Volume 24 Chapter 1 Safety Check Of Channing Village
The day after they rescued Guildmaster Levy and Eric, Al couldn't stop thinking about Channing Village. While others were celebrating, he told Levy and the others that he wanted to check on the village. With a deep breath, he cast the spell 'Fly' and soared into the sky.
Even though Viscount Parker had written letters to both Baron Marlow, the magistrate of Marlow Town, and to Al's father, it was still a small village. Al couldn't stop worrying.
He also worried about his oldest brother Gustave and Naresh, who were both with the expedition army. But Ruella, who had returned home ahead of the others, had told him that the army was now surrounding Celina—the old capital of the former Celina Count. She said there were no big losses. That helped ease Al's mind a little.
If she knew that much, it meant they were still in touch. So far, it sounded like things were okay.
Standing on a hill that overlooked the village, Al sent a 'Telepathy' spell to his father. The village looked normal. Nothing seemed wrong.
Before he left, Guildmaster Levy had warned him not to walk straight into the village. He suggested contacting someone first using 'Telepathy.' Al agreed. It made sense.
Still, it felt awkward.
'Dad. You doing okay?'
'Alfred? Alfred, is that you? What is this...?'
His father Nelson sounded very confused. Maybe this was the first time he had ever received a 'Telepathy' spell.
'This is a "Telepathy" spell,' Al explained.
'I see... There's magic like this too, huh? I feel better knowing you're safe.'
So he had been worried too. From the way Nelson answered, nothing seemed wrong at the house. That helped Al feel calm.
'A lot of stuff happened. Is it okay if I come to the village?'
'No, not really. Even now, bounty hunters are still hanging around the house. But your mother and the others want to see you. Could you come after dark, quietly?'
So that's what was going on. The trip had taken two hours, but he was glad he came. It was possible that those adventurers outside were actually mages from the Marquis Prentis family in disguise. He had to be careful.
Maybe the 'Conceal' spell would work, but turning into a small bird with 'Animal Transformation' might be even better. He could also take Kane's form again, like when he met Heath. That way, he wouldn't even need to change clothes.
'I'll disguise myself as a red-haired adventurer. I'll use the name Kel. It should take me about 30 minutes to get there. Can you let me in without anyone getting suspicious?'
'You're sure about this? It's not a disguise that someone can see through right away, is it?'
His father sounded worried, but it should be fine. Unless they were the kind of people who picked fights for no reason, he didn't expect trouble. And if they did, he had magic to handle them.
'I'll be fine. The disguise is perfect.'
'Got it. I'll have Neville meet you at the village gate. You're Kel now—the red-haired adventurer.'
Al ended the 'Telepathy' spell with a quiet farewell.
He could only keep three spells active while using the 'Stealth' spell. If he chose 'Animal Transformation,' that left space for only two others.
After thinking for a moment, he chose 'Floating Eye' and 'Magic Sense' and cancelled the rest.
He took Kane's form, then used the 'Stealth' spell to set all three spells in place.
"Glee, this should work, right?"
He floated the 'Floating Eye' a little and looked at himself from the side. Only the small button-shaped magic bag reacted to 'Magic Sense.'
He clipped the bag under his collar, where it wouldn't be seen. From the outside, he looked like a young adventurer—well, maybe not quite. His armor and sword looked a little too old and worn.
'The armor's a bit much, but it should be okay. Some adventurers do buy used gear...'
If anyone looked too closely, it might seem strange. But Neville was supposed to meet him. As long as he got there quickly, it should be fine. Al rushed toward the village gate.
* * *
At the village gate, Neville stood waiting. His younger sister Mary was there too. Behind a pile of wheat sacks sat two men Al didn't know. They looked like they were trying to stay hidden.
He didn't feel any magic from them. That was good.
"Hello. Mr. Neville, Miss Mary."
Al smiled and greeted them brightly.
The two strangers looked him over carefully. Their eyes narrowed. They seemed unsure—but then their faces fell, and they shook their heads. Probably decided it wasn't Al.
"Hey, you must be Mr. Kel. Nice to meet you."
"Kel? Nice to meet you."
Al gave a polite bow. The two men stared again, as if to make sure, then nodded. It seemed like they had accepted him.
"Nice to meet you."
Neville and Mary welcomed him. Al walked past the two guards and headed quickly toward the house.
* * *
As soon as he entered the sitting room, his mother Pamela ran up with tears in her eyes.
"Alfred, it's really you! I'm so glad you're safe!"
His father Nelson was there, along with his older brother Jasper and older sister Lucy.
"Yeah. Just give me a second. I'll cancel the spell."
Al ended the 'Animal Transformation' spell and returned to his true form. Everyone stared at him in surprise.
"Incredible. Al's magic always amazes me," his father said, full of pride.
The others nodded, still staring.
Notes:
• Channing Village - A small village located in the region governed by Viscount Parker and Baron Marlow. It is the home of Al's family and is currently under scrutiny due to the presence of adventurers seeking rewards.
• Eric - Top magician in Lester. Mentor to many, including Leda.
• Baron Marlow - Male. The magistrate of Marlow's town, responsible for maintaining order. He works with Viscount Parker to ensure the safety of the region. His appearance is likely formal and authoritative.
• Ruella - Eldest daughter of the Levy merchant guild. Former classmate of the protagonist in Margrave Rain's capital.
• Naresh - He was in the same class as Alfred, and he is the second son of Viscount Lester, who was to be Baron Sennett, at the middle school in the capital of Margrave Rain's domain.
• Nelson - Male. Al's father, a concerned and loving parent. He resides in Channing Village and communicates with Al via 'Telepathy'. His appearance is that of a middle-aged man, likely with a kind and worried demeanor.
• Heath - Squire to Lord Duran, sender of a crucial letter. Deputy captain of the 4th unit in the Margrave Rain knight brigade.
• Neville - Male. A retainer of the family, tasked with meeting Al at the village entrance. He is trustworthy and loyal. His appearance is likely that of a capable and discreet servant.
• Mary - Female. Al's sister, waiting at the village entrance with Neville. She is a family member Al cares about. Her appearance is not detailed.
• Pamela - Female. Al's mother, who greets him with tears upon his return. She is a caring and emotional figure in the family. Her appearance is likely that of a middle-aged woman.
• Jasper - Male. Al's older brother, present in the mansion. He is part of the family Al reunites with. His appearance is not detailed.
• Lucy - Female. Al's older sister, also present in the mansion. She is another family member Al cares about. Her appearance is not detailed.
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