A/N: Sorry for the absence guys. Holidays and such. Also had to really push through some writer's block. .

I hope having a longer chapter makes up for it.

Chapter 4

Jumping through space for the first time is like giving a cat a bath. It's not very fun and someone usually ends up bloodied. Exiting the [Teleport], Huck and Elora were flung at high velocity from the air to the ground. Elora and Huck both screamed.

They hurled at an angle through the air over the grassy planes before crashing into the earth leaving a large trench. Dust belched into the air as Elora and Huck emerged from the small crater that had formed, Elora climbing out first. Huck had barely managed to make it out before he collapsed on the grass, exhausted yet unharmed.

"Ugh, I need more xp to use that spell properly," Elora said wearily.

"You mean to tell me, you used magic without knowing how it works?" Huck said between breaths.

The corner of Elora's mouth rose in an apologetic smile.

Huck let out a breath. "Where are we exactly?"

"Um, I don't know."

Huck's mouth dropped. "A [Teleport] without a destination in mind. For someone who can use a fifth tier spell, I'd have thought you'd have more of a plan. Again, who are you?"

Elora looked away and gave a nervous laugh. She admitted to herself that was pretty stupid, teleporting without any real idea of where they were going. Unlike [Greater Teleport] the likelihood of the regular [Teleport] spell failing without having seen your destination is very high. Not to mention that she couldn't cast the spell without aid yet because of her lower level. Elora mentally scolded herself for being so careless.

In YGGDRASIL teleporting was so common with my high level account that I forgot to think about it.

To Huck's earlier question she replied, "I told you, I'm an adventurer like you."

"Not likely," he said. "What plate are you?"

At the comment, Elora stammered. She didn't have any clue what he was talking about and she smiled nervously. "Is that related to the ranks you mentioned earlier?"

Huck nodded back at her. He had managed to look composed, finally, after climbing away from the trench they had made. Elora wasn't giving him any answers, she wouldn't lie to him. Huck sighed and looked around. It was the first time Elora was able to get a good look at him. Huck was taller than her and had large shoulders and arms solid like granite. His wild black hair gave him a fierce appearance despite the more gentle, youthful eyes.

Heh, typical fighter. Elora snarked to herself.

"Look, I don't care that you're not a part of the adventurer's guild. There are many people who do adventuring freelance work away from the guild, it's not that uncommon. What I do care about is that we're far enough away from any Slane Theocracy thugs."

"You mentioned them before, who are they?" Elora asked.

Huck double took. "What?! You're joking?"

"No, I'm dead serious."

"You mean to tell me that you're elvish and don't know about the Slane Theocracy. They've been at war with your country for years."

Elora scratched her head and chuckled. "Well you could say that I'm not really from around here."

"I'm not even going to ask." Huck rolled his eyes and explained. "The Slane Theocracy is a human nation in the southern region that is extremely xenophobic. They believe that humanity should be the ruling race in the world and will stop at nothing until those ends are met. The racist bastards have been at war with the elves for many years now, since I was little."

"So it's a good thing you took care of them when we met," Elora said.

"You could say that. I don't have any love for them."

A heaviness crept into the air. Huck's fists were clenched and his jaw was set. Elora wondered what Huck had gone through in order to have such a distaste for the Slane Theocracy. She felt that there was a lot to learn about this new world. Elora hoped that the experience wouldn't be a harsh one.

Elora perked up and changed the subject. "Well, how about you take me to the adventurer's guild. That seems to be a good place to start to me."

Huck gave a weak smile, thankful for the switch in topic. "Yeah."

"So where are we now?" Elora asked.

Now able to get his bearings, Huck put a hand over his brow to shade his eyes and examined the landscape. The grassy field they were in was bordered by mountains, and before that lay a large forest. The land they were on had rolling hills to break up the flat stretches and all of it was covered with green grass.

"It looks like you teleported us further south. Opposite of where I was headed. We're just outside the Elf Country, that should be perfect. I know a place that you'll get treated well since I'm with you and they'd be happy to have a powerful elf working there."

"Well then, let's get going!" Elora said. She walked with a spring in her step, arms swaying widely beside her.

It should be fun to adventure in this setting. It's more real than YGGDRASIL and the possibilities seem endless. Let's make a name for our self!

While journeying, Elora took in the sights, enjoying them far more than she could as a human. Her heightened senses allowing her to appreciate the breeze and sun even more. Elora's sharp eyesight showing her the details in the clouds and the fine points in the grass. The air had a light damp scent and the wind swished through the trees and grass.

She crouched to the side of their path ahead of Huck and observed some insects crawling along. Was there really this much life back at home?

Huck watched her and was embarrassed for her as she appeared to have the naieveté of a child. He put up with it as one would an energetic little sister and continued along with her.

"You're really into this aren't you?" Huck said.

Elora stopped, suddenly aware of how she was acting. She laughed nervously. "All this is kinda new to me, actually."

Huck chuckled, "You really are full of surprises, aren't you?"

"Sorry, I don't mean to. One minute I'm playing a game, and the next I'm here, seemingly stuck in it."

"What do you mean by being 'stuck in it?'"

Elora put her hands behind her head. "I mean just that. I was playing a videogame when the servers shut down and now I'm here."

"Videogame?" Huck asked.

"Uh-huh. I guess you really aren't another player or else you'd know what that is. It's a game you play on a computer. It's like this, you're still here, but you get to experience another world and story without any consequences."

"So you were in another world but then got stuck in this one? Is that what you're suggesting?"

"Yep."

Huck stopped and put a hand to his chin. Elora walked on farther ahead and didn't notice for a few moments before turning around. Huck looked serious and he turned gaze back to Elora.

"I don't know what you think about all that, but you may want to be careful who you tell that to," Huck said.

"Why?"

Huck's gaze narrowed. "It can upset some people. Magic may not be uncommon, but magic of that tier is unprecedented. Look at it from this point. You were able to cast fifth tier magic, but only barely. Such a feat is in the realm of the Thirteen Heroes. Then top it off with claiming to be from another world, you'll attract some unwanted attention. That, you can count on."

Elora blinked.

More heaviness in the air.

Huck then grinned. "Well, I guess you were right. You could take care of those Slane Theocracy goons." He laughed. Elora smiled before joining the laughter.

The afternoon wore on as they journeyed, with the sun cresting near the horizon. Huck kept their path near the edge of the forest where they joined a path leading alongside it.

Soon after, Elora spotted some activity in the distance. A train of covered wagons moved toward a crossing she and Huck were approaching. It wasn't large, having only five wagons. They were pulled by one ox on each that was driven by a single crewman sitting the head of the wagon. Some of the others were on horseback. The caravan had an armed escort, with two guards walking by each wagon. It was well outfitted for such a small group.

"Hey, do you think we could join them if we're going in the right direction?" Elora asked.

"I suppose, but let me- Hey!" Huck was interrupted by Elora zipping ahead suddenly, her arm extended in a wave.

"Hello there! Mind if we tag along?" Elora shouted.

As it got close, Elora stood at the crossing and got a better look at the group. The caravan was comprised entirely of elves, most of them were male. They walked past Elora largely without much heed. Huck finally caught up.

"What's their problem?" Elora asked. Huck just shrugged and watched.

After a few more wagons had passed and elf on horseback approached. "Are you adventurers?"

Elora put on a wide grin and spoke before Huck could stop her. "That would be us!"

"We're headed near Keshell, it's east of here. If you're going that way could we join you for a time?" Huck said.

"You've got your own supplies?" the elf on the horse said.

Elora was aware that she hadn't grabbed any food from the guildhall and she became aware of her hunger when her stomach expressed its displeasure. Huck and the elf looked at her before she gave a nervous laugh.

"Actually, I have an idea!" Elora then reached into her inventory and pulled out a gold coin from YGGDRASIL. The leader of the caravan cocked an eyebrow at the sight.

"We can pay y-"

Huck cut Elora short and reached around her shoulders, putting her into a huddle."We're fine, I've got supplies for the two of us."

"Hey!" Elora whispered to Huck.

"Don't go flaunting that ability around. You need to pretend like you're a normal adventurer. What were you planning on giving him anyway?"

Elora opened her hand for Huck to see. Huck let out a sound involuntarily when he saw an YGGDRASIL gold coin.

"Something wrong?" the elf behind them said.

"Nothing's fine," Huck's voice cracked as he spoke out in a stammer.

"Seriously, what's wrong?" Elora asked.

"You're about to give out a gold coin to a caravan we know nothing about. The last thing you want to do is show that you're very wealthy to a stranger on the road. Besides, that's not any type of currency I recognize."

"We're adventurers though. Isn't it implied that we're wealthy?"

"Sure. But you don't need to confirm it... To them... I'll handle this."

"Look if you need some time, I can just head out," the elf on the horse said.

Elora and Huck broke from the huddle. Elora put the YGGDRASIL coin in a pocket.

"No, we're fine. We can come along," Huck said.

"Okay then. You can come with. Don't expect any pay for any monsters you kill with us. You're on your own time." The elf spurred the horse and headed to the front of the caravan. When he was gone, Huck and Elora jogged lightly to catch up with the rear of the train and then walked behind the last wagon. A guard gave them a quick look before returning his attention to the front.

The last wagon was covered completely so they couldn't see inside to discern what the goods were, as were all the rest. It was wide and had four wheels. Despite the clean outer appearance, the wagon reeked. Elora nearly had to cover her nose to keep from being nauseous.

"Well, it was kind of them to let us stay with them. I suppose having capable adventurers is in demand?" Elora said as she looked to Huck.

Huck kept his eyes forward.

"I mean, we don't have to worry about getting lost or anything. Hehe..."

No reply.

Elora waved. "Hey. Mr. Muscles-for-Brains?"

"What are you transporting?" Huck shouted ahead.

Elora pouted and listened in. The guard next to the wagon turned while walking. "We're transporting livestock. Some work animals for the farms."

"Why are the wagons covered?" Huck asked.

"We didn't want to disturb them while in transport. You know how oxes and horses can get."

"I suppose…"

Keeping track of the road wasn't difficult. It hugged the edge of the forest and then allowed them passage through a canyon between the mountains. The forest became thick and the dirt road became finally engulfed in the large trees. The forest was deciduous and had only light undergrowth. Large oak trees provided enough shade to make the travelling pleasantly cool, but not enough to blot out all sunlight. It was vibrantly green and Elora felt she had to rub her eyes to keep focus.

Further in, the trees' were gradually growing larger. The treebark became redder and their height grew to even more staggering heights.

"What is this place?" Elora asked, her head craned, trying to see the top.

"The Great Forest of Evasha," Huck said.

"Where I'm from, we have a place that has trees similar to this. Though, I've never gone personally," Elora said. Remembering Huck's advice from before, she was being careful not to explicitly say she was from another world.

"I don't blame you for gawking. I did."

Elora put a hand over her mouth and whispered to Huck. "Elves don't live in cities where the buildings are the trees, do they?"

"No, why?"

Elora let out an exaggerated breath. "Oh good, I was hoping for that. None of this tree-hugging hippy nonsense I see trending. These ones are kind of like Noldor from Tolkien, I guess."

"Noldor?" Huck said.

Remembering where she was, Elora waved it off. "Uh! More stuff from where I'm from."

Finding a suitable location, the caravan stopped for the day. The group moved like a well-oiled machine in getting camping supplies set up and the wagons situated. A guard was always stationed near a wagon and never once did that change.

Elora situated herself so she could be called on to help if needed. She leaned against a wagon and looked around. Through the routing, none of the other elves seemed to notice her. They each continued their job as if she wasn't there. When Elora tried to meet any of their eyes, it felt as if they were ignoring her on purpose. She decided to talk with the caravan leader.

Elora wandered through several laborers before finding the elf leader. She found him talking with one of the other men. They immediately stopped when she approached.

"Sir, is there anything I can help with setting up camp?" Elora asked.

He addressed her curtly. "Just keep any monsters away from the wagons and you'll be good." He and the other elf he was speaking to walked off immediately.

The laborers set up a fire and placed seats in a circle around it. Food began cooking and Elora's mouth watered as she approached the circle of caravanners. Huck touched her shoulder and motioned her to follow. He lead her a distanc away from the gathering where he sat on a log and Elora sat opposite him. After which, Huck set up his own fire.

"Here," Huck said as he handed her a hunk of bread with some dried meat when he was finished. She thanked him and began eating.

"Why are we eating over here?" Elora asked.

Huck spoke quietly. "There's something funny about this group. Look."

The group was all seated around the fire. Some were simply talking while others were bursting out in fits of laughter.

"It looks like a normal camp to me," Elora said, also speaking softly.

Huck kept his gaze fixed. "Look at the wagons."

Elora turned away from Huck and examined them. They were just the same as they were when they had been travelling. Only one wagon was open with supplies and this was the first time that Elora was able to get a good look inside any of them.

Huck spoke. "If they're transporting work animals, then why haven't they let them out to graze?"

Elora blinked. "Huh?"

"Are you dense? Whenever you are transporting large livestock it isn't the best to be carrying around lots of feed for them because that adds to the weight you're pulling. Instead, you let them graze as you stop. It's far easier that way. And look." Huck pointed. "The horses and oxen are over there. There are no more animals with them than were out before."

"What are you getting at?" Elora asked.

"What kind of working animal do you keep locked up?"

Elora looked up at Huck who was staring at the wagons with a hard expression. She looked back at the wagons and took in a sharp breath. "We've got to stop this!"

"Shhh… That's the plan."

"What were you thinking?"

"We can't just open the wagons and let the slaves run across the country. In all likelihood, they'd end up dead on their own. However, I wouldn't blame them if they just wanted to leave. What I'm thinking is I can open the wagons while you distract the crew. Then, once I'm done, we can take care of them."

"Would that be okay?"

Huck looked at Elora. "Slavery isn't legal, but that is not necessarily enforced. And even when the law deals with it, they do so lazily."

The corner of Elora's mouth rose. "So if we don't get caught dealing with them, we're golden."

Huck smirked back with a chuckle before a knife was pressed against his neck and Elora's.

"I wouldn't go about doing that, if I were you." The elf who was holding the dagger said.

"Is there a Plan B?" Elora said with her neck raised. Huck rolled his eyes.

"[Ablative Barrier!] [Quicken Ablative Barrier!]" Elora shouted, holding up a rod.

A barrier of force surrounded Elora and Huck and protected them as the elves tried to use their daggers. They both turned in unison and punched the two elves in the face. The elves loudly yelped in pain before Elora drew her sword and stabbed the elf nearest to her in the stomach. Huck had his sword drawn as well and performed an overhead slash that dispatched the one nearest to him.

The camp burst into activity with the guards around the wagons being the first responders. The elves around the campfire moved quickly to grab weapons and rushed to aid the guards.

Huck was in motion, charging into the group of elves. Three of them engaged Huck with swords and spears. Despite earlier, seeing him struggle through the undergrowth of the forest, he flowed gracefully in between them. In a movement Elora hadn't thought possible with a heavy two-hander, Huck pushed the spears away from him and connected the hilt with the face of one of the elves. The elf clutched his face as blood dripped from his nose. Not missing a beat, Huck lowered himself and tripped the remaining elves before dispatching them. Seeing that his present opponents were dealt with, he began to engage another group.

Elora couldn't help but watch in admiration. Was she able to do that too? Her thoughts were interrupted as an elf yelled when he rushed at Elora with a spear. She moved to block him, being too close to fire off a spell. Her sword deflected the spear, although clumsily, causing the spear to graze her right arm. Elora hissed in pain and grabbed the enemy elf's shoulder.

"[Burning Hands!]"

The elf spearman let out a scream as fire enveloped Elora's hand and burned him. He turned and jabbed furiously at Elora with the spear. She awkwardly dodged the flurry of attacks, unable to give herself secure footing. Elora gritted her teeth as she did her best to avoid getting gored. Despite this, her opponent scored several glancing blows.

Elora grimaced. Too close!

"What are you doing? Don't let them get you on the defensive!" Huck yelled.

Backstepping, Elora retreated. The spearman relentlessly continued. She couldn't shake him, despite her futile jabs, yet he was able to hit her.

Another cut. Another hit.

Huck was occupied with another group. Two swordsman attacked simultaneously.

"[Flow Acceleration!]"

Huck's speed increased as he sidestepped both of them. In passing, he kicked one in the rear and sent him sprawling. The second elf turned in time to receive an attack in the gut. Huck quickly turned his attention to the other one, now on the ground and finished him.

Huck yelped in pain as an arrow struck him in the shoulder. It hit just above the armpit, piercing the chain but getting caught in the padding. He turned to face an archer in time to see him loose another arrow using a shortbow. It struck his breastplate, yet lacked the power to pierce further. Huck charged at the archer and killed him with a single stroke.

Elora's fighting wasn't getting her anywhere. The spearman she was facing pushed her further back. Her arms were lined with cuts and a red line caressed her cheek.

I've got to end this soon! I don't know how much longer I can hold him off!

She moved her sword to deflect the spear, her left hand began to glow. Seeing this, the spearman sped up his assault, interrupting Elora's casting.

Shit!

The spearman let out a laugh with a grin, never slowing. Elora's mind was concentrated on evading the spear. She could barely bring herself to think the right thoughts to cast her spells or use her magus arcana. Elora was startled when her back hit one of the wagons.

No!

Her eyes widened as she watched the spearman, a wicked grin on his face, prepare a lunge. His arms flew forward, Elora had nowhere to go. She closed her eyes as she prepared for the end.

A gurgled cry came from the spearman as a sword point emerged from his chest. He fell as Huck cleaned his blade. Relief came over Elora as her knees buckled. She had nearly died. What would've happened if Huck hadn't arrived in time? Many bodies lay on the ground in the camp and few of the other elves were fleeing. How could she have been so confident before? She looked at the one spearman whom she failed to defeat alone.

"Thank you…" Elora said quietly.

"Maybe you needed protecting after all." Huck extended his hand.

Elora sniffed and dried her eyes before smiling. "Hehe, yeah."