Grey, Sylvia, and Void were currently seated in a restaurant, eating a delicious meal, oblivious to the fact that they were being searched for. They were currently in Brook City, the last city before leaving the Ares region.
"This is good, we should find a way to learn it," Void said after emptying his bowl of food.
"Since when did you start cooking?" Grey asked.
"I mean you should learn how to cook it," Void said, trying to convince Grey into waiting to learn it, just like they did previously in Eagle's City.
"Although this is good, it isn't worth our time. We should focus on getting you stronger," Sylvia butted in.
Grey looked at Sylvia, unsure of what to say.
"Is there a reason you're doing this?" He couldn't help but ask.
Sylvia had been helping him with his training for some time now, and given his personality, he didn't think she was only doing it because she wanted to help. There must be a reason behind this.
"No, is it wrong if I want you to grow strong. Besides, it isn't like it's a bad thing for you," Sylvia replied.
"It's not, but that's on the premise that we knew each other. I do not know who you are, nor do you know who I am. To be honest, I find your character a little suspicious," Grey said.
"Haha, since I mean you no harm, that should be enough for you, right?" Sylvia laughed.
"Well…" Grey wanted to speak, but after sensing Sylvia's threatening gaze, he shut his mouth.
'Why did I even look at the battle in the first place?' He complained.
But he couldn't deny it, she has been a great help. If not for her setting up that battle, then there was no way they would've been able to acquire so many essence stones for traveling. Presently, they've only used about one-tenth of the stones they obtained. They shouldn't have no problems with getting to their destination before the stones run out.
"Since we've come to terms with this, then let's get going. You'll continue training like usual, but this time, you'll need target practice as well. With me here with you, that shouldn't be a problem," Sylvia said.
"I'm going to spar with you?" Grey asked, slightly terrified of his possible outcome if this was what happens.
"Of course not, I would hold back so I won't kill you, but others won't. You'll be challenging all those so-called geniuses, just like you did in the Gale region. This is the quickest way for you to grow stronger, battles," Sylvia said.
"Yeah, but fighting continuously like the last time is too taxing. It will be better if I went to a competition where others would also fight," Grey replied.
"You're right, for a single person to fight against hundreds of people is too straining. Let's see if we can find any competition that would be holding soon," Sylvia suggested.
Grey looked around. He had been in the Aurora continent for around two months now, and he still hadn't seen Ellis, who he knew where he was located, much less his parents. He promised his friends he wouldn't be gone for more than six months, and he knew they would all be worried right now since there was no way to contact him.
But, he also needed to grow stronger, this was the only way he would be able to search for his parents, and also live the life he wanted.
While Grey spaced out, Sylvia had called a stranger, asking if there were any contests taking place in the city.
"The regional annual contest will be taking place in two days time. Geniuses from all over the region are flocking here, hoping to get to a good position. They would also be updating the geniuses rankings with it," The lady Sylvia called over said.
"Oh, is there a reward or anything?" Sylvia asked.
Since it was a contest, it should naturally have a reward in stall for the winners.
"Yes, the top ten in each ranking will be rewarded, for instance, the top ten for Elementalists in the Early stages of the Origin and Overlord Plane will be rewarded. It will go in that manner till the the Peak of each Plane," The lady explained.
"Can someone compete with those in the Origin Plane then also in the Overlord Plane if their powerful enough?" Sylvia asked.
Since there was a reward, it wouldn't be bad if Grey obtained the first position for those at the Peak of the Origin Plane, then hopefully get into the top ten for the one of those in the Early stages of the Overlord Plane.
"Yes, there has been a case when a Peak stage Origin Plane Elementalist fought against those in the Early stages of the Overlord Plane. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to get far," The lady said, shaking her head in pity.
"Alright, thank you for the information," Sylvia said before turning her attention to Grey.
"Are you up for it?" She asked.
Grey nodded.
They finished their meal before heading into the city, in search of a tavern. They soon found one not too far from the restaurant they were previously in.
Grey decided he wouldn't be staying in the tavern, opting to stay in the forest where he could train comfortably without any disturbance. He mercilessly dragged Void along.
"Why are you taking me with you?" Void asked while holding onto the table in the tavern.
"Because I need company," Grey said, before using lightning to zap the paws of Void, forcing him to let go of the table.
"Then go and find one, there's a comfy room and bed here I can sleep in, why do you think I would want to sleep in the forest?" Void complained.
"Shut up and follow me," Grey said, leaving the tavern with Void who was still complaining.
Void could easily escape if he wanted to, but he didn't dare to since he might offend Grey, so he hoped he could convince him with words. Unfortunately, Grey wasn't having any of that.
