Between the exit doors, Johan's steps grow faster and faster as he heads toward the World Library.
The Kingdom of Nimurelle stands as the center of the world's information, ruled by a figure who leads from behind the shadows, unknown to all except elite soldiers such as the Vanguard and the Covenant.
Johan runs toward the library with a single purpose: to search for his identity. Johan is not his real name.
"Bastard," he mutters, pushing open the tall and wide doors of the Library. Light seeps slowly into the vast chamber as the doors open fully, revealing shelves filled with books and countless important records stretching across much of the room.
Identity—that is what he seeks. He runs from one place to another, searching for his name among the identity shelves and the countless other names.
The identity records do not occupy a single long shelf; there are many shelves filled with files bearing names. Even the letter "J" alone fills an entire rack.
"JO." Not on the second shelf. "JOH." Again, not on the third. "JOHA." Once more, nothing on the fourth. "JOHAN." His search nears its end—only a few steps remain before the files that should contain his identity.
At last, he reaches it. Yet so many Johans fill the end of the shelf.
His foot brushes against one of the files. He picks it up, including one labeled Johan at its side, and begins to open it slowly.
His face appears on the paper.
"Huh—?!" he exclaims in genuine confusion as he stares at the photograph beside the name—one that is different.
---
The journey by land has begun since this morning. As the day leans toward evening, at last… Notchollow Village comes into view when we reach the hill's summit.
The sight heals the strange visions I witnessed earlier in Nimurelle.
"SO BEAUTIFUL!" Rose's shout shakes the entire carriage.
"Ukh, could you not be so sudden and reckless?" I say, releasing a heavy breath.
Rose turns and laughs brightly. "Hehehe, it's beautiful, isn't it?"
"Are our travel supplies still sufficient?" I ask.
"Of course. But with a view like this, it is difficult to hurry to the market, isn't it?" she replies, slowing the horse she rides.
"As you wish, Rose."
---
The supplies Rose purchases begin to pile up one by one. I step out to help her carry everything to the back of the carriage.
Noon turns to afternoon; afternoon approaches night."Is that everything?" I ask, after we pass every supply shop.
"I believe so. However…" she trails off. "Where shall we stay for the night?" she asks.
"In the forest near the coast. One tent will suffice with a campfire…" I reply, noticing there is not enough firewood at the back of the carriage.
"What about the remaining money for the journey?" I ask, not forcing the situation.
"It is running thin. But do not worry—we can endure until Olivia returns," she answers, tilting her head slightly.
"Very well. Shall I ride this time, or will you?" she asks.
---
Afternoon becomes night, beneath the stars and the glow of the moon, without the need for a campfire tonight.
Among the pile of bags inside the carriage, I begin searching for a map I believe we need to plan the road ahead.
"Do we have a map, Rose?" I ask, my hands feeling here and there for it.
"I do not think so. Oliver was the one who kept it," she replies, chewing canned meat and drinking cow's milk.
I close the rear baggage door and join her near the tent.
"I am beginning to lose direction in planning our journey ahead. How many continents does this world truly have?" I ask. I do not know much about the world. The only thing I know is that Lumineth lies in Solcendria.
"Six. We come from Zepharia. We passed through Nimurelle earlier. Its counterpart is Solcendria. Notchollow is where we now tread. Gaelvorn is the green land. And the last is… Ilginisar," she explains, her words almost poetic.
"Which is closest from this continent?" I ask clearly.
"Solcendria and Gaelvorn are near. But I think we should remain here for a few days," she replies, having finished her meal.
Before me lie a can of food and a bottle of milk."Why is that?" I ask, about to begin my dinner.
"Because it will be difficult for Olivia to reach us if we begin crossing into another continent. Huft… I am starting to think about Oliver, Hiro," she says, her voice turning gloomy at the end.
"Olivia has already set out to trace Oliver's whereabouts, Rose. There is nothing to worry about. And very well, a few days here should not cause any trouble."
"Huff, all right. Let us sleep then," she replies, letting out a heavy breath.
"I will follow soon. I just want to stay alert for a while," I reply, rising and walking around.
"Are you sure?" Rose asks.
"Of course. I simply cannot feel completely at ease after a journey filled with tension, can I?" I say clearly.
"Haha, yes. Do not hesitate to wake me later. I want to take watch too, you know," she says.
"Whatever happens, it is already midnight. Rest quickly. I want to find the coastline from this forest," I say, beginning to walk toward the faint sound I perceive beyond my sight—the coast near the woods.
"All right. Do not go too far," Rose replies, stretching out and pulling the blanket over herself.
I continue onward, following the distant roar of water toward the shoreline.
---
"Hey, wake up." I shake her shoulder. She sleeps deeply.
"Huh?" She wakes, only half-conscious.
Rose yawns loudly, then says, "My turn, right?" She rubs her eyes, sits up, and stretches.
I stand as well. "No. Look outside first, and let us prepare the food."
She turns toward the tent opening, where sunlight begins to seep in.
"E-eh? IT'S ALREADY MORNING?!"
---
Food and drinks are already prepared in front of us, ready to be eaten before we continue the journey.
"Hey, why did you not wake me last night, huh?!" she asks clearly.
"Your snoring made me decide not to, Rose," I say, taking a drink of milk.
"T-that's… ugh. Fine, whatever," she replies, her expression turning gloomy.
"Your worry about your uncle disappears when you sleep. I did not want to bring that back again," I say quietly. "And I am also used to not being able to sleep when I am uneasy. It is difficult to change, Rose," I continue.
"All right, all right. Let us finish eating. Where are we going after this?" she asks.