The Elestar: Zero

I was so frozen from the cold that I had nearly lost consciousness. I could barely keep myself upright, and my eyes were beginning to close from the overwhelming drowsiness.

Master placed his hands on me, conjuring a green flame between his palms. Slowly, the ice covering my body began to melt. But once all of it had melted, my clothes suddenly caught fire.

Master had used too much flame to melt the ice, and now I was on fire. Though I hadn't entirely lost consciousness, I was still aware enough to realize what was happening. As the flames licked at my clothes, thoughts began to race through my head.

[Is Master trying to burn me alive? If he just wanted to warm me, he could've used his mana more carefully. Is this how I die?]

In a panic, Master began patting the fire on my body, but it didn't go out. Then, a clever thought struck him—he quickly removed the cloak from his shoulders and wrapped it tightly around me.

The fire was smothered at once. As warmth returned to my body, I started to move slightly, though the chill still lingered in my bones.

Master placed one hand on my shoulder and gently leaned my head against his. He took the reins from my hand and drove the horses forward. I slowly began to recover and managed to speak in a soft, tired voice.

"Master… I had a dream."

"What kind of dream?"

"You… you were burning me. With your green fire. You didn't hold back either… you hit me too."

"That was just a dream. Don't give it any importance."

"Are we close to the city now?"

"Yes. Look ahead—the city is right there. We'll rest there tonight. Tomorrow, we'll continue the journey."

I didn't even realize when I fell asleep while talking to Master. It happened so quickly.

After that, Valorant placed his hand on my forehead and realized I had a fever—my body temperature was alarmingly high. He conjured another green flame, much smaller this time, and gently pressed it against my forehead.

"Hang in there. We'll be inside the city soon."

When he reached the city gates, two guards were warming themselves beside a fire. Seeing a wagon approaching, one of them stepped forward to stop it.

"Good evening. Please state your name!"

"Valorant. One of the Seven Sages. I'm in a hurry. Let me through."

"Lord Valorant! My apologies. I'm sorry to have delayed you. Please, go right in!" the guard replied with sudden softness.

"One question," Valorant added.

"What can we help you with?"

"Is there an inn nearby where we can stay for the night?"

"Yes, just follow this road straight into the city center. There's an inn called The Golden Goose."

"Thank you for your help," Valorant said and drove off.

The other guard walked up beside his partner.

"Who was that?"

"Lord Valorant."

"One of the Seven Sages?"

"Yes, the same one."

"What's someone like him doing here?"

"Must be something important. A person like that doesn't come to a remote town like ours just for a leisurely stroll."

"Maybe he's headed to the capital."

Valorant searched for the Golden Goose Inn as he reached the city center. When he finally spotted it, he stopped the wagon in front and carefully lifted me into his arms before heading inside.

At the door sat a girl, probably around 18 or 20 years old. Valorant approached her and asked for a room.

"Two rooms, please."

Seeing the wrapped-up child in his arms, the girl said,

"Right this way," and led him up to the second floor. She opened one of the doors, and Valorant entered, gently laying me down on the bed. He sat in the chair nearby and touched my forehead.

"The boy doesn't look well. I'll call a doctor."

"That won't be necessary. I know how to take care of him."

"Are you a doctor?"

"No. But I know what I'm doing."

"In that case, how else can I help?"

"Our wagon is outside. There's a companion of ours still inside. Please wake him. He'll know what to do."

"If you need anything, just call me. I'll be right here. By the way, I never introduced myself. My name's Rebecca." And with that, she left the room.

After some time, Scott entered with sad eyes and spoke quietly.

"I'm sorry, Lord Valorant. The boy got sick because of me."

"This isn't your fault. Attu simply caught a chill. He'll be fine after some rest. Then we'll continue the journey. His fever isn't worth your guilt. I'll take care of him tonight. Go downstairs and get a room from Rebecca. You need rest too."

"Understood, Lord Valorant. If you need anything, I'm nearby—don't hesitate to call." Scott took the room key and went downstairs.

Valorant stayed with me through the night, using green flame to treat me. He kept applying the warmth to my forehead and body, tirelessly trying to bring my fever down.

Morning came.

I opened my eyes. Looking around, I realized this room was unfamiliar. No one was nearby to ask where I was. As I started to rise and head toward the door, a stranger—a young woman—entered the room.

"Oh! The young man is awake!"

"Excuse me—who are you?"

"My name is Rebecca. I'm the assistant to the head of the Golden Goose Inn. And you?"

"I'm Attu. How… how did I end up here?"

"Why don't you go downstairs and ask your old man?"

"My master—where is he?"

"Downstairs. Come on, it's time for breakfast anyway."

I got up and followed Rebecca down the stairs. When I reached the railing and looked down, I saw a crowd of people—and among them, my master. I approached and sat with him.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay now. I feel much better."

"That's good."

"Where's Sir Scott?"

"He's out taking care of the horses."

"So… what are our plans for today?"

"We're heading to the Adventurers' Guild."

"What's that?"

"A place where we can sell the wolves' horns."