Reincarnated as a Genius Mage

"Get your asses up you sleepyheads! We're entering the broken valley that leads to the Axis Battlefield.."

My eyes snap open. The warm rays of the morning sun trickle into my field of vision.

Finally.

I stand up from the floor of the wagon, and my eyes catch the sight of Lali standing at the entrance of the wagon. Her back's facing against me, she's looking outside with her arms crossed.

We've been on the road for five days. No breaks, no stops, no camping, no eating, no pissing, no.. you know the rest.

I can stay without food for a whole week so none of that really bothered me, or K, or anyone here. Well, except Jeriq.

I'm worried about the guy. He's been trying to hold it in for a long time.

I know that feeling of hunger all too well so I could only tell him that we'll eat once we get there.

I breathe out. Then I turn my neck, looking at K who's tying his long, white hair; getting prepared.

Terran has been standing for two days now. I'm not even kidding, the guy never sat or lied down for two days straight.

I tap Jeriq who's lying on the ground, clutching his spear tightly.

"We're almost there, Jeriq." I say softly.

He nods, saying nothing else.

I walk toward the entrance of the wagon where Lali is standing.

I tap her shoulder, "move." I say sternly.

Anytime I'm talking to this woman, I have to speak with a high degree of seriousness in my tone, else she won't take me seriously.

She turns her neck, glancing at me for a while, a small smile on her lips.

"Where are you going? We aren't there yet, you know." She says.

A soft sigh leaves my lips as I push her slightly, making way for myself to move.

She clicks her tongue as I climb up to the roof of the wagon.

I stand on the roof, looking at Laran who's sitting in the middle of the roof with his arms crossed.

The wagon moves at a fast pace as Gislow suddenly increases the speed of his riding.

I shut my eyes, protecting my eyes from the wind blowing against it through my mask.

My robe flutters behind me as I shield my eyes with my left hand; viewing the area where we are.

We're officially out of the borders of the Jalozi Empire. We're moving through a straight, deserted path surrounded by large rocks; toward the Axis Battlefield at the edge of the continent.

"A great sight, isn't it?" Laran asks, his voice's low and calm.

He's talking to me? That's.. unexpected.

"Yes, the land is beautiful." I reply.

I walk toward him, and sit next to him.

"The craters of rocks, the rare sight of greenery, and odd red plants that grow on rocks.. It's truly beautiful. The air here feels fresh too.." as I speak, I raise my hand, feeling the breeze blow against my palm.

His gruff expression softens as a smile plays on his lips, "this land is indeed beautiful. Some say ancient giants walked upon this land and lived here. But I, and most other people believe that it was blessed by Hubolt, the god of light."

My eyes slightly widen, "that's an interesting theory.."

"Theory?" He turns to face me, "it's not a theory. This land was blessed by the god of light." He says.

I chuckle softly, "yeah, right. The god of light. So.. you're a believer?" I ask.

"Yes, I'm a believer, and I'd have been in the holy continent right now if I had awakened Holy power. But, life had other plans for me, so I'm here now." He says. His smile's faint, and his eyes are staring at the distance ahead.

A religious person. Wow.

"That sounds sad," I say, "not being able to pursue your dreams because fate decided not to let you." I add.

"Fate? That's nonsense, boy. All things move according to the will of Lord Hubolt. I don't believe in fate." He says.

"So you mean every single thing that happens in your life— not mine, because I don't believe that— happens according to how your God wills it?" I ask him.

He lets out a small chuckle, "yes. Everything that happens in EVERYONE'S life happens according to the will of my god."

"Respectfully, Laran. That's bull–"

"Let's end that conversation, Blank. You're not the first unbeliever I've come across. You're all the same. I'm having a really peaceful moment here, so I don't want you to ruin it." He says.

I shrug, "fine."

I keep staring into the distance. The sunlight paints a breathtaking view of the land in front of me.

If I turn on my mana sight, I'm sure the mana threads in here will be thin because life barely exists here.

But all in all, it's a good land, and he said that his god created this? Well, I don't want to slander his faith, so I just drink in the awkward silence.

"I'm sorry, boy." He suddenly breaks the silence.

I tap his shoulder. "I hear you."

He doesn't need to say it out loud. I know he's apologizing because of that little outburst he had back at the guild.

It's written all over his face. Clearly visible.

He scoffs, "sometimes you act like someone my age. I can't believe you're in your twenties, like Jeriq. Your emotional intelligence.."

This body isn't even up to ten yet haha, but it looks like a teenager.

"How old are you exactly?" I ask.

"I'm in my fifties." He says.

A wide smile plays on my lips.

Yeah, he's right.

"I–"

Suddenly, the wagon begins to shake aggressively.

Laran stands up immediately, picking up his spear on the ground.

"Everyone! Brace yourselves! We're now inches away from the broken valley!" Gislow yells.

Huh. That's weird, we were just…

I look ahead.

"Oh my goodness."

Is that the broken valley?

I stand up.

Shing!

I take my Chakram from the strap on my back.

"Remember when I told you this land is blessed by Hubolt?" Laran asks, his lips widening.

I nod, "yes. But I don't think now's the time for this."

My grip on my Chakram tightens, and Laran's grip on his spear tightens too.

"It is, because we're heading to the place that he cursed." he says.

I look ahead once more, tracing the dark streaks of lightning in the distance.

A land cursed by a god huh?