72 Beating the Record (1/2)
Before heading back, Greyson remembered they had forgotten something huge. Looking over at the humongous Terra Beast, he wondered what to do with it. Such a noticeable and large creature was unwieldy and not particularly useful in this situation. He thought about just leaving the creature to its own devices because most likely it would just lay down somewhere and not move for thousands of years. Living beings in the forest would settle on the shell as if the beast was a mountain. Most of the Terra Armored Beasts lived like so because they were too lazy and slow to move about while having enormously long lifespans. However, Lucius quickly stopped Greyson before they left.
”You are going to leave such a natural treasure like this beast behind!”
”What are you talking about? Am I supposed to bring it along? You do realize that it's as large as a mountain. I can't carry him around like I do you.” In disbelief, Greyson glanced at that cat and purposefully gestured towards the enormous tortoise-like creature behind them.
”Idiot! You should thank your lucky stars that I travel with you. I am obviously your good luck charm. I was the one who woke you up and led you to this group. This is why people want to capture us Destiny Cats. Don't you remember that all magic beasts awaken a special feature or ability instead of a partner beast like humans? Well, this Terra Beast's special ability is its shell's spatial capabilities. He can shrink to the size of your palm however the amount of things that fit on its back is the same as its full size. Pretty much, the bandits could live on its back like normal while you carry the beast around in your hand. It's a moving spatial ring that can fit endless amounts of things! Tell me, aren't I amazing?” Puffing his chest out, Lucius quickly walked over to the front of the Terra Beast to prove his words. Communicating with each other, the enormous beast slowly shrunk down into a miniature tortoise. Lucius picked up the beast with his mouth then hopped back onto Greyson's shoulder and placing the mini Terra Beast on Greyson's other shoulder.
Flabbergasted, Greyson stared at the harmless looking toy beast that now rested on his shoulder.
”How do I place items in?”
”Just ask. Terra Armored Beasts are extremely calm and well-tempered beasts. As long as you do nothing to harm them, they will continue to let you use them, just like those bandits. Their minds are rather slow and they enjoy sleeping long hours, so they are easy to keep.”
”Will he understand?”
”Hmmm... well this one is too weak at this point to understand human speech. I will translate for you.”
”Okay!” Greyson's mood immediately lit up with his good luck. This Terra Beast could become really useful for him later on. ”I'll name him Alexus, Al for short.”
”Al? Al and Lu, what is it with you and two letter nicknames? Our names are not even that long. Poor beast doesn't even know what injustice his owner placed on him.” Mockingly wiping a tear for the oblivious Al, Lucius eventually quieted down after a glare from Greyson.
...
Settling everything with the bandit group, Lucius and Greyson quietly made it back to the same tree and managed to sleep for a couple more hours before the caravan started waking up and preparing to leave for Maple Country's closest border city. Half a day's journey later, the caravan had made it to the city gates of Acernis. Multiple soldiers stopped all of the entering people for the entry fee and identification. Mae, as the head maidservant of the leader of the caravan, took charge and approached the soldiers. She proactively handed them a large bag of silver coins and handed him the identification and permit of the caravan. Slightly glancing over the bag of silver, the soldier shook his head and indicated that the amount was too little. Although slightly frustrated, Mae was experienced so she quickly handed over another small bundle of coins. Coughing slightly, the soldier continued to try to get Mae to pay more, however, this time Mae hardened her expression and showed intent to just take back all the money and leave. Understanding he pushed too far, the soldier quickly stopped her and pushed out a subservient smile. Rubbing his hands together, he indicated for the caravan to enter while the other soldiers looked over the rest of the caravan. Just as the entire group finished entering, the soldier called for them to halt.
”You, with the hood, show everyone your face.” A gruff voice sounded out in front of Greyson. Looking down, Greyson saw the military boots come into view. Looking back up, he could see the smirks on the soldiers hoping to see him get targeted. Snorting at their expressions, Greyson confidently pulled down his hood. However, what came into view was normal brown hair and brown eyes and human ears. Barely glancing again, the soldiers allowed him to pass. Shocked, the caravan's soldiers almost forgot to continue walking after seeing Greyson's sudden change. Chuckling over their wide-eyed expressions, Greyson just passed by with his head up. Sticking out his tongue at them, he flipped his hood back on while flashed his original platinum silver hair slightly. Scowling, they realized it was only a disguise spell. Rolling his eyes, Greyson just ignored them and continued into city.
The first thing he noticed was the monochromatic view of dark-brown hair and amber eyes. Sweetbow informed him earlier on that natives of the Maple Country normally all had the same hair and eye colors that matched the famous maple trees located there. Thankfully, he covered his features or he would have stuck out like a sore thumb. Not all human countries were like this, they were similar to Snow Country and contained all sorts of colors. When he was learning, Greyson discovered that it was due to the bloodlines inherited inside the country. Maple Country was smaller compared to other outer region countries and the legend is that every citizen is a descendant of the original founding king. The founder was an elemental emperor who set apart the land for his family. Children continued branching out until there was enough population to call the land a country. The original bloodline, no matter how faint, caused the same features to develop in the citizens. It was similar to how the elf bloodline worked where they all have the same platinum hair and pointed ears. Thinking about it, Greyson had to admire the founder. How powerful must he have been for his bloodline to be in affect even now? Wandering around the market, Greyson noticed their signature food dishes. Unlike other countries, Maple Country encouraged their magicians to pursue the magician chef route. All of the restaurants contained special mana-filled creations which assisted in meditations. A lot of the magician chefs advance quickly by eating their own creations and they were also rich due to the popularity and rarity of the occupation. Even inner and central countries order their food or hire the chefs from Maple Country. Magic herbs and magic beasts were easy to find and eat, however, they often taste like rubber unless prepared with magic and a special technique. This technique was the lifeblood of Maple Country and their top secret.
Enticing smells wafted over to him as his mouth began to water. Even the sleeping Lucius' eyes shot open as he licked his lips. Looking through all the restaurants, Greyson's eyes finally stopped on a grand and expensive looking tower with 6 levels. His eyes lighting up, Greyson thought of the famous chain in the human territories. Every country contains at least one while Maple Country has one in every city. Six Treasure Gourmet is a famous chain started by the magician king level chef from the royal family. The brother of the current emperor of the Barnabus Empire, Castor Barnabus. Each level of the tower indicates the level of the magician eating. Non-magicians are not allowed to eat inside the towers. The bottom floor is the largest as many people are able to meet the requirement while each consecutive floor gets smaller and smaller. Their reputation was world-renowned for having the most delicious magic food. Easily making his choice, Greyson strode over to the entrance of the tower. Right at the entrance was an array that stopped a lot of the crowd from entering. Leaning over to the nearest man, Greyson asked what was going on.
”The array tests the strength of the entering customer to keep out people who are too weak.”
”But some of them are beginner level magicians, but even they are not allowed. Isn't that the only standard?” This question got a disdainful glance as the man looked at Greyson as though he were an idiot.