Chapter 20 "journey to the solaria kingdom"
I woke up earlier than usual and prepared a simple breakfast. The bread from yesterday was still fresh, so I paired it with a warm cup of tea, savoring each sip. After finishing, I took a quick shower, dressed, and checked my backpack to ensure I had everything I needed for the journey: clothes, some extra bread, and a healing potion as a precaution. Although food would be provided during the mission, it never hurt to be prepared.
Once I was ready, I made my way to the meeting place—a vacant lot near the city gate. As I approached, the sight of dark-cloaked figures gathered in small groups around the carriages came into view. I had hoped to be one of the first to arrive, but it seemed I wasn’t the only one eager to avoid being late.
“Caelan! Good to see you here early,” Gibo called out, his voice cutting through the low hum of conversation. He strode toward me with a welcoming grin, his dark cloak rippling slightly in the breeze.
I nodded and offered a polite smile. “I thought I’d be early, but it looks like everyone had the same idea.”
Gibo chuckled and clapped me lightly on the shoulder. “No one wants to be the last to show up. Your horse is over there,” he said, gesturing toward a tall brown mare saddled and waiting nearby.
“Thanks,” I replied, my tone brisk but appreciative.
I walked over to the mare, her ears flicking as I approached. Gently, I ran a hand along her neck, feeling the warmth of her coat under my fingers. She shifted slightly, as if testing my presence. I smiled to myself, grateful I had learned to ride after arriving in this world. It was a skill I never imagined needing, yet one that now made all the difference.
I glanced back at the group, their dark cloaks blending into the dimming light. They stood ready, their weapons strapped securely to their sides, the steel glinting faintly under the fading sun.
“Load your gear into the supply carriage,” Gibo’s voice rang out again, firm and steady. He pointed to a wooden carriage stationed at the edge of the lot. “You don’t want to be weighed down when the fighting starts.”
“Understood,” I replied with a quick nod.
Without hesitation, I unshouldered my pack and placed it inside the carriage. The interior was cramped with supply crates, food, spare weapons, and tools. The carriage groaned under the added weight, I turned my attention to the group.
The adventurers were a diverse crowd, armed with a wide variety of weapons. Most carried swords—some large and heavy, others light and dual-wielded, while a few paired their blades with shields. Others wielded spears, axes, or scythes, their edges sharp and battle-ready.
Three archers stood off to the side, their bows slung across their backs and quivers filled with arrows. They talked quietly, their movements measured and deliberate, ready to lend their precision to the coming battles.
Among the group, one figure stood out—a seasoned adventurer who carried both a sword at his waist and a bow strapped to his back. His stance was calm yet commanding, suggesting he was equally skilled with both weapons. The combination hinted at a rare versatility, a warrior who could switch between close combat and ranged attacks with ease.
We waited far longer than expected, yet there was still no sign of Lucan or the noble we were assigned to escort. The mood among the group steadily soured, irritation spreading as the minutes dragged on. People shifted on their feet, muttering complaints, and even the horses snorted impatiently, seeming to mirror the restlessness in the air.
I passed the time watching the constant stream of people moving in and out of Liras City—merchants pushing creaking carts, travelers pulling their cloaks tighter against the wind, and nobles with guarded expressions riding in polished carriages.The constant movement was a quiet reminder of how vast this world truly was.
Finally, after almost three hours, we saw Lucan approaching. Behind him were four knights dressed in shining armor, surrounding a luxurious carriage pulled by two beautiful and well-groomed horses. The carriage itself was impressive, made of dark wood with intricate golden designs. It was clear that the person inside spared no expense on appearances.
"Alright, time to move out!" Lucan’s commanding tone carried over the group. We quickly took our position, taking up our positions just as we’d discussed the previous day. I was assigned to the frontline, together with Lucan and Gibo
As the convoy departed Liras City, the wide stone roads gave way to rough dirt paths. Tall grasses bent in the wind, and clusters of trees cast shifting shadows under the mid-morning sun. The air smelled of pine and fresh earth, a sharp contrast to the city’s crowded streets.
At the front of the convoy, Caelan adjusted the sword at his waist, casting a glance at Lucan and Gibo. .Both looked relaxed, though their watchful gazes betrayed their readiness. They hadn’t traveled far, but the shift in their surroundings demanded caution.
A glance over his shoulder revealed the convoy’s formation. The noble carriage, flanked by four knights, sat at the heart of the group. Behind it, the supply wagon rolled steadily, guarded by a mix of archers and swordsmen. Flanking the convoy on either side were adventurers—three on each side, their weapons gleaming faintly in the sunlight.
At the rear, Shana, the Amazon, led another team, her presence of silent reassurance. Among her group was a versatile fighter, armed with both bow and blade, ensuring their final line of defense was strong.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
It was a solid formation, designed for defense and mobility. But Caelan’s gaze lingered on the front. “We’re the first line,” he thought grimly. “If we fall, the rest will crumble.”
This realization deepened his respect for Alex, the red-haired warrior who had opposed his inclusion on the front lines. To Alex, Caelan had seemed like just an untested recruit. But now, Caelan fully understood the reasons behind Alex's concerns, even if he remained confident in his own abilities.
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The journey stretched on, taking us from grassy fields to sparse woodlands. We passed small farmhouses where children waved and farmers nodded respectfully. In the distance, hills rose in hazy blues, while birds flitted through the trees and clouds drifted lazily overhead.
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By evening, we reached a small town. The sun cast a golden glow over weathered wooden buildings as the horses’ hooves clattered on cobblestones. The day’s tension eased as we approached the inn, quiet chuckles and relaxed shoulders replaced the tension of the day."
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The next morning, we continued onward and reached a village surrounded by sprawling rice paddies stretching to gentle hills. Traditional wooden houses with thatched roofs dotted the area, their reflections shimmering in a pond. Wildflowers lined pathways, and the scent of fresh fields filled the air.
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The small town ahead bustled with travelers, and the inns and shops were modest compared to Liras City.
The carriage halted before the largest inn, and a young man emerged. His fiery red hair framed sharp green eyes brimming with mischief. Dressed in a feathered coat and glittering jewelry, he radiated nobility—and arrogance.
“Set up camp nearby,” Lucan instructed. “We’ll eat from the restaurant to conserve supplies.”
We quickly pitched tents near the inn, ate a simple meal, and rested. Grumbles about the young master’s late habits filled the evening, but the night passed quietly.
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We rose early, but as expected, our departure was delayed. The young master emerged past sunrise, barely acknowledging us as he climbed into his carriage.
The procession resumed along the rocky mountain path. Mist clung to the slopes, and the sharp, cold air carried a stillness. Evergreen trees lined the trail, their dark branches casting eerie shadows.
The sight before me brought memories of Mitra Village rushing back—its endless green fields swaying in the breeze, the weathered barns standing proudly against time, and the dense forests whispering secrets of the wild. A warm feeling bloomed in my chest as I reminisced about the days I spent there, back when I first arrived in this world.
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As the day drew to a close, Lucan suggested we stop at a small village nestled against the mountain’s base. Though his leadership was clear among us adventurers, the final decision rested with our employer. However, the noble young master showed no interest in such matters, leaving it to Josen, the knight leader, to agree with Lucan’s caution.
“The Haze Forest is no place to enter after dark,” Josen said, his tone resolute. “Velkyn beasts are dangerous , and they hunt in packs. Camping there would be suicide.”
We nodded in silent agreement, the weight of his words cutting through any doubts. The Velkyn —fox-like predators known for their cunning—had a fearsome reputation. The village offered safety, and though it meant another delay, we all knew it was the wiser choice.
The village chief, an elderly man with a humble demeanor, greeted us hesitantly. “We don’t have a proper inn,” he admitted, glancing nervously between knight Josen and Lucan, “but we’ll do our best to accommodate you.”
Knight Josen nodded politely. “Just provide the young master with the most comfortable lodging available.”
The chief bowed deeply and led us to a sturdy but weathered house. After a brief inspection, knight Josen handed him a silver coin. The chief accepted it with another bow and hurried off.
When the young master emerged from the carriage, his face twisted with disdain. “Josen, what is this? You expect me to stay in that?” he snapped.
Knight Josen bowed his head, his tone firm yet respectful. “This is the best the village can offer, young master. Traveling further would put your safety at risk. I ask for your patience—for one night.”
The young master scowled but said nothing more, brushing past us to enter the house. The chief returned shortly afterward and offered us smaller houses for the rest of the group. They were few and cramped, so Lucan, Gibo, and I volunteered to camp outside near the young master’s quarters, keeping watch.
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As night fell, knight Josen returned from the chief’s house with two village girls. They looked about my age.
The first had chestnut-brown hair neatly braided, with loose strands framing her cheerful face. She wore a simple beige dress, an apron tied securely over it, and her green eyes sparkled with kindness.
The second girl had a quieter presence. Her dark brown hair hung loose, slightly messy, with soft bangs brushing her brow. Dressed in a loose olive-green coat, she carried herself with a calm, melancholic air that hinted at quiet strength.
Knight Josen led them to the young master’s quarters and rejoined us by the fire. We shared a simple dinner of roasted chicken, bread, and vegetable soup before retiring to our tents.
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I woke early, before dawn's first light. The camp was quiet as I tidied my belongings and made my way to a nearby river to wash up. The cold water was bracing, snapping me fully awake.
As I returned to camp, I saw the two village girls slipping out of the house. They moved quickly, as if eager to leave unnoticed. One of them almost bumped into me. Her eyes, red and puffy, met mine for a fleeting moment before she quickly looked away. Fresh bruises marred her face—one near her mouth, another on the other girl’s arm.
My stomach tightened, but I stayed silent. Their quick footsteps faded, leaving me alone with my unanswered questions. I wasn’t in a position to intervene. Elle had warned me not to get involved in such matters. I was just a hired adventurer.
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The sun rose as we prepared to leave. The young master took his time, emerging from the house with a smug grin, his mood noticeably improved.
Lucan mounted his horse, addressing the group. “Stay alert. We’ll be entering the Haze Forest soon. The Velkyn beasts are dangerous, especially in packs. Keep your weapons ready.”
The tension among us grew as we approached the forest’s edge, its dark entrance twisting like a maw waiting to swallow us whole. Weapons in hand, we braced ourselves for the dangers ahead.