76 Chapter 76: Arrival (1/2)
As they got closer to the Dark Continent, the tension started to rise and everyone's nerves were on edge. Ahri was especially anxious, she had no idea if her ill grandfather was okay or not.
Along the way, they passed many different regions such as plains, mountains, rivers, and forests. Caesar spotted many different kinds of exotic creatures the closer they got to the dark continent.
Huge birds, weird looking tigers that have a much larger mouth, lanky elephants, and even a land crocodile… Caesar couldn't help but feel as though these excessively large creatures were strange but to the rest, they were perfectly normal.
This strange yet comforting atmosphere carried on for two weeks, until finally while urging the horses to go further, Caesar spotted a strange divide in the road.
He concentrated on his eyes and tried to read what the roughed up signboard said, ”dark continent border, checkpoint ahead” he whispered out loud as he read.
Edward, that was to the right of him smiled widely once he heard Caesar's words… ”we've finally made it!” he said excitedly.
”Huh, how are supposed to pass the checkpoint? Won't they stop us?” Caesar asked curiously
”Hehe, the border guards are very corrupt, just give them a sack of coins and they won't bat an eye… How do you think the slave business which involves selling dark continent creatures is so successful” Edward said confidently which reassured Caesar.
”I see, will you be able to lead us to where your clan is located once we enter the dark continent?” Caesar asked a separate question.
”Hmm, I should be able too…” Edward said slightly hesitantly which caused Caesar to breathe out a deep sigh.
He placed his index finger and thumb on the bridge of his nose, he shook his head wryly and forced the horses to go even faster.
”Well, we made it this far… hopefully, we get lucky” Caesar said exasperatedly.
Edward smiled widely and nodded his head enthusiastically, he was very excited to return to his clan.
*creak*
The carriage window behind him and Edward opened up and a scrunched up dwarven face presented itself.
”What's all the ruckus about?” he asked curiously, from his tone, it was apparent he was just woken up.
”We will arrive at the dark continent in less than an hour!” Edward explained.
”Aw man, there goes my peaceful days” Joe complained, but the anticipation in his tone betrayed his words.
*clak*
*clak*
All three of them went silent and only the sound of the horse's hooves hitting the ground echoed out… None of them wanted to awake Ahri, who was currently resting.
After passing the sign on the side of the road, they continued for about 30 minutes before a ragged looking wooden gate appeared in their line of sight.
Caesar pulled the reigns and the carriage gradually stopped in front of the wooden gate, they waited there for a few seconds before a chunky guard waltzed up towards them.
”Welcome to the border” The chunky guard murmured while rubbing his sleepy eyes.
The corner of Caesar's lips twitched, 'is this capability of the guards stationed here? Why haven't the dark continent races broken out?' Caesar contemplated to himself while the chunky guard just studied him suspiciously.
Caesar didn't want to waste any more time here than he had to, he took out a pouch of gold coins and tossed it to the guard… He felt funny, this was something he did often in his past life.
The fat guard hastily grabbed the pouch and subtly looked inside, his eyes went wide once he saw the bright golden gleam. Slober almost came out of his mouth as he licked his wide lips.
”Hehe, I see you are men of culture” the guard laughed strangely and waddled over towards the side of the fence,he pulled out a strange insignia from a chest and brought it back to Caesar.
”Keep this with you, this will be your identification for when you want to leave,” the guard said with a strange smile.
Caesar grabbed the insignia and made sure he didn't touch the guard's hands when he did so, he studied the pattern… It was a picture of a strange looking bull with both of its horns twisted in opposite directions.