A silhouette of a man is made inside the carriage, and slowly, he approaches the door.

When the man puts his foot on the step of the vehicle, it is possible to see what he is wearing: brown leather boots.

As Rodic leaves the van, he becomes more visible and illuminated.

A man of average height, blond, with straight hair parted in the middle, but shaved on the sides. His eyes are light green, just like a beautiful greenish ocean, or like a faint green aurora borealis. His face is apparently thin.

His eyes are almond-shaped and thin, and show a certain seriousness, like the eyes of an eagle.

He wears a green cloak that extends to his waist, and underneath, a gray outfit with leather belts going diagonally across his chest, making an X shape. He wears beige pants, which are not very tight, but finish a little before the ankle.

However, what catches my attention most is his face. Rodic wears a beige mask, very similar to a fabric mask.

Yanma, who is next to me, at the front of the carriage, steps forward and extends his hand, trying to shake him.

"It's a pleasure that you're helping us, Mr. Rodic." Yanma says while looking at the man's face. "Bow down, everyone!" Yanma speaks, and the knights kneel around the carriage.

Should I kneel??

Well, I don't want to have problems later...

I kneel along with the other knights.

Rodic holds out his hand, surprisingly he wears white gloves.

He is cautious about visa infections.

"Thanks for the reception." Rodic says. A voice that exudes coldness with a medium tone.

But, looked more closely, Yanma appears to be a little taller than him.

Maybe Yanma is tall, or he is short...

"Let's go to the Meeting Room." Yanma says as he starts walking towards the castle, which is in the middle of the kingdom.

Rodic doesn't say anything, just follows her past me as if he hadn't noticed.

Maybe he actually didn't notice.

The other knights return to their duties, while Yanma guides the adventurer.

Of course, I won't let this opportunity pass by.

I may meet an experienced adventurer. I have to enjoy the moment.

Without keeping a close distance, I follow the two of them along the path, making sure they don't notice me.

When we arrive at the castle, Yanma and Rodic pass through the gate, where two guards control the entrance to the place.

Damn, I don't think they're going to let me through...

I have to try anyway.

If I can't do it, I'll break in from the other side of the castle!

I walk towards the gate as if I were a knight.

"Hey, you need to go back to your parents." One of the knights responds.

"I thought they had already evacuated everyone." The other knight says.

"I'm friends with the royal family, so I'm royalty if you think about it." I speak a little bravely.

Clearly it's a bluff...

"What logic is this?" One of the soldiers speaks.

"Let him in." Yanma, who was walking into the castle, turns around and alerts the two guards.

"But captain..."

"It's an order." With a strong voice, Yanma says.

The two knights immediately open the gate, with a bit of fear on their faces, but they are doing very well to hide it.

I don't think anyone likes to be scolded by someone older...

Rodic looks me in the eye for the first time. His look makes me have sudden butterflies in my stomach.

Apparently, the guards and I were in the same situation.

  I pass through the gate with the guards standing frozen. I hope Yanma doesn't reduce their salary...

 Yanma gives a small smile looking at me, and I return the favor.

  I speed up my pace a little to get closer to them, but Rodic says absolutely nothing, nor does his facial expression change.

  When we go to the training camp, Yanma guides us to a tent that is larger than usual.

  Entering it, I see a long table, which extends to the other end of the tent.

  Candles are placed on the table, illuminating the space.

  Many wooden chairs with carved carvings are around the table, however, only the three of us are here.

  Some papers with maps of the kingdom drawn, numbers marked, and drawings of routes, are all on the table, spread out in a disorganized manner.

  A fountain pen is also on the table, lying next to the ink.

  Yanma and Rodic sit on the chairs in the middle of the table, making them face-to-face.

  Since there is no other place to sit, I sit next to Yanma.

  While Yanma gathers the papers and organizes them, I might have the chance to introduce myself to Rodic!

  " N- Nice to meet you, my name is Light Rods." I say holding out my hand, shaking a little.

  Rodic looks a little confused at my hand, his eyebrows are arched.

  He then raises his hand and greets me.

  Yanma suddenly lets out a subtle, short laugh.

  "You must be wondering why a child is here." She speaks. "Light is a skilled wizard, he could be a key player in the confrontation." Yanma adds.

  "He's just a kid." Rodic says with a bit of indignation while keeping a strong voice.

  The room is silent as Yanma takes the pen and dips it in the ink.

  The weather is cool, as are most nights. A light breeze hits the tent, making the fabric sway slightly.

  "Anyway," Rodic says, crossing his arms. "It's not my decision." He speaks. "If you think you will be useful in battle, then so be it, don't be afraid." Rodic adds.

  Yanma even raised his head a little to pay attention to what Rodic was saying.

  I think he's a guy of few words, just like William.

  The difference is that William has been like this since he was born, and also, William talks a lot when we are doing something together. The only thing he has in common with Rodic is his neutral appearance.

  Rodic seems to be a guy who is cold and calculating for the sake of life.

  "Sorry for the question, but what magic do you use?" I ask, scratching my chin.

  "Forest Magic." He answers. The same magic as mine!? "And you?" He shoots the question back at me.

  "How can I say..." I don't like saying that I have three magics, I feel like I'm trying to seem superior. "I have my main magic being Forest Magic; my second being Earth Magic; and my third being Thunder Magic."

  Rodic shows some surprise, but doesn't even move.

  "Interesting." He says. "Now I understand why she called you a genius." Is he insinuating that I'm only a "genius" because I was born with three magics?

  "Are you, by any chance, a wizard?" I ask.

  "Yes." He answers without leaving room for more questions. "Captain Yanma Fumiko, I was informed that there is something very important in this kingdom..." He looks at me, only moving his eyes, while his face is directed towards Yanma.

  "I'm surprised you know my name." She says.

  "That's the least any adventurer should know." He answers. "Either way, I think this kingdom is being targeted for a reason." Rodic says.

  Is that really what I'm thinking?

  "Yes, we must protect the Epic Weapon at any cost." I knew my theory was right!

  "I... thought I would have trouble saying that in front of him." Rodic looks at me.

  "Nah." Yanma gives the best possible argument. "The information that an Epic Weapon is here was somehow leaked, hiding it will only make it more suspicious."

  "Hmm..." The adventurer thinks.

  When Rodic raises his hand to place it on his chin, I catch a glimpse of the diamond-shaped golden insignia, pinned to the inside of his shirt.

  "I'll let you guys discuss whatever you want." I say as I get up from the chair.

  "Right." Yanma says. "Soldiers are setting up huts everywhere, get one for yourself." She adds.

  I just nod and head towards the tent exit.

  But just as I'm about to leave, a knight quickly appears. He is panting.

  Yanma turns and looks at the man, waiting for what he has to say.

  "Ma'am, one of our watchmen just returned from the West..." The man says as he draws air into his lungs. "He concluded that Marco's army will arrive tomorrow afternoon!"

  "Tsk." Yanma clicks his tongue. "I wish they would give us more time."