"Why?" one of the unawakened travelers asked, his tone carrying a mixture of confusion and disbelief.

At that question, Asher couldn't help but sigh, his expression twisting into one of faint irritation. He couldn't decide whether to call it stupidity or a lack of common sense, it was likely both.

"You will only die at the hands of bandits or monsters if you continue on this journey," William intoned flatly. His voice carried an edge of finality, a tone that brooked no argument. He could already tell that Asher's mood had soured completely the moment that question was asked.

The unawakened man, seemingly oblivious to the weight of William's words, replied almost defensively, "We hired these mercenaries to keep us safe. They will protect us until the end of the journey."

Even William's patience wavered at that point. His dark, eyes shifted toward the so-called mercenaries, men who had, only minutes ago, been ready to abandon their employers to their deaths.

The instant William's black eyes met those of the mercenary leader, the man froze, then forced a knowing smile. He understood perfectly well what that gaze meant. Unlike his unawakened employers, he comprehended the true meaning behind Asher's and William's warnings. Continuing this mission would be sheer folly. If he and his group chose to push on, they would be walking to their deaths. They had already been paid half their reward in advance; that was more than enough. It was time to cut their losses.

"Let's move," Asher said curtly, turning away. His tone held no trace of interest in further discussion.

"Can we join you?" one of the mercenaries blurted out suddenly, hope flickering in his eyes as he watched Asher, Finch, and William begin to walk away.

Without even turning back, Finch replied, "As long as you follow the same path you took to get here, I'm sure you'll be safe." His voice was calm, almost indifferent, but his meaning was clear, turn back, or die.

With that, the familiar Astra-forged circular platform materialized beneath Asher's feet, glowing faintly with radiant golden flash. Slowly, he began to rise into the air. Beneath William, a crimson, blood-red circle appeared, pulsing like a living heart as he too ascended. Finch's chain spiraled into a helix beneath him, solidifying into a platform of intertwining black links. Together, the trio rose higher, their figures growing smaller until they vanished into the horizon, leaving only a rush of air in their wake.

If the unawakened people or the mercenaries chose to continue their journey forward, that was their own decision. Finch had already saved them once; he wouldn't do so again, at least, not without reason or benefit.

Time blurred, hours melting into one another as the trio soared through the vast skies. The wind howled around them, brushing against their faces and tugging at their clothes. The forests below stretched endlessly, an ocean of green dotted with the faint traces of villages and rivers. Gradually, through the thick expanse of trees, the silhouette of a towering wall came into view.

"We're here," Asher said at last, his voice calm yet laced with relief. He held a small compass in his hand, an artifact that had guided them accurately since their departure. But as he gazed at it, a sudden crack echoed, and thin lines began to spread across its surface. Before he could react, the compass shattered, scattering fragments of silver and glass into the air.

Asher raised an eyebrow, momentarily puzzled. He hadn't done anything to damage it. 'A one-time-use item,' he concluded silently, brushing off the pieces that fell from his glove. His attention shifted to the civilization now visible before him, the Rivelle Barony.

"Finally," Finch breathed, a faint smile touching his lips as he hovered in the air. "After hours of flight, we've arrived." The black chain beneath his feet shimmered faintly before dispersing into smoke-like wisps that vanished completely. He landed gracefully, his boots touching the ground in near silence. Asher and William followed, dismissing their respective platforms with a thought.

With calm and measured steps, the trio began walking toward the colossal gates embedded in the high stone walls. The gates stood open, revealing the bustling checkpoint beyond. Groups of guards moved in disciplined formation, checking carriages and goods before allowing anyone to pass. Two armored Knights stood by the entrance, overseeing the process with stern vigilance.

All around, carriages of every kind moved slowly through the queue. Some were pulled by majestic Enduron Horses, renowned for their stamina and strength, while others relied on ordinary breeds that strained under the weight. A few wealthier travelers used domesticated beasts and monsters as draft animals, creatures that emitted faint auras of power.

Asher couldn't help but frown slightly. 'Why don't they just store everything in a space ring?' he thought, 'It would save them the trouble.'

As though reading his mind, William replied lazily, "If you're wondering why they use carriages instead of space rings, it's because even the smallest ring, the cheapest kind, with barely enough space for basic luggage, costs nearly ten platinum coins."

Asher nodded slowly in understanding. That was indeed a fortune for most people.

The line to enter the Barony stretched long, filled with merchants, travelers, and refugees. Yet, the trio didn't bother to wait. They moved forward with an air of quiet authority, walking past the rows of waiting citizens. Heads turned immediately, eyes narrowing in silent disapproval. A few people frowned, but none dared to speak up. In a world where strength ruled, speaking out against the wrong person could easily mean death.

Asher, William, and Finch stopped at the front of the gate where a guard, a broad-shouldered man with dark eyes and a stern face, stepped forward to intercept them. Around him, several other guards maintained order, while the two Knights stood close by, their armor gleaming beneath the sunlight.

"Your residential permits or identification, please," the lead guard said formally. His gaze swept across them, sharp but not disrespectful. Though he didn't comment on their blatant act of skipping the line, Asher could tell he'd already deduced something. Mercenaries, adventurers, or official agents under the Baron's orders were often granted special privileges, and the trio's partial armor gave them that impression.

Without a word, Asher raised his hand. A faint shimmer appeared, and a mission scroll permit materialized from his space ring. He unrolled it and handed it to the guard. The man took it carefully, eyes scanning the parchment, until suddenly, his entire expression changed.

"The… Star Academy?" the guard stammered, nearly choking on his own breath. The insignia of the Academy gleamed on the scroll, radiating faint Astra that confirmed its authenticity. Instantly, the guard straightened and bowed deeply. "Welcome to Rivelle Barony!" he exclaimed respectfully.

"Thanks," Asher, Finch, and William replied simultaneously, their voices blending into one.

Before they could proceed, one of the two Knights stepped forward, his armor clinking softly as he moved. The other Knight disappeared in a blur of speed, vanishing beyond the gate and into the Barony's interior.

"Welcome to Rivelle Barony," the remaining Knight said warmly. His voice carried the practiced politeness of someone used to formal greetings. He was clad in full metallic armor, the sigil of the Rivelle Barony, a twin-bladed crest entwined with vines, etched proudly into his breastplate. "I trust your journey was smooth?"

"It was," Finch replied calmly. His demeanor shifted subtly; gone was his casual tone, replaced by the refined bearing of a noble-born heir. His voice carried authority, but without arrogance.

"Allow me to guide you, then," the Knight offered with a courteous bow. "I can show you around and ensure your stay begins smoothly."

"Sure," William said simply, his tone level. "Lead the way."

With composed expressions, Asher, William, Finch, and the Knight stepped past the towering gates and entered the Barony. Beyond the walls, the bustling streets of Rivelle awaited, alive with merchants, travelers, and the faint hum of Astra that filled the air.

_____

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Happy new month, everyone! Since we're coming to the end of the month, shower this greedy author with your gifts and golden tickets. Shall we start the next month with a fire mission?

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.