Book 4: Chapter 3: Out and About

Book 4: Chapter 3: Out and About

The sun had just risen, shining bright in a cloudless sky. It was shaping up to be a warm summer day. Ignoring the idyllic weather, two teenage boys were rushing up the side of a hill, racing toward the top.

The two of them ran at speeds that would have been impossible for a normal person, even on flat ground. Even so, neither of them had any thoughts of slowing down despite the traitorous terrain. Only after reaching the top, did the winner finally come to a halt.

He was a brown-haired boy with golden eyes. Catching his breath, he bent over with his hands on his knees. He looked back, appreciating the lead he had managed to build during the later part of the climb. By the time his companion joined him, his breath was already steady again.

He smiled at the other boy. I win again.

His companion, completely out of breath, immediately slumped to the ground. I hate you so much, Zeke.

Zeke smirked, looking down at his brother. Hey, it wasnt me who wanted to race.

Leo just turned his head away, too tired to argue. Judging by his heaving chest, it would be a while until he recovered. Meanwhile, Zeke walked to the cliff, inspecting the far side of the hill. From this vantage point, he could make out their surroundings clearly.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.

As far as the eye could see, hills of various sizes dotted the landscape. The one they were currently on was among the largest, allowing Zeke to see all the way to the horizon. A satisfied smile emerged on his face. They were making good progress.

It had been a week since the two of them had left Tradespire. They exited the city to the south, the opposite direction of the empire. Consequently, they had landed in Invocatia, the country of summoners. Not wanting to draw any attention, they had stayed off the roads for the first few days, before making their way east.

Their eventual goal was to reach Korrovan, which lay to the east of Invocatia. However, Zeke had no intention of hurrying the journey. This was the first time he could truly explore the world, as he had always dreamed. Being undercover, there was nothing keeping him from enjoying the carefree life of an adventurer for a while.

For once, he had no responsibilities. He didnt have to look out for plots or schemes, or to plan ahead. For once, the only thing he needed to concern himself with was where his next meal would come from, and where he would spend the night.

Grrrrrrr!

At the thought of food, his stomach rumbled. They had not had any breakfast yet, and Zeke felt the first pangs of hunger after the long morning workout. Looking over at Leo, who had managed to sit up by now, Zeke considered their next move.

Two days ago, they had finally entered a town for the first time. There, they accepted their first quest. They were traveling under the guise of being wandering mercenaries, so it would have been strange if they didnt accept any missions from the guild. The quest they accepted was a typical monster-hunting quest.

The creature they were looking for was the Steeltusk Boar and according to the receptionist, they were quite common in these hills. However, so for they had not come across a single one.

Akasha, what do you know about Steeltusk Boars?

Name: Steeltusk Boar

Category: Monster.

Height: 3 steps.

Weight: 900 pounds.

Description: The Steeltusk Boar is a large monster known for its pack-based lifestyle. These creatures form groups of up to 12 members and thrive in hilly terrain, living in caves. Their primary method of attack is a formidable downhill charge, which they execute with great precision. This charge, fueled by their sharp tusks, allows them to overpower even larger predators in a single, devastating strike.

Value: The most prized aspect of the Steeltusk Boar is its razor-sharp tusks. These tusks are highly sought after as materials for crafting weapons and tools, making them a valuable resource.

Danger Rating: negligible.

Zeke nodded contently. It was in moments such as these that he could appreciate how useful Akasha truly was. Quickly going over the information, Zeke took notice of two aspects. First, the value of their tusks. This didnt surprise him much, as the quest had specified that they would be rewarded for each piece they brought back. The second thing was the danger rating. From the overall description of the monster, he would have expected them to be more dangerous.

Why is the danger rating so low?

[Answer.]

The danger rating is not a generalized value but an estimation of the threat posed to host. Given hosts superior mobility, the Boars charge can be easily avoided.

Emerging from a shallow ditch, Leo pounced toward one of the remaining boars. Before the monster even realized what was happening, a heavy saber was already descending towards its neck, akin to a guillotine.

Similarly, Zeke dove from his perch in midair, targeting the other survivor. With the long, blood-red spike protruding from his fist, Zeke dove toward the head of the monster, ending its life with a single strike as well.

After making sure all monsters were dead, Zeke smiled triumphantly. See? Thats why planning is so important!

However, Leo wasnt listening. His gaze was transfixed on the four gigantic piles of meat in front of him. Zeke could almost swear he saw his brother drool. With a sigh, he relented. Fine, lets eat first.

***

After butchering one of the corpses and dragging it up the hill. Zeke and Leo found themself eagerly watching the rotating lump of meat. Akasha was using [Telekinesis] to sear the meat evenly. The heavenly aroma of the seasoned meat was so enticing that they witlessly stared at the slowly roasting treat.

Most people considered monster meat inedible because of its toughness. However, ever since he had acquired the Dragon heart, Zeke had developed a taste for it. For some reason, Leo enjoyed it just as much, which was fortunate. Like this, the two would never struggle with finding food.

To distract himself, Leo looked over at the pile of tusks they had harvested. His expression turned thoughtful as he looked up the hill they had come from. Do we return after the meal?

Return where?

Dont we have to turn in the quest?

Zeke was puzzled for a moment before realizing what Leo meant. Ohh that. No, we arent going back. Well be able to turn in the quest at another branch of the Adventurer guild as well.

Leo looked dubious. How does that work?

Zeke smirked and picked up a stone from the ground. Holding it in his right hand, he showed it to Leo. A moment later, the stone disappeared from his right hand and appeared on his left. He wiggled his eyebrows. Magic!

Leo rolled his eyes. I thought Space Magic was heavily regulated. How come the guild can send goods back and forth as they wish?

Zeke shook his head. Its not all Space Magic that is controlled so heavily, only [Teleportation]. The spell that is used to move items around is called [Transposition]. The rules regarding that are far more lax, as every country needs trade.

Leo nodded, following along. Can you use that spell too?

Zeke smiled cockily. What do you think?

It was at that moment that the meat began to sizzle more intensely, drawing their attention.

Leo gulped. Do you think its done?

Zeke used his knife to slice off a piece, passing half of it to Leo. The moment his teeth sank into it, a rich flavor exploded in his mouth. What was this? Why was this so good? Eyes wide, he exchanged a look with Leo, only to find the same expression on his brothers face.

After a moment of silence, they both pounced on the spinning boar, uncaring of any manners. Luckily, they had more than enough to satisfy their appetite. After a long eating binge, the two brothers found themself lying down in the early afternoon sun.

Leo.

Whats up?

This journey I want the both of us to use this chance to get stronger.

Leo rolled his eyes. I dont think you should be the one to tell me this. I use every chance to get stronger.

Zeke nodded. Thats true, but I dont just mean regular training.

Leo turned his head, glancing at Zeke. Then what?

Zeke also turned toward his brother, his face serious. How much do you know about Maximilians Magic?