"..."
I climbed up the stairs and when I was a few steps away from the entrance, the door slid open. Oh, I see. So it looked like a sensory door from the inside, but you needed a key to open it from the outside.
Likewise, I exhaled a relieved sigh. I thought that I would be imprisoned here. Someone in my previous world once said, 'Words are prayers' that was why you shouldn't talk rubbish.
I whirled and proceeded to descend the stairs. I could also hear how the passage entrance closed by itself. As it got darker, I took the torch that hung on the wall and lit it.
The more I went down, the more humid it was. Just as I came down the last stairs, the passage was filled with puddles. Perhaps, due to the thunderstorm last night.
After a long march for half an hour, finally I saw a dead end. Without wasting much more time I approached the wall and afterward, the door slid open.
Overall, I didn't find any difficulty while passing this passage, except for the moss which made this place a bit slippery. I turned off the fire and put the torch away.
I stepped out and the entrance passage behind me closed. A deep, lush forest entered my vision, a woody scent filled my nostrils and birds chirped beautifully.
Somehow this atmosphere made me feel cathartic, I felt like all of my burdens just disappeared into thin air. But it was really surprising, I couldn't believe I was outside right now.
'Also, no sign of a zombie apocalypse here. For now, let's head to the city.'
However, I abruptly halted my step and slapped my forehead. Damn. I forgot to bring a map.
.
.
.
I marked the tree bark with my sword and wiped my sweat. I had no idea how much time had passed, but I couldn't find any footpath. Even if I had the map, I didn't know where my position was.
I glanced at my Telesphere and sighed. At least the Arcanist Tower should have put a digital map on this bracelet, so it could be more useful in a situation like this.
Maybe it would be better if I just go back, I couldn't take the risk of prolonging wandering around in an unknown place like this. Not to mention the sun was getting low, and I had to get back before dinner.
Fedel should have not known that I sneaked out. Since I have the key to open the secret passage, I could come back here whenever I want. With that, I decided to return.
However, when I turned, I saw a man estimated to be in his late twenties. He had tan skin color combined with platinum blonde-haired and dark brown-eyed. All around, his appearance looked like a commoner. The moment our eyes locked, he smiled at me.
"The weather is so nice today, don't you agree?"
I didn't answer and just stared at him. He eventually laughed awkwardly and resumed his steps. I spun toward him right after he passed me. But the man just strode leisurely and didn't even bother to look back at me. Before he drove any further away, I encouraged myself.
"Excuse me."
"Yes?"
He turned to me.
"Do you perhaps know where the city is?"
"The city?"
"Yes. I think I'm lost."
He nodded his head a few times as if understanding something.
"I see. You could come with me. I'm also on my way to Agatha."
"Thank you."
With that, we strolled together into the forest. In silence, I caught him stealing glances at me many times. Curiosity filled his face and to tell you the truth I couldn't stand it anymore. I sighed. Maybe he was an extrovert who couldn't tolerate voicelessly.
"You are free to ask me if you have something in mind."
I could see how his tone comically lit up.
"Are you perhaps... a noble?"
He couldn't even hide his inquisitiveness but his expression suddenly turned down.
"Ah, I'm sorry if I was rude and made you uncomfortable."
I shook my head.
"No, I don't mind. Also, I'm not a noble. Just a son of a merchant."
He nodded his head delightedly.
"So, what are you doing that made you lost in a forest like this?"
"I was chasing my cat."
Hmm... Was this why my mother forbade me from going outside? But from this conversation, it seemed that the criminal hadn't been caught yet. Just what hell did the Patrol Soldiers do?
"How about you? What are you doing in this forest?"
"I'm collecting herbs."
"Herbs?"
He showed his wicker backpack which was full of grass–in my eyes. Even after gathering that many herbs, he was somehow still so bright and energetic.
"Oh, how rude of me. By the way, you can call me Trickster. Nice to meet you!"
Trickster? Was that his nickname? He extended his hand towards me, but before I could reach it, he withdrew his hand.
"Ah, sorry. My hand is dirty."
He wiped his hand on his clothes.
"Actually, I don't mind."
"No. No. No. How could I?"
Sighed. Alright. Whatever, do as you please.
"You can call me Ian. Nice to meet you too."
"Aren't you... going to ask about my weird nickname?"
I whirled at him.
"No, it's not my place to judge."
"Whoa. You really build differently. Usually, people will frown when they hear my name."
A slight sadness was seen on his face, but it didn't last long as he eventually smiled again. I looked at my surroundings. We walked for more than thirty minutes or so but I still couldn't see the end of this forest or a footpath.
I peeked at Trickster, he still looked so happy; simply, it was because his smile never left his lips. I wondered what made him so happy.
"Is the city still far away?"
He turned to me and pointed up ahead.
"It's about two hundred meters away. Are you perhaps tired? Should we rest?"
"No, I'm just asking. I'm okay."
"Tell me if you are tired."
I nodded and went back to focusing on my step.
"I heard tomorrow's weather will be good as today. But, it's too bad--"
I glanced at him and our eyes met. What was too bad?
"You won't be able to enjoy it!"
He swung a dagger, aimed at my throat.
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