"Alright, no need," Raze said, shaking his head as he jumped back into the carriage. The lingering echoes of the destruction they'd just witnessed still hung heavy in the air.
"Why did you have to make it sound like it was sothing overly important?" Scarlet scolded Vince, flicking her fiery gaze his way as she settled herself back into the carriage.
"I… I just thought that since he summoned a hundred wind swords, it had to be sothing strong. But I guess I was wrong," Vince muttered, cheeks reddening in embarrassnt.
"Then stop thinking up senseless assumptions," Greg snapped, following suit and dropping back into his seat alongside Charlotte.
"It's always surprising when Grey uses his magic," Charlotte murmured as the carriage creaked forward again.
"For real! We use the sa magic, but where does his co from?" Greg asked, scratching his head awkwardly once he realized how odd his question sounded.
Scarlet nodded in agreent. "He rarely shows his fire magic, but when he does, it's like watching a force of nature. How does he do it and I can't?" she wondered silently.
"Grey is definitely a special breed," Charlotte chuckled softly.
"One might even say he was chosen by the gods for a purpose," Raze added with a smirk.
"Dude, gods and demons don't exist," Greg replied, his brow furrowing as he shot Raze a skeptical glare.
"Don't be surprised when you see a god descend," Raze said with a short laugh just as the carriage began to slow.
"What's happening? Why is the carriage slowing down? Trouble again?" Charlotte asked, eyes glued to Vince's tense back.
"Or maybe a god has decided to show up right in front of us," Raze teased, chuckling once more.
"Enough with the gods stuff! Shut up or I'm going to help you keep shut!" Scarlet warned, flas licking playfully around her fingertips as Raze gulped audibly.
"Actually, I think Raze might be onto sothing," Vince said nervously, his gulp echoing through the carriage.
"Wait, what?! I was joking! How can gods be real?" Raze shouted, leaping up from his seat, only to be t with Vince's mischievous chuckle.
"Gotcha," Vince said, grinning as the carriage picked up speed again.
"You annoying weakling!" Raze muttered, crossing his arms and settling back in.
For a few minutes, the group rode in silence. Charlotte gazed thoughtfully out the window, Scarlet toyed with swirling flas in her hands, and Greg sat rigidly, stealing occasional glances at Charlotte.
Raze, anwhile, had long since succumbed to sleep, his mouth slightly agape and soft snores breaking the quiet hum of the carriage.
Suddenly, the carriage jolted as it crossed a rough patch of road, throwing Raze upward.
"Gods on earth! An attack! Grey!" Raze shouted, lightning crackling along his skin as it struck his face, jolting him awake.
"Shut the literal f*ck up!" Greg yelled, his voice thick with irritation as Raze's eyes fluttered open.
"I'm wondering how you're going to get yourself a girl with this silly attitude," Scarlet scoffed, flas flickering in her hands.
"Have you seen my face?" Raze asked, ruffling his blonde hair and flashing a cocky grin.
"Tsk!" Scarlet dismissed him with a toss of her head.
"Guys, we're here!" Vince called out as the carriage screeched to a halt, and one by one they climbed down.
Before those who hadn't been to Kiten, the town stretched out like a quiet, slumbering beast—caught sowhere between humble beginnings and a restless ambition.
Ahead, the cobblestone road led straight into the heart of the town, where rows of neat, bungalow-style houses stood proud with freshly painted walls, manicured gardens, and delicate magical lanterns glowing softly by their doors.
This was the richer part of town — where Grey's family now lived — a peaceful oasis that barely hinted at the harsher realities Grey once knew.
But just beyond a narrow alleyway, half-hidden by a crumbling stone arch, the town's poorer side revealed itself.
Slanted rooftops leaned precariously, wooden shacks patched with rusted tal ford a tangled maze, and the air was thick with the scent of roasted spices mixed with damp earth.
Children darted barefoot through muddy paths, their laughter weaving with the clangs and shouts of bargaining stallkeepers. This was where Grey had grown up.
Every crooked fence and shouted bargain stirred vivid mories, old wounds and faded dreams alike.
Lining the bustling central street were vibrant market stalls bursting with fresh produce, cheap spell scrolls, hand-stitched robes, and homade mana potions stored in delicate glass jars.
The noise, the clutter, the chaotic energy — it was a world apart from the polished halls of the academy Grey had grown accustod to.
Towards the east stood the old library, small but well-kept, its arched windows glowing faintly under rune-etched doors that whispered of ancient knowledge.
Grey had spent countless hours there, devouring every book he could find — from basic spell theory to epic tales of mage wars long past. If anywhere held the echoes of his childhood dreams, it was there.
Beyond the town, like a looming shadow, stretched the beast forest. Dense and alive with low-level magical creatures, it was Grey's first battlefield — the place where he had learned to fight, to bleed, and to grow stronger. The canopy rustled softly, as if rembering him.
As Grey led the group forward, each step into Kiten was a step back into his past — and a silent challenge to show his friends the place that had shaped him.
"So this is Kiten, huh?" Raze asked, eyes scanning the quiet town.
"Yeah. The place where I grew up. The town that tornted ," Grey chuckled, descending from the sky as his wind bird vanished.
The rchant stepped down from his carriage, his gaze lingering on the town, watching as residents stole curious glances at the newcors.
"Thank you for escorting
safely," the rchant said, nodding respectfully at Grey.
"Oh? So you can be polite," Raze chuckled, unaware that fear was the real reason behind the rchant's civility.
"Whatever. We've done our part. I'm off," Grey said, eager to head ho.
"Wait, I'm coming with you," Raze said, springing up to follow.
"Well, I don't know anyone here, so let's go," Greg added, followed by Scarlet as they fell into step behind Grey.
"I'm going back ho now. I want to see my dad too," Charlotte muttered, turning away from the group.
___
{A/N}
We have co to the end of today's mass release guys!?? I hope y'all are enjoying it so far? Happy new month once again... We go again tomorrow ????
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