Ball of Nothing

After the defeat of the sea folks, Lycantopia quickly recovered. The werebeasts were getting better at using magic, so the rebuilding of important structures was prioritised. This included the salt factory much to King Sgharo's delight.

Zero couldn't remain in Lycantopia for much longer once he received word from Monoman that Jermine and her family were starting to settle down in New Moon Village. Truen and Mitchnew managed to find out more details of Indra Seagloo's ruler and location even if the information wasn't confirmed. Zero had a lot left to be done, and after staying for nearly two months, it was time to say goodbye.

The werebeasts did not let Zer leave alone. When they heard that Zero had to be on his way back to Altear, they offered to give him a lift halfway. The first batch of salt was ready to be sent to Altear as part of Lycantopia's sincerity and agreement. Rachel was coming along, and Zero smiled. The rat beast lady had a way with words. She wouldn't be in any trouble with the new King Sharo even if Zero wasn't there.

The goodbye party hosted for Zero was very grand despite the lack of resources after the destruction. Lycantopia had never been happier even if they were penniless at the moment. Nobody held back on food even if they were dressed in rags. The children who were learning magic decided to put on a performance for the Messiah, and nobody was allowed to cry. It was tradition to send someone dear off with big smiles. Salty goodbyes were considered a sign of weakness.

Many a.d.u.l.ts drank heavily during the party and couldn't wake up even though it was time for Zero to set off with the mercenary party and Rachel. King Gaon was still nursing his head, and Zero took pity on the king. He passed the king a bottle of hangover medicine with no extra charge as thanks for the hitchhike before leaving Lycantopia behind.

Rachel sat in the carriage with Zero who decided to draft his reply to Monoman in New Moon Village. There were still some matters in Altear he had to tie up before he could return to Half Moon Village to meet Truen. His very capable best friend was already working on finding a solid lead for Indra Seagloo's location. According to Monoman who lived near Indra Seagloo before moving to New Moon Village, the only way to get to the underwater country is by ship, and it isn't any ordinary ship. It has to be a ship that sank. Truen is still working to confirm the truth of that legend and Zero had a feeling they would be ready to visit Queen Leah as soon as he obtained the Moss Giant Orb.

King Sharo was very quiet today. Zero intended to keep his promise and escort him to Windy Wood Town to see his teacher after many decades. King Sharo had very fond memories of Arvin, but he felt nervous at the thought of speaking to the wise elf again. King Charo and Arvin often disagreed. That was no secret to the elven king. However, Arvin suddenly disappeared one day. No matter who he asked, King Sharo never found out what happened to his teacher. During his dark and lonely nights, King Sharo often wondered what his teacher was doing and if he was happy. Ever since he became the new king of Altear, King Sharo had many questions that nobody could answer for him. The only person he trusted enough to speak of those insecurities and thoughts was no longer by his side.

"Are you nervous?" Zero asked using telepathy when he sensed King Sharo's uneasy feeling. The doctor cast some light calming spells to stop the staff from vibrating endlessly in his hold. Rachel didn't sense anything out of the ordinary yet, and it was good.

King Sharo didn't reply immediately. He felt slightly better when Zero did whatever he did. However, the thoughts in his head were still jumbled in a mess. He was happy that Arvin was still alive. However, he couldn't understand why the elf left without saying a word. Why did he choose to settle in Windy Wood Town, so far from the elven city? It wasn't even within Altear's forest.

"Not really," King Sharo lied. "Do you think Arvin will return to Altear with me? Also, how long are you going to keep this transformation spell? Shouldn't it be about time to turn me back?"

Zero blinked. "You get to be carried around everywhere as a stick. Why don't you enjoy this a little longer? Besides, if I turned you back into your elven form, I don't think the werebeasts like surprises very much."

King Sharo grumbled but agreed. It was definitely more convenient this way. He would rather be a stick than a donkey who got spanked on the a.s.s and rode on. At least Zero knew how to treat him with respect deserving of blue blood status, unlike his prudish archer friend. It was a good thing Truen had things to attend to. If he was here, King Sharo would not be so agreeable.

As they enjoyed the relaxing journey to Altear, Zero sent the reply to Monoman. Schaf was already busy making connections with their new allies. Jynx was thrilled with the latest batch of spider silk woven by Night Terror Penelope. Mitchnew also reserved a few top-tier silk bales for the custom order that King Brice placed for Misana. The humanitarian Guild in Smargdas was receiving many refugees from Lycantopia. News started to spread about a Messiah who defeated the fierce dragon that levelled Lycantopia. Truen and Mitchnew used this opportunity to also create rumours about Altear and Lycantopia's future alliance. This news gave Rocket Mountain and Smargdas some room to breathe, knowing the elves wouldn't resort to war anytime soon.

There was one small matter that came to Zero's attention, briefly mentioned in Monoman's letter. Apparently, demons have started to make themselves known on Earth. Mammon must have worked hard to approve the official visas. The demons who travelled to different countries were registered under the Humanitarian Guild in Smargdas and have their birthplaces registered as Half Moon Village, causing quite the scene. While nobody was hurt or harmed by these demons, Zero felt his head throb when Monoman praised Half Moon Village's current reputation.

"Endow Hill is dubbed as the land of gods, and people are demanding to start a pilgrimage to pray for miracles! We had quite a few requests at New Moon Village, but we turned them away. These worshippers only grow by the day. What should we do?"

Zero read the paragraph twice and hesitated to pen his reply. This matter was tricky. The reason why New Moon Village was formed was to guard the secrets in Half Moon Village. He didn't want them to be worshipped as some kind of earthly god.

With a heavy sigh, Zero mulled over his options in silence with King Sharo. Both men were so deep in thoughts that nobody paid any attention to the change of scenery as they entered the forest.