Chapter 11

"Let's head back to the village for a moment—"

Since Rora said that,

"I'll see you to my house,"

I suggested, and we returned to my house by Magic Arrow flight.

"Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!"

"Where is Rora's village?"

Rora drew a simple map and showed it to me.

It's quite a distance on foot, but with my Magic Arrow, we can probably make it by evening if we leave in the morning. Considering the need to carry a passenger, I adjust the speed to be slower, but it's still much faster than walking and can ignore the terrain, allowing for shortcuts.

Rora is returning to her hometown village. She would be happy to get there sooner.

"It's a day's journey for me. Shall I take you there?"

"Eh, no, that's too much! I can't impose on you like that!"

"It's fine, really."

...Besides, there's nothing for me to do at home anyway.

Rora muttered, "Well... but..." and finally nodded—

"Are you sure it's not a bother?"

"It's no bother at all."

With that, Rora blushed and said,

"Um... then, would it be okay if I ask you?"

We decided she would stay at my house that night and leave the next day.

During dinner, she told me,

"My village has a tradition of producing excellent mages... Occasionally, someone with outstanding talent is born."

"So that's Rora, huh?"

"No, no! Not at all... I'm not that good..."

After that, Rora continued with a bashful expression,

"But everyone in the village has high hopes for me! I want to live up to their expectations. Everyone in the village is so kind."

"I see. Then you should do your best."

"Yes!"

Rora nodded with a bright smile.

After we slept in separate rooms, we set out for Rora's village the next morning. The weather was clear, perfect for traveling.

"Magic Arrow"

We flew through the sky. During the exam, I had flown cautiously, but this time it was a long journey. Considering fatigue, I flew at a slower speed.

"Ah... this is so nice!"

Rora exclaimed happily.

"Huh?"

"The wind feels so good! The ground is so far away! This is what flying is like!"

During the exam, Rora had been nervous, but now she seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the flight.

"Are you having fun?"

"Yes! Actually, I wanted to fly again... I was really happy to be invited!"

"That's great."

We made regular stops to rest while heading for Rora's village. As the day turned to evening, the sky gradually darkened.

...Not good... Did I slow down too much? Once it's completely dark, the village will be hard to locate.

"Rora! Is the village still far?"

"No, it's just a bit more!"

"Can you walk from here?"

"Yes! It's fine!"

So we ended our flight and landed on the ground.

"Can you make it back on your own? I'll part ways with you here."

But Rora grabbed my arm.

"No way!"

"Huh?"

"It's already night! Please stay at the village! It's really just a short distance."

Although I'm not good with people and usually avoid social situations...

Rora pressed on, seeing my hesitation.

"I've been troubling you so much... At least let me do this much! Or... do you not want to?"

"Alright. I'll stay. Thank you."

"Yes!"

So I followed Rora. The night deepened with each step. Rora pulled out a small staff from her waist and cast a spell.

"Lighting"

A light appeared at the tip of the staff. Under the weak moonlight, we relied on the magical light to walk steadily. Rora's steps were confident, so she hadn't lost her way.

"It's fine even in the dark."

Rora smiled.

"I grew up here. I could find my way back with my eyes closed."

She was very reliable. If I got separated from Rora here, I'd definitely get lost.

Just then,

I saw a faint light, like a torch, in the distance. Not just one, but several.

At the same time, I heard a taut sound, like something being drawn. It was a bow. I had received basic training in martial arts when I lived at home, so I recognized the sound.

Someone was aiming at something. Probably at us.

My spine froze. Walking around with a light in the dark makes us easy targets.

The torchlight moved.

Multiple footsteps spread out in a semicircle around us.

...What's going on? Bandits, maybe.

Rora also noticed the change and stopped, looking at me with a worried expression.

The torchlight faintly illuminated the figures. But they were too far to see their faces clearly. They probably couldn't see who we were either.

What should we do?

We didn't need to take the first action. The other side moved first.

"You there! Are you humans!? Answer me!"

Rora was startled and shouted back loudly.

"Uncle Gald!? It's me, Rora!"

"R, Rora!?"

The figures surrounding us were clearly flustered. They approached us without hesitation, dropping their guard.

"Rora, you're back already!?"

The middle-aged man called Uncle Gald stood in front of Rora.

"Yes. This person brought me back."

Gald looked at me suspiciously. Not knowing the situation, I just gave a slight bow.

Gald placed a hand on Rora's shoulder.

"I'm sorry! I made you scared!"

"It's okay, but... what's going on? Why is everyone out so late at night?"

Gald explained to Rora with a serious expression.

"After you left the village—Goblins living nearby attacked our village."