In the morning, the bodyguards packed sluggishly after Ogen yelled at them because they were hard to wake, hangover, another reason Cain did not drink. But unlike them, Rugo seemed fresh, no sign of headache or nausea.

After a quick breakfast with buttered bread. The caravan rolled out.

“So, moasrahn is immune to hangover?” asked Ogen, he continued studying Rugo and his race. They were in the carriage.

“We’re not, it’s just your drink is pretty damn weak compared to what I used to have,” Rugo replied.

“Okay,” Ogen nodded a couple of times as he invaded his book with the pen. “I also noticed that you’re very resilient towards heat, is that moasrahn thing or is it just you?”

“All type of moasrahns have their own uniqueness, just like crocodile moasrahns, they have high cold resistance but they also don't have weakness towards heat.”

“I see, how about yourself?”

“Let’s just say I’m more than unique,” responded Rugo.

“Memeip?” Beil cried out to Rugo.

“I’m not gonna tell you, Beil,” Rugo sneered.

“Ah! Yes! Animal tongue!” Ogen looked so eager. “All moasrahns can do that?”

“Yes,” said Rugo, “actually, I’m more surprised that most humans can’t do that, apart from those who are gifted with animal whisper talent,” he added.

“Animal whisper is a very rare talent for humans, to the point it just became a myth because there’s no news about it since a few hundred years ago. But for moasrahns, it’s actually their natural trait… fascinating!” said Ogen, he was busy with his book and pen again.

“How far we are from Ulstena, Professor?” asked Cain.

“Ah, not that far, If my calculation is right, we’ll be there in the noon,” Ogen replied without looking at Cain, still with his book.

“Sweet! With the data I got since yesterday, I might be able to publish a thick book! No, wait! Maybe it’s better to make it two volumes! Ah, this is so exciting!” Ogen talked to himself, he could not contain his excitement.

“Looks like someone is sky high,” Rugo chuckled. “What about you, Cain? What about your destination after Ulstena? I know one of them is Dragon’s Pit, are there any other places as your destination?” asked Rugo.

“I actually have a must-visit list,” responded Cain. He took out a small thin book from his bag. “Let’s see… Krevias is done, Hellhound island, Nerezorth Kingdom, Libelishe Kingdom-where the Dragon’s Pit is, Aurumsteel Kingdom, then Hazthala.”

There was a note under Hazthala Kingdom writing, ‘Ivela’s homeland! Rainbow from flower bed?’.

“And of course the biggest country of Valfikr, Gaala Oporaska Republic!” said Cain. “Actually, I’ll have to set foot on all kingdoms of Valfikr, so I’ll visit all of them regardless of the list! And maybe other continents as well!”

Most of Cain’s destinations were inspired by the stories of Igo’s experience he used to tell to the trio. His mind wandered around in the past briefly, in the forest with his two best friends and Igo, then he smiled lightly, back to present.

“Wanderlust, eh?” Well, it’s good, travel wherever you like while you’re still young!” said Ogen. “Though I must warn you to stay away from Hellhound Island.”

“Yeah, I heard what kind of place Hellhound Island is,” said Cain.

“Is something interesting in there?” asked Rugo

“It’s not a kind place, everything in there will try to take your life, regardless whatever your objective to set foot in there is,” said Ogen.

“What? Why?” asked Rugo.

“There’s a story of a mountainous pile of gold and such in the island. Guarded by an ancient beast from a bygone era,” said Cain. “But the island is cursed, they said the bad smell and the horrendous landscape alone is enough to drive you mad. Many tried to raid the island, it ended with they tearing each other after a day in the island.”

“Why do you want to go there if you know about that?” asked Ogen.

“Uh… curiosity?” Cain scratched his head.

Ogen sighed. “Curiosity killed the cat, be careful,” said he.

“Noted,” Cain nodded.

The reason Cain wanted to go there because Igo had been there. He told the trio he roamed the island for a month, without losing his mind. But neither the beast nor the gold were seen, he actually could feel an ominous presence there, but Igo couldn't figure it out, so he just left the island alone. He also did it stealthy, so no one found out that he survived the island.

“The world is that wide, huh?” Rugo grinned. He was already thinking about the adventurous life he was going to live.

They chatted on their way to Ulstena, mostly Ogen’s questions and Rugo’s answers.

Then, the caravan slowed down.

“Hmm? Have we arrived?” asked Cain when the carriage stopped

“No, we’re almost there though. But I changed my mind,” responded Ogen.

“What do you mean?” asked Rugo.

“I’m going directly to Heldar University,” said Ogen, “actually, my objective to go to Ulstena is to take a research about moasrahn from my friend, but it turned out more than I hoped for. I met the actual moasrahn and have no need to take the research.”

“Lucky, right?” Cain laughed.

“I am,” Ogen nodded, “that’s why we’ll have to part ways here.”

“Here?” responded Cain.

“This is a crossroad before the town, you’ll reach the town by foot in twenty minutes. In fact, you already can see the town from here.”

Cain and Rugo tried to look from the window but they couldn't see anything except the meadow.

“You can’t see it from this side of the window,” said Ogen, he opened the door and got off from the carriage.

Cain and Rugo followed him.

“It’s huge… it’s not a town, it’s a city!” said Cain.

A town stretched far on the horizon. The town, or city said Cain, had a vibrant color because of the colorful roofs. Kites and vivid-colored fishermen boats on the other side also took part to mesmerize the view.

“It stuck as town because of ‘Beach Town’,” said Ogen. “But yeah, if we talk about scale, this is a city, the jewel of Ezilai Kingdom.”

“It’s colorful, jewel indeed,” said Rugo.

“I’m sorry I can’t drop you off at the town, the road to the town from here is quite bumpy, I hate going through it actually, my back feels it,” said Ogen.

“Oh, I see,” said Cain, he rubbed his chin

“This will make up for that,” Ogen took out a rolled paper tied with a small blue ribbon. He gave it to Rugo.

“What is this?” asked Rugo, he took the rolled paper.

“I’m sure you’ll make a scene when you entered the town just as you did when we saw you yesterday,” said Ogen. “With that paper, you’ll have no hard time to explain what you are. Just give it to the guards, and they’ll question you no more, it’s a letter of safe passage.”

“Oh, this is useful, thanks!” Rugo stared at the rolled paper. “This means you’re someone important for this kingdom if you can grant me this letter,” said Rugo.

Ogen just smiled at Rugo.

“One question, Professor Ogen,” said Cain.

“What is it, Cain?”

“Wouldn't it be better if you come with us to the town? You can get more knowledge by hanging with us a little longer.”

“As I much as I’d like that, but I shouldn't pester you around any longer, and never underestimate the pain of your back when you’re old!” Ogen laughed, “besides, I can’t wait to see my colleagues’ faces when they know I met a moasrahn and see my data I’ve gathered,” Ogen stroked his beard, he had a bit smug look on his face.

“Are they going to just believe you?” asked Cain.

“They will, when they hear the news about a moasrahn that appears in Ulstena,” said Ogen with a smile.

Rugo lightly laughed. “You’ve been planning this since we met, haven't you? Really, what a great planner human is.”

Ogen laughed when he heard that. Then Bogram and Dearg came to them.

“Good luck out there!” said Dearg.

“Next time we meet, we should have another bet!” said Bogram to Rugo.

They both shook hands with Cain and Rugo.

“Thanks, Dearg,” said Cain.

Rugo laughed. “Sure, another bet that I’ll win.”

“Okay then, we shall continue our way to Heldar,” said Ogen to Bogram and Deard. They both nodded and went back to their horses.

“If one day you’re in Gleth, the Capital City of Ezilai, feel free to come to Heldar University,” said Ogen.

Cain and Rugo smiled, then nodded in response.

“You too are welcome, Beil.”

“Memeeip!” responded Beil.

Ogen turned back. “Let’s go!” he shouted to the bodyguards. He got in to carriage, but before he closed the door, his head popped out, looking at Cain and Rugo.

“I forgot to tell you, you can use that letter all around Ezilai Kingdom,” said Ogen with a smile, then the carriage was slowly pulled by the horse as he closed the door.

Cain and Rugo frowned, they were trying to digest Ogen’s words.

“That means…” Rugo crossed his arms as he watched the carriage getting farther.

“All around the kingdom… he gave that kind of letter to you easily, he’s probably a big shot in this kingdom,” said Cain, “perhaps a noble, or maybe even King’s relative.”

“Well, it doesn't matter, he gave me something useful, I’ll use it without thinking too much about who he is,” responded Rugo.

“True,” Cain shrugged, “let’s go, Ulstena awaits.”

“Wait,” said Rugo.

“What’s wrong?”

“Meip?”

“We should go there first,” Rugo pointed west to the meadow.

“Huh? You need to do something?”

“Yes, you should come too.”

“What is it?”

“It’s moasrahn things, it’s better if I show you rather than talk about it.”

“Hoo… alright,” said Cain, “Ulstena won't go anywhere.”

They walked to the meadow. Cain noticed two swords and an axe on Rugo’s waist. “(Maybe those are the bets Rugo won last night,)” thought Cain.

Beil also came with them, he jumped over the grass happily. Rugo did not say a word, so did Cain as he just enjoyed the scenery around him.

“We’re far enough,” said Rugo, he stopped after fifteen minutes of walk.

“Hmm? What are you going to do exactly?” said Cain. He looked at Ulstena, it’s far, almost twice the distance from the crossroad. They were in the middle of the greenish yellow meadow with the sun peeked over the swimming cloud.

“How long before the town guards come here if they hear or see some ruckus over here?” asked Rugo. He walked around Cain.

“Hmm… I don’t know. If they’re well-organized, less than fifteen minutes with horse, I think.”

“Great, I thought so, too,” Rugo turned at Cain. “Do you remember when I told you and Ogen about how moasrahn has instinct to be the strongest or follow the strongest?”

“Yeah, I remember that… hmm…” Cain looked at Rugo with sharp eyes.

”Looks like you catch on quick,” said Rugo. “I may not follow you after we arrive at Ulstena, but I may, who knows, your destinations seem great to follow to. The question is, are you really strong enough to be followed by me?”

“I get it… you want a fight,” Cain rubbed his chin.

Rugo grinned, as if he said “damn right!”

Cain laughed lightly, then he also grinned. “I don’t know If I’m strong enough to matter about your instinct or whatever, but bring it on!” said he, “It has been a while since I have a fight!”

“Good!” responded Rugo, he tossed the swords and the axe at Cain.

Cain hit one of the swords to the ground, it stabbed the ground along with the scabbard. Then he caught the other sword and the axe, he caught them right at the hilt then unsheathed the sword in the air, letting the scabbard fell to the ground.

“Good handling,” said Rugo, he walked a few steps to the side. “I know why Varestaz broke.” he continued.

“Oh? You know?” responded Cain.

“After that arm wrestling, I can still feel it, though barely,” Rugo looked at his right palm in front of him. “Your energy output is insane, that’s why Varestaz broke, it couldn’t hold your explosive output.”

“... It’s true,” Cain smiled. “(Don’t tell me that was his goal to arm wrestle with me!?)” thought he.

“Well, I gave you weapons, don’t say I’m unfair,” said Rugo. “But, I’m sure even without weapons you have something up your sleeves.”

Cain just shrugged.

“Alright, let’s wait no more,” said Rugo, after he put down his crossbow and khukris, he kneeled on one knee then touched the ground with his right palm.

Suddenly, a loud boom aired through the meadow with a little tremor that quickly went away. Then, another, louder boom aired.

“Memeeip!” Beil crawled on Cain’s feet.

“What are you doing!?” exclaimed Cain.

Rugo stood up and dusted off his hands. “Now, I’m sure the guards in the town are alerted. We must settle this before they come here.”

Rugo clasped his hands in front of his chest. “Thoars ha Jugrav,” said he. Then he took a stance as he pulled out his claws. “Come, Cain! Just like you said, in less than fifteen minutes the guards will come! So, don’t hold back!”

“I won’t! Not after you alarmed the town guards! Beil, take some distance!” Cain took a stance with the sword on right hand and the axe on left hand, they were pointed at Rugo.

Beil ran away from them, he climbed a large stone and watched them.

“(To think he used a way to force his opponent to use full power from the start, what an interesting guy! No matter, I’ll assess the situation first before go all out!)” thought Cain.

“Don’t disappoint me, Cain!” shouted Rugo. He dashed straight towards Cain.