The two remained silent as they stared at each other. Vladimir was waiting in vain for Helena to say something. He could clearly see that the girl was petrified.

" Did I go too far? But I don't think I said anything scary. People usually look forward to meet heroes. That's what I've read in fairy tales" The silver haired youth murmured. He was genuinely filled with doubt.

Helena couldn't process in her mind what was happening in front of her.

' He is mad! And dangerous too! I have to escape quickly. Oh father, I am sorry I didn't hear you and went out with someone I didn't know'. Having these thoughts in her mind she was trying desperately to find a way to get out of there immediately. A sudden voice woke the two of them up.

"There you are. I didn't expect you two to still be together" A teen around 14 years old appeared in their sights when they turned to look instinctively at the direction that the sound was heard. He didn't have anything notable in his appearance, just your average Joe. Naturally he wasn't anyone else than John. As he looked strangely at the two of them, John continued

" Is it that strange to see me? It's almost noon you know"

" You are... Actually who are you?"

The one that unexpectedly answered wasn't Vladimir but Helena who awoke first from her stupor.

John felt exhausted. This joke had gone too far. First that old geezer, now this rude girl. He couldn't help but feel like they were trying to provoke him on purpose. Before he could retort, Vladimir opened his mouth quickly

" His name is John and he is my brother. His presence is weak so it's easy to forget his existence but please next time try to at least pretend to rememb... Aoutch!"A fist interrupted him before he had the chance to complete his sentence. Feeling satisfied, John looked again at the pigtailed girl. As if he understood something he opened his mouth

" Seems like my stupid brother scared the hell out of you" He said slowly. When he saw that the young girl's expression started to change he couldn't help but laugh .

'Maybe with her he can learn some common sense and her character is also passable. Ok I decided!'

John moved his hand inside his pocket and took out six small stones. A gleam of surprise appeared in the girl's eyes. She could feel a sense of familiarity come from the stones! John moved towards Helena but he didn't approach her too much as he was afraid that he would scare her. He lowered his body and placed carefully the stones on the ground. He then took a step back and opened his mouth.

" These stones are called fate stones. I know that I don't need to explain you much. You are already in a state where you can freely see and sense mana. If you knew about the elements and how to differentiate them, maybe you would have already learnt how to use magic".

For Helena, the view in front of her was breathtaking. Each one of the stones was emitting a different color. All of them were giving a profound otherwordly feeling to her.

" Your life is happy. Both of your parents are healthy and they love you. Honestly, there is no reason for you to learn magic or to become strong". John said expressionlessly, while Vladimir revealed a trace of envy in his eyes.

"That being said, there will be a time where you will be called to protect your family, your friends, maybe even your hometown. One day, bandits may attack or demon beasts. The adventurers may protect you for now but it doesn't change the fact that they are external help. As for the knights, their priority will always be their lord before the citizens of the territory. Our world isn't peaceful, me and Vladimir are the living example of this fact. I hope you won't be powerless like we were ". As he said that he started to turn around. He stopped when he was facing the opposite direction and started to slowly leave the area. Vladimir also followed him without saying anything

" Wait! Is that it? You say that one day I'll meet despair and then leave like that?" Helena immediately stood up and shouted angrily.

" It was my pleasure to meet a cute girl like you Helena. Stay healthy. I hope we meet again" Vladimir answered instead of John cheerfully and ran after his brother again

* * * * * *

' Both of them are crazy' the girl sighed as she remained gazing at the sea. She turned her head and looked at the stones.

' In the end, he left these here' she thought as she approached the stones. She picked up the one she sensed that it had the biggest familiarity with her. A feeling like she had finally found a piece that she had lost emerged in her heart. A wide smile appeared on her face. Her blue eyes sparkled with interest.

' If I recall correctly, Vladimir mentioned sometime in his madness the Imperial Academy. If you think you two that you can bully me and leave freely, then you don't know how terrifying a woman can be!' she thought.

* * * * *

"I never expected you to take interest in someone else other than me, brother." Vladimir said with wonder

" I was surprised too. I never expected to meet someone that could endure your real self without going crazy other than me and father" John replied happily.

Vladimir didn't take John seriously, as he continued

" What do you think she'll do?"

" Well I am not sure. Although she seems to be shy and reserved, I think this is her facade."

" That's unexpected!"

" A girl that goes on a date with a guy the day she meets him for the first time. She seems pretty brave to me."