Night had fallen.
Stars shimmered above like scattered silver dust across a dark canvas.
The air was cool and gentle and under the soft light of the moon, the world looked calm enough to make one forget how dangerous traveling could be.
In his previous life, Saelran had never been able to enjoy such a sky, not even when he lived in the countryside.
Light pollution, haze, or a thin layer of smog always ruined the view.
But in this world, the stars were so bright and clear it was hard to believe they were real.
Crack. Crack.
The firewood in the campfire snapped loudly, sending small embers drifting upward.
The smell of burning wood mixed with the faint fragrance of dried plants carried by the wind from the nearby forest.
Eidar sat cross-legged near the campfire, leaning forward as he examined several alchemical materials one by one.
Sometimes he scraped a crystal shard with his fingernail, crushed a powder between his fingers, or tapped a small piece against his teeth to test its texture. His expression looked unusually serious in the dancing firelight.
Not far away, Grandfather Maray stood beside the wagon, inspecting the freshly purchased alchemic supplies they had acquired from the capital.
Despite his age and slightly hunched back, his movements were sharp as he checked each bottle, pouch, and strange ingredient with unwavering focus.
In the team "Guard", Captain Dalron and one of the twins, Rand, were standing watch around the perimeter, while the other two members had gone deeper into the surroundings to scout.
They were camping in the open that night because the chosen route did not allow them to pass through any town.
According to Captain Dalron, there was actually a small village they could visit if they were willing to take a slight detour.
But Grandpa Maray refused.
Their wagon carried a crate of alchemic materials that had to be refined quickly in Antara, and any delay might lower their quality.
Because of that, they chose the fastest route, which also happened to be the most dangerous.
Normally, choices like this would annoy adventurers. They were not supposed to act as personal guards who followed clients into danger just to shorten travel time.
After all, adventurers and clients only shared a working relationship. If a client did anything unreasonable during the mission, adventurers could end the commission at any time.
Of course, doing so required paying a heavy fee to the Adventurers Guild.
Given the current situation, being forced to do labor while also straying far from safe routes would usually have caused conflict.
But after learning that Grandpa Maray owned a well-known Alchemy in Antara, all complaints from the Guard team vanished instantly.
They became even more attentive and cautious.
Seeing that, Saelran could only sigh inwardly. The "Guard" team truly embodied the word "pragmatic."
Saelran sat near the fire, observing Eidar with full interest as the boy analyzed herbs Saelran had never seen before.
Eidar lifted a thin, finger sized root and bit into it. A moment later, he spat it out.
"Ah… so this is Ashthorn Resin. It looks exactly like Emberbloom Sap from the outside. You really can't tell them apart unless you taste them."
He then noticed Saelran watching him.
"This one is Ashthorn Resin," he explained. "It's used in volatile concoctions and has mild purifying properties. It's a base component for most antidotes. Emberbloom Sap has a faint sweetness behind the heat and is used for Healing Potion."
His tone grew more excited as he spoke about Alchemy, a clear contrast to his usually shy personality.
"I see..." Saelran nodded seriously.
In truth, he was checking his status panel to see if learning Alchemy from Eidar would grant him a new job. So far, nothing had changed.
"Saelran, are you really interested in Alchemy?" Eidar asked, his bright blue eyes curious.
"A little," Saelran replied.
But before Eidar could say anything more, a sharp voice cut in.
"Hmph."
Grandfather Maray approached with his hands behind his back.
"Eidar, stop showing off your shallow knowledge."
"You think tasting alchemical materials is impressive? Foolish. Using only one sense is the most dangerous, lowest-grade method." His voice jabbed at Eidar's pride without mercy.
He stepped closer, eyes narrowing.
"Different reagents require different approaches. Some must be identified by the way they refract firelight, others by the vibration they make when scraped, and some—" he tapped the side of his nose "—can knock you unconscious if you inhale even a trace of them."
He clicked his tongue.
"If you rely on taste alone, you're not demonstrating skill. You're demonstrating that you've lived this long by sheer luck. Do you understand?"
"Y yes, Grandpa..." Eidar lowered his head, his cheeks turning red.
Saelran said nothing. He was unsure whether the lecture was also meant for him.
In this world, where knowledge spread slowly, his sudden questions about herbs to Eidar recently may have indeed been inappropriate.
"Relax," Grandpa Maray said suddenly. "I am strict, but I do not get angry over small things."
His straightforward tone made Saelran unsure whether he should react.
"Listen carefully. You have talent in faith-based magic. Do not waste time learning everything. Not martial arts, and not alchemy. Focus."
Saelran was surprised by the hint of concern in his voice. He bowed politely.
"Thank you for your guidance, Master Kalaleal."
Hearing his family name, Maray's expression softened. He looked rather pleased.
Saelran had learned the name from Eidar earlier, though in truth, he already knew it.
Tap. Tap.
Footsteps came from the forest.
One of the twins, Leron, along with the archer Belnar, returned from scouting. The two adventurers keeping watch visibly relaxed.
"Grunt... grunt..."
A weak sound came from behind Leron.
He was carrying a massive boar, likely more than ninety kilograms, as if it weighed nothing.
"We got dinner," he said casually.
Rann whistled when he saw an arrow hole right between the boar's eyes.
"Straight through the forehead? Nice shot, Belnar."
"It was just a boar," Belnar laughed.
Thud!
The boar was dropped near the campfire.
"Sael, it's almost dead. Strike here," Leron said, pointing at a spot on its neck. "One hit will finish it."
"Thank you." Saelran stood and walked to the dying boar, its body twitching weakly.
Because Maray wanted to reach Antara as quickly as possible, they took a route with no towns. Of course Maray had prepared for this, so he never lacked food. But the same could not be said for the Guard team or Saelran.
Which was why the Guard team hunted whenever possible.
During one of those hunts, Saelran had asked them to let him deliver the finishing blow. His reason was simple. He needed to get used to killing before he officially became an adventurer.
The Guard members trusted him. Anyone could see Saelran was not used to harsh travel or battle.
Swish.
Saelran pulled out his short sword.
He approached the boar, which was still trembling faintly, its breath weak.
He exhaled once, tightened his grip, and stabbed the blade straight into the vital point Leron had shown him without the slightest hesitation.
.