Aziel absorbed Blackie's explanation, piecing together the puzzle of his powers and mulled over the subtle differences between Mana and Miasma.
Then, Aziel gathered himself, refocusing on the immediate task at hand—reaching Glenwood.
Following Blackie's directions, Aziel exited the cave and picked up the trail of the small stream that meandered its way through the forest.
The water gurgled and chuckled as it tumbled over rocks and fallen leaves, its cheerful sound a welcome accompaniment to his thoughts.
The journey was uneventful.
Aziel continued his journey. He traveled for days, pushing through the dense foliage and navigating the uneven terrain of the Elysian Forest.
He stopped several times along the way, taking short breaks to rest and eat. Each time, he would find a quiet spot near the stream, where he could relax and replenish his energy. He relied on his newly acquired skills to catch fish from the stream, grilling them over a small fire for sustenance.
Between breaks, Aziel dedicated himself to mastering his one-of-a-kind Unique Magic. With each practice session, he grew more confident in his ability to summon and control the dismembered arms.
He summoned the human arm—which he decided to name it as 'Samurai', for obvious reason—marveling at its dexterity and precision.
He also summoned the arm of the Crazy Beast that he had killed before—that 'Where are you, Papa' guy—testing its strength and maneuverability. Too lazy to overthink it, Aziel decided to simply name the arm 'Papa'.
About Big Guy—the giant Crazy Beast arm, despite wanting to try, Aziel heeded Blackie's advice and held off summoning it for now. It was too gigantic to test.
With Blackie as his guide, Aziel gradually refined his control, learning to seamlessly integrate the arms into his movements.
Over time, Aziel felt a sense of connection to each of the arms that he had collected. Though he knew nothing of their original owners, he inherited their skills and abilities, gaining insight to their experiences.
After several days of travel, the trees began to thin, replaced by open fields dotted with wildflowers. The sound of the stream grew fainter as it merged to another stream, eventually flowing into a small village nestled amidst the greenery.
Glenwood. He'd finally reached the village.
**********
Glenwood appeared to be larger than Aziel had anticipated, almost the size of a small town.
Sturdy stone walls, looking weathered and strong, encircled it and spoke of countless seasons and potential past conflicts. Four watchtowers rose at each corner. Two guards were stationed at the top of each tower, their figures silhouetted against the skyline as they continued to stand guard.
As Aziel approached the village gate, he could see that it was made of thick timber reinforced with iron bands. Two more guards stood watch here, their expressions a mix of vigilance and boredom. They were clad in simple leather armor, spears rested easily in their hands.
One of the guards stepped forward, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Halt! Who are you and what business do you have in Glenwood?"
Aziel paused, recalling Blackie's instructions. "Best to not use that familiar name of yours. You're practically a blank slate, eh? Why not use it to your advantage?"
The ring had suggested crafting a new identity, to avoid anyone who might recognize the past Aziel, that could trigger his past memories.
Taking a deep breath, he adopted a casual stance, hoping to project an air of harmlessness.
"I am Elias, and I've come to Glenwood seeking a place to settle and find work." He delivered the prepared lines with a smile that he hoped seemed genuine.
The guard's gaze remained fixed on Aziel. "Work? What skills do you possess, Elias?"
Aziel had anticipated this question, having discussed it at length with Blackie.
Careful not to say too much, he kept his answer vague but acceptable. "I am handy with tools and strong of back. Willing to help with whatever comes to hand."
The guard scrutinized him for a long moment, his eyes lingering on Aziel's build. It was clear he was assessing Elias's physical capabilities.
The other guard shifted his weight, but remained silent, his gaze equally probing.
After an uncomfortably silent moment, the first guard nodded slowly. "Very well. You may enter." He gestured towards the gate, and the other guard moved to swing it open, with a loud creak.
Aziel offered a grateful nod. "Thank you."
He stepped through the gate and took in the sights of Glenwood.
The air was alive with the sounds of everyday life—the chatter of villagers bartering in the marketplace, the laughter of children playing in the streets, the rhythmic clang of a blacksmith's hammer.
Buildings of timber frames and thatched roofs gave the village a rustic, inviting feel. Vibrant flowers spilled from window boxes and lined the pathways, adding splashes of color to the warm scene.
Following Blackie's directions, Aziel headed towards the northeast section of Glenwood.
"The inn is that way," Blackie had said, its voice calm and matter-of-fact.
Soon, a building came into view: a two-story structure with a welcoming, homely aura. The ground floor appeared to be a bustling restaurant, while the upper floor would presumably be the lodgings.
This must be the place. Madam Rosita's inn.
Unfortunately, he didn't have money to rent a room. So, Aziel planned to offer his services, doing odd jobs in exchange for accommodation until he could find more permanent employment.
A practical arrangement, born of his situation.
He approached the entrance, pausing briefly to straighten his clothes and smooth his windswept hair.
Blackie pointed out where Aziel should go. "The owner, Madam Rosita, is the woman behind the bar. You can't miss her."
Aziel scanned the room and instantly spotted her—a woman appeared to be in her forties he assumed, gracefully tending to customers. Her movements were efficient and her smile was warm and genuine.
Even from a distance across the room, he could tell that she possessed a natural charm.
Taking a deep breath, Aziel approached the bar.