It's been about Four weeks of constant travel we're now pretty close to the city of Brixton. Dominic said that it will take about another week of travel to get there. Again, we could have gotten to our destination faster but constantly running into monsters is the problem. The further south we went the weaker the beasts became, a lot of them were even avoiding us by now.

Flare has become closer to me. I think she officially sees me as some sort of parent. At first, she'd wander off by herself. But the more time we spent together, she started getting familiar with me in her own way. She's now very obedient and answers at my every call.

Some time ago we passed the cliff from which I fell. As I looked up at it, the memories of that day resurfaced. From the long battle we had fought, to when I fell down. I suspect that the Orcs didn't show up randomly, if they had, Diana or anyone else would've noticed them. So who knows what really happened.

As we traveled Dominic raised his hand bringing everyone to a stop. Another monster attack. I wondered. And just as I was about to ask. Dominic spoke up. "There is. . . Someone up ahead."

"Someone?" I questioned.

"Yes, two humans," He said. "And They have noticed us," Maybe their adventures? But it's good that there are people here. It just means we're close to the city.

Since they were making their way to us, we stopped moving and waited. Soon enough I could make out two figures coming close. From what I could see, they were two adult males wearing some kind of uniform. No armor, they only carried swords along with a few more items attached to their attire.

As they approached Dominic, Asonius, Deleina, and I got on guard. The air got heavier with each step they took. Their aura is on a totally different level. They're strong. I thought as I watched them stop before us. "Centaurs, Huh? I've seen your kind before," One of them said. We all flinched hearing his words.

He couldn't get a good look at me since I was on Deleina's back. But then he began walking around us while the other man stayed quiet just looking at his partner.

"Hm?" He came to a stop as soon as he noticed me. Then pulled out some kind of parchment. Taking a long look at it then back at me. He repeated this a few times more, then said. "Arata Arumani."

"Huh!?" I jumped back at the mention of my name.

"Are you Arata Arumani?" He asked. While there was no change in the man's expression I could tell that whatever suspicions he had were confirmed just by looking at my reaction.

"Y-Yes," I replied a bit nervous given the man's frightening aura.

"You're coming with us," He said then raised his hand, reaching to get me.

"Hey!" Deleina said stepping away from him with me on her back. "What's this all about?"

"Oh, I get it," The other man said. "He is being held hostage by the Centaurs," He spoke unsheathing his sword slowly.

"No, you idiot!" The man in front of me said then turned back to us. "I apologize, I didn't mean to frighten you," He paused. "There's a massive search going around looking for you. We were given this picture of you along with your name," he said turning the parchment around, revealing the picture that the adventurers guild took of me.

"Who ordered the search?" I asked, hoping to hear Leon's name.

"Your father," was the only thing he said as my mind went blank. He's alive!! I knew it!! Well, I didn't, but I hoped. "Anyway-"

"Where is he!?" I blurted out, cutting off his words. As I hopped off Diana's back I walked closer to him hoping he'd answer my questions. "Is he okay!? What about the rest of his party!?"

"Woah, woah. Calm down kid," the man said bringing up both of his hands which stopped me in my tracks. "Yes, he's okay and the rest of his party is too," he answered.

Hearing his words I let out a breath of relief. Feeling as my eyes began to tear up I just stared down at the floor, having a loss for words. He had just answered the one thing that I wanted to know the most, any other questions could be answered later.

"You are no ordinary people," Dominic spoke as I tried to calm myself down. "Your aura alone speaks of your strength.

"You sure are perceptive, Centaur," The man said. "We're a team that came from the capital. We are both ranked in the High Sword Master class."

So, they were called from the capital. Just how big of a fuss did Leon make? "What is your name?" Dominic asked.

"Oh! Where are my manners? I forgot to introduce myself," The spoke as he straightened himself. "My name is Gabriel Gaillac and my partner over there is Louie Croillon. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir centaur. May I ask for your name?"

"It's Dominic," He answered, then paused as his expression turned serious. "Let me ask you something. . . What are you looking to get if you take Arata with you?"

"The Arumani house promised lots of gold if we found the missing boy," Gabriel answered.

"So that's it then? There's no guarantee that you'll keep him safe," Dominic said.

"Oh no, we're more than strong enough to keep him safe. Especially since this is one of the weakest parts in Canavar," Gabriel responded.

"Dominic. It's all right," I told him before he pressured him further. "I think it's better that I return with them."

"Arata," Deleina said, sounding a bit sad. "What are you saying?"

"You three have all taken care of me for these past few months. I wouldn't want to trouble you any longer. You have your own duties to attend to back in your village," I said. "Plus I don't think the guards will let you pass into the city."

"Well, if this is what you want then I won't object," Dominic replied. Hearing his words both Asonius and Deleina nodded in agreement.

"So you are coming with us?" Gabriel, sounding impatient, cut in.

"Yes, just give me a moment," I told him as I slowly turned to face the three centaurs. "I guess. . . This is goodbye," I said, my voice shaky as I tried to bottle up my emotions. It's always sad to say goodbye. But it's not like I can stay with them forever. I have to return. Especially after finding out that everyone has survived.

Deleina picked me up and gave me a hug. "You better come back to visit," she said as she put me down. I could tell she was sad but she didn't show it.

"There's no need to get all emotional," Dominic said with a smile. "When you're older you'll be more than strong enough to visit on your own. Until then, goodbye."

Then followed Asonius. "Well, until next time, Arata. I'd also like to see you again. If you do decide to visit, the gates to our village will always be open for you."

"Thank you. . . For saving me and taking care of me." I said, showing a small smile. "I'll definitely come back."

"We'll be waiting," Asonius said. With a small wave of her hand. Deleina, along with the other two, took off running.

As I saw them get further and further away I finally decided to turn around, facing Gabriel and Louie. "So, is money really your only reason to be searching for me?" I asked.

"Yup," Gabriel responded, then lowered himself to be on my level. "Now, get on my back."

"Why?" I asked, clearly confused by his actions.

"The faster we get to the city the faster we get our money!" He said.

On Deleina's back, there was more space but not on his. Opening the leather bag, carefully so that the two guys wouldn't see what was inside, I quickly put Flare in there so that she wouldn't fall. As soon as I hopped on his back both he and Louie sprinted away.

-----

After a little over a week of traveling, we made it to the city. Neither Gabriel nor Louie checked my bag which had the Exousia Orb. Even though it contains a large amount of mana it cannot be sensed. As the mana from the atmosphere that's very pure and abundant yet no one can sense it, it's the same with the orb.

That and they were more worried about getting back to the city as fast as possible to earn their reward. They rarely checked on me even when we fought monsters they just expected me to turn out okay. I mean they were only weak monsters and most avoided us. But still, it was clear to me that they had no interest in me, just the money.

Right after passing through the gate, we walked through the adventurers guild where they were planning on checking my things but after seeing Flare asleep in the bag they didn't bother. Just then we bumped into Charles.

He told Gabriel and Louie to leave us alone and that at a later date, they would be given the reward money. After the two men had taken their leave, he turned to face me. "Long time no see, kid," He spoke. "How was your little trip in Canavar."

"I'm not in the mood for jokes," I spoke, sounding a bit annoyed as I was feeling very impatient to see everyone once again. "Where is my Father?"

"I have sent someone to inform him that you have returned, he'll be here soon, and I've also sent an order to call back all the search parties." He said.

I felt relieved at his words. Leon is in the city, and he'll be here soon. I really want to see him. I felt nervous, what do I say to him when he gets here? "What happened after he came back to the city?" I asked.

"He returned along with the cat woman and used his position as a noble to form search squads by giving a reward to whoever found you 200 gold pieces." He said. "A few weeks after that, the rest of the party got back. They all looked miserable, especially that Felix kid."

Leon and Diana must've gone ahead to get here first. 200 gold pieces is by no means a small amount of money. 100 silvers make 1 gold. While 100 coppers make 1 Silver.

I can't believe Leon went so far for me. I know for a fact that he doesn't like to use the Arumani name, but did it anyway. For me.

"That's basically the whole story, so just wait until your father arrives. I have some important matters to attend to so I have to go," He said.

Only giving him a nod as a response I hugged Flare in my arms nervously, telling myself that. . . Leon will be here soon.

Leon's Perspective

Right after Arata fell from the cliff, the Orcs mostly stopped fighting. We fought our way through the ones that were in our way and made an escape, or so Diana said. I suffered an injury and lost consciousness. I was forced to rest for about a day due to my injury. I wanted to get up. To search for my son. I yelled. I pleaded. I cried. And finally, I was able to.

I searched for two days at the top and bottom of the cliff along with the surrounding areas, only to find nothing. The party helped me search for some time and finally convinced me to stop. I decided to return to the city and use my political position to send out various search parties. Diana insisted to come along, she didn't need to.

The last thing I expected to find when I returned was my family waiting for me at a fancy hotel for nobles. They seemed happy to see me, but they kept saying that there was something wrong with me. And when they asked about Arata I broke down and told them what happened.

Emma the woman whom I loved was shattered at the news, she barely got up from bed and cried herself to sleep even in the middle of the day. Luckily Sophia was there to take care of both my daughters. They were also sad that Arata was missing, they didn't know what exactly happened, but they knew that something had happened to him.

A few weeks later I had gotten back to the city after spending several weeks searching with the party. They didn't need to help me search but insisted anyway, even little Felix was searching hard along with Julian.

Luna was heartbroken to see Emma in the state she is in and was working hard to find Arata, not just for Emma but because she also cares about him. I'm truly thankful to have them, I don't express that enough.

As I got to the room my family was in I found them all sleeping already. I myself was tired that I just laid in bed and immediately fell asleep. When I woke up the next morning I looked at my wife. She was pale and weak, looking out the window with the same expression she wore every day since she got here.

As I looked at her it reminded me of my failure. I failed to protect our son. This whole situation is my fault. I looked around to see that my daughters were still asleep. They're also suffering, for the state of their mother, and for their missing brother.

I laid back on the bed for what felt like hours just staring at the ceiling. I need to get up. I need to get back out there and find Arata. But I'm afraid that if I leave, by the time I come back I won't have a family waiting for me anymore.

What do I do? If Arara were here he'd know what to do. I thought as I heard a knock come from the door, which snapped me out of my thoughts. lazily getting up I slowly walked and opened the door. "Yes?" I asked, my voice devoid of emotion.

On the other side of the door was a man I did not know but I did recognize. I've seen him working alongside Charles on the adventures guild building. "It's your son!" the man said. "He has returned."

For a moment it felt like time had frozen. I couldn't believe the words I had just heard. For I second I thought it might've been someone playing a joke on me. I didn't respond. I couldn't respond. "Sir?"

At the man's words, my mind snapped back to reality. "Where?" I said. "Where is he!?" I said louder. "Take me to him!" When I saw that the man had taken a step back in fear, I realized that I was yelling. "I'm sorry," I apologized. "It's been a hard time. . . Please tell me where he is," I spoke, lowering myself in a small bow.

His facial expression then changed, showing pity as he looked at me. "He's waiting for you at the adventurers guild building," Hearing those words I moved past him and immediately took off running, leaving Emma and my daughters behind.

I knew I had to go back for them. I knew that more than anyone else they were the ones who deserved to see him but. . . I couldn't stop. Luckily the Adventurers building wasn't that far away from the place we were staying at. As I ran past people in the streets, I slammed open the doors to the adventurer's building and found Charles waiting there.

Without a word, he just signaled for me to follow. Then stopped before a closed door. "He's in there," he said then turned around and walked away. "I'll be going now."

My mind was blank, my body shaking, and my heart felt like it was about to explode out of my chest. Having gulped a large amount of nothing down my throat I opened the door.

Behind it, there was a boy holding a small baby wolf-looking animal in his arms. Having looked in my direction he set the wolf down. As I examined him closely I noticed blood stains and old tattered clothes. While his face looked exhausted with dark circles under his eyes. But through all that he smiled.

"Father," He called, his voice sounding strained but relieved. Hearing that single word I felt like I was about to break down again for who knows how many times now. It's really him. My son. Arata.

Arata's perspective

After some time of waiting in what seemed to be an old office, the door slammed open. Revealing Leon as he walked into the room. His face was one of desperation. He looked tired. Like he had given up on everything. Like I'd done when I was brought into this world.

But through it all, he was still the same, my father. I found myself smiling. "Father," he wasn't saying anything so I decided to speak up.

"Arata." He said, all his pain evident in his voice. "You're. . . Here," he spoke, his voice so shaky as if he were about to break down any second now.

I can't hold it. My eyes are tearing up. Am I about to cry? I quickly shook my head, straightening myself as well as my emotions. "That's right. Sorry it took me so long, but I'm here now. So please. . ." I paused. "Let's. . . Go home," I said in a teary tone.

"I'm. . . Sorry!" he said, almost as if pleading while slumping down on his knees. "It's all my fault!" tears began to spill out of his eyes as he held onto my clothes. "I'm. . . Sorry," He sobbed.

I feared this would happen. He blames himself but. . . "It's not your fault," I told him. "I don't blame you. No one blames you."

Hearing my words he raised his head to look at me. "But I am glad. . ." I trailed off as I couldn't hold back my tears any longer. "That you made it out alive," I said as the tears began pouring out of me while wrapping my arms around him.

Since he was on his knees we were about the same size and my small arms were around his neck. "I was scared. I just. . . Wanted to be with you again," I said as I broke down sobbing.

He returned the hug and we stayed like that for some time, without speaking any more words. Until I saw that someone else had come through the door. A woman. She looked pale and weak, only being able to stand by leaning against the wall.

I recognize that face. Emma, my mother. Why is she here? Just as I was beginning to calm down I could already feel my eyes tearing up again.

Letting go of Leon I walked up to Emma. Before I got close she threw herself off the wall and fell into my arms. With tears streaming down her face. "Arata," she spoke, her voice weak and soft. "Are you really here?"

As I looked down at the state she was in, I wondered. Just how much pain was she going through? How much did she have to endure? How much pain have I caused this family? I hugged her tightly in my arms. "I'm here," I said in the most gentle tone I could muster. "Because of me, you suffered a lot. I'm sorry, but I'm here now. So let's get back to how things used to be."

Her crying died down as she reached up and held my hand. "Arata!?" I heard a child-like voice call my name.

Recognizing the voice my eyes widened. "Hanna, Mia?" I said looking up at my sisters. Both of them ran up to me wrapping me up in a tight hug.

"Where were you, stupid brother!?" Hanna said, her voice shaky as small tears fell from her eyes. "Mother cried for you a lot."

"I'm sorry," was the only thing I said. Then I felt Emma's hold on me weaken. "Mother!?" I called out looking down at her, only to see that she was unconscious.

"Mother!" both Hanna and Mia said as they got off me to check on Emma.

As I frantically began to shake her, Leon began walking toward us. "Don't worry. She's been through a lot. She just needs some rest," Leon said, picking her up. "Now, let's go."

"Alright," I told him as all three of them began walking away. But before I followed behind them I turned to look behind me. "Flare, let's go."

"Woof!" she let out hopping to me as she heard my call.

Hearing the bark of an animal, everyone came to a stop and turned around. "Aww!" Hanna let out. "What a cute dog," she said while petting Flare.

"Cute!" Mia spoke, petting her as well.

"She's not a dog," I pointed out.

"So what is she? I noticed her earlier but ignored it," Leon said, turning around to look at Flare curious about what sort of beast I had brought back.

"She's more like a wolf. Her name is Flare," I told them.

"Well, ask more questions later," Leon said. "We have to get your mother to a bed."

After we all agreed we walked across the city to a fancy hotel. Once we were inside one of the many rooms, Leon laid Emma down comfortably in the bed. The room was quite spacious, unlike the inn we stayed at when we first came here. With two beds, a couch, a small table, and even a working shower. This room had everything we needed.

"Bleh!" Hanna let out, her eyebrows curved down and her nose wrinkled as she took a step away from me while covering her nose. "You stink, Arata!"

I very much need to take this shower. "Alright, I'll take a shower then," I said, taking her words into consideration.

"Hey," Mia said as she tugged on my ripped sleeve. "Can I join you? I haven't showered in days," she pointed out sounding excited.

"Of course you can," I replied, sounding a bit confused at her comment. Not sure why she sounds excited about that.

"Hehe!" She let out as she happily followed behind me.

"Hold on!" Hanna exclaimed, standing in front of us with her arms stretched out, stopping us from moving forward. "If she's going to join you. Then I am too," she declared.

She hasn't changed a bit. I thought as I forced back a smile."If you want to join then you're free to do so," I told her.

"Woof! Woof!" Flare, who was standing next to me, let out as she followed behind us. Her too, huh?

And just like that, the four of us were now showering together. I've showered individually with them before but never all of us at the same time. So the whole time we were just messing around splashing water on each other's faces, or randomly turning the water from super hot to super cold. Overall I had fun. Not to mention this was my first shower in months so I needed this.

Emma had brought all of our things from our house, so I had clothes to wear. But why she had brought them, I had no idea. "Father," I called out to Leon, who sat in a chair next to where Emma laid down. "Why did mother bring all of our stuff here?"

"Some time ago a letter from my father was delivered to our house. He's called us back to the capital," He explained. " Since I was not there, your mother read it over and packed all of our things. Then brought them here."

"So, we are going to the capital?" I asked. Hearing my question he only nodded. "When?"

"As soon as possible," He replied. "This was months ago so we're probably the only ones who are not there. . . I haven't even found time to write to my father about the recent events," he spoke, then turned to me with a serious expression on his face. "What exactly happened after you fell?"

As I was about to respond. "Arata. . ." a weak, hoarse voice resounded through the room, coming from the woman who laid in bed next to us.

It was Emma, she had woken up. Hearing her voice we both turned our attention to her. Even Hanna and Mia who were on the other side of the room playing with Flare.

"I'm here," I said, leaning closer to her. Slowly turning her head to me she smiled, bringing her hand up to caress my face. Then she tried to sit up but didn't have the strength to do so. "Don't get up. You need to rest," I said as I gently lowered her back down.

"I'm. . . Sorry," she said. "I should've been out there with your father looking for you, but. . . I'm so weak that instead, I cried and blamed him," she spoke, her voice shaky as her eyes shifted to Leon "I'm sorry Leon."

"It's not your fault. You had every right to blame me," He responded. "I apologize too I told you that I would keep him safe. But I failed."

"Please!" I spoke up, a bit too loudly, interrupting their conversation. "Don't blame yourselves," I told them as my tone died out. "Since I'm here now, how about we forget that this whole mess even happened? Alright?"

Hearing my words they both looked away almost as if in shame. Then nodded while wearing a guilty expression. I myself smiled, relieved that I had made it back safely.

The awkward atmosphere that we had was interrupted by the loud growling of my stomach. I stopped smiling as my face turned a slight shade of red. "Does this room happen to have any food laying around?"

Both Leon and Emma looked at me. And for the first time, since I got back, they both showed a genuine smile. "Wait here with your mother," Leon said as he stood up. "I'll go get you something to eat."

-----

After Leon stepped out of the room he came back along with a servant that rolled in a cart inside the room. From what I could see the tall cart was full of food that as soon as it was brought in the aroma of food filled my nostrils. My stomach began growling wildly as drool fell from my mouth.

From meat stew to meatloaf and desserts as well as a side with vegetables. Everything I've ever dreamed of was sitting right in front of me. Hanna and Mia began to look at it as I did, even Flare. "Well go on, dig in!" said Leon, noticing my impatience.

Without wasting any time I quickly reached my hand out and grabbed the first thing I saw. Which was a bacon-wrapped egg that was sliced in half. Then I moved on to the next which was a piece of sliced bread with butter spread all over.

As I dipped a piece of meat in a darkish brown-looking sauce I put it in my mouth. I repeated the same thing several times until I caught Hanna's attention. "Arata calm down! Your eating way too fast, you'll vomit," she told me as she ate from her own plate.

Before responding I swallowed loudly on the piece I was chewing. "I spend months eating nothing but dead animals with no seasonings, no flavor, and sometimes even raw," I told her. "So I can't slow down on eating something this delicious!"

She only pouted in response as I took a sip of my drink which I assumed was some kind of juice. As I looked at Flare I noticed that she seemed to enjoy the meal equally, if not more, as me

After finishing all the food I plopped down on the bed. "Ugh, you were right," I said looking toward Hanna. "Now I feel nauseous."

"I told you so!" Hanna said sounding happy as she ate her dessert. "Stupid brother. Bleh!!" she let out sticking her tongue at me. "Here have a piece of this pie, having something sweet might help."

I stretched out my hand and grabbed the piece that Hanna offered. From the corner of my eye, I was able to see Emma looking at us with a small smile as she was slowly eating her own food