A Tale of the World **HIATUS**

Chapter 30: The Skwar Race ♢1♢

"Remember, there are 3 items you must claim within the canyons. First item is the royal family Crest, next is the pearl of Jain. Lastly, the flag of our kingdom," Miki, an adventurer for Klein, explained to Nina. "But in order to obtain these items, you will first have to find a way to get to your Skwar that is already at the canyon waiting for you, which is 20 miles from here. These items and race course change every year," Miki explained. "And here's a map of where the items are located."

"So I have to obtain all of them?" Nina asked respectfully taking the paper.

"Yeah, but out of them all, only one has actual worth. And if you pass the finish line with it, you win."

"How would you know which item it is?"

"You won't know until the end of the race. Sometimes people arrive with one item they think is the most important, but it would turn out to be one of the other items. So be careful and collect them all," Miki said.

....................

"Contestants, please remember, magic is allowed in this race. Using your resources and surroundings to help aid in the races is acceptable," the announcer announced.

Nina focused her vision. All of these adventurers are wizards, she examined by feeling their auras.

"First time in a few years and they decide to use a little one," Telifia snickered.

"You make it sound like a bad thing, Telifia," Bruce laughed.

"Obviously, because I'm going to be the one to win this year," she said confidently.

"Is that so?" Colvin smiled crossing his arms. "Because from what I've seen, you've been last every year."

Telifia glared at him, "And you second to last. Maya was first last year." She added bringing Maya into the conversation.

"I have nothing to do with this," Maya simply stated. "But Christian let me win."

Christian nervously chuckled then turned slightly to the side only to see nothing but pure focus and concentration in the streak of Nina's eyes. She had completely shut everything around her out. She sent a chill down his spine, making him uncomfortable. He looked away, but her face was engraved in his mind.

"Adventurers! On your mark!" The announced yelled as the crowd went wild.

Everyone readied themselves, using their gravity defying spell lifting themselves into the air above the stage; Nina was the only one remaining on the stage.

"Get set!"

Everyone was eager, dripping with anticipation. Everything around Nina slowed and slurred, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath in. She thought of nothing; her mind, clear.

"GO!"

Everyone blasted off the stage into the sky and headed north towards the canyons. The crowd cheered. Nina remained.

"She's not leaving," Ruen said a bit concerned.

"Trust her. She'll be fine," Gin said focusing his attention solely on her.

I really can't understand him at all, Ruen thought to himself a bit confused. Why? Why would he have that kind of expression when he looks at her? An expression full of affection and longing for. There was a sweet tenderness that Ruen saw in his eyes.