The Relief and the Body-Training Method

"Were you the one who saved us, mighty Sacred Domain warrior...?"

Mia stepped forward and bowed to Merlin.

The others watched him with eager eyes, their earlier fear gone.

Merlin was startled. Until now, he had spoken directly into their minds with mental power. But he could clearly hear the noble girl's words, and he understood them. She was speaking the Morta language, a language he knew well.

This world was created by the mysterious Orumba. It must have some connection to the Land of Glory.

Thoughts raced through Merlin's mind. Then he nodded. "I saved you."

They seemed to have taken him for a Sacred Domain warrior. Respect shone in every eye. Merlin did not correct them. The identity seemed useful enough; at the very least, it would help him fit in.

At his confirmation, Mia could not hide her delight. A mighty Sacred Domain warrior stood at the pinnacle of the Mobata World. One punch could shatter a mountain, one palm strike could sever a river, and one warrior could destroy countless cities. Only because such warriors existed had the Mobatans preserved their civilization. Otherwise, the Barbarians and beasts would have crushed them long ago.

"Mighty Sacred Domain warrior, how should we address you?"

"Merlin will do!"

"Lord Merlin, thank you for saving us. But there is one more thing we must ask of you."

Mia bit her lip and looked at him hopefully. This was her only chance.

"Go on. Your entire household is on the move. Has something happened?"

Merlin's expression remained gentle.

"Lord Merlin, the vile Barbarians are attacking Mantra City with everything they have. My father, Count Mantra, sent us out of the city as a precaution, hoping we could reach Lumba City. If you hadn't saved us, we would have been in terrible