Chapter 32: Setting Out Again

Even in the architecturally advanced Dwarven city of Grantham, most buildings were small due to the world’s underdeveloped productivity.

Phillips’ shop, however, stood out, towering above the surrounding structures like a crane among chickens.

Aino hadn’t expected the tiny Flower Sprite to possess such wealth and influence, capable of establishing a shop of this scale. Such a groundbreaking venture was undoubtedly a monumental challenge.

The novelty of the scene naturally drew crowds. Despite arriving early in the morning, Aino and her companions found the area packed with people.

The so-called “shop” resembled more of a palace. A wide avenue led inside, with sections of goods neatly arranged along both sides. Numerous Beastmen managed their respective areas.

Aino and her companions, uninterested in most of the items, headed directly to the section for blueprints.

In the vast array of goods, blueprints were a niche product. It took them quite some time to locate the corner labeled “Blueprints” in multiple languages.

Before they could examine the items, a familiar voice greeted them.

“Oi! You’re here!”

The yellow-haired Flower Sprite hovered at eye level, appearing out of nowhere.

Parker was surprised. “Boss, your shop just opened, and you’re hanging out in such a remote corner?”

The blueprint section was tucked away in an inconspicuous spot with few visitors. For the shop’s owner to wait there instead of overseeing the main areas was puzzling.

“I’ve delegated all the tasks. There’s no need for me to show my face,” Phillips replied without hesitation. Then, folding her hands somewhat nervously, she added, “Actually… I have a proposition for you.”

While speaking, Phillips pulled out a blueprint and said seriously, “This is the map of the Northern Abyss you’ve been looking for. I’m willing to give it to you.”

Blueprints were not only expensive but also rare. However, Aino wasn’t concerned about the cost—buying it at a high price wouldn’t be a burden for her. Yet, it was clear Phillips intended to use the map as leverage for her so-called deal. Aino decided to listen.

“What’s the deal?”

Phillips’ wings fluttered faster as she flew closer.

“When the time comes, I want you to lend me your strength once.”

“It won’t cost you much, and I won’t ask you to do anything against your will. All I need is for you to help me when it’s necessary.”

Such an unusual proposition. What if they agreed and then didn’t follow through? Did Phillips really think their paths would cross again?

“That’s strange. What’s your reasoning?”

Phillips wasn’t surprised by Aino’s skepticism. Smiling faintly, she replied, “Because you’re strong. That Oni—I could sense it—was incredibly powerful, and yet you defeated it unscathed.”

“We Flower Sprites are weak by nature. It’s a lesson learned through countless painful experiences. I need access to reliable combat strength.”

Phillips’ identity grew increasingly mysterious in their eyes. Clearly, this wasn’t her first such arrangement, and she likely had many formidable individuals already “recruited” as part of her forces, living within her shop.

“Alright, if the opportunity arises, I’ll help,” Aino agreed.

Just like their previous deal, the exchange was straightforward. Without unnecessary conversation, Phillips handed over the blueprint and waved them off.

“Well then, farewell. Don’t forget this place or my name.”

“You don’t even need to remember this location—it’s just a starting point. I won’t stay here for long. Just remember the name of the shop: Exotic Bloom Pavilion.”

After exchanging final gestures of farewell, Phillips departed, and the group exited the “shop.”

Paths diverged once more, with each person continuing on their journey. They’d met briefly, leaving only impressions in each other’s minds, unsure if they’d ever cross paths again.

The blueprint detailed the location and conditions of the Northern Abyss.

Though traveling on foot was slow, the group didn’t choose a faster method. After all, the Northern Abyss was just a direction for their journey, not a goal they were rushing toward.

Months passed as the group traveled north from Grantham, reaching a place called Heaven’s Peak.

The map labeled it with a small note: “Extremely tall mountains, teeming with insects.”

The blueprint was not detailed, marking only major landmarks. Many cities, forests, and plains between Grantham and Heaven’s Peak weren’t even mentioned—just a single curved line connected the destinations.

This alone hinted at the peculiarity of Heaven’s Peak.

Months might feel neither long nor short, but for humans, they were enough for significant changes to occur.

Alea and Parker had both tanned under the sun. Alea seemed chattier, her constant chatter filling the air, while Parker was rapidly growing stronger.

At first, Aino was astonished. Parker’s sensitivity to magical elements was mediocre, so how could he improve so quickly?

Upon reflection, Aino realized that humans were an exceptional race. Short-lived but highly adaptable, their capacity for growth was astounding.

Most humans lacked magical talent, living like ants in this world. Yet, there were always exceptions—humans who reached the pinnacle of power.

Other races had relatively fixed ranges of strength, with limited variation.

Human elites, however, achieved extraordinary feats in mere decades or a century—power that took other races centuries or millennia to reach.

If not for their short lifespans, humans might have already conquered the world. They didn’t need long accumulations of time—once they could learn and master something, their growth was rocket-like.

This explained Parker’s rapid progress.

He had access to something most humans lacked: a teacher. In this world, magical knowledge was monopolized by royal families and nobles. Ordinary humans rarely found mentors.

By traveling with Aino, who possessed Tananorn’s memories, Parker had a teacher constantly by his side. Their daily lessons were thorough and intensive.

Concepts others spent lifetimes grasping were things Parker could simply ask about. Aino, patient and knowledgeable, provided answers anytime, anywhere.

Most magic users never reached their potential due to limited guidance, but Parker was quickly approaching his limits. If he managed to surpass them, he could become one of humanity’s noteworthy mages.

The terrain ahead was flat but overgrown, with swarms of mosquitoes forming buzzing clouds. The incessant noise was maddening.

Parker casually used a Wind Wave spell, clearing a path through the vegetation.

In the distance loomed Heaven’s Peak, an enormous, towering mountain rich in magic and teeming with insects and birds. Its deep, resonant hum formed the backdrop to the area, a soundscape the group had grown accustomed to.