It's less than a week before the Excursion takes place.

There are only a few more preparations to be made, and although I ought to earn my keep and contribute to the committee as its newest member, I actually left the Royal Academy not too long after I registered.

The moment I found out one of the locations could lead me to Brad's dream, I decided to visit his village the very next day.

So here I am…

I currently stand alone, at the outskirts of what appears to be a clearing in the woods.

Other than a large board sign that says "Welcome," there isn't much else that can be said about this place. The village has no name, and it has long been abandoned by the Lord of the land. The residents live off their own hard work, and although variety is scarce and things could get difficult, they do not pay taxes or need to bow their heads to others.

Brad told me all of these things about his village.

Now that I stand just some feet away from the entrance, I reminisce on more memories of Brad and the discussions we had about his people.

"We're barely a hundred people there, though… not really a lot. In a single Sanctuary, hundreds of thousands of Vey'lithars dwell in peace and harmony. I left my village because I wanted to find the Vey'lithars and see if my people could join them in that life."

Brad said those words to me.

His dreams, right until the very end, showed just how selfless his nature was.

Unlike mine.

After contemplating for a while, I finally mustered up the strength to walk into the village.

Not too long after, I notice the presence of a few Cadre 2 Magivores.

They look like hyenas, but with quills on their backs as though they were porcupines. I can clearly see them growling at me, their gaze showing both caution and a threatening indication for me to leave their territory.

'So they're giving me a warning, huh…?'

Since when did Magivores get so patient with human beings?

Of course, I know the cause of their rather unique behavior. This village, Brad's hometown, has fully embraced the ways of Druids and has thus been able to coexist with Magivores.

'In the past, they used to be at war with the Quill Jackals, but now they have a rather symbiotic relationship. The fact that these Magivores are going out of their way to protect this village means they now recognize it as their territory, and the people within it as one of them.' I smile warmly, an echo of delight nearly bursting out of my chest.

The fact that they also show hesitation to attack, instead resorting to threatening growls like domesticated dogs, proves that they no longer recognize humans as prey.

Impressive.

This is honestly fascinating.

Humans have managed to domesticate some Magivores over our long history, but there remain many that are untamed. In fact, we never bothered with some of them. Magivores like Quill Jackals or Screech Owlbear, who have aggressive natures, have little hope of domestication, and humans would rather go for the ones with a more tame personality.

My Turtleback Camel is one example.

Its personality is gentle, and it has a cowardly nature. Although a Cadre 3 Magivore, it would not wantonly attack humans and would hide if there was danger.

These Magivores tend to be more obedient.

"Yet this village has succeeded in taming Quill Jackals…" I mutter quietly, my gaze resting on the interesting creatures.

However, right at this moment, a voice booms from behind them.

"We didn't tame them… if that's what you are wondering." The person who approaches appears ancient, yet his body is brimming with vitality.

I can see how clear his wrinkled face is, how it glistens under the setting sun.

Beside him is one of the Quill Jackals, who must have run to the village to inform him of my presence while the others blocked my path. This cooperation between man and beast continues to fascinate me to no end.

'I know I could control these Magivores, but they would only submit to me due to my natural superiority over them. However, it appears these Quill Jackals truly care for the villagers and are willing to put themselves in harm's way for them.' With a calm smile on my face, I bravely step forward, ignoring the loud growls of the creatures before me.

"I know. This is the way of the Vey'lithars… the one that was taught to you by Eva."

The moment I say this, the old man's eyes bulge.

"Y-you… How did you—?"

"Ah, pardon my rudeness…" I bow my head politely, my silent gaze burrowing into his aged, ordinary brown eyes.

This man doesn't recognize me.

Since Brad's village is isolated from the rest of civilization, I can imagine that news doesn't reach them very often. Finding this place would be difficult if one weren't familiar with the village. Thus, despite all the details Brad gave me about this place, if not for my Clairvoyance, it would have taken me much longer to locate it.

Here, Noble Status or Influence doesn't matter.

There exists no distinction between rich and poor, man and beast.

All are equal.

All are one.

"My name is Javier Aditi, and I was an old friend of Brad."

As I utter those words, silence flows smoothly with the whispering winds and the fluttering of surrounding leaves.

The clearing we occupy is nearly surrounded by tall trees and dense foliage, save for the small, twisted path that leads to this village. The overpowering smell of nature tickles my nose, but I remain composed.

Then I walk closer to the dazed old man.

"You… Brad…" He mutters, his eyes having a complicated expression.

So he knows Brad is dead.

'Brad did tell me that they had a way of finding out if he died, but he never told me how.'

"I understand…" He sighs, a helpless smile on his face. "My name is Grok, and you are welcome to our community. Please… come with me."

And just like that, I was invited into Brad's village.

It is a place with fewer than a hundred people.

The houses are made of wood, stone, and foliage. Everyone wears traditional attire, and the level of technology here is extremely low. It's almost as though I have traveled back in time and live in an oddly primitive society.

But, much to my amazement, I have never felt this much at peace before.

The fresh breeze… the clear silence… the serene atmosphere…

… They all radiate satisfaction.

All the villagers gather around me, staring at me like I am some kind of strange specimen.

I laugh at the awkwardness.

These people have likely not seen an outsider their whole lives.

'Brad… I'm finally here.' I smile to myself as I do my best to interact with them. 'I have come to your hometown, and I plan to see all the wonderful things you told me about it.'

*************

My first night was quite eventful.

There was a party thrown in my honor, and everyone was merry.

Everyone sang and danced, and I joined them for the festivities. The women had their bodies swerving in all kinds of strange ways, but it was very pleasant to watch. The men carried heavy objects and literally started working out in front of me.

After this very primal dance, many men and women excused themselves for a moment.

Even without using Clairvoyance, I already know why.

I also got to taste a lot of their local dishes. All of them were plant-based, with hints of Special Resource extracts as complementary ingredients.

The flavor was lacking for sure, but I can see what Brad meant when he said that humanity can live without harming others in nature. All the meals in this village are rich in nutrients, and some even boost the quality of life.

I already intend to take some of their tea and herbal formulas back with me.

This might be shameless, but I will also request the recipe for some of their local food.

It's currently the next day, and although I am in the village chief's residence, I have a separate room from everyone else. I imagine this was to make me comfortable. Sleeping wasn't the most comfortable, since I still had to keep my guard up around these people—just in case—but thankfully nothing happened.

Now, I feel a little guilty for ever suspecting them.

But one can never be too careful.

Sigh…

It's unfortunate, but I can't stay here for too long.

I already spent a night here, but looking at the distance I'll have to cover if I want to make it back early, I can only spend one more day in this place.

Obviously, I plan to make the greatest use of my time. There is something I have to do first. It wasn't an easy thing to decide, but after deliberating all night, I have decided to follow my heart.

"Sir Grok… do you have a moment?"

I approach the old man, whom I now know to be the village chief.

This title is actually nothing more than a ceremonial one, as he actually doesn't have any real power. The people here all treat one another equally, and they live in total harmony.

Hence, even though I pay him respect, he appears dissociated from it.

"Please… just call me Grok." He smiles and invites me into his own room. "How may I help you, Javier?"

I oblige and step into the place.

Although it's my first time in his room, I feel a strange kind of familiarity within it.

"This was once Brad's room. Before him, Eva lived here. It seems you could sense their energies."

His smile widens as his eyes twinkle at me.

'Is that what it was? Energies?' I can only smile and nod at him.

The room is warm, but this is nothing strange. Mine is also the same, and I believe the wood, stone, and other materials used to construct these homes serve as effective insulators.

"There is something you should have…" I bring out a bony white flute from my robe, one that bears an odd, slightly distorted shape.

"It was Brad's treasure… a powerful item he wielded when he sacrificed himself to save us all."

As I hand the strange Armament over to him, I watch as his trembling hands caress the object in fond recollection. Just as I expected, the villagers are familiar with this Armament. I never had the courage or reason to test it out, and while it does appear to be a weapon that can be used for great harm, I will choose to trust these people.

Besides, it is not something that belongs to me anyway.

It is for his people.

"Eve was the one who held this flute. She could use her voice to talk to the Magivores, but she taught us how to play the flute in order to communicate with them. When she died, she chose Brad as her inheritor, which is why he carried it wherever he went."

'This Eve… was she a Leviathan?' I can't help but ask myself. 'They say the Vey'lithars are the Original Druids, and that they possess the natural ability to effortlessly control Magivores, so it is possible that she isn't a Leviathan. But, considering how I am able to control Magivores with just my voice, then it's not impossible to assume that she also—'

"Brad died by saying true to himself and following his own path. He handed the treasure over to you, entrusting you with the will of the ancient ones."

Grok smiles, looking at me calmly.

Then, he carefully hands the flute back to me with no hesitation whatsoever.

"And now it is yours."

Honestly, I am speechless.

What kind of people are these, really?

This is an Armament that can restrain a Cadre 5 Magivore, at least temporarily. Although it will be at the cost of the user's life, it is still an incredible power to possess.

To think that they would simply reject it.

They do not care for such things as power or control.

Only peace.

Love.

'If I did not have my experiences and worries… In another life perhaps… living like this wouldn't be so bad…' A warm smile forms on my face as I tightly clench the flute.

But, since they do not wish to keep this, I will do so.

Since Brad entrusted the flute to me, I will respect his wishes and use it how he would have liked me to—for the sake of others.

"With this out of the way, it's time to tell you the reason behind my visit." I nod and cast my gaze to the entrance of the house. "Is it possible to gather everyone together? I would like to tell it to the whole village."

Grok does as I ask, and in no time at all, all the villagers gather in front of his house.

Once they are all present, I begin.

I tell them all about Brad, his bravery, and how he inspired me.

Then—

"I will be seeking out the Vey'lithar Sanctuary in his stead. I will fulfill my oath to my friend and take you all to the promised land! So please… have faith and keep me in remembrance during your prayers!" The moment I declare this, they all cheer with energetic voices.

The Vey'lithars, to them, are the perfect humans.

It is everyone's dream here to one day meet these people and become one with their society.

I can see it more clearly now.

Truly…

'… The Nowe'arn Race does not deserve these people.'

There are nine main races on this continent.

The populous Nowe'arns, the timid Fae'lkyns, the noble Syl'vaens, the proud Drak'thirs, the mysterious Umbr'ithens, the oceanic Thal'marians, the secluded Vey'lithars, the primitive Kor'vynars, and the savage Ny'therins.

There have been some that once existed, but are now extinct.

They are known as ancient races.

Of all the races in Eariel… both past and present… I have found that the Nowe'arns are by far the most oppressive. We covet the lands of others, and despite having no special traits, have managed to dominate the Eariel Continent.

Our greed knows no limits, and our soaring ambition is celebrated.

But honestly?

I have gotten tired of all of it.

'Perhaps this is why I have grown to respect these people. If things were different, and if I were different… I could follow this path.' But, not long after having these thoughts, I shake my head, and much darker thoughts swirl in my mind.

'I need to be prepared to do anything to succeed in my goals.'

This is the path I have chosen to walk.

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