5 「Carne Village」 (1/2)
For the first time he was going to leave the safety of the Citadel, for the first time, he was entering himself a new world. An immersive new world.
As the group of five made their way out the front doors of the fortress known as the Blue Citadel, they all looked around from the top of the elevated steps outside the gates.
He took in the flatlands, the mountains nearby and the massive amounts of forest. According to the map he had seen, they were north from E-Rantel in what could only be described as a delta between the arms of forest.
There was one path, one direction to go, to escape having to go through the forested wilderness. That was to go south west. There would be a village though that they'd be passing through, Carne Village.
It wasn't the greatest of places to live, considering its proximity to the border with the rival country of known as the Baharuth Empire. He could only imagine how often villages along the border would get raided by rogue parties.
Plus the proximity to the forest meant that they'd also be attacked by monsters often. That wasn't something he really wanted.
Before they left the top of the steps, Sir Gallifrey emerged from behind them, stepping out of the gate and beside Cipher. He wore a large pack on his back with sleeping gear, pots and pans. He looked like he was preparing to set up camp in the wilderness.
”It should take us less than a day to get there Galli, there's no reason to take so much stuff.” Cipher snickered looking over the stuff.
Peter held back a chuckle, he wasn't happy that Cipher was coming with them, but it was happening anyway whether they liked it or not.
Dyne was looking forward to the walk though, having been kept inside all this time, he wanted to be around some nature. He was a druid after all and being around nature was well, part of his nature.
Lukrut was stretching a bit, enjoying the morning sun on his face.
The group began to descend the long stairs down to the ground.
”So what kind of monsters are we expecting to run into on the way back?” Cipher asked curiously, his eyes watching the grass move like the ocean as gentle gusts of wind passed through the plains.
”Goblins, Ogres. The usual,” Lukrut laughed it off a bit, his arms folded behind his head casually.
”I... see,” Cipher eyed the back of his head for a moment before looking to Ninya, her staff bouncing off each step before her foot.
”My Lord, I have surveyed a few villages along the border. Some of them seemed to have been attacked, others are being scouted. It gives the impression a war going to begin soon.”
”I see...” He said as he looked over towards the Knight, then over towards the Swords of Darkness.
Peter was interested to hear this. If there was a war, not only did it sometimes mean dangerous times, but it also meant that the Nation may try to hire adventurers as they're typically more powerful that the average soldier.
”If there is a war, which side would you choose?”
After a brief moment of thought, he shrugged. ”Depends on the side which not only has the most to offer, but also can be considered the most trustworthy. Considering how medieval this relam is...”
”Medieval?”
”Dark Age.”
”Dark age...?”
”What I'm saying is that the Nobles and Royals will be hard to trust. If nobles are in strife with their masters, then the Kingdom has little to offer, as their word will be hardly legitimate in a corrupted setting... Like a Noble being able to abduct a common villager without punishment. A warmonger who thrives in chaos. If my presence steps on another's foot, and the King cannot control his people, then all is for not.”
With this mouthful of words, he wasn't wrong. Even though they all were pretty much from common upbringing it was clear politics ruined all good things. The corrupt, the decent, the way the world worked... He'd be at war with everyone.
”Kind of reminds me of the Eight Kings of Greed.” Ninya muttered, as it was a large part of history pertaining to the continent and the current state of affairs.
”Eight Kings of Greed?” Cipher asked curiously, it was clear he was no from around here and this tid bit of information hadn't been shared.
”Eight powerful beings united the continent, conquered the known world.” Ninya was in story teller mode, ”It's a simple tale really, a tragedy. After uniting the world, they fell to infighting and no there's just a shadow of a city left. I didn't delve all that much into it though.”
”Interesting...” Cipher rubbed his lower lip with the knuckle of his right index finger.
By now after walking for about fifteen minutes, they made it to the bottom of the stairs and sat down at the base of the citadel.
”Why is it so high up?” Dyne sarcastically complained as he rested slightly for a few.
They weren't necessarily tired, but they weren't comfortable either.
Cipher however just remained standing, watching over them. They had just gotten done taking their short vacation, though longer than they truly had time for. It just felt a little off moving so much at a time.
”Do you guys need a little pick me up?” He'd ask inquisitively, a grin across his lips.
”Pick me up...?” Ninya looked up at him as she slowly got back to her feet, dusting grass off her shins.
”「Greater Revitalize Zone」” Was the only thing he said, causing a red circle to appear around them. Suddenly they were filled with rejuvenating energies. The wearing of their feet from walking down all those steps seemed to suddenly vanish.
”Whoa!” The group exclaimed as the rest stood up, inspecting themselves.
After a few seconds the zone dispersed, leaving them feeling even greater than before they started their descent from the Fortress that now dominated their view to the North.
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…
Sometime had passed since they had left the citadel behind.
Whenever someone went to moisten their lips, Sir Gallifrey was there to offer them a pitcher of cold water. Something none of the adventurers were used to.
”Wow thanks,” Ninya said with a smile, looking up at the salt and pepper haired man.
”All is as my Lord wills.” The Knight responded with a grin, taking pride in his service to his supreme creator. While the kingdoms all had their gods, the Guardians only had the one and he was alive.
”Hah... Of course it is,” Ninya laughed a little.
Lukrut just stared at the Knight who seemed to be overly infatuated with his Lord. Was this what it was like to be doted upon? The Knight seemed to not take in the negative aspects of Cipher's actions or how he acts amongst other things.