"Hm?"

I lifted my head to look at Lux thoughtfully.

He looked at me irritably and pointed to the ground.

"The water has disappeared."

I followed his finger. The ground. Indeed... the water suddenly vanished into the earth. I'm not sure if "disappeared" was the right word... it just continued to flow underground. Nevertheless, I must have had a rather specific expression on my face because our new companion slightly grimaced with disapproval.

"What are you standing around for?"

As joined us just a moment later.

"Because Lux's water disappeared, even though it's still there."

My words seemed to slightly ruffle the boy, but I didn't give him a chance to show it as I confidently continued walking.

"Well, obviously the water doesn't just disappear..."

I wasn't sure, but As seemed to be smiling to himself, as if this was some kind of point for him or something... Men...

"So, how exactly do you pinpoint its location? I don't see you casting a spell or anything..." Lux didn't finish because suddenly my hand covered his mouth.

"Shh!" I whispered and pointed ahead.

Beyond the trees loomed the side of a mountain. At first, everything seemed calm and natural... to the point that I felt my less perceptive companions might want to complain that I was exaggerating.

A few moments later, suddenly something emerged from among the stones. It looked at least strange, as there didn't seem to be any holes, burrows, or caves there.

[Skill Upgrade: Observant I upgraded to Observant II]

... Seriously? Was it that hard to notice? Was it because I earlier sensed the movement through the vibrations in the earth and assumed something was there?

[New Passive Ability Acquired: Intuition I]

... I won't comment.

I was snapped out of my thoughts and debate with... probably myself, by a touch on my shoulder. I turned my head and for some reason, my heart sped up for a fraction of a second when I saw piercing light blue eyes.

"It's a Tarks*..." his voice was very quiet, but seeing that he knew what he was talking about and still allowed himself to speak up made me feel a bit more confident and stop holding my breath so fiercely.

[New Passive Ability Acquired: Breath Holding I]

Stop messing around!

"But what's a Tarks doing on the surface?" Lux also seemed surprised.

With a hand gesture, I indicated that we should retreat. Once we were a bit further away, in a safer distance, I finally could ask...

"What the hell is a Tarks?"

Lux stared at me as if I had just asked what a horse or a tree was.

"Geez, someone must have been raised under a rock if you don't know what a Tarks is... One of the most annoying pests that are sometimes sent after Guild novices. They are nuisances and pranksters, not worth dirtying a blade for."

I could hear clear contempt in his voice for these creatures. Yet, something didn't sit right with me... It couldn't be a coincidence that in a place where I expected water problems, a creature appeared that, according to the boys, was behaving unnaturally.

"Could they have concocted a plan to poison the water or something?"

"Tarks? You kidding? First, they are loners, and second, they're as dumb as a box of rocks!"

"Would you bet your hand on it?"

My question made Lux freeze for a moment and look at me more attentively and uncertainly. As immediately reacted.

"What are you saying, Omora. Why even ask?"

"Because I sense many more traces of such creatures under the ground."

I tried to sound as calm as possible and, considering the seriousness of the situation, not to burst into laughter at the sight of their dumbfounded faces.