Pridia stepped in and expressed as the group shuffled across the neatly paved stone roads.
"In this training process, there are three ranks. Beginners, Traversers, and Dares. Once you reach Dares, you will be given your adventuring license and be guided to The Horse center, where you will get your very own mount so that your traveling can be easier! I've done it that hard way and became a Daredevil, taking on the most dangerous tasks and risking my life! BUT MAN, was it worth it."
Asahi and Aletha scratched their heads, amused and interested in this program.
They were completely unaware of everything they encountered
It felt like a massive ball of information, discovery, and encounters had hit their heads and knocked sense into them once their feet had scratched the surface of this world.
But with so much stuff, they could easily get lost without guidance. And that is where Telos comes in.
Telos's voice suddenly popped into Asahi's mind.
(It appears that you will be dragged into this program, whether you like it. Trust me, Asahi. If you ever want to get close to regaining your relationship with your world and reclaim all of it, you will have to start from scratch, like every other adventurer.)
Asahi rubbed his forehead and took deep breaths, following the group across the center and watching as people waved and greeted him.
"Greetings! It's a beautiful day today!"
A child screamed happily as he was chased by others, playing a game while his parents chased after him.
"Can't catch me!"
Two girls and five boys chased a brown-haired child with a feather, chanting and cheering as they ran in circles, giggling and simply playing around.
"Run around, run around, not close to ever. Make it out, brush our snouts, and touch our feathers!"
The brown-haired boy shrieked and flopped to the ground, feeling the tip of a white feather touch his back.
All the children, including the boy, laughed with joy, unable to resist the temptation of playing again. The bright cheers eclipsed the chirping of the birds, and a small smile emerged from Asahi's mouth as, watched the children run around and chase each other while moving the feather.
"A ha... they're having a great time. They all look so happy..." He looked over to Chloe and remembered. His heart raced as the brown-haired girl looked down and avoided speaking with the people.
"Oh, right, I... I forgot that I promised Chloe I would teach her my world's language. No, I don't want to see anyone like that."
Asahi felt a sting in his chest when he traveled through the cluster of triangle-shaped houses made of glass, stone, and dark oak.
A metaphorical burn; the cold hand of anxiety.
It fiercely grabbed his heart and breached the wall of calmness, allowing a flood of anxious thoughts to fill his brain. His voice grew shallow, quivering and trembling at the views.
"And... Drimi and my other friends are still out there. Not only that, I forgot about Isa and even YOUR goal, Telos. What am I going to do?"
His breathing paced back and forth, biting his fingernails as he noticed the group scattering over a crowd of people.
"There's so much I have to do. I can't do it all by myself. I completely forgot about Aiyana, and now... I'm stuck with this. I don't think even my powers are still intact! I'm weak! What am I going to do--
The tattoo on Asahi's body flickered and pulsed rapidly, in sync with the tempo and speed of Telos' voice.
(Ease yourself. Calm down. Take a deep breath.)
Asahi closed his eyes and felt the soft leaves brush against his leg. He inhaled the pleasant scents of blossoms lingering all over the town, feeling the fresh air and savoring the sweet atmosphere of Linuxinia.
While Aletha and the others wandered around and introduced each other to the kind people of Oksanna village, Telos continued.
"Not even a god can take so many tasks at once. It is only evident that you would need help. Asahi, I strongly recommend focusing on one objective at a time. Your mind has an infinite expanse called memory that could greet and help you if you know how to organize your thoughts. Organizing and being prepared are necessary if you ever want to achieve your primary goal. Even I know that."
Asahi's black eyebrows lowered, noticing his thick white hair covering his right eye. He turned to the towering mountain behind the village, seeing mist and a dragon encircling the peak. Telos thought about it...
(Every goal has obstacles. You can't immediately reach your long-term goals; you must focus on what comes after achieving a goal. The little things. Think of your mind as a mountain. The peak is your long-term goal. Do you know what builds a tower?)
Asahi's mouth went dry.
"T...The blocks?"
(Exactly. What sustains a tower are the little things. Think of the blocks as your short-term goals. They build up to the peak, paving a smooth pathway toward your long-term plan instead of a mess. Do I need to recap what you have experienced so far?)
Asahi sprinted behind the group and followed them across the road, pacing and screaming at them as the foliage around the village grew thicker.
"Wait up!"
Telos' voice sighed.
(As expected, you don't remember it all. It's just so much for you... that you can't relax and enjoy your adventure. Why don't I say a list of what I've witnessed so far?)
Asahi took a deep breath and walked next to Kali, taking in the green bushes and the blue sky above him. Telos considered reminding Asahi, but decided it was too easy for him.
And instead, Telos informed, as Asahi's gray eyes darted to the martini-haired girl, watching her gray skirt dangle in the wind.
(Why don't you focus on helping that otherworlder while you go through the process of obtaining a so-called "Adventurer's License?" No need to worry about the others. Just focus on her and the adventurer's license. I promise you that building just one relationship and helping someone will help you make more allies along the way.)
Telos paused, sounding as if he actually cared for Asahi. He thought about Morwenna's face while speaking.
(I suggest you part ways with Aletha for a little bit if you can. Give only your time to that otherworlder. If things go correctly, perhaps that girl will tell others how you act and start a chain reaction of rumors to everyone, thus allowing you to make more connections.)
Asahi's eyes widened in shock, stopping in his tracks and standing still while Aletha gestured to follow the group.
"Hey, come on! We're almost here!"
Asahi made a thumbs-up and mumbled back to Telos as the sun glowed on his white hair.
"Y..You're right. But I don't want to be separated from Aletha again. You don't know how much I care for her."
Telos sighed.
(Understood. As long as you help and build a connection with the otherworlder, I promise you... People will see you as a different and better individual. One step away and reclaim your lost land. Now, go after her! Remember what I said.)
Asahi tightened his fists with determination and sprinted to Aletha. A whimsical feel of hope flew into him.
He couldn't believe that with Telos' soul trapped in Asahi's body, his knowledge and wit made more progress than when he was alone.
Asahi thanked Telos, taking in a large brown building with carriages parked near surrounding trees, people rushing in, and the vibrant sunlight reflecting off the windows.
"I couldn't be more grateful for you, Telos. I promise to help you reach your goal. No matter what, with your knowledge and powers, I know we can do it together."
(Haha, expected of you. But no need to be so serious about it. My goal is far more ambitious and less urgent than yours. Just continue doing what you're doing. Though my memory had faded, I could still sense a feeling of importance in you. I enjoy being your guide, and although there is much to be done, I guarantee that both of us will reach our goals.)