Terrain started to change when Agwin's group is finally enter from where its impossible to see the Oario's wall anymore. The Tower of Babel could clearly be seen though, but it was like a thin stick from where Agwin's group currently is.
The breeze started to feel a little different as it turned into a cold solid, maybe because they are currently inside the jungle that whenever they turn their heads into, they see nothing but vines, bushes and trees.
*Splash splash* says the accumulation of water the moment it was stepped over
Simultaneously: "Everyone, do you know why your mount follows Eris wherever she went?"
Right. ever since then, their mount always follows Eris and didn't even try to overtake her nor the distance betweem them ever change. Are all this because of Eris? Is what Agwin thought.
None of them couldn't throw a question nor answer her, so Ilias continue, "As you learn just a moment ago, Eris receive the grace given by the god. Meaning she can receive skills right?"
Again, no one opened their mouth but the majority only nodded their heads, after all, they were listening from Agwin and Ilias conversation ever since then, "Because the moment your steed accepted Eris' as the leader of the pact, they already become one of Eris' pack---rather, the effect of her Development Skill called [Pact for a Pack] is already affected them"
I see. Pact for a pack, huh. In other words, he become the Guild Leader of our mount. Amazing. . .but in this world, there is no such thing as free meal, so I'm sure there's a side effect or something...
Agwin was amaze with arm in his cheek.
"But that's not the only effect of her skill" Ilias explained and momentarily, she unsheathed the knife hiding from her skirt and warn everyone "Please do close your mouth and do not open them no matter what, also don't forget to hold your reign" With dazzling smile yet. . .wicked, made everyone hold their reign, afraid that something might happen! The knife started to shine.
Only seconds later that Ilias activated the knife she was holding---a magisword---that their movement speed doubles from their current phasing, but not only that affects the group but also their mobility! After all, as they move forward, do so the one whose blocking their path so with the help of mobility, they flashes like a ninja, passing through the trees, vines and bushes.
Thereafter---
"Urgh--!" In front of him, Agwin hears the elf's sudden urge of voice, like she's about to throw up!
Terrain and landscape flashes before them like a flick of infinite memory. . . they sped up and dashes forward like a lightning!
Agwin couldn't restrain himself from being bewildered and look what's in front whilst Ilias winked at him. Not only they sped up, their mount didn't left behind by Eris either. And that's the catch! So he looked at Ilias again, after then did she smile and explain:
"That is another effect of Eris' [Pact for a Pack], as long as Eris are leading them, they would never fall behind. As long as they're under the agreement with him, they won't drain their own stamina" so she claimed as if boasting.
"How is it Agwin? You fell in love now?" So she breathed heavily as if wanted a compliment coming from Agwin.
Agwin couldn't retort or said anything as he did nothing but speechless. Suddenly, Eris growls, "Of course I'm still yours, Eris!" so Ilias complied.
'I see. So this is what they called the 'Yuri'? Well, as long as Ilias won't bother me, then that's good! I wish you two have a good life then!' Is what Agwin thought and felt Ryu's rested her back again.
"What is it, Ryu?" but like Ilias said, she can't open her mouth and only answers by shaking her head.
'I-I guess she's alright?' Or so Agwin thought until Ryu turned pale!
He looked at his companions who were also preoccupied at this moment who also restraining their stomach and in pale! But the landscape passes from them like a kaleidoscope, infinitely flowing, become faster and steadily return from the original phase from the last time.
"Heheh, how's that? Amazing right? Thanks to that skill, we can arrive there within 5 days!" Ilias gleefully said.
'5!' All of them thought so in unison who covers their mouth from dizziness. . .Is she a devil?
But then all of them exhaled deeply in relief as she follows, "Unless we didn't sleep or stop over and only feed Eris your mobility Magic, we can stretch it into 2 days"
or so they thought!
●○●○●○
It's almost dusk so we've decided stop over on a nearby river.
"Blujuirgh! Byeidkfjrjsjh"
Whenever I look, I see my companion looking to the ground vomiting all the breakfast they ate.
Of them, only Ais and Allen remained calm but the catpeople leave us. I'm sure he gonna vomit far from us, to a place where we couldn't see. He is quite prideful, I see. Thinking so, I can't help but only look on his back.
Thanks to the water current it flushes their vomit.
After then did the rest start cleaning themselves and rested their body whenever they see fit. Its pretty clear that all of them are exhausted.
Of course that was an exhausted day, even I felt it. Its just that, and unlike them, I didn't vomit. I don't know, I just...can't.
After setting up a camp which is of course, we are separated from different tent. Evening finally arrived.
Adding that we consist of different familia, our night turned out to be awkward. . .
I mean, their night...
Ember flickers in the middle of us and near it; gathers me, Ryu-san, Ais, Asfi and Ilias. the catpeople---mainly Allen Fromel is on the side of the nearby tree, wiping his silver spear while seated.
The werewolf---Bete Loga on the other hand, standing above the tree trunk with arm across as if daydreaming.
Unlike those two snob, I along with the mentioned girls indulge ourselves with the touch of heat coming from the fire in front. So I can't help but think, maybe those two snob didn't come here because of their thick fur
Not that I care though.
After which, we already finish our dinner before the sun completely hide its shine, so the only thing we should have to do this time is to sleep.
But currently, we're here, seated and let our body receive the heat given by this flame. Ilias is hugging my arm while Ryu-san latched her body without any move.
Beside her is Asfi but she didn't even try to talk with any of us.
Ais is in front as if asking what's my relationship with Ilias, but I didn't talk about it as my mind lingers elsewhere---
I still remember my conversation with Ilias a couple of hours ago before the sun was completely set as she moved to my location: "Agwin-kun, do you know that my alias is ?"
I tilt my head and asks---Aqua? Looking at her, from clothing to hair, she is indeed an epitome of blue-ness so I guess I can approve that she is indeed an aqua.
As her knee is dipped into the river, she raised her staff hanging from one of her waist and a made a circle gesture out of it.
Slowly, the water current follows where her hand holding her staff---moved, like it dances along with her.
Its as if she is the water herself, like flowing water, drizzling and dazzling. The sunset at that time gave her a shine like a gleaming elegant goddess. Along with her oceanic-blue curly long hair---dances gracefully where she guides the water. Dripping and as if she is indeed the sea goddess.
Aqua and Eris, huh. Not bad for a combination, I must say. . .