n

n

n

"*inhale* *exhale*

"

nJohn stared at the sky as he took a deep breath and exhaled it, the breeze was nice and cool and it helped calm his mind.

nWhenever he thought about what happened today with his two party members, he ended up feeling embarrassed and slightly guilty.

nBut either way, he was in an expectedly good mood, so much that he could even hear humming.

nZestari, stop humming

nThat's not me

nWhen john heard this, he quickly turned his head back to the shoreline. A few meters away from him, he could see a person humming

nThey looked to be around 6-foot-tall and had long spiky grey hair, tied in a pony tail. His robe was brown and ragged, and he carried a staff. This staff wasn't normal, in the edge of the staff, where there's supposed to be a magic stone, was instead an Aura.

nIt was shining a bright yellow colour and the way it moved was almost like a flame, as if it were alive.

nThe reason why john originally assumed Zestari was the one humming, was because john couldn't feel anyone else's presence

nEven now that john was looking at this person, not an ounce of presence came out of him. However, he was there

nJohn's eyes were wide opened, he watched as the person turned to face him, and noticed that the person was smiling as he continued humming

nSuddenly, john's eyes got watery, and as he blinked. The person was gone.

nJohn desperately looked around and even cast deprehendre. There was nothing, no trace of magic, nothing. John also didn't see the man chant as his eyes were locked on him. And no matter how fast the man was, he couldn't escape deprehendre's 500-meter range.

nDeprehendre was only showing people in the restaurant, the beach was completely empty, it was unusual, but it was most-likely closed down after the mermaid attack.

nWas it just his imagination? Did he really see someone there? These thoughts and questions passed through John's mind, but what he really wanted to know was

n

"Why? Why couldn't I feel an ounce of magic power coming out of him? He's just like me...

" John muttered

nZestari, did you also see that?

nI did.

nWhat was that?

nI'm not sure, I only noticed him at the same time as you.

nThen, why couldn't I feel magic power coming out of him? It's almost like me...

n...When a person's magic power is too strong, unless that person has trained their ability to measure high amounts, they won't be able to measure precisely how high It is. In most cases, you end up measuring 0 or no magic

nThen that means, my magic power is also very strong... that would explain why I'm not tired after using all that magic today... But how? I used to faint so easily a year ago, when I used less than a quarter of the amount I used today.

n…

nHey, Zestari, what are you hiding?

nNot sure.

n…

n…

nSeeing as how Zestari was showing no signs of giving an answer up, John decided to give up. He then began heading to the restaurant.

nOn his way there he was quiet, but he then decided to ask something that had been bothering him for quite a while now

nAlright, have it your way. Can you at least tell me why you stopped me from confessing to Ariel?

nRushing into things is a bad idea. Not to mention how you three are going into a dungeon. For now, romantic emotions will get in the way. This is only my advice.

nBut waiting 2 more years...

nWhat's the difference, you would've just been engaged to them, you're not allowed to marry until you're 15

nM-Marry?

nYes? Is there a problem?

nWho said I was going to ask her for her hand in marriage?

nYou weren't?

nNo! I was just going to tell her about my feelings...

n…but you can tell her that any time

nThe moment was ruined, I'm not sure I'll have enough confidence

nJohn was now in low spirits

nI apologise...

nIt's fine, I should get another opportunity soon, if I'm lucky...

nThose were the last words the two exchanged with each other before john entered the restaurant

n

"3 2 1 GO!

"

n

"ARRRGH!!!

"

n

"I WON!

"

n

"AND THE WINNER OF THE FINAL ROUND IS: THE BEAR!

"

nThe group was as lively as ever. They were doing an arm-wrestling tournament, and seemed like the big muscle guy won the final round

nJohn was wondering if that guy really was a magician, he was topless and was flexing all of his muscles.

nWhen the referee saw me, a smile was formed on his face

n

"Now then are there any other contestants? The prize of 100 Gold will end up going to THE BEAR!

"

nJohn didn't have any need for money since he made quite a lot after selling a few magic stones, but as he walked by, the referee spoke up

n

"Huh? Isn't that the young adventurer who led the operation today? What's that? You want to participate?

"

n

"That young boy is participating?!

"

n

"I'm betting 4 Gold coins on him!

"

n

"I'm betting 10!

"

nJohn knew this would happen so he hung his head and let out a sigh. When he looked up, he could see Ariel, and noticed that she was ocasionally glancing in his direction, her cheeks were also still a bit red.

nC-Cute... Well I guess it won't hurt. John thought to himself

n

"Yeah, that's right, I'm participating.

"

n

"OOUUU!!!

"

n***

n

"Are there any questions about the rules?

" The referee asked

nHe's using me for money... With everyone placing hteir votes on me, if I lose he'll end up making profit. Unfortunately for him...

n

"Is magic reinforcement allowed?

" John asked

n

"Of course, but no spells, not that you'd be able to chant in such a situation.

" Replied the referee

n

"Is that so...

"

nThe two were on top of a table, and all the adventurer's that were watching, formed a circle and watched around.

nThe one john was facing was a man twice his size and a lot bulkier than him

n

"I won't hold back, just cause you're a kid

" He said

n

"Please go easy on me

"

n

"3... 2... 1... GO!-

"

n*Crack*

n