I caught my breath as I popped my head up above the ocean, staring at the orange sky. I could taste the salt in the air and smell the heated ore in the distance. I knew this was it. I was back in Helgathor.

I swam towards the port in the distance, which was really difficult with one arm. I was getting there, slowly but surely.

The ports should be inactive at these times, as sailing during the night would put you in danger of magical beasts, lying in wait deep within the ocean. Because of their density near Helgathor, it was close to suicide, so maritime trade never expanded.

As I neared the walkway, I slammed my hand on it and pulled my body onto it and rolled over. My short breaths came out like puffs of clouds.

The clothes Astercoth gave me weren’t wet, which was extremely convenient because of the slightly cold air. The spellbook was safely strapped to the back of my waist on my belt, and my sword was at my side, sheathed with its black hilt almost indistinguishable from my trousers. Strands of my long hair stuck to my face as I laid there quietly, taking in all that was around me.

It was nighttime and the starry sky never seemed so beautiful. It was the first time I saw it since Gillius left me on Diatie.

Little, bright dots of light scattered across the black canvas with a tinge of dark blue all around. It illuminated my whole surrounding.

Being in pure darkness for ten years, my eyes watered uncontrollably trying to adjust and I could only squint, unable to take in the whole of the beauty before me. ‘If there is a God, he was definitely an artist.’ I thought to myself. I stretched my hands towards the sky trying to grab the moon, like a child. But I couldn’t help it, I was too happy.

The salty winds did not stop, but they would eventually once I headed into the trade districts. But I didn’t want to leave yet. I wanted to enjoy it. Savor it. As long as I could. With its gentle caress, the breeze lulled me to sleep.

I thought about Astercoth, Vi, Krystal, and Myra. I don’t know what they thought of me, but I wouldl never forget them.

Recalling the warm smile Myra gave to me as I disappeared into the light, a tear rolled down my face and my eyes slowly closed.

******

“Is he a noble? Look at his clothes.”

“I think he’s dead.”

“Shister, hesh soh pwetty!”

I groggily woke myself, but didn’t move.

There was a small child, poking my cheek rather strongly and repetitively. I pretended to be asleep, but as more time passed, I sensed more people starting to gather and my cheek started to hurt.

The sun was hurting my eyes so much, I kept them closed and eventually brought myself to my feet.

“C-Could you please stop?” I said politely to the young child. She was about eight years old and latched onto my leg with a wide smile, showing all her teeth, as soon as I stood. The woman in the background, quickly tried to grab the girl from my shin, but she wouldn’t budge. She was starting to lose her patience and her brown eyebrows furrowed annoyingly.

“Rachel, stop causing other people—“

“B-But…” Her eyes started to water up genuinely. ‘I have definitely never seen this girl before in my life’ I thought with a puzzled expression. As I tried to pick her off my shin, she bit my finger.

“…” I wasn’t particularly upset, but I was surprised to say the least. I couldn’t stop my eyesbrows from furrowing like the woman in front of me though.

“S-Sorry.” The woman stammered and glared at Rachel. The girl glared back with rosy puffed cheeks

“Now, now. No need to be upset young man.” A slim and tall man spoke out. He had blonde hair and brown eyes. He was dressed with a loosened cotton shirt and brown pants. I recognized him then and there. It was Ryner. He would often get my father to invest in his business. I guess he finally gave in. If I remember correctly, his business was close to Gillius’s home. Not being here in ten years, I couldn’t possibly remember much about this place, but he was good place to start.

Would you like to come with me to my inn? The young lady works there as well. If you could bring the troublesome girl with you as well, we would greatly appreciate it. Not for free though. Hahaha!” His bravado didn’t match his lanky body as he crossed his arms and fixed his glasses. He hadn’t changed at all.

“Please. Guide me.” I said respectfully with a slight bow.

As we walked past the port, the small crowd fell apart and went back to their respective businesses.

Ryner showed me to a nearby wagon, packed to the brim with fish. This man was definitely somewhat wealthy. I guess his business was successful afterall. He wouldn’t remember a runt like me, but he often gave me copper coins when I was still homeless, even though he wasn’t better off himself at the time.

Fish was so expensive in Helgathor because of dangers beyond the shore. To buy so many in bulk is not pocket change. I could only be glad at his success in life.

Ryner made me sit among the back of the wagon as there was only space for one more where he reigned the horses. He had a devilish grin and even Rachel who was stuck to my shin quickly scuttled over to Effari’s hands in the front.

Ryner was definitely expecting me to smell like fish, to get me to buy his services once more. I had no money anyway and I doubt my wear would smell when it didn’t even smell of salt after being dragged through the ocean.

His inn Bumbling Bee was pretty far from the port and so we departed.

I silently laid down in the back of the wagon. The roads were much better than the last time I remembered them. It rocked me gently… and I slept once more.