Tamar’s group was able to reach their destination in half a day.

  Once the magic of the goat-drawn cart was restored, they could truly feel how

  sluggishly they had been traveling before.

  There was an oasis large enough to be called a lake, and around it were

  villagers who lived by farming.

  Not only barley and wheat but various vegetables were being cultivated

  abundantly, and on uncultivated land, diverse grasses and flowers bloomed

  beautifully.

  Tamar looked around and spoke.

  "Where exactly is this forest supposed to be, Wadji?"

  A faint glow flowed again from Wadji’s eyes.

  "It’s hidden. The illusion is extremely complex. I think it will take

  time to dispel it."

  "Fine. Let’s fill our stomachs first. Let’s head to that village."

  Around the oasis, square houses made of mud bricks were clustered together,

  forming a small village.

  It was too small to have anything like a restaurant.

  After looking around for a while, they stopped by a house where a meal was

  being prepared.

  "Tell her that if she sets a proper table for us, we’ll reward her

  generously."

  When Wadji translated, the woman smiled brightly and nodded.

  Her daughter came out as well to help prepare the meal.

  They slaughtered a duck and began frying the fish they had caught.

  A meal prepared with sincere effort was laid out.

  Roast duck, fried fish, flat wheat bread, figs, and beer were placed on the

  table.

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  "Mm… it’s decent. This oasis must be a livable place."

  Unlike before, Wadji ate slowly.

  Sensing that something about him had changed, Ella spoke.

  "Wadji… you seem different since what happened in Heliopolis."

  Wadji chewed the wheat bread and swallowed the sour beer.

  Then he spoke slowly.

  "Yes. Since then, I’ve been seeing things I couldn’t see before."

  He pointed toward one side of the oasis.

  "That marsh over there looks like nothing but a dense reed field, but a

  highly intricate illusion spell has been cast over it. I can see it. And I can

  see how to dispel it."

  Tamar tore off a piece of roast duck, put it in her mouth, and chewed.

  "We haven’t known each other long, but hearing that you’ve changed

  makes me feel a little disappointed. You’re probably a god or a demigod. If

  Apophis had no effect on you, there’s even a chance you’re a high god."

  After gulping down her beer, Tamar continued.

  "So… how exactly is that place supposed to help me?"

  "You command plants, Miss Tamar. That means you freely command the

  elements of water and earth. If you gain a deeper understanding of the

  elements, it also means your ability can be refined further."

  As Wadji spoke like a learned mage or shaman, Tamar and Ella found it

  difficult to get used to it.

  "I never thought about it that far… it’s just an ability I’ve had since

  childhood."

  "That place will definitely help you. Please trust me, Miss."

  Tamar handed a silver coin to the woman who had prepared the meal and spoke.

  "Tell her we enjoyed the food. And ask for a place to take a nap as

  well."

  The woman, as if seeing a silver coin for the first time, widened her eyes

  and nodded repeatedly, offering them a room.

  "I’m exhausted to death, so let’s get some sleep first."

  After overeating, drowsiness came over Ella as well.

  "Wadji, you should get some rest too."

  Wadji replied quietly.

  "It’s alright, Miss. Please get some sleep."

  As the two entered the room and lay down, Wadji slowly turned his gaze

  toward the reed field.

  *Patreon is now open. You can enjoy the next episode and illustrations there.

  *For managing the series, I will upload twice every three days.