Chapter 362: The Last Time (1/2)

They walked silently through the waking-up city. No words were exchanged between the witch and the one-armed man. The rain stopped, replaced by sunshine and singing birds. However, it only made departure more difficult.

”Good morning, Seika.” A passing farmer bowed to him. Arthur nodded in response.

”Good morning, Master.” A young apprentice greeted Gala, carrying her countless notes and herbs. Gala said hi with a wave of her hand.

”How is the workshop?” Arthur asked as they left the camp and walked through the green plains. There was a lake to their side, where the sun glittered in the water.

”I taught them what they need to do, and I'll be giving you my recipe book once we get there,” Gala said with a grin. ”Don't worry, Seika. I'm not going to leave you clueless about what to do~.”

”Is this why you wanted Ruri as a disciple? To make sure that we'll have someone capable once you are gone?” Arthur asked with amusement, and Gala only smiled bashfully.

They didn't talk anymore, only walking further away from the camp. They passed the Ogres Mountain and jumped over the river. They walked silently, opting to take it slow. Hours went by, but they didn't say anything.

Talking now would only hurt them later.

They reached a group of swamps surrounded by marshlands. Gala's spirit hid them away from the monsters there, and they continued on their journey unhindered.

All of a sudden, the two could see an icy plateau. Arthur sprinted forward, and so did Gala. As they reached the place, he turned toward the witch, who looked at the summit with determination.

”Is this a good spot?” Arthur asked as if they were choosing a place for a picnic. Gala nodded with a blank expression before turning toward him.

”Thank you, Seika.”

”For killing you? You're welcome.” Arthur gave a smile and turned away. ”Let's go up.” He offered her his hand. She slid her palm into his with a grin. ”Don't think about anything weird.”

”I'm not!” Gala said with a laugh. Arthur sighed and used his teleport rune. They disappeared and reappeared on top of the plateau, the frosty wind gnawing on their bodies.

The plateau was empty except for a few snow hills. A flame appeared above Arthur's hand, which worked to warm them. He turned toward the witch, waiting for her explanation.

”I guess it's time I tell you about spirits?” Gala gave a grin as she looked around. ”First, let me tell you how to open a portal to the spirit's dimension.”

”I'm listening.” Arthur nodded. ”And I want to know how to remove a haunting spirit.” He reminded her.

”Ah, yes. Your little friend. I forgot about her.” Gala said with a nod. ”Opening a portal is simple as long as you have good control over your spiritual energy.”

”You didn't say that until now?” Arthur was flabbergasted. ”I could have trained all this time, yet you...”

”That's for normal people.” Gala smiled. ”Can I know what's your rank, Seika?” She asked, but Arthur hesitated in answering. ”I'm dying today, and you're still worried about your secrets.”

”... high-rei-rank,” Arthur muttered. Gala looked at him silently, blinking twice before sighing.

”Even if you want to lie, make it less obvious?” The witch said with a pout. ”Anyway, your chances of contracting a spirit depends on how powerful your soul is.”

'She thinks I'm lying?' Arthur was confused but nodded nonetheless. It didn't matter what his rank was because his strength wasn't determined by it.

”That's the case for regular people, but you are different. Your spiritual energy is even stronger than mine, and not to mention your affinity to spirits.”

”Affinity?”

”Do you think it's normal for a spirit to listen, or even get close, to a person other than its companion?” Gala asked with exasperation. ”You treat them as if they were your spirits, and they listen!”

”I thought all of them were like Rega.”

”Rega... I can't even comprehend that. You are not a spirits' contractor, I can tell. However, you have a spirit. This doesn't make sense unless...”

”Unless what?” Arthur furrowed his brows.

”Unless there is more than one soul within you, or your soul is portioned. If that's the case, then it would make sense. However, it's an anomaly, an impossibility.”

”We both know that it's not as improbable,” Arthur said after a brief pause. ”You've seen it too.”