The Water Magician

Early the next morning.

Last night’s watch was split between Ryo and Abel, with Ryo taking the first half, followed by Abel for the latter.

When Ryo woke up in the morning, he noticed that Abel was not in front of the campfire.

A little distance away, he was swinging his sword.

His form was so refined that it wouldn’t have felt out of place to call it a "sword dance."

Slowly, yet without any hesitation, he swung the sword with the precision of someone confirming their movements.

Ryo's kendo, or perhaps Japanese swordsmanship, was completely different from what Abel was demonstrating.

However, even someone like Ryo, who was a complete novice in Fai's swordsmanship, was captivated by his movements.

With no shortcuts taken in the fundamentals, he had carefully built his skills to reach this level.

It might be what it means to obtain both innate talent and hard work.

Abel himself probably didn’t think, “I’ve worked hard!”

He likely thought, “This is natural,” or “It’s just what one does,” and while it appeared as effort to outsiders, he probably didn’t see it that way.

Just because one works hard doesn’t mean they will achieve the desired results at the desired time.

That’s why some people say, “Efforts don’t yield rewards.”

It’s a sad story.

But Ryo believes that effort does not betray.

While it is indeed limited to receive the desired result at the desired time, the fruits of hard work will eventually come back.

That said, it’s also true that no matter how many times you say it, it may not resonate with others; after all, people can’t understand what they haven’t experienced themselves.

People believe what they want to believe… that’s just how they are.

Being close to someone like Abel might change that a bit, Ryo thought as he watched Abel’s sword dance.

While captivated and impressed, Ryo was unconsciously analyzing and memorizing each of Abel’s movements.

“Oh, Ryo, you’re awake,” Abel called out after finishing a series of movements.

Of course, Abel had noticed that Ryo had been watching for quite some time.

Well, he was quietly observing, and Abel wanted to move his body a bit more, so he continued swinging his sword.

He was so used to being watched that it didn’t bother him at all.

“It’s amazing. I always thought your sword was beautiful, Abel, but it’s truly refined and elegant,” Ryo praised wholeheartedly.

“Don’t mention it. I’ve been doing this for so long that my body just remembers. I’ll be over there after I wash off in the river,” Abel replied.

(Ah, he practiced by the river because it’s there. If he bathes in the river, then there’s no need for me to set up my shower. Abel thinks of everything.)

For breakfast, they grilled the fish that Abel caught while bathing in the river.

Breakfast is important.

This is a truth that remains unchanged across time and space.

“This river seems to flow from the north; should we follow it upstream?” Abel suggested.

“Yes, I think that sounds good,” Ryo agreed.

(Maybe… )

Ryo thought and decided to share some information with Abel.

“Abel, the land we’re in is surrounded by the sea on three sides: east, south, and west.”

“Oh, so that’s why we should head north,” Abel realized.

“Yes. However, it seems there are mountain ranges to the north. There are mountains lying east and west, and another mountain range connected to them, effectively blocking the way from the north. And apparently, humans live beyond those mountains, on the northern side.”

Abel paused, looking skeptical.

“Ryo, I’m not doubting you, but… where did you get that information?”

“Better not to ask. Just know that it comes from a being beyond human understanding,” Ryo responded, looking straight at Abel.

In moments like this, eyes can speak volumes.

He must not look away.

Seeing Ryo's seriousness, Abel nodded.

“I understand. If it’s something you’re saying, I’ll believe it. After all, there’s no other information we can rely on.”

“Thank you, Abel,” Ryo said, bowing his head.