In just a month, Shenlan had compiled a language called Avite Language from the linguistic data collected around town.

This language was used by Ed and others and was relatively simple, making it easy for Herag to grasp.

He could now communicate normally with Ed and others, understanding the general meaning through conversation.

Herag also learned about the surroundings during this time.

He was currently in an empire called Portlands, with Falling Leaves Town located on its far west, next to the Shattered Stone Desert, a very remote place.

The Shattered Stone Desert was where Herag initially appeared, a desolate place inhabited only by Demons and no humans.

Falling Leaves Town was a small town on the empire's border, an unmanaged place left to fend for itself.

The nearest city to Falling Leaves Town was called Greenfield City, reputed to be a very large city, though the exact size was unknown to the town's residents.

Herag learned that the Portlands Empire had almost no control over these cities, with most cities in a state of autonomy.

The royal family of the Portlands Empire was merely a name, unable to command cities like Greenfield City aside from their own military force.

Due to the ubiquitous Demon infestation and harassment, everyone focused on survival rather than heeding orders from the royal family.

Exorcists were the most important profession here and the main power against Demons.

Someone with Ed's talent could have long since moved to Greenfield City to enjoy various benefits.

Talented Exorcists were always valued by various forces, enjoying excellent treatment.

But Ed stayed because he was the only Exorcist in Falling Leaves Town.

If he left, there would be no one to solve Demon attacks once they occurred, so he couldn't leave.

In Ed's yard, Herag was holding a sword with one hand while Ed, wielding a sword with both hands, was attacking with all his might.

However, Herag easily blocked every attack.

Throughout, Herag was as relaxed as taking a walk, while Ed was exhausted, barely touching Herag's clothes despite giving his all.

"Very good, you've improved a lot compared to a month ago," Herag praised.

Ed's growth speed was astonishing, his exceptional talent piquing Herag's interest, who taught him many things.

Ed learned quickly, mastering everything Herag taught him.

In just a month, Ed's combat skills had improved significantly, capable of easily handling two of his past selves from a month ago.

"Master, you're too strong. Despite my recent improvements, it feels like no progress in front of you," Ed said, somewhat dejected.

"I never said I would take you as a student; no need to call me Master since I'll eventually leave," Herag said.

During this time, Herag taught Ed a lot, but never took him as a student.

To Herag, this place was just a temporary stopover, with no desire to get too involved.

A month had passed, and it was about time to leave.

He had mastered the language and basic surroundings, achieving his goal.

"Master, you're leaving?" Ed said sadly, knowing this day would eventually come, but it was sooner than expected.

Though Herag never accepted him as a disciple, Ed already regarded Herag as his master in his heart.

Herag nodded and said, "Yes, I have my own things to do."

Ed knew he couldn't persuade him; a powerful Exorcist like Herag surely had important matters to attend to.

"When are you planning to leave, Master?" Ed asked.

"In the next couple of days," Herag replied.

Ed said, "Then I'll prepare some provisions for your journey, Master."

As they were talking, Hank hurried over with a solemn expression, "Ed, Grant, Andar hasn't returned for five days; he's probably in trouble."

Grant was Herag's alias, used for caution, never revealing his real name to Ed and others.

Andar was a town resident, notably the father of the three-year-old boy who climbed up Herag's leg.

Andar usually handled trading goods in Greenfield City, exchanging town items for currency, and brought necessities back per town residents' demands.

He had done this for years, and a round trip typically took three days.

This time, however, Andar had been gone for five days without returning.

Noticing something was amiss, Hank came to find Herag and Ed.

"Uncle Andar hasn't returned in five days?" Ed pondered for a moment and said, "Maybe he was delayed on his way; I'll go check it out."

"I hope it's just a delay," Hank sighed worriedly.

He also knew Ed's reassurance was just that; Andar was likely in trouble.

The weather had been good, unlikely to cause delays on the road.

Most likely, he encountered bandits or Demons, explaining his prolonged absence.

Andar was the only able-bodied adult in his family, supporting everyone himself.

If Andar couldn't return, they could only rely on the town's neighbors for support.

Only when little Magee grew up would anyone take up the family responsibilities.

"I'll go with you, as I planned to leave," Herag said.

There was only one road from Falling Leaves Town to Greenfield City, where Andar likely met trouble.

Herag intended to leave, planning to visit Greenfield City, making this trip convenient.

With Herag accompanying him, Ed believed they'd resolve the issue more confidently and naturally didn't refuse.

The two set out along the only road, observing the surrounding scenery for any clues.

They started on foot since the town only had one carriage.

This carriage was what Andar used to transport goods; when he took it, the town had no carriage left.

Even if there was a carriage, Herag couldn't ride it.

In his current form, he was too large to fit into a carriage.

The two traveled quickly, both possessing strong physical attributes.

Ed, an Official Exorcist, had absorbed much Demon Aura, making his body far superior to an ordinary person's.

However, compared to Herag's Titan Power form, it was somewhat lacking.

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