Black String of Fate

"Thank you for hosting us. We will stay here for a few days and work on the investigation to catch the culprit. It might take a week or more to catch the culprit, so we'll be in your care."

While Xavier was looking around, Lafia talked with the director about trivial matters regarding their stay. While she wasn't the best leader, it was her duty to do diplomacy on behalf of her party.

Lafia turned around and addressed her party members,

"We will stay here for more than a week. Let's rest for today, we'll begin looking around tomorrow. Stay alert, never drop your guard down."

The party nodded and went to their accommodations. Xavier decided to look around a bit more, his curiosity overwhelming his tiredness. He wanted to interact with the kids here, and perhaps seeing him be of the same age, he might get some valuable information.

He saw in the distance some children playing with a ball in the garden. He quickly stashed away his sword and cloak and approached casually. When he came closer to the kids, he waved his hand and called out to them.

"Hey guys, what're you playing?"

The children stopped their game and looked at Xavier. There was curiosity in their eyes, he could tell that they were curious about this new kid who appeared wearing strange clothes.

"The ball game. We kick the ball once and pass it to the other person, then that guy has to pass to someone else in one kick. Do you want to play?"

"Yeah, sure."

Xavier then joined the kid's circle and began playing with them. It was a childish game that he could never mess up, but to appear relatable to the kids, he occasionally missed a few times. He laughed at his own mistakes and made other kids laugh with childish jokes, so they got pretty comfortable with him very soon.

"Hey Xavier, you're pretty good. Did you learn this from someone else?"

"Nah, I'm playing this for the first time. If I learn it properly, I'll not miss even a single one."

"Hahaha, says the guy who got nutmegged. By the time you master this, I'll be the best in the world!"

"Oh yeah? I'd like to see you try! Take this!" Xavier kicked the ball, and this time, he aimed to nutmeg the kid who just said that.

He had to admit, it was pretty fun to play around with kids like this. With his life filled with darkness and tragedy, just playing lightheartedly with innocent kids was something he found surprisingly enjoyable.

"Ah- shucks. I missed that. Xavier, you're too good…"

"Phew, I'm tired, let's take a break."

The kids sat on the ground in a circle. They started talking, and obviously, the main topic was the newcomer with strange clothes.

"Xavier, where are you from? Are you a new member of our family?"

"Haha, not yet, but I'm an orphan like you guys too. So, how's life over here?"

"Hmm, we can't really say much, because we haven't gone out a lot. We are fed three meals a day and given clean clothes and a bed to sleep in. I have all my friends here, so I have lots of fun here."

"Is that so? That's nice."

Xavier replied with an excited smile, but inside, he was frustrated due to the lack of information.

'Sigh, what can I even expect from the kids? I'll need to spy on them for info.'

"Rick, Kenny, Maria, it's lunchtime, come to the- Oh? What do we have here?"

From afar, a voice called out the names of a few kids Xavier was just playing with. When the source of the voice got closer, Xavier saw that it was also an orphan boy, but he was 12 years old, definitely the oldest of those here.

"It's a new face… Are you one of the adventurers who came to our orphanage for the quest?"

"Ho? Why do you think so, given my age?"

"I'm rather good at distinguishing people, plus, being the eldest child of the orphanage, I'm privy to more details than other kids."

Xavier was silent for a moment before he laughed lightly,

"Haha, I must say, you got me."

The children, who had shamelessly eavesdropped on the conversation, exclaimed loudly,

"Wow! You're an adventurer?! Like a real, dungeon-clearing, monster-fighting adventurer?!"

Xavier pulled out his badge and passed it to the kid who just asked that question. He wasn't against the idea of entertaining these kids a bit.

The child carefully held the badge, and all the nearby kids rushed to him, hoping to catch a glimpse of that badge.

"They've heard the tales of adventurers slaying dragons and obtaining mythical treasures. I'm sure everyone here dreams of becoming one. Though, if what you said earlier was not a lie, you have somehow achieved that dream of every orphan boy here…"

"Well, it's nothing much. Just a thirst is enough to make people risk their lives. I survived that risk, so, therefore, I stand before you."

"That's some profound words. Are you really the same age as us?"

"Physically, I'm younger than you, but I've experienced a lot in life."

"Hmm, secrets, huh? In that case, I won't bother you much. There's lunch at the cafeteria on the right. Though it may not be the quality you must be used to by now, it's a hearty meal."

"Thanks for inviting me, I'll be sure to check it out in a few moments."

Like that, Xavier and that boy parted ways. He realized he never asked for his name, but he'll be seeing him around soon, so it didn't matter much. But, one thing was bugging Xavier.

'He said 'if what you said earlier'...

How did he hear I'm an orphan? I was sure that nobody was nearby… Innate Gift? Or something more? I have a feeling that in this quest, he's not just some background character. I don't know what role he plays, but he plays a significant one."