Deep within the northern forest, Ashrel and Abraham continued their journey. Their steps were unhurried as they followed a narrow path winding between towering trees that sheltered the sky above.
Along the way, Ashrel began explaining about the nearest village and their first destination. Their initial goal was to reach the closest settlement to find horses or a carriage they could ride, so their journey would be faster.
Yet throughout the walk, Abraham seemed slightly gloomy after leaving Haldof behind.
Ashrel glanced at him.
"Why are you still looking gloomy, Abram?" he asked lightly. He had started calling him Abram, the way Haldof used to.
Abraham lowered his head slightly.
"Hmm… I'm a little worried about leaving Haldof alone."
Hearing that, Ashrel burst into laughter.
"Hahaha… you're worried about leaving Haldof? Hey, are you joking, Abram?"
Abraham looked at him in confusion.
"Is there something strange about that, Ashrel?"
"Oh, yes. Maybe you really don't know who Haldof truly is, since you're not from this world." Ashrel smiled faintly. "How old do you think Haldof is?"
Abraham thought for a moment.
"Around… seventy years old?"
Ashrel laughed again, this time more amused.
"Seventy? Perhaps older, Abram. No one knows his true age. And he's very famous. You know, he's not an ordinary man. He's an ancient mage who is deeply respected."
"Famous? Oh right… Haldof once told me he was fairly well known."
"I'm fortunate to have met him. He's practically a legend."
"A legend? Don't exaggerate, Ashrel. He just looks like an old man with a big beard."
Ashrel shook his head.
"You're the only one who thinks that. Haldof is a mage respected by all races. He is one of the Seven Ancient Mages who have existed since long ago. They were the ones who helped overcome the Agrora in the past and united the nations to end their wars and fight together against the Agrora."
Abraham fell silent.
"No one knows their origins," Ashrel continued. "They suddenly appeared when the world was in the middle of a great war. They helped repel the Agrora invasion, united the kingdoms, and are even said to be the first to teach magic to humans and other races. No one knows what race they belong to. They simply… exist."
Hearing that explanation, Abraham's worry slowly faded, replaced by awe.
"So Haldof is that powerful? Wait… you said there are seven ancient mages?"
"Yes, Abram. Seven. Even children know their stories. Many think they're just fairy tales or legends. But they're real. And I've met one of them. I'm truly fortunate to have met Master Haldof."
Ashrel began listing them one by one.
"The first, Haldof Thorney. A healing mage, also known as the Forest Mage. I only recently learned that he lives in the Aldebar Forest, in the region of Worin."
"The second, the one we'll meet later Myrrhavel Thryndor. He is known as the Mage of Fate. As Haldof said, he is currently in the Kingdom of Caelvar."
"The third, Aelion Starwhisper. Called the Night Mage because his power comes from the stars. No one knows where he is now."
"The fourth, Eirwyn Dawnvale, the Dawn Mage. A wanderer with the power of light. His whereabouts are unknown."
"The fifth, Thalara Greenmantle, the Nature Mage. She can control the natural world. There are rumors she lives among the Elves or with the Druids. No one knows for certain."
"The sixth, Calderon Runeheart, the Iron Mage. Famous for his mastery of seals and runes. Rumor says he lives among the Dwarves and helps them forge weapons."
"And the last, Luneth Silverhymn. The Dream Mage, also known as the Moon Mage. She wields the power of spirits. Her existence is just as mysterious."
"All of the Ancient Mages are like living legends. Rarely seen, truly mystical."
Abraham remained silent for quite a while. His view of Haldof had changed.
"Huh… he's that incredible."
"Of course," Ashrel replied with a small laugh. "And here I am, walking beside the disciple of one of the Ancient Mages and someone from another world. Fate truly is unique."
"Don't look at me so highly," Abraham answered quickly. "Oh, Ashrel… can you keep it a secret that I'm Haldof's disciple? I don't know why, but I feel like it should remain hidden. Unless it's an emergency."
Ashrel nodded.
"Of course. Haldof also asked me not to reveal too much about you. He knows there would be great pressure if others found out."
Abraham chuckled softly.
"That old mage… always keeping everything secret."
Not long after, they reached the edge of the forest. Suddenly, Abraham stopped walking.
Ashrel turned.
"What is it, Abram?"
Abraham stared ahead.
"This is the farthest I've ever gone. I've never come this far before."
Ashrel gave him a faint smile.
"Are you afraid?"
Abraham returned a small smile.
"No."
And he stepped forward.
Two days passed as they continued their journey. At that time, they were searching for a suitable place to rest.
Suddenly, Abraham heard the rushing sound of flowing water.
"Hey, Ashrel. I hear water. Let's go there!"
He immediately ran toward the sound, with Ashrel following behind.
Soon, they found a clear and beautiful waterfall. Water poured down from a rocky cliff, forming a fresh river below. A stretch of grass and blooming wildflowers added to the beauty of the place.
Abraham was mesmerized.
"This really feels like a fairy tale…"
Ashrel, too, fell silent for a moment, taking in the view.
They sat down and began preparing something for dinner.
"I think we'll camp here," Ashrel said. "We can refill our water supplies, bathe, and rest. I've checked the surroundings. There are no signs of wild beasts. But we should still stay alert."
"Alright," Abraham replied.
Abraham removed his shirt and bathed in the river. Not far from him, Ashrel set up fish traps before eventually joining him in the water.
"Hey, Abram. Are you going to keep looking at me like that?" Ashrel teased.
"Ah, sorry. It's my first time seeing a body covered in scars like that. Haldof said that's the body of a knight, right? Some of those scars are quite large."
Ashrel smiled proudly.
"These are the scars of a knight. I used to be one… until I was severely wounded and discharged."
His voice shifted slightly.
"I felt like my life had ended back then. No one could heal me. Then I wandered and became a hunter. Until fate led me to Haldof… and to you."
He looked at his hands.
"Haldof healed me. He gave me life again. He even gave me an extraordinary sword. Because of that, I swore a knight's oath to him. A knight's oath is sacred."
Abraham listened carefully. Little by little, he was beginning to understand this world.
Night fell. As usual, Abraham slept on his back, while Ashrel kept watch, sitting and patrolling like a true veteran hunter.
Morning arrived with gentle light. They refilled their supplies and prepared to continue their journey.
"Is the nearest village still far, Ashrel?" Abraham asked.
"Not too far. Maybe two more days of travel. Keep your spirits up. Once we reach the village, we can buy horses or ride with a carriage."
Abraham nodded.
"Alright."