it. I cannot do that because of the law since too many people collided with others at high speed.

All this mess was due to the bed who proved itself to be quite the devil of sloth which by consequence made me sleep like a baby to the point that I wished to go back in there even right now. However, those temptations will not be listened to, because I have a mission today that I cannot miss, even though I was already late…

To be fair, the time was not specified, and it was just a bit before midday, that is according to the sun's position, but I wanted to arrive earlier so that when we depart, we would have more time to travel and prepare things upon arrival.

I was about to arrive at the orphanage. However, just before arriving at my destination, I suddenly remembered a very important detail. I cried last night, which meant that my eyes may have some leftover signs which could cause Nova to be worried about. However, I did not want that and instead, I wished to put this subject to an end.

Thus, I entered an alleyway for a moment to deal with it. I covered my eyes with my hands and used them to cast what would be called not even a spell to chill my eyes. Furthermore, I used [Regeneration], a life healing spell, in parallel. 'It feels nice'

I did that for a full minute before stopping. It was too bad that I could not check my appearance since I had no mirror or anything akin to that in my possession. Therefore, I just had to meet her while hoping for the best. Thus, I exited the alley and resumed the trip until my destination.

It didn't take long for me to arrive before the orphanage. I was debating for a moment if I should just barge in or knock on the door. I decided to go with the more polite choice and knocked on the door.

The one who opened the door was a woman whose age looked to be- "Oh my, Craven! It has been such a long time! But don't you think it is rude to assume the age of a lady you just met after a few years of almost no contact?"

My eyes unconsciously bulged when the 'lady' cut my thought process. However, I quickly regained my composure and took note that 'I' had no recollection of this woman which meant that she was someone from Craven's past. Someone who is also incredibly perceptive to be able to detect my inner thoughts, thus I tried to change the subject "But I did come here a few times."

As expected, my terrible attempt caused the 'lady' to roll her eyes "You mean now… And it is true that you did but, me and Bernie were busy with paperwork hence sadly we were unable to meet. However, you should know that I was talking about before the whole ordeal. Even those who went far away seldom send letters to us, but you. None. Could you tell me why?" she smiled so sweetly that it almost blinded me to the fact that her words were laced with anger.

"Well… That is because-"

"The thought never crossed your mind." I tried to give an excuse, but the 'lady' cut me off.

"… Yes." I could only affirm to her supposition.

"And please do tell me why it never crossed your mind?"

"Huh…" I was at a lost.

She chuckled "Let me guess: Because you feel that it is too much of a pain to write letters to your friends and acquaintances."

'That does sound like me.' I did not voice my thoughts out loud. However, what she said also applied to the Earth me since I only used social media and stuff like whenever it was necessary. Thus, this was not the first time I was berated because of it hence I knew that I should just keep quiet and let her just release her anger.

However, just when I had decided to enact said plan, she asked me a question "By the way, do you still remember my name?"

I was taken back by such a question. I had no answer to give it to her, but it felt wrong to say that to someone who knows you. Therefore, "Um… That is… Does it start with a V…?" I hesitantly tried to give some form of an answer to her.

She let out what I assumed was a fed-up sigh "Was that a wild guess?"

I could not bear to look directly into her disapproving eyes, so I averted them and responded with a voice of a mosquito "…Maybe…"

"And this is why I find incredulous that you have decided to take care of a child when you can barely remember your age."

"Hey!" I could not let that go "I can remember my age perfectly, thank you very much." I defiantly retorted

She impassively took on my retort and calmly asked "So you claim. Then, do tell me, how old are you?"

"25."

"Are you certain?"

"I think?"

"You think?" she raised an eyebrow.

I was feeling naked under her scrutinizing gaze which I could not bear any longer "Either way, age is not really important for me, unlike for someone. Thus, even if I am wrong, I don't really care." I could not help but to insert a snide remark.

The one on the receiving end, seemingly shook her head exasperated, but I could not help but feel that it was all just a performance. "Oh please, surely you jest for I am one who cares not about age."

A smile that would undoubtedly be called fake was plastered on my face "Are you certain about that? Because, if my memory serves correctly, you stopped me from assuming your age not that long ago."

"Oh dear. How could you simply claim such remark when you possess no memory at all."

"I just prefer to take note of the more important details."

"Thus, you claim that my age is one of those more 'important details'?"

"Of course not. Your age is not important to me as I can clearly observe that you belong to an older generation."

"What a shame. It appears that not only your memory failed, but your eyesight seems to have also taken a turn for the worse. I wonder if perhaps if time already caught up to you at such a young age."

"Nonsense, I-" 'What in the world am I doing?' I was going to retort back at her, however, I quickly realized that I was delving into bickering against the person in front of me just like what nobles with nothing better to do usually do to each other which I absolutely abhor. Therefore, "You know what. I have better stuff to do than this."

"Are you backing away this easily?" She asked with surprise in her eyes. However, I was unable to discern if that was part of her act.

"Like I said. I have better stuff to do. Is Zane around?"

"He should be on his office as usual. May I ask why you are seeking him?"

"I think it is time for me and Nova to go on the camping trip."

"I beg your pardon. Nova? Camping trip? I am having difficulties understanding your words."

"It's Lenova. I just call her Nova for short, and we are going on a camping trip."

"… And Zane allowed that?" a glint passed through her eyes.

"Indeed, he did." I became a bit cautious towards this woman. I did not know her or what she did as a job. However, I could at least deduce she either worked here or at least had some kind of connection to this place. I could only hope that it she was not in a position of sufficient power which would be able to retract Zane's permission. There is also the chance that she was not going to, but better be careful than sorry.

She seemed lost in thought for a second "I'll accompany you to his office."

"Okay…" I had no other choice or more precisely, I just couldn't think of one, therefore, I had accepted it. She gave me some space to get inside, which I did, and closed the door before joining me in our short-lived march until we were before the office's door.

To be completely honest, my head was ringing alarms while coming because of the lady. I seriously hoped that I was wrong, though. However, for the moment I sealed my worries and knocked on the door, which was already open, therefore it was just to alert Zane of our presence and to be polite.

Zane looked up from his documents and addressed me "You're here again? If you're looking for the girl, she should be playing with the other kids."

"I came here because of the trip I was planning with Nova, but it seems she has something to say about it…" I pointed towards the lady

"Indeed, I do." Right on cue, she stepped towards Zane and asked almost glaring at him "What is this that I hear about one of our kids going camping with a person outside of the orphanage without us, the personnel knowing?"

"That-"

Poor Zane was about to speak, only to be cut off immediately with another question "On whose decision was this done?"

"… It was on mine. But I have faith that-"

"Why did you not discuss this with us?" The lady cut him off once again, but she was not yet finished "You may be the manager of this place, however, you are not the only who works here and takes care of the kids. You should not be deciding on the kids' life without even consulting our opinion."

Before this derailed even more, I interrupted to ask the most important question I had in mind "Does this mean that I can't do this trip?"

The lady turned her head toward me and calmly stated "Oh, no. I am okay with you doing that trip. Just promise that you'll take care of the girl, okay?"

I was taken back "Really!?"

She gave me a ladylike smile "But of course."

"Wait a second!" This time it was Zane who intervened "Why are you so upset if you are fine with it?"

The lady regained her glare as she returned to facing Zane "What I am not fine with is you alone deciding on these topics!"

"But there is-" Zane continued arguing with the lady, but since it no longer concerned me, I lost interest in it and decided to just slip away to meet Nova. Thus, slowly and steadily, I exited the office but just before crossing the doorway, I turned and saluted Zane as if he was a soldier who was about to sacrifice himself. His grimace when he noticed it was very delicious.

Before the argument started, Zane had informed me that Nova should be playing with the other kids outside. Therefore, that is where I went.

It was weird moment the moment I got there, because when I did, every single kid looked at me warily which caused me to stop in place not knowing what to do. Because I did not like being the centre of attention, I quickly decided to look for my objective. However, apparently, I had no need to do it since she was already coming half-running towards me.

"Oh, hey Nova." I started by greeting with a smile, but I soon became confused as she started pushing me "Wait! What are you doing?"

"Shut up and just go inside!" she whispered loudly through gritted teeth

Since I did not really want to stay in the middle of the children's attention and had no reason to decline her, I just obliged her and let her push me inside the orphanage.

Once inside, I addressed "Is there a reason for why you don't want me in front of the other kids?" 'It's not like it was the first time'

Apparently, pushing me was tiring for her, thus, she was panting a little "Because I don't want them to see you."

"Why?" I was confused.

"Because you're embarrassing." She said with such a deadpan expression that it made me think it was the truth.

"Me? Embarrassing?" I questioned.

"Yep." She nodded her head as a matter of fact.

"Oh…" I was saddened "My cute little girl is in the phase of being embarrassed of me." I sadly said as I patted her head.

"This is what I am talking about..." She grumbled as she slapped my away my hand "Anyway, what do you want?"

A beautiful smile grew on my face, but for some reason, Nova's face was becoming paler "It is time."

"T-Time, for what exactly?"

"You know what I am talking about~."

"… No, I don't."

If she had no idea, then I had no choice than to announce it to her "Let's go on a camping trip~!"

Her shoulders deflated "… Seriously?"

"Oh, come on. Don't be like that. It will be fun."

"Fun for you…" she grumbled.

I shook my head "You are such a depressive person, you know that."

That seemed to tick her off "I am not depressive!"

"Then, you should not have any problem with having a fantastic new experience."

She raised her finger and just as she was about to open her mouth, she put it back down "You know what. Let's just go." And just as she stated, she started walking.

I followed her and questioned her "You sure?"

"Yeah, I am sure."

"And here I was ready for another battle of words… What a shame."

"I am pretty sure the battle would have ended with you using that 'adult authority'."

That brought a tear to my eye "My dear Nova is getting smarter. Such a beautiful sight~."

"You really know how to make me angry…" she might have grumbled that to herself under her breath, but it was just loud enough for me to hear it and since that was the case, I was not going to let it go just like that.

Thus, while walking, I hunched my back little for my head to be at the same height as hers, which was not much different from mine. I felt that in a couple years she would catch up to me or even surpass me which kind of made me sad at the fact since at that point it would be difficult to cuddle her or to simply pat her head. That was why I needed to capitalise on the fact that she was still smaller than me. But I was digressing.

With my thoughts returning to reality, I poked her side multiple times to annoy her into turning her to face me and just as I wanted, she turned her head with an annoyed "What?". At that moment, I took the opportunity to give her a big old smooch on her cheek. Once I parted my lips from her cheek, I pated her head "Come on, girl. Don't be so upset. Haven't you heard of people teasing the ones they like?"

She appeared to be stunned in place with no words to reply to me. Thus, I had no choice other than to grab her hand and pull her along, else we would stand there for a while until she rebooted.

As we were about to pass in front of Zane's office, we could her loud voices coming from inside and I could not help but think: 'Still arguing?' As I was getting closer, I was able to discern what was being said:

"-and what is with you putting traps everywhere? What if one of the kids triggers them?" asked the lady.

"It is for protecting the children from people with malicious thoughts. Not to harm them." Zane replied.

"What if they harm the children you wish to protect?"

"They won't."

"Can you claim that with 100% certainty?" the lady counter attacked.

"Well… That's…" Zane struggled to find a suitable reply.

Their discussion stirred Nova out of her stupor since she shook my hand and looked at me questioningly. I definitely did not want to have anything to do with that, thus, I put my index finger in front of my mouth to tell her to be silent.

Nova took my order to heart, and we were able to pass through without raising both parties' attention to us.

"Why were they yelling at each other?" Nova quickly asked me by whispering.

I was bit stamped in how to answer her question, thus I decided to go with "Why else? Zane has been a bad boy~." 'Wow… Instantly regretting calling him a boy… Really, that felt weird since he is not in any way a 'boy'.'

It seemed that Nova thought the same since her face scrunched up.

"Anyway, let's get your stuff and we'll get going."

"What should I bring?" she asked

"Things that you may need to last a week like clothes, your bow and arrows for training and whatever else I may be forgetting."

"That seems a lot to put it inside my [Inventory]."

"Then we'll use mine, so you do not worry about the quantity. However, you'll keep the things that are essential to you in yours."

"Okay." She started climbing up the stairs to her bedroom whereas I debated for a moment whether I should or not do the same for a moment, before following her. When we reached the bedroom, I remained waiting just outside the door for her to be done.

Around ten minutes later, just as we discussed before, Nova called me to put the stuff she couldn't put inside her inventory into mine. By the look of her wardrobe, it looked like she was taking everything, including even town outfits which are not really recommended taking on a trek. However, I wasn't going to point that out since I was similar in that aspect with the only difference of me being capable to carry an entire house with me if I so wished whereas she could not.

We descended to the ground floor to find Zane waiting for us while wearing a grimace as his expression.

Seeing that I couldn't help but comment with a smirk "How was it? Getting chewed on, I mean."

He ignored my comment and asked "Do you have everything you need?"

"Yes, Uncle Zane." Replied Nova

"We pretty much cleaned the entire room." I added

"What about provisions?"

"I hunted a beast recently and monopolized most of its meat."

"Camping gear?"

"I've bought a habitat."

"That's… extravagant." He raised a brow "Maps?"

"Got one from a Vanguard party while I was getting information. It's a bit rough." I took it out and showed it to him

He furrowed his brows "Rough, you say. That looks like a sketch to me."

I shrugged "Beggars can't be choosers." I saved the map back in the inventory

"You've got a compass?"

"Ah!" Realization

He let out a sigh and looked at me as if I was a pitiful child "How useful is a map, if you don't have the means to use it. In the first place, why don't you have one with you?"

'Because I never needed it until this point' Is what I wanted to say, but I decided it is better to keep quiet because it is a pain in the butt to explain why I did not need it 'I had a freaking real-time hologram map with me at all times, who needed a compass'. Thus, I only gave him an awkward smile in return.

He fixed his disapproving look on me for a moment, then he shook his head and took something out "Here, take mine."

"Thank you." I said sincerely "This will save me a lot of trouble."

"Yeah. But you have to give it to me when you return."

"What? I thought you were giving it to me?"

"You wish. I am just lending it."

"What a stingy old man…" I murmured

"Says the woman who claimed to be, how did you say it? Filthy rich."

I could not find a retort to that, so I closed my mouth and kept quiet.

"Can we go now?" asked Nova listlessly.

I was bit surprised "Oh, it seems you are rather eager to go. What caused the change of heart?"

"The faster we do this, the faster I can return."

"Fair enough."

"Wait." Zane interjected. He approached Nova and scooped down to her eye level before giving her these words, lacing them in complete seriousness "If anything happens, and I mean anything, do not hesitate to inform me the moment you arrive." Nova's face turned paler whereas mine, turned darker.

"Why are you insinuating that I am going to do something bad to her!?" I could not help but to snap.

"I never said such thing. I only said that in the event of such thing happening, she should come see me."

"Seriously, what did I ever do to deserve such treatment?" I wondered

"Well, if you want to know-"

"Nope! Stop right there! I don't want to know." 'Otherwise, that just seems like a recipe for disaster'

"I kind of do." Commented Nova as if her previous terror was just an illusion as it was now replaced by a face filled with curiosity

"Well-" Zane started

"Nope!" I quickly grabbed Nova by the scruff of her neck and started dragging her outside "Let's get going."

"But I wanted to hear." She whined.

I was about to berate her, but Zane beat me to the punch with "I can always tell you later." while showing a smile filed with mirth. Knowing that I could not do anything against it, I pursued my lips and tried to erase this moment from my mind as I exited the building.

"I can walk, you know." Nova said, bringing the fact that I was still dragging her.

"Ah, sorry."

Once her feet properly connected with the earth, she said "Ah, didn't know you could apologize."

I narrowed my eyes at her "And you seem to be deserving some proper punishment."

"Wait. I was just joking!" she started backing away.

"Well, I am not." I reacted instantly and brought for my finger, charging it with strength before unleashing it on her forehead which she failed to guard in time.

"OUCH!" she screamed in pain "Why is it so painful!?"

"I took into account that you've learned [Soul Shield]."

"But I wasn't using it!?"

"Welp. That is something you should work on, if you don't like taking pain that is."

She glared at me but said nothing in return.

As usual, I just brushed it off "Now that's over. We can finally start making ways towards our future campsite." With that I started walking

Nova changed her gears and asked, "Is it far?"

I tapped my finger on my chin in thought "I don't think it is far. Well, for me. But, for you… Do you want me to carry you?"

"How long would it take for me to reach it?"

"About half a day. That is if you don't take any rests."

"You planned this." It wasn't a question, but a declaration.

"Planned what?"

"You planned to have a location far enough from here so that I would accept being carried by you."

I was bemused "Why would I do such a thing only to carry you? I just choose a nice location which is coincidentally far. You can always go on foot. On the contrary, I recommend you go on foot since it would be good training. However, since we have limited time, I thought it would be better to shorten the travel time as much as possible."

"I am somehow not believing you." She sounded sceptical.

"Then, think of it this way. This whole conversation started because you questioned how far it was to the campsite and I proposed an alternative way to shorten time. That's it."

"So, you're saying that it is all just a coincidence?"

"Yup. I don't understand why you are being like this. I truly don't."

"Because you are always finding excuses and creating opportunities for the sake of touching me."

"Okay, I'll admit that I am a bit-"

"A bit?"

"Fine, very touchy. But that is just the way I am."

"So, you're doing with other people?"

"Not with everybody, mind you. With close friends and people who I am intimate with."

"So, you'll hug them, carry them, kiss them and constantly pat their head." She enunciated every single thing I had done to her which caused me to realize that I may have done too much…

"Well…" I started "Mostly hugs. For me, kisses are for really important people. Now for carrying and patting. The latter is because you are very 'patable' if that is a word. While carrying is basically me profiting on the fact that you are still small because one day you'll grow up and I feel that you are going to become even more snappy, and you will reject even just hugs." I swiped a tear away "But, if it makes you feel better, I will stop trying to carry you, okay. No promises, for the hugs and kisses, though."

I felt a tug from my sleeve "I did not say that." She spoke, barely in a whisper.

"Did not say what?" I leaned my ear towards, which was a bad mistake because-

"I did not say you have to stop carrying me!" Nova shouted.

"What?" I was completely confused "Wasn't this what the conversation until was on about?" I stopped walking and turned towards her.

"… That…" when I looked at her, I noticed a blush on her face.

"If you don't say it, I won't know."

"I don't want to walk all the way there!"

Her outburst caused to me to take a little moment to process the information "…Okay. Then, you want me to carry you?"

"No!"

"Girl, seriously. I am not an all-knowing person. I don't understand."

"Like I said, I don't want to walk there!" she repeated herself, but I wasn't getting any closer to the answer.

"Okay, I get it. You don't want to walk there. You're being lazy. What does that have to do… with… anything…?" I wans't able to properly say my last sentence as I noticed her blush becoming deeper at the mention of a specific word. If that was the answer, then it was a completely stupid answer "Are you serious right now?"

"What?" she looked at me confused.

"So, you were just embarrassed about being lazy and lashed out on me because of that."

"What, no-!" I glared at her "…maybe…"

In response to her honesty, I felt furious. However, I was the adult here, so I let out a deep sigh of exasperation, "Well, fine. Let's leave at that."

"So…" Nova started.

"Ah. You want me to carry you, right?"

She did not answer but nodded instead while averting her eyes as if she did not want to face the truth about herself. It honestly felt as if she wanted to have a better image of herself and was doing this in this roundabout way as a measure to keep her slate clean. In other words, it felt like the weird things that puberty made you go through, specifically, the super self-conscious and the wish to have a better image among their peers. 'What's next? Will she start walking around with a bad crew because she thinks they are cool and listen to horrible music?'

"Well, I understand." She beamed at my words "But you have to clearly tell or else I wouldn't know. Oh, and don't forget the 'please' at the end." I smirked at the end 'Yes, I am petty. Deal with it'

Nova looked outraged. She suddenly passed by me and started stomping towards the forest.

"Where are you going?" I asked her after I caught up.

"Where do you think?" she snapped.

"Well, nowhere from the looks of it since the campsite is not that way."

She stopped in place.

"How about following me, hmm?" I proposed and walked in the correct direction. I heard Nova following me from behind and as much I wanted to tease her, I should not do it because before, even though I couldn't see her face, from her ears which were peeking outside her hair, she was reaching eruption levels of embarrassment.

.

.

.

"Wait…" Nova gasped for air as she was struggling to keep going forward.

"It has only been 20 minutes…" I commented to myself. Granted I did not know how much a 12-year-old child should be able to do in a dense forest which was a bit weird considering that when I was her age, I was always active and a very athletic kid. 'then I discovered the couch'

'Was Nova a sheltered child?' a question that crossed my mind for a second.

"Come on. You have a long way to go there."

"Just let me rest for a bit…" she said between wheezes.

"At this rate, we'll never reach there in time…" I said noted.

When Nova heard it, she raised her face with hope "I see. Then, it can't be helped~."

"You do realize that until then, you are going to trek there, don't you?"

"Ugh…" 'it appears that her brain is not functioning at normal levels'

"Do be quick with your rest." I leaned back towards a tree and waited.

A few minutes later, Nova spoke "Craven!"

I looked towards her not knowing why she called me. She appeared to have difficulties in letting the words out as her mouth opened and closed. Thus, I just waited.

Finally, "… Will… you…ugh… carry me?" she said as if she was spewing something distasteful.

However, I just stared back with a blank face.

Her face could not have been redder than what it was already "…………………… please?"

With a warm smile, I stated "Welp. It can't be helped~."