"Hmm... No, I have to focus on my true goal," Lucas muttered to himself, his eyes sharp with determination. "The River of Eternals... yes."
He stood silently for a moment in the dimly lit street of Ancient Aurora Village, thoughts spinning in his head. But something about that boy—his defiance, his desperation—stuck with him. Lucas's brow furrowed as the thought deepened.
"Wait... maybe I can use him as my journey partner. An ally," Lucas said under his breath. "Yes... let's follow him."
After a few moments of contemplation, Lucas made his decision and moved quickly, following the path the boy had taken.
"Hey kid! Where do you think you're going? Do you think you can escape from us?! Dream on!" shouted one of the guards pursuing the boy.
The boy was running at full speed. Cold sweat dripped from his forehead, and his breathing grew rapid. He was careful not to retaliate with his powers—attacking a village guard would brand him a criminal, and the punishment would be severe.
"Hey kid! Surrender and hand over the cultivation material! Maybe I'll let you go!" another guard taunted with a sneer.
The boy gritted his teeth. His legs began to glow with a radiant white light.
"Straight Light Travel!" he shouted.
A blinding light enveloped his body, and in the blink of an eye, he shot forward at an incredible speed. The guards shielded their eyes from the intense brightness. By the time they looked again, the boy had gained a massive lead.
"I can't match his speed! I don't have any travel-based abilities yet," one guard growled in frustration.
"Don't worry," the second guard smirked confidently. "I have a powerful travel ability I've been working on. Haven't tested it yet, but now's the perfect time!"
He shouted, "Cold Wind Flow!"
A freezing aura enveloped his body, chilling the air around him. Wind howled, gathering force around his legs. In an instant, his body lifted into the air and shot forward with a swift swoosh.
"You're not getting away, kid! Time to teach you a lesson!"
The boy pushed himself harder, panting heavily. "A dead end? No... they're catching up... What do I do?"
Lucas, now close by, also heard the commotion. He turned toward the sound and saw the boy racing toward him, the pursuing guard gaining fast.
"Damn it," the boy muttered. "Straight Light Travel only allows straight-line movement. I can't change direction unless I deactivate the ability. But if I do... I'm caught."
The pursuing guard shouted, "Still resisting? Fine! Take this—Wind Spear Cage!"
A powerful burst of wind surged from the guard's palm, forming into a glowing spear-shaped cage, howling as it descended toward the boy—and Lucas, who had unintentionally stepped into the path.
"What the...!" Lucas's eyes widened.
The boy screamed, "Get away from me!"
But it was too late.
Just before the cage struck them, a massive wall of water surged up between them and the incoming attack. The spear cage splashed against the water wall and dissolved.
"Hahaha... huh?!" The guard staggered back. "Who dares block my attack?!"
The boy looked up with wide eyes. "Sister! You're here!"
Lucas turned to see a girl, likely no older than himself, standing calmly where the water wall had formed. Her presence radiated confidence—and power.
"Do you think your sister can protect you?" the guard snarled. "Hah! But wait... this aura—no, it can't be... Rank 3?!"
He stepped back in disbelief. "There are only six Rank 3 cultivators in this village. None would defend a thief!"
The girl's voice rang out, cold and steady. "Who said there are only six? Tell them to count again. Add one more."
As the water wall dissipated, she stepped forward, revealing herself fully. A young girl, around Lucas's age, with flowing black hair and sharp blue eyes that glowed with energy.
Lucas stared, his expression blank but mind racing. "She's... Rank 3? At this age? Even Edith didn't reach Rank 3 this early."
The guard gritted his teeth. "Fine! You win today! But I'll be back—with reinforcements! Lord Trevith won't forgive this. He's far more experienced than your sister! Just wait!"
He turned and stormed off.
The girl turned back to the boy, her expression softening. "Otta, are you hurt? Let me see."
"No, no, sister! I'm fine! Nothing happened. Haha, you came at the perfect time!"
"Good. Hand me the material. We're leaving the village. Now."
"Oh yes! Here, take it."
As they exchanged the cultivation material, both turned to look at Lucas, who stood silently nearby.
"..."
"..."
Lucas broke the silence. "Hi, I'm Lucas Divelo. From Red Lake Village. Nice to meet you."
Otta pointed. "Wait—you're the guy I pushed during the chase!"
Lucas nodded. "You're absolutely correct."
"Why are you following us? You want trouble?"
"No! Not at all. I wouldn't dare offend you. I'm only Rank 1. But... something happened to me, which made me follow you."
Otta was about to speak, but his sister interrupted. "Oh? I'd like to know what happened."
Lucas smiled politely. "It's a long story. I can't explain everything here."
...
Ancient Aurora Village – Small Restaurant
The three sat at a modest table. A steaming bowl of soup sat in front of each of them as Lucas recounted his tale.
"So it was like that!" Otta exclaimed, curiosity lighting up his face.
Freya, his sister, nodded thoughtfully. "Your situation is... unique. Honestly, I've never heard of anything quite like it. And this 'River of Eternals'? Even Rank 5 cultivators haven't found it. I believe it's just a myth."
"Maybe," Lucas replied. "But it's my only hope."
Freya sipped her soup and smiled. "There might be someone who can help—Uncle Red. He's incredibly wise."
Lucas leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "Please, let me meet him!"
"Well, he doesn't live here. In fact, neither do we. Uncle Red lives in Tall Mount Village—240 kilometers south."
"Then... may I travel with you?" Lucas asked.
Freya's gaze sharpened. "Why should we trust you?"
Lucas shrugged lightly. "I'm powerless. What could I possibly do to harm you?"
Freya considered his words. "Hmm... good point. But taking you with us will be a burden."
"I'll take care of my own finances," Lucas promised. "All I ask is for your protection along the way."
Otta began to protest, but Freya cut him off. "Alright. You can come. Call me Freya."
Lucas's heart leapt. "Success!" he muttered under his breath.
Freya continued, her tone suddenly serious. "We must leave the village quickly. My brother... may have stolen that Rank 3 cultivation material from the village inventory."
Lucas nodded. "I figured as much. The guard wasn't chasing you for nothing. I'm prepared. I've already mapped an escape route."
Otta scoffed. "Hah! Whatever you made can't beat mine! I'm more experienced in running from trouble!"
But after hearing Lucas's plan, both siblings were stunned.
"Even I can't find flaws in your escape route," Freya admitted. "How did you plan this so quickly?"
Lucas just grinned. "It's nothing special."
With the plan in motion and a new alliance formed, the three prepared to leave Ancient Aurora Village—
Chapter End