Rural areas were an advantage for Crime Sorciere. It was not mandatory to travel at dusk or at the very crack of dawn since the Magic Council’s influence is not as concentrated in these areas as they were in major cities. Of course, that would qualify as not just a benefit, but a flaw as well. These locations were neglected, and dark mages gathered in these areas and have often taken advantage of the lack of resistance. Just recently, Jellal had split up from his group and handled an entire group on his own.
Although he was undoubtedly a very talented mage in many rights, that didn’t mean that taking on that many opponents lacked a cost. Concealed under his cloak, injuries— scratches, bruises, and even a few minor burns were scattered about. He simply endured, like he has with every other source of pain he might have come across in life. Also, due commotion that resulted from his last exploit, it was actually more beneficial for him to slip into the nearest town and find a more practical place to rest— perhaps an inn or a quick stay at a hot spring. Thankfully, this place was a more of a convenience center for travelers to stop on their way to wherever their destination may be.
Now, all he had to do was remain furtive.
While scanning his options about where to blend in and stay, bronze eyes noticed a familiar flash of red— no, scarlet. There was no mistaking it. The shade of her hair, the armor, even her posture as she rested were all nostalgic. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, words not being able to express how happy he was to find an old friend in such an unusual place. “Erza, behind you.” Perhaps a firm, but subtle raising of his voice would get her attention.
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『The prolong sigh of vexation remained intact on her lips, she failed to navigate her way back to Magnolia, and there she stood in surrender. She wasted four hours of finding the right direction yet it didn’t came out productive; all she received was a complex response though she had to admit that the townspeople were amicable. She felt despondent on her current situation, the clouds began to darken and travelling back home would be futile. I guess there’s no other choice but to find a good inn to stay for the night, she thought. 』
"Erza, behind you."
『 She managed to snap out from her reverie when a familiar voice called her name, it was masculine yet tender. She already knew who possessed that subtle tonality, he was the only one who had the ability to make her dumbfounded. She froze, still on her current posture. She still haven’t managed to think of a good starter for their interaction. He was behind her, she could feel his presence; it had a strong impact on her confidence. It was as if she was teenage girl who was stunned by her first crush’s appearance. Their relationship was in an awkward state, considering their recent interactions. She heaved out a sigh trying to get some root for guts to respond. 』
『Turning her head, she gained the nerve to face the heavenly body mage. Brune oculars began to scrutinized his visage, he looked exhausted and it seems like his wounds were shrouded by his cloak—perhaps, he had gotten the minor injury from a mission; after all, dealing with dark guilds was not a job that should be taken so lightly. Just by looking at his face, she had gotten a feeling of sentimentality. She tried her best to cover the shyness from her expression, feigning esteem, her peach flanges parted to speak ❝I assume that you haven’t gotten yourself into trouble.❞ she remarked sarcastically, followed by a silly chuckle. The knight was doing her best to remove the awkward sensation within her. 』
