Yuto started his day by training his sword art and mobility art.
His body vanished like smoke, followed by the whistle of the wind as a flash of crimson sliced through the air.
He inhaled deeply, pumping the two Qis within his body and sending more energy throughout his meridians.
Each slash and step he took exhaled a chilling aura of death.
In the spacious courtyard where he was staying. The morning sun illuminated the land with warm golden rays, casting a soft glow on his stretched shadows.
'A little bit more.'
Yuto sighed and continued to infuse his sword with a red, vicious aura, but submitted to his will. He filled every swing with strong 'Intent', causing space itself to distort slightly.
After advancing to the Bone Tempering stage, his power had surged drastically.
Yuto was confident that he could escape unscathed if he met the black cat again, combined with his mobility art.
His lips curled upward, wondering to see his progress in his next breakthrough.
With a heavy stomp, one powerful slash hit the air, making it tremble and beg for mercy.
Yuto stopped as a bead of sweat streamed down his temple. His stomach contracted, growling in protest.
'Huff, where should I eat?'
The boy rubbed his chin, unsure where to eat. The luxurious inn beside him served full-course meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
But he wanted to experience local food; maybe this city has dishes he hasn't seen before.
The sword in his hand vanished, stored in the ring on his necklace.
Yuto turned and walked through a small alley to the main road. A clear view of towering buildings greeted him.
This district was in the southern part of the city, where people with high incomes lived.
The same was true of the frontier. Even though this city was adjacent to Verdant Hollow, people still lived peacefully and believed in the strength of their own country.
Walking straight north, Yuto was greeted by a sea of people passing by. Waves of murmurs echoed through the open space in the middle of the city. Stalls lined the roadside, loudly offering their wares.
Yuto's eyes stopped at one of the stalls. He saw several other people sitting side-by-side, focusing on the bowls in front of them.
His feet carried him closer. He saw a dish with dark broth and an aroma that stirred something in his heart.
'This can't be!?'
"Oh, morning kid, want to try some?"
An old man in his forties with black hair wrapped in a towel spoke.
"How much for a bowl?"
"It's six copper for small size, eight for medium, and one silver for large."
Without hesitation, Yuto took one silver coin from his necklace and placed it on the counter.
"One large, please."
"Alright, coming up!"
The man behind the counter immediately moved, dipping a bundle of noodles into boiling water.
He grabbed a large wooden bowl and opened another pot, which exuded thin steam and a pungent smell that made Yuto's nose twitch.
Yuto's lips parted into a grin, knowing this city sells one of his favourite foods from his old world.
"It's done! One large Udon for you, kid."
Placing the large bowl in front of Yuto, the man immediately took chopped scallions and sprinkled them.
The boy swallowed hard and accidentally saw the men beside him glance at him, giving a thumbs-up.
He was confused and then responded similarly before pulling up a wooden chair to sit.
Yuto looked ahead and found a small container filled with unused wooden forks and chopsticks.
Under the watchful eyes of those nearby, he picked up chopsticks, which widened the men's eyes.
With trained movements, he grabbed the thick noodles, then blew on them lightly before slurping them.
The salty and sweet taste of the broth, combined with the chewy texture of the noodles when he bit into them, made Yuto's face melt in delight.
His hands and mouth ceaselessly slurped the udon, making the people beside him gulp at how happily the boy was enjoying his food.
After finishing the noodles, Yuto picked up the wooden bowl and drank the broth until it was empty.
"Aaaah! Thank you for the food. It was delicious!"
Yuto stood up and gave two thumbs-up.
"Thank you, come again anytime."
Seeing the man's glowing smile behind the counter, Yuto opened his mouth.
"Is this food available elsewhere?"
"Yes, the food is spread across the Empire."
"Alright, thanks."
He turned, pondering his intention to ask further about who created the idea.
'I can ask Gonzo later.'
With a full stomach, he began to walk through the bustling city. Yuto stopped at several stalls to buy some snacks, just in case for his future travels.
Thanks to his advanced-tier storage item. It not only stored things but also had a time-stopping function.
So, all the food or anything he stored inside would remain in the same condition, no matter how much time passed.
The sun began to rise higher; its rays became hot, making the pores in his skin open.
'Time to go back.'
Holding several paper bags filled with food, Yuto stuffed everything in his ring and wove through the crowds.
Upon arriving in the southern district, he saw two horse-drawn carriages parked at the inn where he was staying.
Upon closer inspection, they were Gonzo and the people he travelled with.
Realizing his presence, Gonzo immediately ran towards him, his face pale.
Yuto's expression sank, and his mind immediately discarded all unnecessary emotions, showing a blank face.
"Y-Yuto, haa, haa,"
The man was out of breath, even though their distance was no more than tens of meters. However, when his hand rested on Yuto's shoulder, he felt it tremble.
"Calm down, Gonzo. Tell me what happened?"
Hearing his calm tone, Gonzo took a deep breath and began to speak.
"Just now, I received information from Margrave Coldsteel that a horde of monsters is attacking the Frontier town."
Yuto's eyes widened, and he gripped Gonzo's wrist.
"Alright. We're leaving now."
Gonzo nodded furiously and pulled Yuto's hand to get into the carriage quickly.
The boy's eyes met the trio's, and they also had dark expressions, full of anxiety.
Sitting in the driver's seat, Gonzo quickly whipped the reins, causing the horses to neigh in joy for being allowed to run.
A harsh wind hit his face, but Yuto's eyes remained forward until they arrived at the east gate.
Without a second thought, Gonzo pulled out a letter with the official signature of the ruler of this land, causing the guards' eyes to widen.
"Open the way, quickly!"
Immediately, the atmosphere at the east gate turned into uproar. The knights worked efficiently, moving the line of carriages to the side and urging the people to make way.
"You may go."
"Thank you so much."
Gonzo nodded, hearing the words from a knight approaching him, and with another jolt, the horses sped off against the wind.
Yuto peeked beside him and saw Gonzo's face still pale, knowing well what was on his mind.
'Marni and Shery...'
Yuto's brow twitched, and he sighed sharply, asking.
"How long has the attack been going on?"
Without turning, Gonzo replied, gritting his teeth.
"Since dawn."
"Dawn..."
Yuto clicked his tongue and shouted.
"Deni, can you hear me?"
From the carriage before him, Deni showed up from the inside. He was the eldest brother of the party, Ironhead Pact.
"What is it?"
"Please watch over Gonzo on the journey, and retreat immediately if you encounter any unexpected situation."
Deni frowned, but immediately nodded and gave him a sharp look.
"Alright."
"Good! Gonzo, I'm going ahead."
With the carriage still moving, Yuto jumped, letting the momentum pull his body a few meters before he regained his balance.
He channelled Qi energy throughout his body, making him stronger than before.
With one stomp, his body blurred and appeared tens of meters ahead, leaving the horses stunned by the boy's speed.
The scenery blurred as he dashed forward, but his mind recalled that encounter last night.
'So, whatever drove that cat away… is finally on to move!'
The Phantom Jaguar, a disaster-class monster, had left its habitat. Yuto scowled. What kind of monster awaited him on the battlefield ahead?