Standing at the eastern gate once more, this time it felt different. Instead of being here for guard training, I was surrounded by more than three hundred people around my age and an army of people crying and/or wishing them off.

My parents and friends were here too, so that helped, but my brain couldn't get over the fact there were probably a thousand or more people trying to converse in front of this gate at once.

Tightening the straps on my new light armor, I shifted my backpack from the ground up over my left shoulder before making sure my mace was secured tightly on my belt. To the others I probably looked too prepared for this journey, and maybe I was, but I liked it that way.

Looking at the group in front of me, I couldn’t but smile. Four of them were expected: Sam, Jas, and my parents. But, the sergeant and lieutenant had come out to wish me off and the main librarian I had gotten to know had also come to wish me off. Apparently she had asked for the morning off of work.

Watching them all chatter with each other, my mind drifted off. The caravan that would take us to Tinden would be here any moment, and we’d immediately leave once it arrived. Apparently the caravan leader was a stickler for being punctual.

The lieutenant had explained to me that the trip would probably take 4-7 weeks by caravan, depending on how long we stopped in major cities along the way. A long journey was ahead of me.

Tuning back into the conversation, I caught the tail end of something Jas was saying. “And that’s how he managed to deal with that unruly customer! I’ve never seen anything like it, the man couldn’t help but feel like he’d been unreasonable by the time Roik was done with him. The customer is always right, unless Roik disagrees!” Laughing loudly, Jas winked at me and passed the floor over to Groff.

“Ah, a good story. I would never have guessed he was like that from my experience with the lad. I’ve only known him long enough for a little training but he’s a too-humble prodigy.”

Throwing me a look, he continued. “If any of you are worried about him in the war, don’t be. He thrashed my three newest guards after 4 days of basic training. Who knows what he’ll be doing after this training camp thing?”

With that, everyone took a look at me. Looking away from them, I pretended I didn’t notice. “Their tactics were beginner at best, they could’ve overpowered me easily if they had taken the fight seriously.” Hopefully that would disarm the looks they’re giving me…

With a snort, the lieutenant looked at my parents. “I don’t like admitting it but he fights like a beast, be proud of him. He’ll be a force on the battlefield in time. If you plan to worry, worry about his enemies instead.”

At that moment, Sam spoke up. “Roik? A fighter? I always knew you had some guts but seeing you in armor with that weapon at your side looks… right. Jas and I will be right here, so bring us back some stories of your adventures when you return.”

Cracking a smile, I looked at her. “Are you sure that’s all you want,Samrelda? It’s not too late to choose the more attractive option.” With a few flexing poses, she rolled her eyes and put her head in one of her hands.

“Just stay safe, idiot.” She said before grabbing Jas’ arm and dragging him away.

Just like that, everyone began to disperse except the guards. Before he walked away, my dad looked like he wanted to say something, but he didn’t. Neither did my mom, she had chattered with the guards a bit but she and my dad had the lowest social standings here so it was probably awkward for her.

As she passed me, the middle-aged librarian woman looked me in the eyes and smiled. “Be strong, seek knowledge, and develop wisdom. May the gods look upon you with favor, young Roik. It was a pleasure helping you with your studies over the last few years.” Patting me on the shoulder, she passed me and vanished in the crowd.

Standing there with just the sergeant and lieutenant, we all just watched the goodbyes around us as all the non-conscripts slowly left the area. We all knew it would only be a few minutes until the caravan arrived and there wouldn’t be time for a goodbyes once it did.

Catching the eye of a cute girl with silver hair standing alone in the crowd, she smiled at me and waved. After a second, I waved back before starting to walk towards her. “I’ll be right back.”They both nodded and stayed fixed to their spots.

Making my way through the crowd, I made my way to her. Approaching her, I smiled and put out a hand towards her. “Hello! You seemed friendly so I figured I’d strike up a conversation while we wait, I’m Roik.”

Looking me up and down, her emerald eyes swept me away for a second before she smirked slightly and shattered the spell. “Oh? Friendly, huh? Hard not to be friendly when you have a face like that. How can I help you, Sir Rose Knight?”

Shaking my head gently, I placed a hand over my heart. “Rose Knight, huh? I don’t consider myself much of a knight, my lady. But, who am I to reject the admiration of such a beautiful maiden.” Bowing in front of her, I looked up at her and winked.

Rolling her eyes, she began laughing loudly. “Roik, was it? Maybe you’re more fun than I expected. It’s hard not to be on edge today, sorry about that. So, you’re another one of us poor souls being sent off to die?”

Standing up and dramatically clasping my hands together, I looked towards the sky. “One and the same. The empire knew my gallantry would strike the opposing army dead on first contact, so they couldn’t bear to leave me out.”

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Snorting, she looked me up and down again. “It all make sense now, Sir Roik. I shouldn’t have doubted your intentions.” Giving me a dramatic bow back, she cracked a grin. “Looks like the caravan is here, but we should ride together. You seem like fun conversation and we’ll have nothing but time.”

Nodding, I grinned back at her. “I suppose I could oblige a maiden’s request.”

With that, we both turned our attention to the man and the carriages coming through the gate. In the front there was a blue-haired man with a nicer version of the armor I was wearing, his was mostly dark leather from the leggings to the armguards with a simple metal breastplate. The main difference in what we were wearing was the obvious quality difference, the leather was darker and his breastplate was probably mana steel, where mine was just imbued iron. I had read in a book that the color difference gave it away.

Stopping a ways in front of all of us, his booming voice hit us like a runaway horse. “Recruits, hurry up and board the caravans. There’s no time to waste, war will be on our doorstep before we know it. Sit where you want.”

With that, he marched back towards the wagons and vanished behind one of them. Looking at the girl next to me, I nodded once. “If you were serious about sticking together, follow me. I need to talk to the caravan leader quickly before we board.”

Looking at me and seeing I was being serious, she nodded and followed after me as I chased down the caravan leader. After looking around for a moment, I found him loitering near the front-most caravan which was filled with supplies.

When he caught me in the corner of his eye, he threw an annoyed look my way. “What is it? I said board the caravans.”

“Sorry sir, I was tasked with delivering this letter before we left.” With that, I grabbed the letter from my left pocket and reached it out towards him.

Grabbing it out of my hand, he inspected the seal before breaking it open and giving it a read. A minute later, he glanced up and looked me up and down.

“I see. Your administrator is using this city’s leadership seats on you and three companions of your choice. He’s also requested you receive extra training in military strategy and warfare, stating it was the recommendation of the Creator’s Truth branch here. This is your one and only chance to ask me to pretend I didn’t read this. You’ll be worked to death if the contents of this letter are received by camp leadership.”

Taking a deep breath, I looked him in the eyes and nodded once. “This is my choice, I will attend the leadership camp and receive the extra training. I can’t explain why, but this is something I need to do. Also, if it’s my choice then when do I need to choose the other leadership candidates by?”

Grunting at me, he thought about it for a moment. “I shouldn’t spoil the opening ceremony, so let’s say by the morning of the 3rd day of camp you need to have an answer for me. At that point, I’ll report this letter and personally verify the contents. And don’t just recommend your girlfriend there if she doesn’t have the cut for it. Don’t waste our time, kid.” With that he turned around and walked away from us.

Shaking my head, I looked at the girl and realized she had overheard the entire conversation. “I’d prefer you kept this to yourself, Miss…?”

“I’m Isanna. And don’t worry, it sounds like more trouble than it’s worth to remember any of this. Your secret is safe with me, Sir Roik.” Winking at me, she grabbed my arm and pulled my towards the nearest carriage. Letting myself be dragged away, I smiled slightly. Maybe this trip wouldn’t be so bad after all with a girl like her by my side.

bloody divider [https://i.imgur.com/yTIGwtI.png]

As I sat over the edge and dry heaved for the millionth time in the last half-hour, I silently begged for someone to save me. Despite being able to heal my wounds, apparently I could still get motion sickness. Who in the gods' names thought these old caravans were a good idea?

As the rocking and shaking of the caravan below me continued, I laid down with my head over the edge and wished for death. The only measure of peace I got was that Isanna was beside me, rubbing my back, but it only helped so much. Not that I’d complain about the attention of a pretty girl — even if the circumstances were less-than-ideal. The only reason I hadn't given up on life was the healing touch of a fair maiden. Not that it actually healed my body, but it sure healed my soul.

Eventually we’d stop to make camp for the first time since we left the city that morning, but this was too brutal to survive that long — or that’s how it felt. I couldn’t even enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest around us as we traveled across the wide dirt road that had been claimed from its embrace.

After another half-hour, a notification appeared in front of me and provided some sweet deserved comfort.

Passive skill learned: Common Ailment Resistance (Uncommon)

With that one notification, my motion sickness almost instantly vanished and clarity slowly returned to my mind. It had only taken 6 hours of this cursed day to get it, but I finally did. I had heard some skills could be acquired passively from taking damage or status effects and I was beyond grateful it was true. Now that the heaving was over, my throat quickly began to heal itself and my stomach’s soreness faded.

Once again, I thanked my ancestors for this gift. My regeneration passive was absurdly useful. It was possible I could even survive something like severe food poisoning now, I had already almost lost my life to that one once as a kid. What I wouldn’t have given if this had been active my entire life.

With that, the ride became almost pleasurable. My curses and groans were replaced with silent awe as I realized we were in an actual endless expanse of forest. I vaguely remember we had passed a few small villages along the way, but after 6 hours of caravan travel, we were still surrounded by trees, shrubs, and other plants in all directions most of the time.

The main thing I noticed was that it was different reading about the outside world in books, or even doing a day journey into the woods, than it was actually traveling through all of it while being pulled by beasts. You’d think the terrain would have some variation, but aside from subtle elevation changes, we just continued riding through tree, after tree. Did I mention there were trees?

There also wasn’t much wildlife to see, but that was likely due to caravan noise and the beasts pulling it. It was a shame, I’d love to see a forked deer or some of the peaceful little critters the forests were known the house in massive quantities.

Deciding I’d just rest until we stopped, I took my seat again, with Isanna beside me, and closed my eyes. Feeling her hands rubbing my upper back still, I felt myself drifting off as I leaned my head back against the canvas wall behind me. The darkness quickly took me away to a better place.