A World for Two

The journey from Feinard City to the southern Shanwu Town, at their pace, would take about three or four days. Today is December 22nd, meaning there's enough time for a round trip.

Moreover, they don't need to ride horses back; they can simply take the train back to Magnolia from the local area.

The winter winds are always bitingly cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. Because of this, their speed is also slowed down considerably.

They set off in the morning and arrived at a wilderness by evening.

Although they were in the wilderness, they had anticipated this and made preparations in advance.

The Labi can sleep in his grand carriage at night, which may even have a comfortable bed inside—because he's rich.

Ailongchang and his group also brought tents and other equipment, and have already begun setting them up.

And Chiba and Mira...

"Wood Release: Four-Pillar House!"

As Chiba clasped his hands together, the earth trembled, and a delicate wooden house suddenly appeared.

It must be said that the Four-Pillar House's Ninjutsu is indeed quite practical. Especially for missions that require long journeys, they can build a house no matter where they are.

So much so that they only prepared two quilts, two sets of clothes, and some water and dry food.

So, Chiba and Mira walked into the cabin amidst the envious gazes of Ailong and his group.

The room was quite simple, with only two wooden plank beds and two small wooden stools. Since Chiba was only staying there for one night, there was no need for him to make anything unnecessary.

Mira put down her large backpack, opened it, and took out the bedding to spread on the wooden bed. Meanwhile, Chiba used Lava Release to create several "heaters" in the room.

"All done!" After making the bed, Mira quickly ran to her backpack and took out the prepared cookies.

"It's cold." Mira blinked and looked at Chiba.

Chiba smiled, then used Lava Release to create a pile of high-temperature lava made of rocks, and then took the cake from Mira's hand, holding it in mid-air to heat it.

Mira sat on a small wooden stool, the Kakkō illuminating her rosy cheeks, her beautiful eyes fixed on Chiba, who was diligently baking pancakes.

"Here, be careful, it's hot." Chiba handed the pancake to Mira.

The latter carefully took the pancake, then a sly glint in her eyes, and handed it back to Chiba, laughing, "It's so hot! You feed me!"

Chiba paused for a moment, then found it somewhat amusing, so he tore the dough into small pieces and gently fed them to Mira.

The girl opened her small mouth and ate little pieces at a time. Chiba watched her and her face inexplicably turned red.

Of course, his face was already red in the Kakkō.

But as she was eating, Mira suddenly burst into tears.

Chiba panicked immediately and asked, "Why are you crying all of a sudden? What's wrong?"

Mira hugged him tightly, sobbing softly, "I... I really thought you were dead, because... because I searched for you for so long afterward, but I couldn't find you. I even posted quests at various mage guilds just to find you."

Chiba was filled with mixed emotions. He hugged her, his voice softening, and said, "Alright, alright, I'm still alive and kicking, and I'm not missing any limbs. I promise you, I will never die before I become an old man!"

Mira said, "So, do you want to become a decrepit old man before you die?"

"Hmm... more or less..."

"Now can you tell me... about that girl from the Dark Guild?" Mira raised her pretty face, her eyes fixed on Chiba, and pressed him for an answer.

"Uh... cough cough!"

The sudden change of topic caught Chiba off guard. He coughed twice and, under Mira's sharp gaze, slowly said, "She's from the Dark Guild Grimoire Heart, named Ultear, one of the designated 'Seven Kin of Purgatory.' Her magic is likely the same Lost Magic as Natsu's, the Arc of Time magic that can control time. I fought her once and was almost completely defeated. Her magic completely counters all my Ninjutsu. Her strength is probably at the peak of A-Class."

"Hmm... go on..." Mira nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

"I've told you everything that happened afterward," Chiba said.

"That's all?" Mira looked incredulous.

"That's all!" Chiba said.

"Speaking of which... I don't know how she left in the end. I guess her magic power recovered, anyway, I have no idea." He muttered to himself, somewhat puzzled, as if remembering something.

"Hmph... As expected, there was something... Otherwise, why didn't I chop you up after my magic power recovered?"

Chiba nearly coughed up blood. "I almost lost my life protecting her, how could she possibly chop me up?"

"See? See? They finally admitted there was something going on."

Chiba: "..."

That's quite a scheme...

"Speaking of which, where's my sword?" Chiba asked, remembering his Winter Water.

Mira blushed. "It's lost."

"However, I asked a magic shop to remake a magical outfit based on Winter Water's design. It should be ready by next spring," she added.

"What? You have a problem with me losing it?" She glared at Chiba and said.

Chiba was on the verge of tears. All I said was, "Where's my sword? You've been the one talking the rest, okay? What could I possibly say?"

"Knock knock!"

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"The door's unlocked, come in." Chiba had found a lifeline.

"Squeak~"

The door opened, and a tall figure walked in—it was Ailong.

However, when he saw Chiba and Mira hugging, he couldn't help but cough awkwardly twice.

"It's quite warm here."

The two immediately realized what was happening and quickly let go.

"Ahem... It's like this, we've detected a group of bloodthirsty monsters ahead, and they seem to be approaching us," Ailong said.

Chiba quickly stood up and said, "In that case, let's fight. It's better to strike first."

"That's what we think too," Ailong said.

Chiba and Mira walked towards the door together, and then walked out of the house with Ailong.

Outside, the wind was biting cold, but it seemed that everyone in the caravan had gathered together, and the Labi's servants all had worried expressions on their faces.

Beside them stood Koi and Lixi, both dressed in long robes.

"We've discussed it. Koi and Lixi will stay where they are and protect the convoy, while the three of us will lure these monsters away," Ailong said.

Mira couldn't help but laugh, "Why lure them away? Wouldn't it be better to take them all at once?"

"According to my reconnaissance, there are over thirty B-Class monsters and two A-Class monsters there. Although this lineup isn't something the five of us should be afraid of, since it's just the three of us fighting them head-on, it's better to lure them away just to be on the safe side."

"No need. Let's wipe them out in one fell swoop, otherwise we'll have to be wary of them coming back," Chiba said in a deep voice.

As he spoke, he formed the Ren seal.

Shadow Clone Technique!