Survivor

"Hello? Hello! Are you still there!?"

Arthur's voice sounded as the worry on his face became apparent.

BZZZTTTT— SHKKKKK—

In his hand was a circular device that was vibrating while emitting soft waves of mana.

The circular device was golden, with the symbol of fire at the center. It was also adorned with orange engravings.

"Tsk."

Arthur clicked his tongue in frustration as he waved his hand.

The white robe adorned with orange engravings of fire that he was wearing was replaced by a plain black robe with a hood.

A plain wooden staff with a curve at the head also appeared in his hand.

His outfit would have made him look like he was a plain mage if not for his handsome face and well-built body.

Arthur placed his hand over his face and waved it again.

This time, a gray beard instantly grew on his chin while his body became hunched.

He also became filled with wrinkles.

This time, he became a completely different person from his previous self.

The only thing that remained the same was the color of his eyes. His right was a darker shade of orange while his left was a lighter shade of the same color.

Looking at himself in the mirror, Arthur nodded to himself and disappeared right after.

Wung—

'Is it here…?'

Arthur thought with an unsure expression as he looked at the greenery before him.

He had instantly arrived in the middle of an unknown forest after casting teleportation magic.

Bzzzzt—

Sensing the mana fluctuations from the circular device, he tapped his staff on the ground.

Woooom~

A soft, undetectable wave of mana spread from his staff.

He closed his eyes as he frowned.

After a short while, he opened his eyes as it shone with hope.

'Please be alive…!'

Arthur begged on his mind as he tightened the grip on the circular device.

Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap!

He ran with all his might until he finally sensed a certain mana fluctuation in the distance.

Arthur's eyes widened as he ran faster.

Not long after, his footsteps slowed. In front of him was a cave.

Hesitation appeared on his face, but he soon shook his head and entered the cave with his eyes filled with determination.

Arthur pulled the hood to cover his face further as he made his way in the cave.

He was also continuously spreading his mana in order to make sure that he was walking in the right direction.

'This cave is quite complex…'

Pat… Pat… Pat…

Water fell from the stalactites above, resulting in the sounds of water drops echoing inside the silent cave.

Arthur walked for a few more minutes before suddenly stopping.

His eyes were fixed on the figure ahead.

"Huff… Huff… Huff…"

The figure heaved as they desperately gasped for air.

In front of her was a small campfire that slightly illuminated the area in the vicinity.

It could be seen that the figure's body was covered with wounds while their clothes were also filled with tears.

However, the thing that caught Arthur's attention was the circular device on the figure's hand.

It was the exact replica of the one he had in his hands.

Arthur gulped, before taking a step.

This time, he did not silence his footsteps with magic or skills.

Tap…

Boogsh—

A small fireball instantly flew towards Arthur.

However, he only tilted his head slightly in order to dodge it completely.

"W-Who's there!?"

A feminine voice filled with exhaustion, wariness, and anger sounded.

Arthur's expression fell upon hearing the figure's voice. However, he shook his head and chuckled.

"Haha, your offensive magic is still as lacking as ever."

"W-What? Who are you?"

The figure asked warily, her hands were outstretched as if she would cast a skill at any given moment.

Her eyes were also wide in alert as she gritted her teeth.

However, she could not help but feel familiar as she stared at the man who was slowly walking towards her.

"Tell me! Who are you!?"

The figure asked loudly as her hands trembled.

"Well, why don't you guess?"

Arthur playfully asked as he took a step once again.

This time, the light provided by the small campfire slightly illuminated his figure, revealing himself to the woman.

Seeing the black robed old mage in front of her, the woman frowned in confusion.

'I don't know any mage, much less someone who's this old…' She racked her brain but wasn't able to remember anyone like the old man before her.

"W-Who are you?! What do you want from me!?"

Schu—

At this moment, one of her large wounds suddenly opened.

"Ah!"

This caused her to bleed heavily and make her knees collapse, resulting in her falling to the ground.

"Adara!"

Arthur called out subconsciously as he immediately went and caught her in his arms.

"What did you call me?"

"Oops?"

Arthur stared at the woman in his arms, he could see that she was frowning.

'I guess this is enough playing…'

He thought as he pulled the hood, revealing his face.

"What does an old man like you want to do with a young girl like me!? You're quite the pervert, huh!?"

"Ehhh? N-No, it's m–"

"I know, hehe." The woman called Adara giggled as she gently stood by herself and knelt towards Arthur.

"I greet the one who fought the gods despite being mortal. The one who's magic could make the sky fall."

"I greet the pope of the Temple of Fire. The Successor of the Fire God, Sir Arthur Vermillion."

Adara said with her head bowed down respectfully.

She didn't mind the bleeding on her side, nor the countless wounds that covered her whole being.

Not an ounce of trembling could be sensed within her as she spoke with a clear voice.

Arthur had a helpless expression on his face as he supported Adara up, "You're still like this despite everything, huh? There's no need for formaliti—"

"No."

Adara adamantly shook her head, "I must give respect to where it is due. I will follow the traditions of the temple even if I die."

"Okay, okay, you win. Let me heal you first."

Arthur smiled helplessly as he placed his hand on her stomach.

"Oh my, what are you going to– Ow! Why did you pinch my wound!?"

"To make you shut up."

[Fire Weapon Art]

"Are you really going to kill me!?" Adara shouted with a playful expression.

"I really might if you don't shut up."

"Jeez, you're still as cold as ever. That what I like about you, though~"

Arthur remained stoic, not an ounce of fluctuation could be sensed within his expression.

[Eighth Style: Life Flame Infusion]

Woov~

A stream of calm fire burned Adara's whole being.

"Burn my clothes too~"

"Fire Weapon Art, Sixth Sty—"

"I'm joking! I'm joking!"

"Tell me what have you been up to all these years. Why was I only able to receive a signal now? I thought I was the only survivor…"

Arthur spoke with a serious expression as he continued emitting flames.

Adara also stopped joking as she replied seriously, "It's a long story. Well, as for the reason why you weren't able to contact me… It's because I died."

Hearing this, Arthur's eyes widened in shock.