A/N: Let's start with the first chapter introducing the 6th traveler !

The picture hasn't been taken by me, by the way.

~Travis's POV~

If you want to progress, just learn to act by yourself... If it can help you...

The voice in my head repeated again, before it slowly disappeared...

Gees... Who are you, finally ?...

Personnally, I expected it was coming, those sparks which made me appearing in that very weird space again. After observing all these tornados making my body rotating through a blue magic zone, with only the sound of the invisible wind, I think I was finally used to that. That might be difficult to regain my balance while I was aspired by that vortex, but if we manage to not move and to keep our calm, it's just like the time advanced slower.

After a long moment, I was finally aware of something: it shouldn't been a long time I've found myself in that video game world, but I just stopped wanting to know what time it was actually, so much that I haven't stopped to count how much days has spent. After all, life goes on... things changes... there are always good things and bad things, good people and bad people...

There were a lot of common points between that world and the real one... I first tried to think all of this was just a dream, from my own imagination, where nothing is real... However, everything which happened without warning came so fast that I was too impressed by the events, without paying attention to the rest, as some of my memories started to be forgotten. In other terms... it's just like... the video game world was the real, and the original one... just a dream.

I might find myself completely weird while saying that, but I was afraid it was the truth, and I won't deny it. By the way, I've started to have the feeling my life has been always weird since I was born. I always thought about it, at each seconds, each minutes, each hours, each days of my life.

I was too amazed by the beauty of that blue space that I didn't pay attention at the white vortex sucking me. In reality, I was paying attention at anything, being too focused at myself, lost in my thoughts, my eyes being shut.

When I closed them, it was quite fun to imagine in what kind of place I will land: a forest ? a swamp ? a volcano maybe ?

WOOOSH !

As usual, I would always think that I will fall in that exact moment when I passed through the vortex, and landing somewhere else in the immense country of Orsterra. But when I opened my eyes, I noticed I wasn't falling, but I was still in that blue space.

My arms and my legs were extended like a stars, when I observed such a beautiful kind of blue zone... However, it was slightly different to the blue space. Indeed, I couldn't feel any puff of wind, and it's just like the time has suddenly stopped, or became much slower.

What is that place ?... Why I can't move ?...

I was also too dazzled by the beauty of that zone, but I could totally understand something was different. My body was like... floating.

My body was just like 10 times less heavier, and I couldn't move my arms as freely as I wanted to. Plus, there was a kind of invisible substance which surrounded me, so much that I couldn't even talk, and not even breath.

Blb blb blb !

It was completely impossible to breath here: when I tried to, my mouth was instead being filled of water, and some kinds of bubble would escape it. If they were bubbles, was I into the water ?

Yeah. I was pretty sure my body was underwater, as this place seemed like... an ocean. A blue wonderful ocean where I was completely impressed by its beauty.

When I watched above, I could observe such a wonderful spectacle: the bubbles I've made reached the top, where the water was gracefully waving by emitting a shiny and soft orange light. That light was illuminating the bubbles which still spreaded all around me: it was beautiful...

I was like in another universe, an universe which I was burning with desire to see. There were even fishes swimming around me, like peaceful inhabitants of the mysterious ocean.

I could stay for hours observing that, but I started to run out of air. So, I decided to swim for the very first time at the surface, moving my arms and my legs by passing through the bubbles.

Blb ! Blb ! Blb !

Splash !

"...AAH !"

I could finally breath, and my hair were well wait and messy.

Thanksfully, there was a ledge a front of me which I could hang myself, instead of just floating in place.

I managed to move my legs to help me floating, when some blue sparkles appeared on the surface of water.

Gzzt ! Gzzt !

Strangely, a bunch of fishes suddenly appeared at the surface around me, but strangely, they weren't swimming, just floating at the surface.

I grabbed the edge and climbed up, when I heard some bells ringing.

DING ! DING ! DING ! DING !

It was a loud but calm bell, just like the ones we used when a boat was leaving a port, like in a book I've read. But... where was I ?

HII ! HII !

Some birds were flying above my head, as they looked much less scarier than eagles with their friendly screech and their white plumage. I recognized those birds: they were seagulls ! I've heard they lived next to the sea and that some of them were even able to travel an entire sea !

Curious, I felt a warm light of the sun behind my wet back, when I turned back to see such an impressing view which gave me much more than a surprise.

"Woaahh..."

I was suddenly so dazzled, so happy in my mind, that I wanted to cry...

It was such a beautiful landscape, all that endless body of water which even reached the horizon. Small waves were calmly manifesting on that beautiful blue ocean. Everything was blue: the water was completely clean, with not a single debris floating at the surface. The sun was beautifully shining at the horizon, making me hiding partially my eyes, but that bright light illuminating the surface like a mirror was absolutely amazing.

Is that... the ocean ? It's... wonderful... The world is so vast...

I was completely astonished: since all my life, I always wanted to see the sea through my own eyes, and not in books or pictures I've seen at the library anymore. Honestly, it was so much fun to see the ocean in real life, and I was completely happy to be here. There was such a soft little breeze gently blewing my hair, as the smell of the sea was funnily good. The seagulls looked really happy to fly around that amazing area, which looked to be an ideal place to live. Now, I understand why people want to spend their vacations in a place like this one !

I watched at my feet to see the ground being wet, when I noticed a old man just passing next to me with a kind of landing net.

"Hehehe..."

He calmly laughed while taking the fishes floating at the surface of the waters. How did they ended up floating at the surface, by the way ?

Whatever. I had better things to do.

Where am I ?

I went up a few stairs, when I observed I was actually in a particular town.

Indeed, this town was really close to the ocean. There were a few boats next to a place which seemed to be a port, where I observed some peoples with light but wet clothes happily working. Some of them were fishing with a giant rod, others were transporting a net with a lot of fishes they must have fished in the deep sea. I've also noticed a kind of small crane which a few people were using for transporting heavy wooden boxes or barrels out of a boat. The port was made wooden docks, were a few boats were hung by ropes.

I was also amazed by the rest of the village: it has been mostly made of cobble were a bunch of houses where a few seagulls were living on their roofs, like typical pigeons in a normal city. There were even palm trees reaching an height of at least 5 meters, which looked so splendid in that vacation town bathed by the sun. I also observed from far a few rocks behind the town, and even what I deduced to be sand. A place where the sea was wondeful, and where the sun was warm... was that region the Coastlands ?

A small area of the town was even crossed by the sea, where a small bridge permitted the water to pass, and was even large enough to let a boat passing underneath. There was also some activities, as some stands filled of merchandises were surrounded by a few peoples, and guarded by some happy merchants.

"Fresh fish ! Come and get it !"

"Oysters, clams and cockles !"

The merchant and the customers looked really happy, and there was really a lot of various things being sod at the stand, like fishes, fruits, meat, clothes, and even wine.

I observed a woman being interested a front of a stand of drinks, guarded by an happy sellsman.

"Wanna taste my vintage wine, my lady ?"

"With pleasure !"

"Good, it isn't !? Its savour comes from the beautiful seaside town of Goldberg !"

Being amazed by the ambiance of the seaside town, I wanted to visit that place.

I observed kindly the customers selling their products with a smile on their lips, and some boats leaving the port before navigating further in the sea. It was such a sympathetic place, and I was well happy to be in that village, much happier than at the other places I've visited, like in that scary forest where I spent alone a not cool night in the nature...

DING ! DING ! DING ! DING !

The bell rang again, as I observed there was a large building where the wind was gently moving the bell. A lot of people filled the village, especially next to the stands, with a group of customers ready to fill their baskets of fruit and of fish. Indeed, the stand which was selling fish was the most impressing: there were really a lot of species of fishes I have never seen in my life, and some of them were even bigger than me !

All of these was really amazing, but I have still not idea where I could sleep. I didn't want to sleep in the middle of a narrow street  anymore, like I did in my old life. Now, I wanted to anticipate that problem for once, as I have to fend for myself if I wanted to find a warm place to sleep. And the other problemn of course, was the water and the food.

Sadly, I didn't have the time to take some food and water before I landed here. Plus, it's been a time I haven't ate something, and I was terribly thirsty as well.

Garglegle !...

"Oh..."

I passed through the small crowd of people, trying to find a merchant which could sell something to drink besides wine, when I noticed a fountain in the middle of the village. I approached it, and observed it was such a lovely installation, where some thin pipes projected some water jet at the pool, filled of pieces at the bottom. I could read "POTABLE WATER" on the sign.

So, I carefully climbed the ledge, because I was too small for my mouth could reach the water, and slowly drank for a few seconds, before I stopped. I then noticed another sign where I could read what seemed to be the village's name: Rippletide. Such a lovely name !

I have now to find something to eat, maybe there would be something good at the trading place.

I then went back to that place, passing next to a noisy tavern where people were drinking and laughing, when I observed next to the port a man selling some kind of bread, and there were even a plate of sandwich on the stand.

Being attracted by the food, I observed the man talking with another young man.

"Morning, lad ! Do you have a good catch, today ?"

"Of course ! Me and my father have worked so hard to have filled our net of anchovies !"

Gargle !

My stomach couldn't stop to claim, and I wanted to steal just one sandwhich while he was distracted. I first hesitated, understanding stealing was bad, but I was so much hungry.

Okay, fine !...

Nobody was seeing me, so I was able to move sneakily towards the stand, and to grab one sandwhich, while the sellman was distracted by the young fisherman.

"Nice job ! 'been time I've never seen such fishes stuck in a trap !"

"Hehe ! You know, it's actually the best season where they like to swin in these warm waters !"

Now !

I then ran away from the stand, but not so fast, or I could provoke some noises. No one had seen me, and I was finally able to steal a meal without being noticed. It wasn't the first time, thought, but it was so easy to steal, just like the key I've taken from that guard this morning.

I then hid in a lost street, and was about to eat my stolen meal.

Wait...

Honestly, I think I had made a mistake. I knew I was hungry, but I now understood how much what I did was a shame... It's been a time I've started to steal food at nice people, and since I've landed in that game, meeting all those persons being nice with me permitted me to trust them. It was also impolite to have taken that sandwich without paying despite how much the seller has put his heart to prepare it. I just felt so bad to have stolen it, especially because he was nice... I think that couldn't continue like that.

So, I sighted and went back to the stand with the sandwich, as I decided to put it back where I've stolen it, while the seller was still discussing.

"Hehe... I hope you the next catch will permit you to make an anchovies soap !"

"Hahaha ! Thank you, and have a nice day too !"

The fisherman left, when I managed to put back the sandwhich at its place, when a voice called me.

"Hey !"

It was the seller, who just noticed me.

Oh no ! He must have thought I was going to steal one !

"Err... I..."

"It isn't one of my ham sandwiches !?"

I wanted to be honest for once and to apologyze.

"Sir... I-I didn't really mean to st..."

"Well... I'm hope you will like it, little guy  !", he told me happily, at my big surprise.

"Huh ?!"

"Everyday, you know, I sell a lot of products that I prepared myself, so I also make sure to commercialize them by having my customers trying them, just a story to show them the good quality of my food ! You can serve yourself."

"Wait... Do you mean it's free ?"

"Of course ! Haven't you seen the sign ?"

I observed just under the stand a sign where it was written "Serve yourself !"

I was really surprised, but also reassured. So, I took back the sandwhich and waved at the sellman.

"Thank you, sir !"

What a luck !

I never expected some people would sell free food like this ! I really thought I would have been hated for stealing that nice man !

CRUNCH !

Oh yeah... That's good...

I could recognize a delicious ham between each slices of bread, and the meal was really tasty as well...

Now my stomach was full, I wanted to visit more at Rippletide's surroundings, and I was somewhat curious about the rocks I spotted outside the village.

I decided to go at the exit of the village, but I won't leave the village now, not for the moment. I just wanted to explore.

~A few minutes of exploring later~

The coast I was visiting actually looked pretty nice looking. The landscape was really new and tropical, with those small cliff of wet rocks. I could smell the nice odor of sea air, and hear the amazing noise of the large waves violently hitting the side and splashing the rocks.

SPLASH !

It was such a nice walk to wander in that zone: I also picked up some kind of wet weed by curiosity, where I remembered in a book it was called seaweed. The odor was really strong, and it looked like it left the ocean for a few days. There were still palmers which I could observe the top thanks to their height, with their large and funky leaves. I wondered if there were fruits which could grow in these tall trees...

I arrived next to a way hidden by two rocks, when I noticed sand at the end.

"What is that place ?...

HIII ! HIII ! HIII !

The seagulls were still looking as happy as usually, as I saw one of them just flying above me, and dropping a kind of white substance on the rocks at my left.

My attention was distracted by the weird substance, when I felt my feet walking on something soft, and warm.

I was walking on a small area of sand, next to the water, and it was so soft that I wanted to remove my shoes. I continued to touch with my own hands all of the millions and millions of grains of sand covering the surface. It was quite funny because the grains could stay sticked at our hands, but I was also impressed by its pureness. I might already knew that kind of powder existed, but it was softer than I expected.

I think this small place was such a lovely one: a few palmers were standing high on the sand, and there was a blue sky pool of water which was lighted by the sun rays.

I approached the water, and watched all the nature present. There were a lot of white fishes swimming in group, passing next to an underwater rock. I also noticed some seaweed moving beautifully at the bottom, just next to a few rocks covered by foam which looked like sponges. I have even noticed a pretty pink starfish resting in this marine ambiance.

Blb ! Blb !

Some fishes just passed under my noise, when I noticed a large shadow which made me smile.

"Oh ! A turtle !"

A red turtle just swam peacefully next to the rocks. It wasn't only the first time I saw a turtle in real life, but also the first one when I saw one who had flippers and can swim underwater.

It was so fun that I wanted a lot to spend my entire day at contemplating this underwater nature through my eyes. I couldn't imagine how much wondeful species would live in the ocean !

I then noticed a figure swimming at high speed, when I suddenly rided up to see a fish jumping gracefully out of the water.

A Flying fish ! I was so excited to see one just a front of me, and he was absolutely beautiful with his wing-shaped flippers and his pink scales. He just passed a front of me, before he jumped above a rock, before plunging back in the deep ocean.

I spotted at the side where the fish has plunged, when I observed close to the surface of water a weird animal. Indeed, I didn't know if I could really call him animal, but it looked like a big oyster of around 1 meter of large, with yellow slim tentacles, and a pair of red eyes staring creepily at me, when it suddenly closed out of fear.

It was such a sunny day in that wonderful place, and the water seemed quite fine. I would like to swim in and to plunge in order to observe more of the ocean's fauna, but the water looked too deep, and there must be also some dangerous creatures who could attack me, like this oyster which gave me a bad impression...

However, the sand was so warm and so comfy that I wanted to sit there, even if I knew I could get my clothes dirty. Thought, I even decided to remove them and to put them away, until I was only wearing a slip. It might not be too smart to be almost naked, but it was still really hot, and I wanted to dress like a true vacationer !

"Ahhh !.."

I felt relaxed, in that small secret base, where I also spotted a close but small cave in the middle of these rocky coasts. I first wanted to take some sand and to try making a sandcastle, like how children would do at the beach. However, the sand wasn't hard enough, and it was almost impossible to build something, except just simple mud pies.

The sun was so warm, and the smell of the sea was so good, I always wanted to get some vacations during my life, especially at this moment when I needed to relax after all I've been through... I still wanted to retrieve the others, but I have no idea where to go. So, I think I'm gonna leave that place tomorrow at the morning.

I'm gonna take a rest...

~A few hours later~

Several hours were spent under the warm bath of sun, when a small puff of wind woke me up.

I yawned loudly, as I observed it was the end of the afternoon, where the sky started to have an orange color along the way the sun went down at the horizon.

The air started to be quite colder, and I needed to wear something. So, I got up and tried to reach for my shirt, when I noticed it was gone.

"Where are my clothes ?!", I yelled, but managed to keep my calm.

I then noticed there were just a few meters away from where I put them, probably being moved by the wind, but they were now partially soaked in the water.

I quickly picked them up, feeling upset to have soaked them.

"Oh, dammit !"

Thanksfully, my shoes haven't reached the water, so they were well cleaned.

I then decided to put them on, by removing the water by twisting them like a sponge, when I felt a little disturbed by the water still present. However, I hoped it will be dry if I waited a few minutes...

Anyway, it was soon the evening, and I needed to eat something before I sleep. Also, I knew there was a fountain with potable water, but I would like to taste the sea water.

So I bended down and filled my hand of water, before flowing it into my mouth. However, I froawned because there were too much salt for my taste. That's too bad... especially when I had a source of water very close to my secret base.

"Guess I'm gonna go back to the city and serve myself there...", I said to myself.

Garggle !

So, I went back to the stand kept by the nice man who sold free sandwhich, when he gave me another one with pleasure. I ate it with impatience and noticed the taste was different from the last one: there were no ham inside, but my teeth could munch something crispy and which also tasted like Fish.

"Glad you enjoy it, little guy ! It took me hours to fish all those shrimps, so eat it with all your heart !", said the seller.

I've already heard of shrimps somewhere, which were like mixt between a fish and a crab. Honestly, the sandwhich has a weird taste, but it was healthy enough to be a delight.

After I finished the meal, I noticed the place started to be empty, when I decided to go at the fountain.

"Thank you !", I said at the merchant before leaving.

Next, I decided to hydrate my mouth one more time before going back to my secret base.

I continued to open my mouth wide open, using my hands to make sure the water would land in my palms, being careful to not fall on the fountain.

The water was so fresh and clean, but I wondered from where all that water came from... It couldn't be sea water, or I would immediately recognize it with its salty taste.

However, I could admit it shouldn't be really a good habitude to go drinking here, even if it was free. I was pretty sure all the inhabittants of Rippletide would have already water at home, else the fountain would be always surrounded by numerous persons.

Thought, I shouldn't feel ashamed, because there was just another person drinking at my right, who might be very thirsty as well after a long day of work, especially with that heavy bagpack.

Without paying attention at the person, I was wondering how could I transport water during my trip I will start tomorrow.

If ever I had a gourd, like Sir Olberic...

I might also need a lot of other things to take before moving, including food. Plus, I didn't have any idea how much days it would take me to find the others, and which one I will look for first. However, if I can remember Ophilia's map, that seaside region would be close to the Highlands one, where Sir Olberic would be.

By the way, I was quite curious about that calm village: just like Alfyn's hometown, it looked so peaceful and charming, and it was such a place to live in Summer under the sun and close to the ocean's waves. I think it was mostly particular because there were a lot of merchants who worked next to the port, and its inhabittants were really all nice and sympathetic. It was just weird that I haven't spotted a single person bathing in the ocean at what I could call a beach, but I could understand with all those weird animals who could be dangerous. If it was a video game, maybe there would be a lot of sharks or even a giant octopus !

I was mostly concerned about those merchants, especially because they were so nice, compared to the ones whom I was used to rob and who would always be angry towards me when I was in the original world. Maybe they just enjoyed to work in such a wondeful place...

"OH ! It isn't what I believe ?!", exclaimed someone.

The person next to me suddenly turned, when I suddenly got hit by an heavy bag on my back at my surprise.

BUNK !

"Ah !"

SPLASH !!

I then found myself inside the fountain's water, being ridiculously watered by the jet. What a shame... but what was the person thinking by drifting like this ?!

Though, I bet it was just an accident, asn the clumsy person noticed me, feeling quite responsible, as she helped me to get up.

"Oh my !... I'm so sorry ! I didn't mean to..."

"I-it's alright !...", I forgave her, quite embarassed.

It was a young girl in her late teenage years, maybe around 18 years old. She has short brown hair with two locks framing each sides of her face, and a hat decorated with a pretty yellow feather at the side was covering her head. She was wearing a white pale dress with a pair of yellow ribbons tied around her sleeves, and a short brown leather vest completed her panoply. The most surprising was the very large bag she was carrying on her back, despite her small silhouette... How could she manage to carry such an heavy thing ?!

I continued to put back in my bag some stuff which plunged in the pool, when my blue eyes stared at her green emerald eyes. She observed me for a second, when she became quite surprised, before suddenly grabbing me and pulling me for... a hug ?!

"YOU ARE SO CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTE !"

"Hey ! What are you do-... Let me go !"

She didn't listen to me and continued to cuddle me so tight, her cheek pressed against mine, when I started to have trouble breathing. She looked so happy when she cuddled me without warning, and didn't seem to break her hug right now, without caring that she was getting wet by touching my wet clothes. However, when she cuddled me tighter, I protested by moving my arms.

"Please ! Let me go !"

"Ah... Okay, fine."

She slowly released me from her grasp, as I immediately tried to catch my breath after the tight hug she gave me. I knew that girls of that age would always gush over cute things, but why did she cuddled me like this although I was a stranger for her ?! Was I still more adorable than I expected ?!

I listened to her apologyzing, as she stayed positive.

"I... I'm so sorry ! Hehe ! I hope I haven't frightened you a lot ! I'm not every used to see such an adorable face like yours in Rippletide, so it was a little stronger than me to..."

What's wrong with this girl ?!

Despite her mistake, she really looked so delighted and positive. Apparently, she must be an inhabittant of Rippletide as well... Were they all the same in the village, with that happy behavior ?

She then continued to speak to me curiously.

"Anyway ! I never seen your face somewhere... Are you a visitor ?"

"Yeah... kinda."

"He he !", she giggled, when she noticed I was standing in the water of the fountain. "Woops ! I would like to apologize to have pushed you in the fountain. I was just trying to reach for this coin."

She showed me a small coin, so small that I was surprised such a thing would make her in that state.

"For that small coin ?"

"That's not a regular coin: you know, there are so much kinds of leaves coins which had been made by our land's ancestors. We consider them as the first relics of Orsterra's money.", she explained me, when she approached the coin closer to me, permitting me to see the figure of a man drawn."Look. This coin has the picture of the one who had founded the lost kingdom of Hornburg: the prince Beowulf ! It's now very rare to find one !"

So, it is this guy who have founded the Kingdom which Sir Olberic had served 8 years ago ? He looked quite old for a prince...

Anyway, I never knew such old coins would still exist. This girl seemed to know a lot about that simple coin, even if it didn't seem to be useful to buy something, not even a bread. She really looked delighted to have found that tiny coin...

She then curiously asked me.

"Is that your bag ?"

"Yeah... It's mine."

When she approached her hands towards my snatchel, I stayed vigilant, with the fear that she would steal it to me. However, she just slowly caressed the bag with her pale hands, when she looked amazed.

"That leather... alongside with that manner to stitch... no doubt: it has been made in the Riverlands !"

"How... how did you know that ?!"

"Well, that's pretty easy ! All the best bags are sewed in that region, with that soft but quite expensive leather... I'm pretty sure this would cost at least... mhh... not less than 2000 leaves !"

"Two... thousands leaves ?!"

"Three thousands in adult size !", she added, making a small giggle, before she continued. "Its manufacturer must has put all his love while making it ! There is not a single default of conception, and thanksfully is quite impermeable !", she calmly joked.

Yeah, Alfyn should have put a lot of love when he had taken care of that bag before giving it to me, knowing him...

I picked up my black wing, when she spotted it as well.

"And !... That black feather..."

"What, my feather ?..."

She gently moved her finger on the feather.

"It is a little old, but the feather is still so furry !... It might has been lost by a royal crow in flight !... I suppose its market value would be at least 400 leaves, just the exact price of one kilogram of pink quartz ! Where have you find it ?", she looked at me with amazed eyes.

I quite felt embarassed with that girl asking me so much questions, when I had an idea.

"Err... It was this man over there who gave it to me !", I pointed my finger in a direction in order to distract her.

She watched at the direction.

"Really ?! Which one ?... HEY WAIT !"

I quickly jumped out of the fountains and ran at full speed at the exit of the village.

~A few minutes later~

"Phew... I barely escaped her !..."

I went back to the way leading to my secret path, hidden behind a teeth-shaped rock, while I peered at the village. I finally manage to get away from her, as I was way too fast for she could pursue me.

Honestly, that girl didn't seem bad at all, I just found her quite weird with all those questions. Indeed, no one has never been so curious about me, and especially about what I was carrying, but she was mostly interested by my stuff than myself. What were those questions about what I was carrying ? How did she know all those details about my bag and my feather ?

Sure, she looked really interested, even amazed, by these simple objects, ans she even talked about a market value... What does that meant ? Did she wanted to buy them from me ?

No way ! There are way too precious for me, so I will never sold them, even if it was the only way to make some money !

I was just wondering who was this girl, exactly... Why was she concerned about my stuff ? And by the way...

Am I really cute ?

I finally sighted, quite exhausted by everything which happened to me since this morning, as it was a miracle I was still able to move despite that yellow helmet man had beaten me in pulp...

I went back to my secret base, bypassing the large rocks, and observed the ocean. I was really astonished by this amazing landscape: the sun was exactly going down at the horizon, just like it was slowly plunging in the deep sea.

I guess the water must be very hot over there !

The water looked so calm, and there was not a single puff of wind, so it would be the perfect ambiance to rest. The small cave was also lighted by the sun, and I wanted to go in in order to admire better the view.

I slowly penetrated inside the cave, which was quite invaded by the sand, and I manage to lie down on my ass, my back being pressed against the wall.

Finally, I didn't regret to settle here: the view was spendid with all those rocks bathed by the softness of waves. I could observe the entire ocean throught my eyes, so beautiful with all its waves and so mysterious as well with all these animals hidden underwater. I couldn't stop to imagine how much treasures of that world ther were when watching at the sea... It must be the best place to sleep !

Exhausted, I was pretty glad to have found a place to sleep next to the small beach, and this cave looked perfect to protect me from the rain. Plus, the sand was so warm and comfy like a matress. It remembered me a little about the caves I've visited before, I meant the cave of Origins, the Cave of Rhiyo, and also that bandit's basement. Seriously, all those cave really looked amazing from the interior, but too bad it was too dangerous to live in between the cold, the snakes and the precipice...

I then had a fun idea in my mind, when I called happily.

"Hello !"

HELLO !

My voice echoed through the cave, making me giggle, as I continued.

"HI ! I'm Travis !"

HI ! I'M TRAVIS !

It was the first sentence which came in my mind, but it was still pretty funny, just like there was another me present in that cave.

"Ha Ha !... Wouaaaahhh !...", I calmly yawned.

WOUAAAAHHH !...

~Later that night~

Hours passed, and I couldn't sleep but admiring the stars present in that beautiful starry sky.

"The sky is so beautiful, tonight..."

I was completely amazed by that wonderful night, so wonderful that it was difficult to believe if it was just a dream or not. Anyway, it was like a fairy tale, all those stars greatly shining very high in the sky. I was always wondering how much stars were present in the sky, especially because they were too many that it would take an eternity to count each of them without counting twice the same. That didn't matter, because for me, the most important is that it was such an pleasant experience to admire them. Indeed, they were even reflecting on the water, just like they were twice more stars than usually !

The more I watched at those stars, the more I was aware how much the world is big, because even if we moved at miles from here, we could always spot the same stars, and we even tell their number would be countless in our universe... It was such a nice moment before sleeping, and I would like to watch it with someone at my sides...

I hope the others are also contempling it as well...

I was pretty sure they would. Who couldn't watch such an amazing spectacle at this time of the hour ?

I couldn't stop thinking about them when I watched that starry night, to believe if they were okay, no matter where they would be, and if they were looking for me... They must be quite worried about my safety, so I made sure to fend for myself and to be careful wherever I go.

I was also very exhausted by all those events which happened since I entered that game, and it was stressing me a little, especially with... him.

Indeed, the yellow helmet man had really surprised me sin that cavern that morning, and his powers were absolutely quite creepy, including the one which permitted him to take someone else 's appearance... How could he do that ? And how did he manage to find me in that brigands basement ?

But now, I was aware that he was looking for me, that he needed both me and my powers, but for what reason ? And what did he want to tell me about "learning things by myself "?

If he had led me in that cave where was this purple orb, does that mean he was the one responsible of that high pillar of light ? As well as the two precedents ones ? What was his goal to provoke these weird phenomenons ?

I have no real idea, but I was pretty sure this guy was dangerous with his ability to control beasts and his incredible strength. Because of me, he has also harmed some of my friends, including Alfyn, H'aanit, Linde, Philip, and also Sir Olberic. Even a strong knight like him would have difficulties to face this man. By the way, he and Philip were the first ones to meet him besides me. I felt so bad about it, because even if this guy just wanted me, it was my fault if my friends got harmed by defending me...

Though, if he really wanted me, why did he suddenly dissappear right after he was speaking to that weird orb, instead of kidnapping me ?

Honestly, right after he had created that pillar of light, it's just like... he wasn't himself.

I meant, that he felt worried, when he was talking to that ball like it was a phone, and also when he spoke to me when I was in the vortex. Has he thought he has done something wrong ? What did this magic ball has told him to make him upset ? Once again, there are still a lot of mysteries about this man...

Who is this guy, seriously ?...

I might not have valuable proofs, but I was pretty sure he really knew a lot about that game in particular. A nice remark is that if he could teleport everywhere in Orsterra, maybe he has already finished the game...

But did this game really has an end ? Honestly, I preferred this game would last forever, or that we could even start the game again and again, like the kids whom I spotted playing with a consol in the real world...

By the way, I was wondering why this game was called Octopath Traveler... Each normal video games, like mario, would be called after the name of the hero, if we excluded Zelda, as I heard the hero isn't called Zelda unlike what the title said... I could understand the meaning with "Travelers", because from all people I've met, they were all travelers, honestly. And I think me too I was a traveler as well, maybe the goal of this game is to travel through the entire country...

It was just the first word of the game "Octopath" that I wasn't able to decrypt. I could still understand the word "path", but it was just the "Octo" which concerned me. What does that meant ? Octopus ? October ? Something else ?

I was just thinking that if I understand the hidden sense of the game, I would believe it would be easier for me to help the others. I always thought this game was hiding something which I wasn't supposed to know, else the man with the yellow helmet would have never tracked me down... Indeed, it was pretty weird to find such a game in the middle of an abandoned building. What was that kind of "Nintendo Project", by the way ?

I was still focusing about finding an hidden sense to the name "Octopath"... all I know is that it started by the letter O, like "Ophilia"...

Octopath... Octopath... Octopath...

...

Wait an minute !

What if there wasn't really a coincidence ? What if the word "Octopath" followed a kind of logic ?

I meant: there is also another "O" in "Octopath", and Sir Olberic's name also started by an "O" ! And what about Therion, Alfyn and H'aanit ? Well... their names first later "T", "A" and "H" are also present in the word "Octopath" ! If I have understood... did that mean the game first's word "Octopath" is based on each heroes first's letter names ?!

What an nice idea I got ! Just like mario games, we could really say the game's name is based on the heroes name, even if it wasn't directly related !...

But if that theory was right, that would mean that there would be 8 heroes at all, because there were 8 letters in "Octopath" ! And if I followed that logic, the first letter of their names would start by a "C", a "P" and another "T". I just have to find the others persons whom their names start by one of these letters, and maybe he or she could help me.

Who could be these persons, anyway ? Maybe that girl in the desert I saw on the switch's screen would be one of them...

Else, I really asked myself a lot of questions that night, and I don't think it would be a good idea to focus so much about that before sleeping.

Watching those wonderful stars permitted me to calm myself and to make me relax, absorbed by the beauty of the night. I just felt positive at admiring such a spectacle, and also tired in the same way. When I continued to watch it, it would always mean there were still a ways to go.

Finally, I decided to say something before sleeping.

"Good night, everyone... I swear, by the sacred Flame, to find all of you guys."

I've pronounced these words of hope by mentioning the sacred Flame, praying like how would do Ophilia, knowing her.

I then placed my bag behind me, where I rested my head like a warm pillow. It was a more comfy position than the small box where I slept in the streets. I then started to sleep tight, believing that no matter how wide was the world, I will always finish to find my own goal.

~Tomorrow, at the morning~

"Zzzz... Zzzz... Mmmmhhh..."

Krrr ! Krrr ! Krrr !

I heard some weird noises which woke me up.

"Huh ?..."

Krrr ! Krrr !

When I opened my eyes, I discovered a crab, but a large one ! His hard skin was red and his clamps looked so sharp.

"Wouahh !"

I immediately woke up with a start, picking up my bag and quickly leaving the small cave, while observing this crab was much bigger than I expected.

I meant: it would be already annoying to ba awaken by a crab, especially while he could clamp me. But this one was really as big as I was ! What was going on in that beach ?! Why did crabs are so big like this ?!

Anyway, he didn't try to follow me, and seemed to make his house here.

Now I've been expelled of my base, I could observe the sun started to appear at the horizon, meaning it was the dawn of the day. I must have waken up slightly too soon, but I still have slept well.

"Phew... I'm hungry !"

I now needed to eat something as a breakfast, and I was sure my stomach would grumble at a moment.

Garrgle !

Yes ! As I thought !

HIII ! HIII ! HIII !

I could hear the seagulls screeching when I was heading to the sea village, where I could find some food.

But this time, I wanted to act like a chief and to buy my own food. For once, I wanted to be honest, especially because the villagers were really nice, and that I didn't want to annoy them. Now I had some money I won after helping that old lady to plant her pumpkins, I could finally go shopping by myself ! However, I think I would only steal at people only if it was necessary...

I guess I will have to count how much money I have: maybe I had enough to buy a fish, as I didn't eat one in my whole life.

When I arrived at Rippletide after a few minutes of walking, I was reaching for my money's purse, which must be close to the wooden sword I kept as a memory of Olberic.

"How much money do I have ?... Oh no !"

My precious shining stone is gone ! The treasure Ophilia gave me as a keepsake in the Cave of Origins couldn't be found nowhere inside the bag !

"Where it is ?!", I became suddenly worried, when I reminded something. "The fountain !"

I should have dropped it when the girl accidentally pushed me in the pool. It should be still there !

I immediately ran at the fountain, which the place was empty at this time of the hour, and made haste to retrieve the shining stone. I went up to the fountain, and tried to search any single shining stone in the middle of all these bronze coins, moving them to make sure if the stone was hidden.

However, not a single shiny stone was present inside the pool.

"No no no no no no !... It's gone !"

I didn't want to lose the stone Ophilia had given to me ! But where it was ?! It couldn't going anywhere ! Did someone else take it ?!

"ALRIGHT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, APPROACH !", called a loud voice which came from the port.

"Huh ?"

Feeling concerned, I spotted in direction of the calls, when I saw a large crowd through the merchant place. Why was there such a crowd at this time of the hour ?

I spotted a man behind the crowd, when I asked him.

"What's happening ?"

"Oh, there's a travelling salesman who has set up in the square."

A travelling salesman ? What kind of things he would sell for attracting so many people ?

I moved slightly through the crowd, apologyzing by passing some villagers, where I couldn't advance more because they were too many people standing still in the middle of the place, watching curiously at the travelling merchant.

Being too small to see, I jumped a few times to observe a stand guarded by a slim man with an average age, dressed of a green tunic and a small bonnet.

The stand seemed quite elegant with his white curtain and its table covered by a good looking blue layer. There were a lot of beautiful stones of all sort: pebbles colored of blue, green and even blue, a small pile of white rocks, and a bunch of pearl necklaces were beautifully disposed on the stand. I was quite impressed, I wondered how this salesman have found all these treasures.

He then called at the crowd with a wry smile.

"COME APPROACH ! I WILL SHOW YOU ALL THE TREASURES I FOUND DURING MY JOURNEY FOR SHARING THEM AT YOU WITH A GOOD PRICE ! There's quartz, pearls, precious stones... everything you need to complete the beauty of your wardrobe !"

He looked pretty glad to propose his merchandises, especially because they looked not only beautiful but also expensive, which meant he could sell them by earning a lot of money !

The curious crowd hesitated a little before buying something, and still preferred to observe. I could hear them giving their opinion between each others.

"Precious stones, he said ?!"

"Honestly, I don't think I need one of these things, actually..."

"There's so much wonderful stones ! Where did he get these ?"

As I said, some of them were interested, some weren't.

Someone in the crowd pointed towards the stand.

"Look at this one. It's so shiny !"

I managed to find a proper spot in order to view better, when among all the stuff proposed by the sellsman, there was a front of the stand a stone in particular which caught my eyes. It was a white shiny stone which emitted such a wonderful cyan light, so shiny that it distanced itself from the other stones and everyone was dazzled by its pureness.

Hey !... It isn't my stone ?!

I wasn't wrong: it was definitely the stone Ophilia gave me ! We could immediately recognize it with its heart form and its color as white as ice. It must be this man who had taken it from the fountain, he was the one who has stolen it from me !

I didn't want that he would sell my proprierty to someone else although he has stolen it, but I couldn't steal it back with all that crowd present around me. I must order to that man to give it back before he could sell it !

So, despite my anger, I managed to stay calm and I passed through the crowd in order to claim what was mine.

~A few minutes ago, not far from there~

In a house close to the exit of the happy village of Rippletide, a small squirrel was tranquilly picking up a small nut, and knocking it against the branch. The animal reached the other side of the branch, which leaded at an opened window, and entered in a calm bedroom.

It moved in direction of his made-up house built with a few twigs, and stowed its nut in a small jar, when it decided to innocently go towards the bed, which was lighted by the sun.

It went towards the head of a sleeping young girl, and sniffed calmly her hair.

Tchip ! Tchip ! Tchip !

As a response, the girl slowly moved in her sleep, when she finally woke up from her rest.

"Yaaawnn !"

~Tressa's POV~

I smiled a little when I met the small intruder which gently woke me up at the right time.

My squirrel was staring at me with innocent eyes, when I gently patted her.

"Morning, Mila... You look beautiful, today."

Tchip ! Tchip !

The cute little rodent then went back to the little house I built for her. Knowing her, she should have understood the first nuts has started to grown on our fir tree.

I then slowly watched my whole bedroom, my legs being covered by a warm sheet, as I was still dressed in my nightgown. The warm first light of the day illuminated by messy hair. Today must be a new day, which meant a nice day of discovering and bargaining. I was always impatient to start my working day.

My parents must have already waken up at this time, and I bet they would need some help of mine !

"Well, the shop ain't gonna stock itself !"

A few minutes later, after dressing and brushing my hair, I went down the stairs leading to the first floor, where my parents were working.

"Mornin', Ma ! Mornin', Pa !"

My father was drinking a cup of tea, while my mother was stowing a few merchandises on the shelves. They looked pretty happy that morning...

I gave them a kiss at each one, when my father said in a happy tone.

"Mornin', Tressa ! Looks like our number one employee is ready for another day of work !"

"Hehehe ! Sure am ! And I'll start by stocking up the store."

I loved my parents a lot: they were really so nice with me and everyone, and all the town of Rippletide liked them. They were really sympathetic with their customers, and they both loved their job, as I loved to help them in their work. I was always excited to start a new day of work with them, buying some products outside was such a child's play, and I burned of desire to discover new kinds of products today.

So, I ate quickly a few biscuits for my breakfast, before I headed to the exit.

"Hold your seahorses, little lady.", called my father, as I stopped. "Tell me: what're the three things a merchant needs most ?", he questioned me wisely.

"They need... to be smiley, mannerly, and early ! Thought you had me, didn't you ?"

Too easy !

"You're too clever for me, Tressa. Now off ye go !"

"Hehe !... Leave it to me, Pa !", I giggled happily.

My mother smiled at my enthusiasm, when she warned me calmly.

"Be careful out there, Tressa. Oh, those pirates have been causin' trouble around the tavern lately. If you see them, you make sure to keep a wide berth, you hear ?"

"Got it, Ma ! Be back in two ripples of the tide !", I promised her.

I then closed the ringing door of te trading shop behind me.

"Aaaaahhh..."

What a wonderful day... The sky was absolutely beautiful and I could smell the nice odor of the sea.

Hiii ! Hiii ! Hiii !

The seagulls looked pretty happy today, that meant the weather will be calm. It was such an ideal day to do some shopping !

My parents haven't told me to buy something particular today, so that meant I must buy the essential: the fish of the day, a fresh bottle of wine, and also a few healing grapes. I have actually 2000 leaves well stowed in my pockets, so I have enough money to buy everything !

"Let's get started !", I cheered happily to myself.

Equipped with my large bag I carried on my back, useful to carry as many stuff as possible, I headed to the port where all the merchants were settled, while keeping a cheerful smile, when the neighbour saluted me.

"Good morning, Tressa !"

"Mornin' !"

Everyone knew me as well in the village, and were really cheerful and nice, as they always found me very sympathetic wherever I passed.

I passed next to a man and his old mother who saluted me as well.

"Mornin', Tress !"

"Good morning, young girl. Have an nice day."

"Hehe !", I giggled happily.

I loved my hometown: I lived here since I was born, and I was really used of the smell of the sea, of the beautiful waves, of our friends the seagulls nested on our roofs, but also of the smiles of the merchants. Each time I saw a merchant's stand, I couldn't prevent myself to rush there in order to admire their wonderful merchandises. Indeed, this sleepy seaside town was really in the middle of a good number of commercial exchanges, so there were sometimes travelling merchants who passed to our village in order to present their merchandise.

I was mostly interested by these merchants in particular: they would always brought a bunch of new products I've never seen before, like first quality tapestry, or rare books. Plus, they also brought rare stuff we couldn't find in our region, so I managed to buy something fun with the rest of my money for stowing it my parents's shop and to diversify our merchandise. But what was really special, is that they travelled through the land of Orsterra in order to sell their products. That must be so much fun to be a travelling merchant, to travel for discovering all sort of treasure and to visit the entire world ! What a wonderful dream !

"I wonder what kind of new products of the month I will find... Maybe it will be a good ham from Saintbridge, or even some glassware from Stillsnow...", I said to myself, when I arrived to the merchant place.

"COME APPROACH ! JUST ADMIRE MY WONDERFUL MERCHANDISE !", called proudly a voice.

I noticed a large crowd standing throughout the place, when I heard someone.

"Oh ! Again a travelling merchant..."

"A TRAVELLING MERCHANT ?!", I said happily.

I quickly rushed at the market, impatient to meet the called merchant and to discover what he was selling. I was really excited to find out what kind of merchandise he was proposing ! Maybe he was selling rare model boats or golden plates and cutlery !

I watched behind the crowd to notice it was something better than I expected: it was a merchant selling precious stones, I meant PRECIOUS STONES !

My eyes would always shine like stars at the sight of these wonderful treasures ! There were so many kinds of artefact, like rubies, emeralds, and also some kinds of pretty neckflaces made of diamond jewels ! Seriously, this man must be so lucky to have found such treasures in his journey !

I would like to buy something for my mother, she always loved everything which shined. So, I advanced quite further through the curious crowd, when I watched the sellsman speaking at someone.

"What do you want, kiddo ?"

"I told you it's mine ! Give it back !", exclaimed a childish but angry voice at the sellsman.

The crowd seemed quite curious to the situation.

"What's going on ?"

"Who's that kid ?"

There was a kid who was hanging out next to the stand, as he didn't seem happy at all towards the merchant. What was he doing next to that stand ?

I observed attentively at these two persons, trying to deduce who they were by what they were wearing, as I first observed the sellsman.

His clothes... This merchant must came from the Highlands...

Hey... isn't that the boy I've seen yesterday ?

It was really him, the little boy whom I've accidentally pushed in the fountain, yesterday. I was wondering what he wanted exactly...

"I guess the kid hasn't clearly understood the concept of exchange !", sushed someone in the crowd in a jokey way.

I then noticed something which really caught my eyes: there was a shiny stand a front of the stand, so shiny that it was emitting such a fairly light which could warm up people's heart. I was dazzled by the beauty of the stone, when I understood it was what the boy wanted to get.

The sellsman seemed annoyed.

"You're annoying my customers with your stories. Let me doing my job, pretty please."

"No way ! I won't go away until you gave me back what you have stolen to me !", yelled the boy with a furious glare.

The crowd was shocked by his words, and started to chatter at each other in a curious manner.

"Stolen, he said ?!"

"Is he really a merchant ? Or a thief ?"

Some of them were shocked by the boy's quite agressive behavior towards the merchant, while others started to have some doubts about that travelling merchant. They were both observed by the curious eyes of the villagers just like they were watching a tragedy, and no one dared to intervene.

"Sorry..."

I apologyzed by advancing further through the crowd, making sure I wouldn't hit them with my bag, being curious about the situation, and keeping my calm like how the kid was keeping his calm by giving a menacing glare to the merchant of precious stones.

The man continued to deny at his remarks, as he picked up the shining stone to show it at the crowd who were dazzled by its beauty.

"Well, I think you're wrong, little guy. I've found this authentic stone during a long travel, and I can tell you it shouldn't be the same one that YOU have lost..."

"You're such a big liar ! I tell you it's mine and I want it back, please !"

"How insolent... Do you have any proof it is yours ?"

"Errr... Of course I have ! I recognize perfectly the form it had, Sir !"

"And how can this prove me you're not lyin' to me for havin' it free ?"

The boy wasn't able to answer back at the suspicious man, while the crowd were talking to each others as they observed the small spectacle.

"Yeah, he's pretty right !"

"I heard it was a strategy adopted by thieves for shoplifting people without sowing doubt..."

The boy seemed annoyed by all the crowd's negative commentaries about him, as he knew he couldn't insist anymore. It looks like the sellsman's remark was pretty right, as he watched at the boy with a wry smile. He didn't seem to like people who bothered him while he was doing his job.

However, instead of leaving, the kid just calmed himself, when he said at the man.

"Okay fine... I will buy it if I have to."

I was really surprised: was he really determined to go this far to get that shiny stone ?!

Even the entire crowd was shocked after hearing him.

"Is the boy serious ?!"

I could see all the determination he has, but I was really wondering how he could buy such a beautiful treasure, which should cost a small fortune.

The man snickered, as he seemed quite surprised.

"Ha ! Quite surprisin' from a stubborn like ya ! It's a little expensive, you know..."

"Nothing is too expensive for me !... How many it is ?"

"Well, 5 small... hundred of leaves.", he answered in a malicious tone, making the crowd shocked.

He slowly put the shiny stone in the middle of the table, watching at the boy with arms crossed just like he was challenging him.

Honestly, I didn't really like that man: he was quite arrogant and pretty selfish with that boy. I wondered how he could be a merchant, despite the wonderdul merchandise his stand was contening.

So, I observed the boy taking a purse from his bag, and filled the stand with a good numbers of leaves.

Wow... He is quite rich, for his age !...

He should have saved a lot of money for a long time. When I had his age, I could have never as much money like him !

The merchant slowly started to count how many leaves there were, by sorting them by their values, as a middle aged woman shushed worringly in the crowd.

"I know it such a beautiful stone, but he doesn't dare to spend all his pocket money for that !..."

There was like a suspense when I and the crowd watched them in place, impatient to know if he has enough money or not. The villagers were so much concerned about the boys that they were temporarely interrupting their daily shopping.

The man finished to count the coins, when he exclaimed with a cocky smile.

"Not bad, for a kid like ye !... I can see you have saved so much money for a long time. However, sorry to disappoint you, but there are only 450 leaves !"

Only 450 leaves ? Oh, damn it ! He really had almost enough to buy that stone !

The crowd was quite disappointed, as the boy became susprisingly upset.

"Oh, that's not good..."

The merchant slowly pulled back the stone out of the boy's reach.

"Sorry kid, but the stone cost exactly 500 leaves, not one less."

"Please Sir ! For only 50 leaves ! I don't have more money than that !"

"I'm sorry, but a price is a price. Just go to spend that money for a toy, or something like that..."

The boy slowly became upset as his hopes to get the stone were disappearing.

The crowd started to feel bad for the boy.

"Poor boy...", said someone.

I really had a lot of mercy for that kid, and I wondered if I could do something.

So, I immediately passed through the crowd, and went to the merchant's stand, when I asked him.

"Excuse me, Sir !"

I was standing a front of the stand, adopting a curious glare at the merchandise, when the boy recognized me.

"You... you again ?!", he looked surprised.

"Ah !... Hello, young girl ! I guess you should be a more honest customer than the last one.", replied the merchant in a calm tone.

"Could you show me back the shining stone that I can observe it ?"

"Hey !... It's me who want to buy it !...", exclaimed the boy.

"Shut up, kiddo ! You're bothering my customer !", the merchant replied, when he spoke at me in a more gentle manner. "Well, of course. You seems to understand its true merchant value of that brave little treasure !"

With the sellsman's permission, I took my time to observe with attention every single details of the shining stone. Honestly, I had never seen that kind of stone before.

I announced my jugement towards the stone, still impressed by its beauty.

"It is shining like a crystal... It constantly emit some bright light with all these reflections inside, so much that it was useful to illuminate an entire cavern..."

"What do you mean ?", asked the boy, looking curious about my stone's analysis.

The crowd also continued to listen as explained.

"It's also way too hard to make some jewels with it. It's really... a precious stone !"

The merchant seemed amused by my opinion about that treasure.

"Well... Thank for complimentin' my product ! It took me a lot of effort to find such a treasure for filling my store. It's such a rare artefact with its wonderful properties, alongside with that heart-shaped form. It could be the ideal present to offer at our greatest love !"

He is right: this stone really has an heart shaped form, which completed its beauty. It wasn't everyday we could see such a thing in merchant's stands !

I was actually focused of spotting any details on the product.

"Mmmhh..."

"Is somethin' wrong, young lady ?", asked me the merchant.

"That's stone is quite degenerated, it seems...", I pointed my finger at the stone.

"W-what do you mean ?!... !!!"

"It has still a heart shape, but the bottom part looks gone... That's too bad, because it makes the stone less precious in its beauty... And you want to sell it at 500 leaves at this young boy ?"

"!!!"

While the merchant was surprised to notice that detail, the boy didn't expect that I still wanted him to buy what he wanted.

Even the crowd was agree with my remark.

"Yeah, she is quite right !"

"I think 500 leaves, that's quite too much for a slightly broken stone, even if it's still really beautiful !"

"Damn, that girl is really smart !"

Everyone was on my side, I guess. I think 500 leaves was quite too much for a stone like this one. Every merchants should know that kind of detail could have a great impact to the product's price. It wasn't really broken though, but that detail was really fatal.

The merchant, who looked worried to discover that, didn't dare to day anything. So, I spoke back to him to tell him what I thought.

"I didn't mean to judge you, sir... I just think that's really too bad this stone quite broken, for a gift we could offer at our greatest love..."

He finally sighted, when he said.

"... You're right. I'm gonna reduce the price at 450 leaves."

The crowd was reassured, alongside with the boy whom his happiness started to return.

"T-thanks sir !"

He then pushed all the money, when I prevented him gently.

"Wait. Keep your money, I'll pay it for you !"

I then took a few coins from my pocket with a total of 500 leaves. There were much less numerous than the boy's money, but more valuable enough to buy that stone.

I gave them cheerfully to the man, quite embarassed, who gave back the precious stone at the boy.

"Here's your bright stone, lad."

The boy watched at his reward with excitement, happy to receive that wonderful treasure.

Then, I left the place from the left, and smiled when the crowd congratulated me.

"Well done, young girl !"

"What a formidable deal !"

I was really proud to have made that exchange, and also to have helped that boy. I also liked to help people in the need, being really generous towards them.

I then said to myself.

"Another day, another deal !"

~Travis's POV~

Finally I got back my stone, the one Ophilia gave me, as I quickly stowed it right inside my bag in a more safest place than my hands.

I didn't expect the girl from yesterday would help me, but I owed her a big debt.

So, I caught her back as she headed to the port.

"Wait !"

"Ah. It's you again, little guy ?", she turned at me with a positive smile.

"I-I wanted to thank you for buying for me."

I was really grateful towards her, without her, I would have never retrieved my stone.

We walked close to each other next to the port, when she answered me in a friendly way.

"Oh, you're welcome ! It just makes me pleasure to see you happy of getting what you wanted !"

"Yeah... I really thought I didn't have enough money to buy it... But why did you help me ?"

"Well, I noticed through your eyes that you seems to like this shining precious stone a lot. It's nice to have something that we care for ! I'm also surprised how such a wonderful stone like this one would be in your possession..."

She was really curious to know how such a wonderful object would be in my hands. So, I decided to answer her by saying what I really thought about that stone.

"That bright stone... it's like a treasure to me. I would be very worried if I ever I lost it forever !"

As I put my hand on my chest by imagining that worst scenario, the brown haired girl told me kindly, as she was watching at the other stands.

"You know, little one, it's not a default to desire something."

"You... you think so ?"

"Hu-uh ! Possessing something  is a true proof that you care about things with love and attention. Everyone would like to care about what they liked the most.", she explained me while showing me a woman watering her flowers with love, when she asked me. "Is that all what you wanted to know ?"

She watched at me with a cheerful grin. I had never seen such an happy grin during all my life, this girl really looked to be always happy in that town, maybe quite happier than Alfyn.

I then remembered something I shouldn't have finally done yesterday, when I answered.

"I... I regret to have run away from you like this, last evening. I was just..."

"It's fine... I just have to be more careful to not hurt people with my bag. I carry 5 kilograms of merchandises inside, you know ! Huhu !", she giggled while bouncing her heavy bag a little.

5 kilograms ?! She must be really strong !

Despite my sudden escape yesterday, this girl didn't seem to be bothered at all by my behavior. Furthermore, I wasn't actually annoying her at all: she instead seemed so proud to have helped me and glad to meet me. Since she saw me, she immediately cared for me when I fell inside the fountain, and it was the same thing when I got problems with that awful merchant of precious stones.

Effectly, I didn't look like a burden for her, and she liked me a little, I guess. Honestly, I was quite curious about her and a lot of things.

So I wanted to know more about treasures.

"By the way, all the questions you've asked me yesterday about my stuff, is that because you considered them like pure treasures ?"

She looked quite excited to answer at my question, as we continued to walk, when she looked down at me and answered positively.

"I guess... There are a lot of treasures in these lands, little one ! We could find them in many forms: shining stones, jewels, and also coffers full of gold."

"Like the ones kept by pirates ?!"

"Hehe ! Of course !", she ruffled my hair happily, when she continued. "In others terms, treasures can be considered by what was the most precious thing for you, it is something that you have right there.", she puts her finger right on my chest.

In... my heart ?

Does she mean to say that treasures aren't only considered like treasures in chest, but also like things which we cared a lot ?

I've never been really aware about that point, but I think thanks to her, I could really open my eyes and be sure to consider treasures not only by how much they were beautiful, but how much they were precious for me.

And yet, that precious stone was such a true treasure for me... as well as my other keepsakes like my axe, my bag, my black feather, and my wooden sword...

She continued to walk through the port, wearing a pair of small leather shoes, as a nice puff of wind coming from the ocean blew at our face. We both took a nice respiration, when she spoke.

"Do you know what I like, about you ? Is that all that great will of discovering every wonderful gifts offered by our planet. I'm really glad to meet such a curious person for a small head like you !"

"So, you too you like making discoveries?", I asked curiously, amazed by her likings.

"I LOVE making discoveries !", she exclaimed happily like a typical little girl, when she twirled in the middle of the place, like she had her head in the clouds. "There are so much sorts undiscovered things in the realm of Orsterra that it would take me an eternity to have the chance to witness all their pretty values ! All those lands to visit, all those treasures to discover, I would like so much me too to experience all of this more than once in my life !"

She was dreaming to discover the world as well, as she was so much dazzled by her dreams that she smiled too wide. She then sat in a near low wall, when she looked at me.

"You're such a lucky boy to have found such a beautiful treasure !"

I was quite happy me and her has the same liking, the same will to discover the world and its secrets. I was always sure I wasn't the only one who dreamed to visit the world, but I was still glad to meet someone who shared the same objective as well.

I sat just next to her, when I giggled a little.

"He he ! Thanks ! Even if you want to visit the world a day like I wish, I think you're already good to know all these things about everything you see ! How do you do that ?"

"Do what ?"

"Well, you know, when you convinced the merchant to reduce the price !"

I was quite interested to know how did she manages to reduce the price of my precious stone earlier, and how was she able to describe my stuff so well yesterday. Curiously, I really would like to know !

She then replied.

"Ahhh ! Yes !... My secret, you know, is that I have a talent which permit me to see the products at their fair market value."

"Market value ? It isn't the price we gave at an item we can buy ?"

"Huhuh ! I can see the worth of items when I'm buying them in order to take down their prices, even if I haven't seen them before. I might be still young but I'm already a natural haggler !"

"What's an haggler ?"

"Well... How can I explain to you ?... An haggler is someone who make negotiations, who practice the bargaining depending on the bought item's worth."

"Bargaining ?"

"It's the word we use to call these kinds of negotiations. It's really practical because you can save a few money when you buy something at a reduced price."

"Ah ok !... If ever I want to buy a piece of bread which coast 3 coins, but the bread is overcooked, does that mean I can buy it at only coin ?"

"Yes, for exemple. That's quite a well balanced bargain !", she then stood up, as I followed her closely, when she continued. "Just keep in mind that skill also needs some practice and strategy you know, by keeping some good relationship with the merchants. And by the way, it's also important to keep smiling for getting along with them.", she finished her sentence by bending down at me and putting her fingers on my lips to make me smiling wider.

We then passed next to the tavern, when an old man sittong against the wall was begging for money, when the girl throw him a coing right into his bowl.

"Here's for you !"

"Thanks for your kindness, young girl !", answered the man.

She was definitely right that smiling and being nice to people was such a good behavior to adopt for being friends with merchants, furthermore she was exactly the kind of girl who always smile and is cheerful to everyone. Due to her kindness, she might have made a lot of friends with that positive attitude !

"Well, you seems to know a lot about bargaining and merchants !", I told her with a small smile.

"Ah !... It's because me too I am one !", she answered me.

"!!!..."

This girl was a merchant too ?! I really thought she was just a person who loved making shopping like all typical girls of her age !

Anyway, that's right she quite looked like a merchant with her heavy bag and her brown hat !

I was surprised, but also positive to hear that.

"Oh ! Really ?!"

"He he !...", she giggled cutely as an answer.

I had already a thousand of questions I wanted to ask her.

"That's so cool ! So you really sell a lot of things, for earning money ?! What kind of products do you sell ?!"

"He he ! I'm glad you seems interested by my work, little one !", she ruffled my hair happily one more time, feeling proud as she explained. "To tell you the truth, I'm still an apprentice, and I work at my parents's shop where I stock the shelves before they could sell them to customers."

She pointed me the direction, towards the exit of the village.

"Your parents are also merchants ?!"

"Yeah ! I can show you where my family work if you want ! Come !", she made me sign to follow her.

I was quite interested by that shop, especially that it was such a big house instead of a stand. So I decided to follow her without hesitation, when I told her happily.

"Oh ! By the way, I haven't presented myself: I'm Travis !"

I extended my hand towards her, encouraging her to shake, when she instead brought the palm of her hand in a quicker way.

CLAP !

We made an high five, like two good friends.

"Nice to meet you, Travis ! I'm Tressa, Tressa Colzione !"

I was really happy to meet her. I first thought she was just a strange girl when I met her, but I guess I was quite wrong.

She is really nice, in reality... And really cute !

Tressa was very curious, cheerful, and adorable with me. Indeed, she was really open to others, like the kind of girl to befriend with everyone, and she was really good about treasures of these worlds. I was sure me and her would have a lot of things in common !

I think I changed my mind, and that I won't leave that place today: there were still so much things I wanted to discover with tressa, and I was really curious about what she will teach me about treasures. I was also glad as well to have befriended with such a wonderful girl.

And her name was Tressa: it was such a lovely name, and it started by a "T" like in "Travis", and also in "Therion". Plus, there was also another "T" in Octopath and... !!!

Wait... Is she one of the video game's heroes ?

~

 A/N: Hi guys ! I hope you have all enjoyed that calm but fun chapter !

I heard some of the Octopath Traveler fanboys enjoyed Tressa, and yeah she is really cute ! I can totally tell you she and Travis will have a cute relationship ! After he met the oldest traveler Olberic, now he will have fun with his new friend who is the youngest traveler !

By the way, I will spend my vacations in Japan, in order to see my brother working there as an apprentice baker ! So, I will take a plane on tuesday to visit, and also will have fun to discover some fun things like Sushi, Ramen, the mount Fuji and the wondeful city of Tokyo !

So because I will be in another country, I think it will be quite difficult for me to write, because I will spend some time with my family, and maybe I'll take a small break until I return in France the 22th. Don't worry, I think there is something I needed to correct in the scenario, and that I'll manage to get inspiration !

See you next time !