Battlero stood quietly, his bamboo basket strapped to his back, watching as the two discussed.
As an older man who'd seen much of the world, he knew better than to interfere in matters outside his expertise. His role was gathering herbs—not ddling in their conversation.
Still, he couldn't help but marvel at Kanna.
This child, who looked so small and unassuming, had sohow detected their pursuer—sothing even the boy beside her hadn't noticed.
"As expected of Fairy Tail's mbers," he mused. "Even the youngest among them possess extraordinary abilities."
"It's the smoking man from the guild," Kanna added, identifying the stalker.
Though her draconic powers were limited by Rayne's magic supply, her senses—honed by her true nature—far surpassed any human's. She'd known Wakaba's location from the mont he began tailing them.
At first, she'd assud their paths simply overlapped. But now that they'd stopped and he'd halted too, she spoke up.
"Wakaba?"
The na conjured an image in Rayne's mind: the man crashing into Makarov during his guild introduction.
They'd grown sowhat familiar over the past weeks, but that first impression—spectacularly awkward—stuck with him.
"This must be the Guild Master's doing."
Realization dawned. Only Makarov could've sent Wakaba after them.
Normally, guild mbers were expected to complete jobs independently unless they requested backup. Unwanted assistance implied doubt in their abilities—an unspoken insult.
Yet rules like these sotis felt… harsh.
Wakaba's presence here? Likely just Makarov's caution. A first mission was always risky.
"Seems Makarov holds you two in high regard," Battlero remarked, his earlier tension easing.
"He's a good man," Rayne replied easily, unbothered.
Pride might've made others resent the oversight, but Rayne understood. He was a rookie.
"You've got a fine temperant, boy."
Battlero's wrinkled face softened. Most youths would've bristled at the implied lack of trust. He'd even prepared a speech to smooth things over—only to find it unnecessary.
"If we want the Guild Master to stop worrying, we'll just have to nail this mission," Rayne said, ruffling Kanna's hair before shifting focus. "Battlero-san, lead the way. We'll handle security."
"Well said!"
The old man chuckled, stepping forward. Rayne followed, grip firm on Kanna's hand as his eyes scanned their surroundings.
Relying solely on Kanna's senses would've been easier, but Rayne refused to grow dependent. Habits forged now would save him when intuition wasn't an option.
"Finally moving again. Wonder what that pause was about?"
Far behind them, Wakaba trailed discreetly, oblivious to his exposure.
Battlero moved with surprising agility for his age, navigating paths invisible to untrained eyes.
"Moonlight Blossoms have many uses," he explained, noting Rayne's curiosity. "I co here several tis a year."
"What kind of monsters tend to gather near them?" Rayne asked, filing away a ntal note: Always research targets beforehand.
"Hmm… As the na suggests, the flowers bloom at night, absorbing lunar energy. Certain beasts are drawn to it."
Though primarily an herbalist, Battlero knew enough about the local fauna.
"Silverwhiskers, Stardust Moths, Moonbeam Bears, and Hush Owls."
He launched into a detailed breakdown:
"Silverwhiskers are swift. Stardust Moths scatter hallucinogenic pollen. Moonbeam Bears pack brute strength but lack speed. Hush Owls emit sleep-inducing sonic pulses."
He paused, almost disappointed when Rayne didn't ask for more.
"Understood. Thank you."
"You sure? I've got plenty more to share!" Battlero pressed.
Few apprentices cared for herbology these days—even his family found it dull. This rare chance to lecture had him itching to continue.
"Not here. It's not safe to lose focus," Rayne declined—then added, "But I'd love to learn more after we return."
The guild's library held extensive records, but firsthand knowledge from a master? Priceless.
Rayne wasn't planning to specialize in herbs, but understanding their habitats could prove vital for future jobs.
"You've got yourself a deal!"
Battlero's eyes lit up. He pointed ahead eagerly.
"There—the valley beyond those bushes is where the Moonlight Blossoms grow."
"Wait!"
Rayne's gaze sharpened. He yanked Battlero back, pressing a finger to his lips.
The old man froze, then retreated behind Kanna with practiced speed—ready to bolt at the first sign of danger.
Rayne's eye twitched.
"No wonder he's survived years of herb-gathering alone."
The man's self-awareness was impressive.
At least this ant Rayne could fight unrestrained.
Steeling himself, he peered through the foliage—into the moonlit valley where danger waited.
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