Another Path Taken [Rebirth, Regression, Isekai, System]

Mira

The revelation that the villagers might have known more about the incident and were actively hiding it didn't sit well with the three teenagers. What started as a simple mission to hunt a Starfiend now carried the weight of something far more complicated.

"Should we tell Master?" Han asked, frowning.

"Even if we do, he's just going to raise an eyebrow, smile, and say good work," Erika muttered.

"No, Master won't move unless it's an emergency," Alwyn said. Auren had never involved himself in any of the missions they took as a group. He always claimed that Alwyn and Erika were more than capable of handling things on their own. Getting too involved, he said, would only slow their growth. Erika always argued it was just Auren being lazy and avoiding work. Alwyn sometimes wondered what kind of emergency would actually get Auren to leave his favorite resting spot.

Alwyn didn't like relying on others anyway. His past regression had shown him that it was always better to be self-reliant. Even if Auren had never shown the same cruel intentions as his father, trust was something Alwyn gave carefully.

"Should we head to the Wastes, then?" Han asked.

"No way. I refuse to work overtime," Erika said. "We'll go back to the inn, eat something, and then head out tomorrow. No point in exhausting ourselves."

Han opened his mouth to protest, but Alwyn cut in. "She's right. Heading into the Wastes without proper preparation is too dangerous. We also need to inform Master before we go."

"As if he'd stop us," Erika added with a shrug.

Outnumbered, Han fell silent. The three left Mira's house and returned to the inn. They found Auren already sitting at a table loaded with food. Without hesitation, the teens joined him and began to eat.

"Master, about the mission," Han started.

Auren raised a hand. "Let's talk later."

A quick glance around showed that their group was still drawing attention. Several villagers were watching them with wary curiosity. There was no visible hostility, but after what they had just learned, it was best to stay quiet for now.

Once they finished eating, the group gathered in Auren's room. After they stepped inside, Auren shut the door and focused aether into his index and middle fingers. As the glow formed, he traced a symbol across the door, inscribing a faintly pulsing rune.

"What's that?" Han asked, eyes wide.

"Just a simple rune inscription," Auren replied, giving a playful wink. "Ancient fae art. Not many know how to do it anymore. It should keep our talk private for a little while."

He sat on the bed and glanced at them with curiosity. "So, what did you find? You all look like you've got something interesting to share."

"The villagers are hiding something," Alwyn said, holding out Mira's diary.

Auren took the book and flipped through it with genuine interest. "Our dear Mira was quite the gossip. Hmm... very interesting. So, what now?" He closed the book and fixed his gaze on them.

"We're heading to the Wastes. What else?" Erika said. "That is, if she hasn't already been eaten by some random Starfiend out there."

"Maybe you'll be lucky enough to find her," Auren replied with a grin.

"What about you, Master?" Han asked.

"I'll keep an eye on things, of course," Auren said with a relaxed shrug.

"That just means you want to keep slacking off," Erika muttered, giving him a dark look.

"Hey, wouldn't you rather someone was watching the villagers you think are so suspicious?" Auren countered.