A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 11 (Part 1)

     A pile of branches fell onto a patch of dry ground without any grass. Oliver crouched down and summoned ash on his bare palm. Then, he sprinkled the sizzling ash onto the sticks, and they immediately caught fire, igniting into a roaring bonfire.

     Proud of his resourceful work, Oliver smiled at his creation. He stood up and raised his left hand above his shoulder. A tiny stem quickly grew from the ground on the same side and instantly matured into a bush filled with colourful fruits. Oliver then picked healthy, vibrant raspberries from its branches for himself.

     Oliver sat in front of the bonfire and popped a few raspberries into his mouth. Using his elemental powers, he summoned sand onto his other hand, and it quickly took the form of a small cup. However, it was unusable in its current state since it was still made of sand. But, with a wave of his hand, Oliver transformed the sand cup into a glass, ready to be used.

     Once Oliver created the glass, he quickly gobbled up the remaining berries in his other hand so that he could use it to summon safe and clean water. Once the water filled the glass, he drank it all in one go, wiping his lips with the back of his hand. He then cleared his throat.

     Suddenly, a violent vibration rumbled inside Oliver's stomach, causing him to glance around at his surroundings. He quickly spotted a group of gazelles skipping in the distance, catching his attention. He then peered at them and observed them gallop.

"No, no... I'm not a lion," Oliver joked, chuckling to himself.

     Oliver reached for another berry from the plant he had summoned. He took a bite of the sweet, juicy fruit while keeping his eyes locked on the sprinting gazelles. The fascinating animals dragged his head closer in their direction.

     Unexpectedly, Oliver feels the urge to look to his right. But nothing lies there except for the wind brushing through the grassy fields. He neglects the strange feeling and continues to focus on the gazelles.

     As the moment passes by, the temptation to approach the area grows inside Oliver's head. He keeps resisting until he finally decides to stand up. Then, he proceeds forward.

     Oliver feels a tingle of excitement as he walks towards the area. He then halts on an exceedingly low slope, scanning the grassland around him. As he breathes a relieving breath through his mouth, Oliver suddenly hears a suspenseful, distressed noise echoing across the meadow.

"Help!!" a masculine voice cried out.

     Upon hearing the sound, Oliver quickly searches for the source. Far away on the grasslands, he spots the person calling for help. He immediately realizes that it is none other than Gregory.

     Oliver narrows his gaze. Then, he squints his eyes and watches Gregory run frantically—as if something is chasing him. Oliver can tell that Gregory is unaware of his presence as the distance between them makes it difficult for Gregory to notice Oliver on the horizon.

     Gregory dashes across the sharp grass, his waistcoat flung aside. His trousers are rolled up to his calves, and his sleeves are folded to his elbows, revealing his bare forearms. As he rushes through the plains, his hair becomes tousled and unkempt, wildly flying in the wind. The buttons of his shirt loosen, revealing his glistening, broad chest slick with sweat.