18 The Legion (1/2)
The sun was almost set by the time Melissa and her team finally arrived near Astoria Empire southern border. They had just passed through a Legion outpost a moment ago.
On the way from Esnoz, the team traveled quickly on the main road owned by the empire. Several times they met with demon beasts roaming near the road, but those demon beasts were immediately handled by the cavalry squadron that escorted the team.
There are also some funny moments that occur during the trip such as; the cavalry soldiers became more energetic and enthusiastic about their behavior because of the appearance of Melissa's female team members, the soldiers could not resist showing off in front of those ladies, the female team members rolled their eyes as they witnessed the soldiers' behavior.
And because of the fact that Arno could not ride a horse and he also rode with Alfred, both of them became a laughing stock not only for team members but also for the soldiers. Arno did not mind that and just shrugged, while Alfred cried in his heart because he was dragged too.
But overall, it was a very relaxing journey.
As the team continued heading south, they finally saw a vast military camp located on the horizon. That was their temporary destination is, namely the 5th Legion's camp.
The 5th Legion was originally stationed in the Gaztic Valley, dozens of miles west of the current team position. After the Grand Commander of Reizen had resumed his district command, he pulled the 5th Legion back to the rear line. When they were in the midst of withdrawal, they were immediately redeployed again but this time they were ordered to march to Farach Pass and were tasked with supporting the 13th Legion which had been stationed near that Pass.
”Is that your former legion, Alfred?” Arno, who sat behind Alfred on top of a horse, suddenly asked him something.
Alfred glanced at him ”Yeah...that's the 5th Legion.” and he replied a little.
”For how long did you serve in the legion?” Arno inquired him again.
”9 months and 23 days. If I remember correctly.” Alfred answered in great detail.
Hearing that, Arno nodded slowly ”What about Luccio then?”
”Hmmm...Luccio had been in the legion before I joined, but I'm not sure how long he's been there.” Alfred again answered while at the same time steering his horse's rein.
”Wait! You both didn't have the same age?” Arno was slightly startled, so he asked him again.
”Hehe...Luccio was a few years older than me, he could be said to be my senior. We initially didn't know each other because even though we were in the same legion, we came from different squadrons. But we got acquainted during a counter raid operation against the barbarians a few months ago. We have been stuck with each other since then.” Alfred chuckled when telling his and Luccio's history to Arno.
'So it's like that.' Arno had thought that Alfred was the same age as Luccio, but he was wrong.
”I see. Then you must cherish it. Friends are precious after all.” Arno gives Alfred advice.
”I will sir.” Alfred nodded, he agreed with Arno's words.
Arno smiled lightly and he did not speak further. But something felt strange to him, he had observed that Alfred's destiny connections to him were dimmed and decreased over time, and this had happened since he had guided Alfred in his cultivation.
'It looks like my 'fate' business with him is almost done.' Arno thought.
Although still not completely vanished, he could feel that Alfred's fate would have nothing to do with him soon enough.
But one problem still haunts him. The problem is about the connection of destiny between him and Melissa. In contrast to his connection with Alfred, which declined and almost disappeared, the connection of destiny with Melissa actually rose sharply and strongly every time they got closer to each other. And this made Arno's mind very chaotic.
Arno does not know where the problem will bring them both in the future. He can only let nature takes its course.
He again cleared his mind and continued his journey with Alfred.
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Afterward, the team approached the camp and this time they can see it more clearly. From the conditions around the camp, it seems that the camp has not yet been completed. It can be seen from the number of soldiers who occupy themselves with various kinds of activities around the camp such as; set up tents, make wooden stockades and also dismantle military equipment.
This is a very busy sight.
Suddenly, Melissa and her team were intercepted by a group of officers while they were outside the camp. Then, one of the officers greeted Melissa for her presence in the camp and also informed her that the commander of the 5th legion had been waiting for her arrival.
Melissa nodded and agreed to meet directly with Commander Arthur. That way, the officers swiftly guided the team to a tent where the commander was located.
Near the main gate of the camp made of wood. There is a massive flag that flies fast and rough because of the wind. The color of the flag is crimson with a touch of gold, and there is also a 5th legion proud symbol on both sides of the flag.
That is the proud flag of the 5th legion, which they always carry wherever and whenever they are deployed.
Along the way, Alfred and Luccio were greeted several times by soldiers who knew them. And of course, they both returned the greeting. It seems that both of them are quite well known in the legion.
Because they had their own duties, the cavalry squadron who had accompanied the team to the camp was finally separated from them. The squadron went straight to their own barracks.
When Arno saw the scenery around him, he was quite fascinated by it. He could see the imperial soldiers were practicing and marching in a disciplined manner, their numbers were extraordinary. Maybe there are around thousands of soldiers in this camp.
Talking about the Astoria legion, Arno recalled one of his conversations with Alfred a few days ago. From the conversation, Arno learned that each legion consisted of 6000 soldiers which were separated again into several main units.