"Thia, what's the matter?" a girl asks.

  Her companion lets out a frustrated sigh, "It's my dad. He's thinking about cheese again."

  The girl blinks in confusion, "I'm sorry...what?"

  Adam, overhearing, simply whispers, "What...?"

  Nestled within a secluded clearing of a forest far removed from any village, Adam sits in meditation, enveloped by the gentle whisper of the wind. This breeze, like an ancient messenger, carries the voices of villagers towards him. Amid the flurry of ordinary banter, he occasionally gathers useful snippets of information.

  The village of Ather, much like countless others, basks in the blessings of the Goddess of Kindness, Erigg. Adam would naturally know this, for her presence resonates with a particular harmony. However, something is amiss. A subtle undercurrent of doubt permeates his thoughts; the divine essence he senses doesn't belong to Erigg but rather, to a distinct divinity. This newfound deity's aura is peculiar. Void of emotions, creativity, or elegance, its authority over the area feels stark and barren.

  He can still sense Erigg's essence, but it's faint, so much so that it could easily be mistaken for a fairy, those beings known to be the emissaries and servants of the gods. This unease gnaws at Adam. Could this anomaly be the reason for his divine resurrection?

  Brushing off the thought, Adam refocuses his mind. Now is not the time to dwell on such matters. If he wants answers, he must seek out the gods themselves. However, his current dilemma lies in his lack of geographical knowledge. Lost in the vastness of Orstria, he desperately needs a map or, at the very least, a hint of his whereabouts. His immediate goal, then, must be to gather information and identify other potential destinations beyond the castle.

  Yet, one nagging question lingers: What is going on with these villagers?

  In one corner of the village, Adam catches the sound of an altercation. Two men colliding, voices raising in anger, "Hey, watch where you're going!"

  "No, you watch it! Can't you see I'm walking here!"

  "No, I'm walking here!"

  "I'M WALKING HERE!"

  The echoes of a scuffle reach Adam's ears. Elsewhere in the village, he can make out the rhythmic breathing of two men, likely seated at a table, deeply engrossed in their handicraft. An almost reverential silence fills the air as they work. Then, out of the blue, one of them confesses, "Sometimes, I dream about cheese."

  Another long, uncomfortable silence ensues before the other man finally responds, "Wait...what?"

  Shaking his head in disbelief, Adam murmurs, "I dearly hope this level of absurdity is exclusive to this village."

  Adam reminds himself never to underestimate the sheer number of clueless individuals that populate the world. As this thought crosses his mind, a new conversation tickles his interest.

  "Hey, have you heard the latest?" a young man's voice rings out.

  A girl replies, "Are you talking about the Oracle's bell? I heard about it. This is the second time it's rung, right?"

  "Yeah, but I don't understand why the Oracle is ringing it. My folks always said that the bell only tolls when something significant is about to occur."

  "And has the church given any meaning to the bell tolls?"

  "No, that's the strange part. The Church seems oblivious to the bell's ringing, even though it's already sounded twice!"

  Adam's interest piques upon hearing this. The ringing of the bell isn't surprising in itself, given the Oracle's connection to the divine. What does puzzle him is the repetition. "The bell has been rung a second time?"

  He is quite sure that his resurrection signified the first bell, as the Oracle's bell often heralds events such as the revival of formidable beings, continental shifts, the emergence of both the Hero and Dark Knight, or the arrival of an entity from another world.

  Relying on instinct, Adam assumes that a being from another world has arrived. That, however, is not his concern. At the moment, his focus is on gathering information. The bell's tolling suggests a significant reason for his return.

  Sighing, Adam realizes he needs more details, and so far, this village hasn't provided much of value. He stands, preparing to continue towards the castle he recalls from Yue's memories, when a distant noise captures his attention. He channels mana into his eyes, enhancing his sight. He sees an elderly man struggling to emerge from the forest towards the village he just surveilled.

  The man moves painfully slowly, hunched over, leaning on a tall wooden staff for support.

  Adam feels indifferent at first, but as he hears the man's struggle, a nagging concern worms its way into his conscience. But considering his past encounters with hostile humans, he knows it would be unwise to offer assistance, given their demon-like perception of demi-humans. So, he turns away, ready to embark towards his next destination. Just as he does, however, a thud reverberates through the air. He spins around to find the elder sprawled on the ground.

  The fallen man stretches out an arm towards his staff, his fingers barely brushing it. After a minute, he ceases his efforts, laying still in defeat. But just as he is about to shut his eyes in resignation, a child's bare foot enters his field of vision. Looking up, he sees Adam, clutching a sheathed iron sword.

  Bending down, Adam retrieves the staff and offers a hand to the old man. The elder looks at him, and Adam prepares for hostility. But when the man takes his hand, that expectation evaporates.

  The elder, once back on his feet, turns to Adam, offering a feeble smile, "Thank you. I might have met my end here if not for your intervention."

  Adam responds with a nod and a smile of his own.

  "Oh, forgive my manners. I must introduce myself to my rescuer. I am Othur Yellon, chief of Ather. May I know your name?"

  "Adam," he replies, careful not to reveal too much in his manner of speaking.

  "Ah, I see," Othur says, "Welcome to Ather, Adam. I'm sure my people will be grateful for your assistance."

  Adam shakes his head, "I'm sorry, but I must be going," With that, he turns to leave. But as he does, Othur calls out.

  "What a shame. I was hoping you wouldn't depart empty-handed. Particularly since you need more information about the animosity towards demi-humans, am I correct, elder one?"

  Adam halts in his tracks, swiveling around to give Othur a frosty stare, "What are you implying?"

  Adam berates himself internally for his oversight. Now that he is near, he realizes that this man is a blessed being, one who carries the divine favor. Even if his mana resembles that of a common soldier, blessed beings are not to be trifled with. They possess the ability to sense the essence of others, and estimate one's strength at a glance. What makes them even more formidable is their capacity to perceive the age and current emotions of a soul, a skill that enables them to uncover and see through deceiving appearances.

  Maintaining his frail smile, Othur says, "I am merely offering you the information you seek as gratitude for your aid in a precarious situation. Moreover," Othur looks at Adam's tattered clothes, "Your appearance may not be received kindly by those you are bound to meet."

  Adam scrutinizes the elder, his eyes narrowing. Yet he can detect no deceit or treachery in his words. Adam sighs, breaking into a smile, "Even knowing the danger I represent?"

  Othur affirms, "Let's head to the village. I will provide explanations and the information you need. And one more thing," Othur removes his green cloak and hands it to Adam. "You'll require this; the villagers, unfortunately, are under certain influences."

  As Adam accepts the cloak and cloaks himself, a question arises in his mind, "Influences?"

  After a short journey, the duo reaches the village of Ather.

  The village is no different from any other, similar to the village of Sora.

  Ather is nestled amidst lush surroundings, its earth-colored, thatched-roof cottages providing it a rustic charm. Around the village, bountiful orchards serve as a green boundary, filled with a variety of fruits. The village is bustling with villagers, busy with their daily chores. Despite its simplicity, Ather is more than just a cluster of cottages and fertile farms. It is a village blessed by the goddess Erigg, reflective of the richness of kindness and shared prosperity.

  "Typical of Erigg. Her tastes in households never change," Adam murmurs, smiling at the thought.

  Upon their arrival, a group of villagers surrounds them. A young man, seemingly the oldest among them, exclaims, "Elder! We're so relieved you're safe! I was about to search the forest for you!"

  Othur laughs, "I apologize for causing worry. I decided to take a solitary stroll."

  The man's concern turns towards Adam, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the sharp toenails visible beneath the cloak, "And who might this be?"

  Othur responds, "This young man assisted me when I was in a predicament."

  After a tense pause, the man nods and turns back to the elder, "As long as you're safe, Elder."

  "Indeed. Now, if you would excuse us, I intend to invite this young man to my home. It's only right to repay him for his assistance."

  Another villager, a girl, steps forward, "Then, let us accompany you-"

  "There is no need," Othur interrupts, "It will be just the two of us."

  "But..."

  "Do not worry, Abigail. We'll merely discuss certain recent events," As he finishes, Othur and Adam walk deeper into the village, leaving the curious villagers behind.

  "Hey, granddad! How are you holding up?" Othur received a cheerful wave from a child burdened with an armload of firewood.

  "Dear elder, it's always a pleasure to see you," a woman spoke, inclining her head respectfully as she passed.

  Othur and his companion, Adam, exchanged greetings with villagers on either side of their path. Suddenly, a cluster of children swooped down, flocking around Othur with infectious energy. Laughter bubbled up among them as some nibbled on fruit, while others engaged in light-hearted mischief, prodding each other playfully at the back of their necks. Adam watched the heartwarming scene unfold, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

  "Surround yourself with those you hold dear when your time comes..." Adam mused, his voice a mere whisper.

  After an engaging walk filled with warm greetings from the village folk, the duo finally arrived at their destination. Othur extended an invitation, his hand reaching for the door, "Come in. Make yourself at home."

  Nestled within the pulsating heart of the village, the abode of the head elder exuded an aura of subdued dignity. Unlike the stern facades of the houses in its vicinity, this structure conveyed an understated comfort, characteristic of the village's esteemed elder.

  Built from resilient timber, aged by countless seasons and weathered by time, the house was a testament to the elder's profound bond with the land and his people. A thatched roof, weather-beaten by years of changing seasons, conferred a rustic charm while the stone foundation signified its enduring presence.

  Entering the dwelling, one was greeted with the aroma of seasoned wood, dried herbs, and the faint trace of residual smoke from the fireplace. The interior was modest, a reflection of Othur's simplistic preferences. A welcoming living area greeted guests, its centerpiece being a large, time-worn oak table which bore witness to countless meals and village meetings. Beside it, a stone hearth radiated warmth, engulfing the entire living space in its comforting embrace.

  Towards one side, an archway revealed a humble sleeping chamber, Othur's private sanctuary. A low-lying mattress filled with straw and a wooden chest, containing his personal effects, took residence here. Nearby, a small yet adequately stocked kitchen showcased a potbellied stove and shelves laden with pottery, dried food, and medicinal herbs, symbolizing Othur's dedicated care for his community.

  Despite its unassuming facade, the house was abundant in details narrating the life of its dweller. Age-worn scrolls, village maps, and tokens of gratitude from grateful villagers adorned the walls. A meticulously tended garden at the rear provided a haven of tranquility and introspection.

  The house, in essence, was a testament to Othur’s existence—a simple, unaffected reflection of his wisdom and the life he had lived.

  Adam and Othur took their places on wooden chairs across a table laden with a bowl filled with various fruits. As Adam removed his hood, his fox ears sprang back to their normal position. He sighed and cast a glance towards Othur, who was still adjusting in his chair, "I assume you're already aware of my first question?"

  "Indeed," Othur replied, finally settling comfortably in his seat. He met Adam's gaze, "You wish to know why Erigg's influence no longer lingers here."

  Adam stared into the elder's eyes, "I see. So, thanks to Erigg's blessing, this unknown god's influence does not touch you."

  This simple exchange shed light on many of Adam's queries. The reason behind people branding demi-humans as demons had nothing to do with physical interactions—it was a matter of mental and spiritual manipulation.

  Othur studied Adam's eyes, "I can understand why other blessed beings refer to you as a monster. I initially assumed that the White Death was a genocidal creature, but that's not why they call you that. Much like the Hero and Dark Knight, you are beyond the comprehension of mortals."

  "I didn't agree to discuss this," Adam retorted. However, he realized that given Othur was a blessed child of Erigg, it made sense that he could identify Adam. Erigg's children had a knack for discerning the true nature of people. Perhaps this was why Erigg was sometimes referred to as the Goddess of Friendship.

  "Of course, my apologies, White Death. I never imagined that I would come face to face with a being equivalent to the divine," Othur sighed, "It's a shame I didn't have the chance to see you in your prime."

  "Have you had your fill of compliments?" Adam replied, fatigue evident in his eyes, "The only reason I agreed to accompany you was the promise of information."

  "Ahh, forgive me. Let's proceed, then. What is it that you seek?"

  Thus began a series of inquiries. Thanks to Othur, Adam was finally piecing together the information he needed: the geography, the current events, the present date, and everything Othur was privy to.

  Adam sighs, "So, today is the 14th day of Erigg’s Month, and the year is 1501. It appears that there is escalating conflict among human nations. Tempus Marina, blessed by Chrojord, the God of Patience, is the only nation still allied with the holy city, Aetherna."

  "Other nations are steeped in conflict. Some are engulfed in civil unrest, while others are warring amongst themselves."

  "And the nearest town from here is Luther?"

  "Luther would indeed be your next stop, particularly because it's situated between here and Harmona, where Erigg's influence was most potent. Well… once upon a time."

  "When did Erigg begin to weaken?"

  "It commenced in the last god cycle, around Aethor’s Month."

  "And now Erigg’s powers are no more than that of a simple fairy. This unknown being must be immensely powerful to overwhelm a god in such a manner."

  "No, it's more like they drained Erigg’s powers," Othur corrects. "It's a balance of power. The more potent the unknown entity became, the more diminished Erigg became."

  "And there hasn't been any proclamation apart from the Oracle’s bells?"

  "I'm afraid not."

  "None of this adds up," Adam muses. "Why would another deity seize Erigg’s place? And why didn't the other gods intervene before Erigg was entirely drained? Something isn’t right. The unfolding events simply don't align logically."

  As Adam ponders this, Othur places a small pouch on the table. He grins, "I believe this will come in handy once you reach Luther."

  Adam’s eyes widen as he uncovers the pouch's contents: ten gleaming silver coins. "Are you sure this is wise?"

  Othur sighs deeply before responding, "Adam, I am nearing the end of my journey in this world. I have dedicated my life to the service of the Goddess of Kindness, and I am content. My beloved is no more, and all that remains are the people of Ather and my daughters, who reside in Harmona. I yearn to halt the chaos that's brewing, but my frail body betrays my will. So, I implore..."

  "I understand," Adam interjects, "Don't fret, Othur. I will head to Harmona and meet your daughters." After a moment of silence, he adds, "I envy you, Othur. You've lived the life I've yearned for."

  Stolen story; please report.

  "…I see," Othur murmurs, "So you've lived a lonely existence."

  Adam nods, and Othur gazes at him sympathetically, "Adam, as an old soul like you, let me offer you a piece of advice. One that you are more aware of than I am: live true to yourself. From observing you, I see that your past actions bear significance. The emotions you experience are more intense than those of mortals. You bear a curse, but it is not your fault."

  "And yet, it is. I could have fought those emotions, but I didn't. I killed them all, knowing the pain it would cause me and those around me."

  "Adam, you have seen more of life than most. You understand it better than any other. That's why I can only remind you of something you already know," Othur says, his face breaking into a broad grin, "Be yourself."

  Adam can only stare at Othur as he speaks. He sighs and returns the smile, "Yes, of course. Thank you, Othur."

  "It's the least I can do. We elders are prone to forget the most important things, after all." Othur tries to laugh but ends up coughing.

  "Well, I think it's time for me to leave." Adam collects the pouch of coins and rises. "If it's alright with you, I'd like to take this cloak."

  "Ah, yes. It's yours to keep." Adam nods, opening the door to leave. But before he does, "Adam the White Death," Adam turns to find Othur still smiling, "I am confident you will live the life you've always desired. Just keep moving forward. I'm certain you'll find the family you've longed for."

  Adam nods one final time before exiting Othur's home.

  "Damn you, Erigg," Adam murmurs under his breath. "Even I've been caught in your children's friendship spell," Yet, as he speaks, a smile curves his lips. "I suppose there's a reason you're one of the few gods I like."

  Upon stepping outside, Adam examines the pouch, "Be myself. Such an obvious piece of advice, yet so vitally important."

  As Adam pondered, a gust of wind swept over him, causing his hood to slip off and reveal his fox-like ears. He quickly pulled the hood back on, muttering, "Damn wind." But as soon as the words left his mouth, a stone came hurtling through the air, colliding with the right side of his head.

  To his right stood three children, each of them clutching a stone and wearing a triumphant smirk. The largest of the three yelled, "Filthy demon! What are you doing here?!"

  Adam didn't answer. He merely held his head tilted to the side, a result of the stone's impact. The boy in the middle started to show signs of frustration, "Hey! We're speaking to you! What do you have to say for yourself after murdering so many people!"

  Again, Adam didn't respond. He simply straightened his head and let out an exasperated sigh.

  This further infuriated the child, who lobbed another stone at Adam's head, "Get out, demon!"

  A barrage of stones flew at Adam from all three kids, some hitting him while others missed. The children laughed, taking pleasure in the apparent demon's inaction.

  But when the next few stones struck him, Adam turned to face the children. The middle child was in the middle of another throw, but everything… froze.

  The children stopped in their tracks, all eyes fixated on Adam. However, it wasn't time that had stopped. The children were frozen not by choice but by an instinctive command issued by their fear. Fear warned them not to move; if they did, they were certain to die. Adam's eyes were devoid of light, cold as ice. He looked upon the children with a sense of pity, a pity that he might have to kill them to avoid causing Othur any more trouble.

  Unconsciously, the children began to hyperventilate. Their bodies were on fire with terror, screaming at them NOT TO MOVE. So they complied; they stayed perfectly still, their terrified gazes meeting Adam's predatory eyes.

  Color drained from their surroundings, and despite the brightness of the day, a creeping darkness began to settle. They continued to look at Adam, their breathing growing more ragged.

  Then Adam blinked, and when he opened his eyes again, the children were scattering, screaming in terror as they ran. Their faces were wet with tears, their noses running. They sprinted away until they were out of sight.

  Adam sighed, dusting off his clothes and adjusting his hood, "I should get going. This unknown god is corrupting Erigg’s children."

  He began to walk away, but a young man who'd been hiding beside a nearby building cautiously peered out. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead as he took in the sight that sent shivers down his spine. The young man's eyes, normally yellow, glowed a strange blue as he watched Adam. All he could manage to say was...

  Name: Adam Arcania

  God Name: The White Death

  Age: ???

  Race: ???

  Alignment: True-Neutral

  Strength: 122 Intelligence: 3129

  Agility: 150 Dexterity: 302

  Endurance: 115 Willpower: ???

  Luck: 124

  “The… White Death?”

  Adam halts abruptly. He's being followed.

  Amidst a forest, identical to countless others he's traversed, Adam freezes, noticing an unusual presence tailing him. He pauses briefly before resuming his trek towards his temporarily abandoned pack.

  From behind a massive tree, a figure of a young man peers out. His eyes, a striking blue, remain riveted on Adam. As soon as Adam moves out of sight, the man attempts to get closer, darting behind another tree. He risks a glance, assuming Adam will have continued his journey, only to find he has disappeared. Surprise etches onto his face as he realizes his quarry is gone.

  He gears up to sprint in search of Adam, but stops short when he feels a cold sensation against the back of his throat. Then, a voice rings out from behind him, “Why are you following me?”

  Adam has managed to flank the man, holding a simple iron sword to the stranger's throat.

  “W-woah, wait a second! I’m not your enemy!” The man's voice rings out, sounding like an average high schooler's - the kind you'd hear amongst a group of athletes.

  Adam's gaze hardens as he processes the young man's declaration. After assessing and concluding that the man's claim bears no deceit, he withdraws his blade and slides it back into his worn leather sheath. The young man draws a long breath, realizing he'd been holding it the entire time the blade was at his throat.

  He takes another deep breath, then exclaims, “That was close! Phew!”

  “You still haven’t answered my question,” Adam maintains his icy stare at the towering man, attempting to discern his true identity.

  The young man straightens himself, clears his throat with a few 'ahems,' and finally speaks up. “My name is Gold Black, and I’m here with a request,” he announces, suddenly dropping into a bow, “Please be my teacher, Mr. White Death!”

  “...Your name consists of colors?”

  Before Adam stood a young man twice his size, seemingly plucked from the corridors of a high school and thrust into this otherworldly existence. His attire was unassuming, black cotton pants clinging to his lean form and a simple white shirt, crisp and untarnished, hugging his broadening shoulders.

  His eyes were a striking anomaly, a molten gold that seemed to reflect an internal furnace, burning with a desire to understand this sudden shift in his reality. A mop of hair, just a shade darker, crowned his head in a tumble of waves, giving him an air of casual nonchalance. It had an untamed quality, a testament to countless hours spent immersed in the virtual worlds of video games rather than tending to personal grooming.

  His physique hinted at occasional sports, a testament to a youth still discovering his strength, yet his features bore the comfortable familiarity of an average high schooler. There was an air of unassuming normality about him, but underlined by an undeniable allure, a magnetism that demanded a second glance. Though seemingly out of place in his new surroundings, he bore the promise of hidden depths, waiting to unfurl.

  Gold peers up at Adam, a disgruntled expression on his face, as if this name issue has been a lifelong annoyance. “Y-yeah.”

  Adam eyes Gold for a protracted moment before continuing his journey towards his backpack. Gold watches Adam stride away and decides to tag along.

  Eventually catching up, Gold walks in tandem with Adam. “So, what do you say? Can I be your student?”

  Without breaking his stride or his gaze, Adam replies, “Why do you wish to be my student?”

  Gold falls silent at the question. They carry on their trek, the chirping of the forest birds accompanying their silence. After a lengthy pause, Gold admits, “B-Because I believe you could help me become stronger.”

  “But why me? There are better places and instructors to help you train than someone like me.”

  Gold is struck mute by Adam's retort. Yet, from this brief interaction, Adam manages to gather enough clues about Gold's identity. “I see, so you are the Oracle’s second bell ring,” Adam halts and fixes Gold with an intense gaze, “You are a being from another world.”

  Adam contemplates internally, “Of all places, just my luck. Seems like fate decreed I’d be the one to encounter our extraterrestrial guest.”

  Gold's eyes widen, “H-how did you-”

  “Firstly, it's because you knew my God Name. I sense no divine power within you, nor signs you possess any spiritual insight to perceive who I truly am. Secondly, you seem disoriented, unlike any local, and your aimless demeanor suggests you're at a loss. And finally, your attire. It's been a while since I was revived, so I can't say if your clothes reflect the contemporary fashion, but they make you look alien. It's as if you're from another world.”

  Gold chuckles sheepishly, “Y-you caught me red-handed.”

  “There are other indicators, too. I sensed the arrival of another entity when the Oracle’s bell rang. Also, you're not the first otherworldly being I've encountered.”

  “Wait, are you saying I’m not the first?”

  “Far from it. Your ability to discern my God Name without any prior indication is telling. Others from your world often have the same visual capability. Tell me, what is my full name?”

  “Your full name is Adam Arcania.”

  “And what additional details can you discern about me?”

  “Your age, race, alignment, and even your stats.”

  “There you have it, confirmation that you are indeed from another world.”

  “T-then, are you going to accept me as your student?”

  Adam sighs at Gold's question. As he does, they arrive at a tree scarred with numerous marks, Adam's pack, a trophy from a fallen soldier, nestled next to it. He kneels down to stash the pouch he'd acquired from Othur. “Tell me,” he prompts.

  Gold cocks his head in query, “What’s up?”

  “Once you acquire this power, what are your intentions?”

  Taken aback, Gold shifts his gaze elsewhere. He rubs his head pensively, then admits, “Well… I guess I'll do whatever I want.”

  “And what is this 'whatever'?” Adam turns to bore into Gold with his stare, “I want to clarify this, Gold, I don’t care about your actions. I am interested in who you are. I want to understand your desires, your necessities.”

  Gold sighs and mutters, “I want… to do whatever I feel is right. I don't want to act based on some divine request. I want the liberty to walk my own path, even if it looks evil to others. I need the power so…” Gold pauses, then confesses, “I won't lose someone I care about. I don’t want to lose the people I like because someone wanted to do it for fun.”

  Adam rises and slings the pack over his shoulders, proceeding towards his next destination. Gold hangs his head, his teeth grinding in frustration, assuming he failed to persuade Adam. But then, Adam calls over his shoulder, “What are you waiting for?” Gold looks up to find Adam grinning, “You won't grow stronger standing there like an imbecile, right?”

  Gold is about to dash after him when Adam adds, “But,” Gold freezes, “I will only impart the basics. After that, I won't guide or follow you.” Adam levels a chilly gaze at Gold, “The only thing I'll permit is for you to walk beside me. Do we have a deal?”

  Contemplating deeply, Gold casts his gaze downward, but then lifts it with a determined look, “Deal.”

  "...So you're saying your name does imply colors, but it has multiple meanings?" Adam inquires, his eyes focused on their path ahead.

  "Yep, that's right. For some weird reason, this world keeps translating my name into colors. I mean, yeah, it does mean colors, but not entirely," Gold responds, his gaze sweeping across the unfamiliar forest and its exotic inhabitants.

  Adam and Gold are heading north, towards a town known as the Town of Luther. Their journey through the woods is nearing its end with the day's close. As the sun begins to bow out, the nocturnal insects take their cue to embrace the twilight.

  "K, I, N... So, Kin is your name?"

  "Yeah! You got it!"

  "How... odd. Well, if you don’t mind, I’ll stick to calling you Gold."

  "What? Why Gold? Doesn't Kin sound... you know?"

  "Yes, it does. But I've already gotten used to calling you Gold. So, I'll stick with it."

  "Ugh..."

  Adam looks upward, noting the encroaching night, "Seems like it's time for a break. Let's find a clearing, and we'll set up camp."

  Having found a suitable spot to make camp, Gold flops down on his behind, drawing a deep breath, "Finally! Time to rest!" The darkness has crept in, the sun nearly consumed by the horizon.

  Adam looks down at the exhausted Gold, "Oh? Tired already?"

  "Yeah! I don't know about you, but it feels like we've been traveling for half the day!"

  "We certainly have. But we can't rest just yet. Gold, could you gather some firewood? I'll set up camp and then go hunt for food."

  Gold freezes at Adam's request, fear creeping into his eyes, "Y-you mean go out alone when it's about to get dark?"

  "Indeed, unless you want to sleep in darkness and feast on raw meat?"

  "But what about monsters? Like, big, hungry ones?"

  Adam looks confused, "Not that I'm aware of. If you're looking for large predators, you'd have to head east."

  "And where would east lead us?"

  "To the Demon King's Empire."

  "Of course."

  Adam unhooks his sword from one of the pack's straps and heads into the woods, "I'll be back. Make sure to collect the firewood."

  "Yeaaaaah…" Gold responds, somewhat reluctantly.

  After a while of foraging and hunting, Adam and Gold succeed in lighting the campfire. The forest, now shrouded in darkness, feels even more mystical under the night sky. Gold seats himself next to the fire, warming his hands.

  Adam sits down too, closing his eyes to meditate. Gold notices and queries, "So, what's next? We've set up camp and lit a fire. What now?"

  "The Warenits are still full of blood," Adam nods towards the purple rabbits with sharp teeth and a white horn, suspended upside down from a makeshift wooden meat rack, "So, we start training."

  Gold springs to his feet, "Training! Finally! Do we get to use magic and stuff?"

  Adam opens one eye to glance at Gold, then closes it again, "Not quite yet. Firstly, I need to assess your skills. We'll decide your elemental affinity based on that."

  "So... what do we do?"

  Adam rises, retrieves a small iron knife from his pack, and tosses it to Gold. Gold barely manages to catch it, staring down at it in surprise. Adam steps back, positioning himself near the fire, and places his hands behind his back, "Show me your proficiency with a weapon."

  A minute later, Gold found himself flat on the ground, struggling for breath as exhaustion overtook him. Adam looked down at him, disappointment etched on his face, “I see you've lived a mostly sedentary life. You also seem inexperienced with weapons. Does your world favor different weapons, or is conflict simply not a part of your existence?”

  Catching his breath, Gold responded, “Well, it's a bit of both. In my world, we use things called guns.”

  “Guns? An odd name for a weapon. If that’s the case, we’ll operate under the assumption that weaponry isn't your strong suit. Now, on your feet. We’re going to discover what element you wield.”

  As though an unseen force had revitalized him, Gold sat up, exclaiming, “Finally! I hope it's something cool!”

  Adam quirked an eyebrow at Gold, “Cool? Are you referring to water or ice elements?”

  “No, sorry. That's just slang from my world. I meant something awesome!”

  Adam let out a weary sigh, “Look, Gold. The goal isn’t to gain something grandiose. It’s about finding something practical.”

  Gold’s eyes widened, and he dropped his gaze, “...Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

  Adam studied Gold for a moment before sighing again, “Okay, first things first, return the knife. We’ll get started shortly.”

  As Adam approached, Gold handed back the knife. Adam securely returned the knife to its sheath before heading back to his pack. Gold scratched his head, “So, this 'element discovery' thing, it doesn't involve a blood sacrifice or anything, right?”

  “You're thinking of rituals,” Adam clarified as he retrieved his knife. “They're a completely different branch of magic, mostly used for summoning demons or fairies.”

  Gold exhaled with relief, “So no self-inflicted wounds, right?”

  “Absolutely not,” Adam affirmed as he strode towards Gold. “We’ll meditate and discover which element your soul resonates with.” Gold watched as Adam took position in front of him. Adam instructed, “All you need to do is close your eyes and connect with your soul. From there, it will be simple to identify your corresponding element.”

  “Oh, okay,” Gold acknowledged. “I hope this works.”

  “Very well, close your eyes.”

  Gold followed his instruction and shut his eyes. As he moved around him, Adam continued, “Good, now extend one hand palm up and open. Relax your entire body and take deep breaths.” Gold did exactly that, and to his surprise, he felt something. There was a pull, a sensation that tugged at him, but he couldn't discern what it was.

  Adam smiled, “Good, it seems your body and element are syncing up. Now, do something to get its attention.”

  “Uhh,” Gold stammered. “Hello?”

  Adam cradled his face in his hand, “Not aloud, you imbecile.”

  “Ah, got it!” Gold inhaled deeply and mentally broadcasted, “Hello?” Suddenly, a tingling sensation crept into his hand. It felt eager, lively, as if itching to jump into action. Gold decided to let the sensation take control.

  What followed was the crackle of electricity. Gold opened his eyes to find sparks, matching the hue of his hair, dancing around his hand. He turned to find Adam clapping, a broad smile gracing his face, “Congratulations, you’ve discovered your element, Gold. And in record time, I might add.”

  “You mean I’ve done this faster than anyone?”

  “Indeed. It usually takes months for people to connect with their element. This is the first time I've seen someone achieve it so rapidly.”

  “So, what now? How do I use it?”

  “That's up to you. Everyone has their own method of manipulating their elements. If you want to shoot it, envision something that shoots. Hand signs, thoughts, simply use your imagination.”

  Gold instantly knew what to do. His electrified hand morphed into the shape of a gun, his thumb acting as the sight. He fixed his gaze on a tree and proclaimed, “Bang!” A bolt of electricity launched from Gold’s hand, blasting the tree upon contact. Splinters and burnt bark scattered, leaving a small crater where Gold had aimed.

  Adam applauded again, visibly impressed, “It seems you're naturally attuned to your element, Gold. You have the right mindset and know exactly what to do. Now remember to-” Before Adam could finish, Gold started firing off his newfound power with a gleeful expression.

  “Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!” His targets changed with each shot, as though he were engaged in a competitive shooting game.

  Foreseeing the inevitable, Adam ambled over to the campfire and took a seat next to it. Gold continued his electric barrage until, “Ba-” A sudden wave of nausea overcame him, his vision blurred, and before he knew it, he was on his back on the ground. His eyes widened in shock as he realized he couldn't move. Tears trickled down his face, and his breathing became labored, as if his body had suddenly shut down.

  Adam towered over him, “Congratulations once again, Gold. You've just experienced mana depletion. In record time too.”

  Gold tried to respond, but only strange noises emerged. Adam sighed, dragging him closer to the fire, “Don’t worry, I anticipated this. I’ll transfer some of my mana to you and keep watch tonight. Just close your eyes and sleep. We’ll discuss more in the morning.”

  Gold would have agreed if he could, but for now, the idea of sleep was too appealing to resist. He closed his eyes, and soon, the sound of his snores filled the air. Adam sighed once more as he resumed his place by the fire. Staring into the flames, he wondered, “Is this one of the reasons I’ve been resurrected? Tell me, Eve, why?”

  Morning had arrived, and both Adam and Gold had already commenced their journey towards Luther. As they ambled along, Adam queried Gold, "This ability you possess, to identify individuals and their power, does it extend beyond this?"

  "As far as I can tell, no," Gold replied. "I'm able to see identities and strength. Otherwise, that's pretty much it."

  "From what I understand, beings from other worlds typically possess more than one ability," Adam stated, speculating. "I’m certain you must have others as well."

  "Well, I'd certainly hope I have more abilities up my sleeve. I mean, magic is great and all, but I can't rely solely on that."

  As Gold said this, they arrived at a dirt path amid the forest. Adam took note of the numerous tracks on it, and a frown formed on his face. He crouched, studying the markings closely. "These are caravan tracks, but," Adam muttered, a note of concern in his voice, "why are there so many?"

  "Well, it's a road, isn't it? I'd assume it's in regular use," Gold stated matter-of-factly.

  "That's not what I mean," Adam responded. "It looks as though over a hundred caravans have traversed these tracks in a short span of time. As if they were fleeing in a hurry."

  "And there's something else," Adam muttered, more to himself than to Gold. "The mana in the air... I recognise this sensation."

  "Hey, Adam," Gold pointed out, "There's a clearing up ahead." He gestured towards a bright light that the dirt road led to. "You think that might be the town?" As he said this, a caravan, pulled by peculiar white horses that resembled unicorns, sped past them. The driver, a fleeting look of terror etched on his face, paid them no heed. Startled, Gold watched the departing caravan, a sense of unease settling in. "What the hell? What’s up with them?"

  Adam's gaze followed the tracks on the dirt before shifting to the clearing. He spoke in a voice laced with gravity, "Brace yourself, Gold."

  Gold looked at him, his eyes wide with confusion, "What? Why? What's going on?"

  "You'll find out soon enough."

  They moved towards the forest opening and took in the scene before them, a spectacle of chaos. The sight that greeted them was one of a beautiful vast plain, adorned with grass and flowers, akin to a scene straight out of a fairytale. Yet, the idyllic image was shattered by the sight of an entire town, aflame in the distance.

  "That's...," Gold began, his voice barely a whisper.

  "Yes," Adam affirmed, his tone solemn. "That's Luther."