Travelers

It took an extra month than I expected. However I had learned my limits and more or less tested all I wanted. Which meant I had to make my way to Beacon. I had sold all the dead grim I killed and I got a lot of looks. However the mass clearing of Grim had gotten me a huge accomplishment in the small pool of work of Vessel A. I had also learned that My name was exactly the same as my past life. Being called Marispan Beau was a tad odd feeling. I would choose to go with Mars as a nickname from now on for the sake of possible sanity.

I didn't want any conflicts of interest with my past life. Moving forward was my best case and simple solution. Following along a hiking trail because I had also realized I need to likely save the money. Beacon wasn't that far and the hike would be good for more conforming. Hopefully I could find some travelers to go with so I could probe them.

The path wasn't bad and quite peaceful. Scanning over the path it seemed some sort of device was used to create. I had seen similar when I had missions in more rural areas. It was sometimes a simple tow of some kind. Checking this however it was likely created with dust. Some superficial mineral that was formed by the natural... Lay lines? I think that would be what they are called. Lay Lines were what certain civilizations called the energy of their planets.

I sighed, I was a little bored. However looking ahead on the path perhaps I had gained my first tap of occupational interest! "Hey you two! You two lasses need a traveling companion!"

The two women turned and stopped slightly. I ran up and caught up. It would be best to show friendly and openness. "Howdy my name is Mars I am a huntsman, what about you two?"

"Your a huntsman that's pretty cool! My name is Nora and this is Ren, he is actually a guy."

"Hi."

He was in fact a guy, they were two teenagers. This would be easy to get a jest. "Well you two look fairly young, you wanna to travel with me? I am heading to Beacon to try and become a teacher at the academy there."

"That's great! We are heading there too! We want to become Huntsman we are going to Beacon to become students."

I nodded, "Wonderful! Though...?"

My unanswered question wasn't answered by the lass. However Ren noticed it. "We are orphans and that is all we wish to say."

With mock sympathy I smiled, "Ah I get it. I am in a similar position myself. People are not friendly to people like me and families like mine get...split up."

The two kids took my bait and I could tell they lowered heir guard a little. Their own families like died by a grim attack. Well the boy's family at least, the girl looked a little different at the mention of families. I nodded and started walking.

"Well let's make our way to beacon then shall we?"

"Right on!" The girl wrapped an arm around the boy and marched forward. The girl was like a little Valkyrie she would've fit right on in my regiment. For a teenager she seemed more ripped then some of the trained women I've seen. I had to admit she would be fun to play around a bit with.

The two kids walked slightly behind me which I had to admit was far better for me then them. They likely wanted to keep an eye on me. However they couldn't see my face so it was better for me. I could keep aware of them without watching them so them being behind literally didn't matter.

"So Mars why did you become a huntsman?"

That was a good question, I didn't become a huntsman Vessel A did. I bite the bullet and would tell them why I joined the military in my past life. "I joined so I could make money, kill things, and to seek different forms adrenaline rushes. Its an exciting life, I wanted excitement."

"You wanted to kill things?"

I nodded, "My point of view everyone wants to kill something. From vengeance to psychopathy. You can't be in this world without a little violence. After all how many insects do you kill every year?"

The two kids looked a little confused and I elaborated. "Huntsman are like Grim Exterminators. Just like there is Exterminator which kill insects that invade your home. Sometimes you may fear it, be disgusted by it or you just simply want some satisfaction from it. You two are orphaned by Grim are you not? Wouldn't you want to kill the grim that did that? It is a monster after all."

They looked uncomfortable and I had to hold back a chuckle. "Everyone has motives, as long as your motives stay above a certain line. You can call yourself a good person, I don't mean to make you kids stray from becoming huntsman. I just felt the need to broaden your thoughts to the fact you may have to fight people as well as grim. People can be monsters too and you already are aware of that. Since you are walking behind me to watch me."

The boy spoke, "You are certainly correct sir. I apologize of we offended you."

I smiled back, "Nah its all good. You two are young and in a hard world. Its good to keep up a strong will and even stronger defense."

The two nodded and I let myself walk a little slower and begun walking ever so slightly next to them. They had basically let their guards completely down. Despite being more aware and on alert of me. A simple little trick for me, but a harsh lesson for these two kids.