—-

An older male glanced around before scrutinizing his surrounding. His dark brown hair flowed to his shoulders while his broad shoulders complimented his rough features. His eyes also looked to be one tempered in the fires of perilous battle. A scar ran from under his eyes, down his chest of his open tunic.

​​

‘Hmm?’ He looked down and noticed one of Apollo’s poorly concealed footprints. It had been a hasty job, hence, Apollo was unable to cover his tracks completely. Not to mention, the newcomer’s senses seemed to be rather sharp. As he tapped his finger against the footprint, he surveyed his surroundings.

“The footprint was originally rather small, seeming to belong to a child. Judging by the lack of any other footprints, I can tell it’s a single person. But, why would a child be out here alone?” While pondering this matter, the man smiled, ‘I smell talent.’ After releasing a chuckle, the man peered in a certain direction. At the same time, 5 more people appeared behind him.

“Come out, I know you’re there. You don’t need to be so apprehensive. I don’t seek to endanger you, I’m just on a journey into the depths of this region,” the man announced as he rose to his feet with an almost playful smile.

[I sense no malicious intent from him. Not to mention, his cultivation…well even if he did, it wouldn’t matter in your case. In short, I suggest you show yourself. You’ve been detected anyway.]

With a nod, Apollo acknowledged Azridan’s words. A few moments later, Apollo’s childish figure appeared from behind one of the trees. After showing himself, he remained silent while examining everyone. 

‘Ah, so it is a child. He also seems rather thin and young. But…those fluctuations earlier came from at least a Late-Stage Rank 1 Spirit Beast. In other words, he should be fairly experienced in battle having slain it,’ the man surmised while peeking towards the large body under one of the trees.

“What’s your name, do you hail from a family? This place isn’t something a child such as yourself should enter willfully. You should know there exists beast beyond your capabilities here,” the man voiced as his gaze examined Apollo’s strength. ‘Near the 4th Rank of the Mortal Realm. But why is he so thin?’

“What is your age?” he added.

[Hm, I think it’s best you lie. I’ll conceal your mental fluctuations. I’m almost certain he’ll send you back. Also, reveal your true age. If I’m reading him correctly, his words carry an intent.]

“No, I don’t. Also, my name is Apollo and I have just turned 11,” Apollo succinctly replied. He met the man’s gaze with a near-emotionless look. 

“I see. In that case, why don’t you formally travel with me? Would you like to experience what lurks within this place? As you can see, I have come to collect an odd bunch behind me,” the man chuckled while also pointing behind himself.

There stood a group of members behind him possessing a variety of ages, genders, sizes, and most of all cultivations. Glancing over at them, Apollo remained untrusting and simply examined them. The youngest seemed to be just slightly older than him.

“Pardon my rudeness. All of you, introduce yourselves. Well, after I do so of course. My name is Irauk. Just a simple wanderer,” Irauk grinned as he glanced towards the apparently awkward bunch behind him. The first to step forward was a short, pudgy boy with glasses and aqua blue hair.

“My name is Rhett. Uh… I don’t really know what else to say but I’m just fat and 12. Oh! I am also a Rank 8 Mortal,” Rhett murmured. At the same time, he retrieved a piece of dried spirit beast meat and began munching on it. In response, Irauk simply gave him a blank stare.

“I’ll keep my introduction short. I am Adeon and I don’t know you,” replied a taller male with a rather cold personality. In Apollo’s eyes, he just appeared to be aloof. Nonetheless, a scoff was heard from a girl standing next to him found his attitude to be insufferable.

“Y-you! Who raised you?! Where are your manners? Excuse that bloke, my name is Nadida. I err…just turned 14 but I’m already a Zul Warrior! Aren’t I amazing? I don’t think I’ll lose to anyone in my age group,” the crimson-haired girl with golden eyes, Nadida, exclaimed.

Her figure was beginning to present the maturity that came with age. However, her prominent trait was her personality— super competitive.

“Ragnvald, and as for that guy earlier, we grew up together. Don’t mind him. He just doesn’t understand how to express himself. We’re both the same age as well as Zul Warriors. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Apollo,” replied the gray-haired youth who moves to the front. His body was on the lean side, however, his physique and temperament hid strength.

Finally, the last person stepped forward but only slightly. It was a female looking to be between both Rhett’s and Nadida’s ages. Her childish features were still present and she was only a bit taller than Apollo. However, her cerulean eyes displayed an unconcealed bashfulness.

“I-I’m Socorra. I hope you can stay,” Soccora briefly remarked as she retreated close to Nadida who smiled wryly while patting her head.

“She’s inherently shy, but uh that’s to be expected. She’s a year younger than I am and was previously an orphan. As for her abilities, well she should be slightly stronger than Rhett,” Nadida added while peering over to Irauk.

However, Apollo remained slightly shocked. He found this group to be extremely odd. They had all just met yet they easily disclosed such information to Apollo. He could only look at them incredulously, ‘This group of people is rather…awkward. I think.’

“So, what is your answer?” Irauk asked, interrupting Apollo’s thoughts. While glancing at him, Apollo quietly weighed the situation and sought a second opinion.

‘Azridan…what do you suggest? I know you said they possess no malicious intent, but isn’t it too weird for them to be so open and trusting? Why do they do this?’

[I believe it is because you may have caught that male’s attention. Furthermore, they possess a strength above your own. Them presenting information lightheartedly just goes to show that they don’t perceive you as a threat which is true. However, you also don’t want to be taken lightly. You never know when you’re confronted by a group who carry the opposing intent and view you this way.]

For a moment, Apollo remained silent with a blank stare. As he was, uncertainty entered his mind, ‘So…what do I do?’

[This time… well, you accept. If they take you deeper you’ll receive the chance to battle and may even receive an eye-opener. You never know what you may learn.]

“I’ll…I will come along,” Apollo replied while approaching Irauk who held a calm smile.

‘It would seem I have recruited another talent. However, it is enough for my plan? Maybe one more, if not, so be it,’ Irauk determined before voicing his intentions, “With this, we’ll move deeper throughout the inner region. Let’s go.”

Without an extra word, they changed paths cutting deeper into the Shadowy Forest. Being the slowest, Apollo silently viewed everyone’s back while a recurring thought danced around his mind, ‘For what purpose was I recruited?’

Now that he was here, there was a small voice present in his mind that urged him to stay in their company.