A month passes as the General diligently trains the four summoned heroes at the royal training field in the Capitol. Each of them plays a unique role in the group dynamic; thus, they each received a personalised training regime. They adapted well to their new lifestyle, training every day from sunrise until sunset. None of them complained about the harshness of their training, seemingly comprehending the urgency of their mission.
Sweat drips from Eric’s brows as he lands his hundredth consecutive strike on a training dummy. He falls to the ground in exasperation, gasping for air. The cold morning air sticks to his skin. Around him, on the training grounds, his teammates diligently continue training. Emily fires arrow after arrow at a target over a hundred meters away, perfectly hitting its centre each time.
Cale is seen running laps around the field, nimbly striking training dummies as he dashes past them. Only Mia seems to be taking it easy; she’s off in a corner meditating, training her control over the divine energy in the air and improving her casting abilities.
Eric stares at Mia and comments, “When the Goddess described this fantasy world to me, I assumed there would be powerful magi roaming about, but it seems that only priests wielding divine power can cast spells. The only magic I’ve seen that’s not from divine magic is small trinkets and artefacts that use magic crystals. How boring.”. Cale comes to a stop next to Eric and says, “Lighten up, at least there won’t be any fireball wielding maniacs running about.”.
In the centre of the training field, the General, dressed in full plate armour, walks up to the group and gathers them together, “Listen up heroes, your training time is up. I’ve trained you to the best of my abilities, but a month isn’t enough time. I pray we meet again, good luck heroes,”. The General gives a stern nod to the group and turns around, leaving them on their own.
As the General walks off the field, Celine, still fully adorned in gold, passes him by and kindly smiles, but the General doesn’t reciprocate. Unfazed, she nears the group and says, “Don’t mind him, he’s a good man and a great leader, but he struggles with the finer nuances of human interaction.”. The group silently stares at the priestess, and she lets out an awkward cough.
“Anyway, I hope you’ve been diligently training this past month. Your current equipment is yours to take, but that’s the furthest the King is willing to support you, unfortunately. I’ll be honest; the King has little faith in your capabilities and has decided to rather focus his resources on the border armies. I don’t agree with his decision, but it’s not up to me to decide.”.
The group collectively frowns, but Celine continues undisturbed, “Don’t worry, I haven’t given up hope on you yet, so I’ll give you a bit of advice. Your current strength has dramatically improved this past month, but it’s not nearly enough to make a difference. Go and join the Adventurer’s Guild, they have their town near the Capitol. There you can grow your strength with some actual combat, and the guild’s information network is top-notch, it’ll be a great help in your investigation of the demonic invasion.”.
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The group stares at each other and Emily says enthusiastically, “I’m in, the Adventurer’s guild sounds exciting. Do any of you have any better suggestions?”. The rest remain silent. Celine claps her hands together happily and announces, “Then it’s decided, I wish you the best of luck. You must quickly improve your strength, but don’t feel too rushed. The King and his armies are not to be underestimated; the borders won’t fall so easily. Now, go.”.
The group silently stares at the priestess, completely bewildered. Hesitantly, Cale asks, “Umm, how do we get to the Adventurer’s town? Do we walk?”. Celine’s face turns beet red; she quickly elaborates, “How silly of me. I keep forgetting that you were only summoned a month ago. Go towards the Capitol’s gate; it can easily be found by following the main road in the centre of the city. You should hopefully find transport there.”.
“Well then, let’s get going,” Emily enthusiastically announces. “Alright, we’ll be the greatest adventurers this world has ever seen,” Eric agrees, his eyes shining. “I don’t mind,” Cale coldly states. “There’s a lot of good we can do as adventurers,” Mia happily agrees.
“Farewell and may the Goddess be with you. If you ever want some advice, you can find me at the main temple,” Celine says, seeing the group off. It wasn’t difficult for them to locate the main road, it’s hard to miss, as it snakes its way through the Capitol. Within an hour, the group arrives at the main gate, each of them adequately equipped with appropriate armour and weapons.
“Is that who we’re looking for?” Eric asks, pointing towards a man standing next to a carriage filled with cargo. “Probably, I’ll go and talk to him,” Emily agrees, walking towards him without hesitation. The group follows behind her, letting her take the lead. “Hello, are you heading towards the adventurer’s town?” she asks. “You mean Avalon? Well, that was my plan, but the road has become too infested with bandits and wild beast since the King transferred more troops toward the borders,” the man says.
He eyes the group behind Emily and says, “Say, you look to be properly equipped, but you don’t seem to have a guild card. If you’re going to Avalon to register, then we may be able to strike a deal.”. Emily gaze turns suspicious as she asks, “What deal?”.
“It’s nothing sinister, don’t worry. You need transportation, and I have goods to sell at Avalon, so let’s travel together. You protect me and my carriage, and I’ll transport you free of charge,” he offers, smiling brightly. “Alright, we have a deal,” Emily agrees, none of the other members protest her decision.
“My name is Heralt; I hope we have a wonderful trip together,” Heralt introduces himself. “I’m Emily and behind me is Eric, Cale and Mia. When are we leaving?” Emily introduces the group. “The day is still young and if we depart immediately, we'll reach Avalon by dusk,” Heralt says, gesturing the group towards his carriage.
Everyone climbs onto the carriage, trying to find a comfortable position between the stacks of cargo. Pulled by two horses, the carriage exits the Capitol city. In front of them, a rough, stone-paved road, barely wide enough to fit two carriages side by side, stretches out into the horizon.