Chapter 248

Chapter 248

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Chapter 248

"From now on, regardless of how late we might be, our objective is to reach the western border area adjacent to the Great Sarain Forest within three days."

Having verified everyone was mounted and ready, Kishiar, at the front of the group, calmly made the declaration, turning to face them.

"We have chosen the best route based on the information brought by the Peletta Knights who have been in the West, but unexpected circumstances will undoubtedly arise. This journey will probably be more difficult than any we've encountered thus far... but I trust in all of you."

"Yes."

There was a strange power in the word 'trust' that flowed from Kishiar's mouth. Seeing no signs of struggle from anyone, and with their eyes shining in response, Kishiar reciprocated with a bright smile. He then flipped the hood of his cloak over his head to obscure his face, and raised his hand.

"Let's set out."

All at once, several horses surged forward in a thunderous gallop. The sunlight, just beginning to peek over the horizon, evenly bathed everyone from above. Due to this, Yuder had little difficulty noticing that Prince Ejain, riding nearby, was fixating his gaze on Kishiar's back.

He could not determine what the prince was thinking, but decided to believe that the journey had started well.

—---

In the heart of the western part of the Orr Empire, Baron Willhem, the lord of the city of Tainu, furrowed his brows as he read a letter hastily delivered by a courier from the capital.

"I may be a mere caretaker of someone else's territory, but even so, as the master of the Willhem family who has long held responsibility for Tainu, Duke Tain's behavior is too much."

"What's the matter, my lord?"

In response to the butler's inquiry, Baron Willhem voiced his complaint loudly.

"Duke Peletta sends his newly formed Cavalry here, and still they haven't arrived in the West. The Duke continues to berate me about their delay and their whereabouts. Given that their home base is in the Capital, wouldn't it be more fitting for the Duke to personally look into this matter?"

"Indeed. How could the baron, busy as you are with governing Tainu, be expected to keep track of such trivial matters."

Despite the butler's placating response, the baron's mood did not improve.

"Since the Duke announced that this Cavalry, or whatever they are, was departing from the Capital to the West, and requested me to look after them, it's been nothing but a nuisance. What's the big deal about them coming here to help us? Whether they come here and engage with monsters, whether they die or survive, why should I care?"

According to Baron Willhem's understanding, Duke Tain knew nothing about the West, despite it being his own territory. The tedious task of ruling a vast territory was always left to others, while he himself would invest here and there, constantly issuing directives to release funds and handle the aftermath.

Not long ago, due to the preparation for a massive investment trade initiated by Duke Tain, everyone in Tainu was worked to death, unable to focus properly on governing the territory. And yet, the Duke leisurely went to the South to initiate another maritime investment, and then returned. Although there was no compensation reaching Willhem's hand for his trouble, he was always troubled because of Duke Tain, and thus, his feelings toward the Duke's family were quite negative.

"What's truly important to him is whether the recent monster outbreak will impact his investment points in the Great Sarain Forest or not. The Cavalry issue is merely something he is bothered with, and he just wants to vent his frustration through me."

Baron Willhem, who had accurately pinpointed Duke Tain's true intentions, angrily crumpled the letter and threw it away.

"They haven't found the culprits yet, but once found, they will certainly deal with them. Tell them that we have dispatched a significant number of mages and knights to protect our investment base," the baron instructed.

"Understood."

Even if he had known beforehand, the baron's decision wouldn't have significantly changed. Things were going smoothly according to his will.

The mages of the Western Mage Union who had secretly accessed the incorrect information spread by the baron that day were extremely angry as expected, and their leader Micalin Punt, unable to contain his fiery temperament, headed straight to Great Sarain Forest.

Among the mages, there were those like Thais Yulman who only harbored curiosity for the Awakeners, but there were also many who had a sense of caution, fearing that their future positions might be taken away. Micalin was a faction that disliked the Awakeners more than anyone else.

"So, the mage bastards have finally made a move? Everything is going well! We don't even have to use our own forces, and this extermination will more or less be resolved."

Baron Willhem laughed heartily, feeling as if a thorn in his side had been removed. It was a laughter he would not have indulged in if he had known how his trap would unfold.

—---

"I think I can see Great Sarain Forest in the distance."

During a short break, Gakane, who could share his sight with his shadow clone, mumbled with his eyes closed, having sent it out for reconnaissance far in advance.

"I see a forest that looks like green waves from afar. Once we reach the next village, we'll be right there."

"How about the monsters? Do you see any?"

"Not yet... Ah, but I should stop now."

When Kanna asked, Gakane answered and then opened his eyes. The shadow that had disappeared beneath his feet reappeared. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and let out a long sigh.

"Phew, it's not easy distributing my energy."

"Still, you're developing much faster than when you were only in the academy since you're using it constantly in real situations."

Yuder offered words of praise to Gakane, whose eyes were tired.

"You kept it going much longer than yesterday."

"Really? You think so?"

Gakane, whose face brightened as if he hadn't been tired, smiled widely.

"I'm relieved. I feel like I'm pulling my weight. I was really worried before we came here."

Although he was doing his part regardless of what anyone said, he didn't think so himself. Despite appearing cheerful because of his frequent hearty laughs, Yuder knew Gakane had an immense desire for improvement and perseverance within him.

'Once this mission is over, he'll be useful anywhere. Then... maybe I should ask him if he wants to work directly under me.'

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