Side story (Part 1): The Search (Souta POV)

Souta's group stocked up on supplies in the last village they went through before going into the Deadlands.

We started the journey by going directly to the gates of the South Border because it would lead us directly to the Dead Lands.

Alno will guide us from there since he said to us that he had been in the Dead Lands quite a few times already. Roln and Lea (the mage) agreed with the plan.

We also bought a lot of potions and antidotes since we don't have a priest in our group, and that would be one of our challenges as we continue with our travels.

We were making small talk until the South Border came into view.

Bodies of paladins and thousands of skeletons could be seen.

There were even a few Paladin captains. The air felt corrupted, and it was hard to breathe in. It was the scent of death itself.

Souta: "They told us the undead were already extinct... It seems like this was the last battle fought in the war."

Alno made that statement as we were making our way to the gate.

After a few minutes, we saw something even more unsettling. From afar, we thought it was just a huge rock, but when we looked closer...

Souta: "What is it?"

I asked my group. I have no idea what this monstrosity is in front of me.

It was a skeleton. He was wearing black knightly armor.

It had its lance planted on the ground, and around him, the corpses of Paladins lay there.

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Alno: "This guy... was a Skeleton Duke."

Alno explained to me that the Skeleton Dukes were the chief commanders of the Skeleton King's army. It was one hell of a last battle here.

Everything in this gate was destroyed, even the walls.

And somehow, I could feel that spirits were roaming around here. Not yet finished with their dealings in the world of the living.

I looked at it through its helmet. I saw a faded purple light. It was eerie, so I got my group to get going after that.

Maybe it's still alive?

Lea: "Hey, Souta! Let's go!"

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The first scene that was shown to us was an endless desert with a few rocks in the distance. Maybe even mountains.

We encountered some zombies and skeletons, but they were hardly any challenge for us. We reserve our strength and magic, since this will be a long journey. We hit them with some maces that we got from the corpses of the paladins.

They were enchanted by the holy element, so it made the job easier. We also got some rations in their storage room.

It would be a huge help since we did not have a lot of money, so the food and water we bought were just enough. Having extra is always welcome.

Although looting the dead is prohibited, there is no one to catch us here.

After a few hours of walking, I consulted Alno about the length of the journey and what problems we could encounter on the way to the South Region.

Souta: "How long do you think before we reach the South Region?"

Alno: "It would take us at least four months."

Souta: "What!?"

I was shocked that the Dead Lands were that large.

Alno: "The Central Region was originally large anyway. Also, the changes in the landscape because of the wars that occurred here made it hard for us to travel."

He showed me the map.

Alno: "We were able to map it until here."

He pointed to what seemed to be the middle of the Dead Lands. He used an ancient map of the Central Region and edited it.

Souta: "So, it's just a guess that it would take us four months since there was not even one successful mapper that went to the South Region."

Alno: "Yes, so far, but now there will be one."

He gave a huge smile and gave a thumbs up. He's confident that he can navigate through this forsaken land.

Alno: "By the way, Souta..."

Souta: "Hmm...?"

Alno: "When are you going to tell us the real reason why we're on this journey?"

Souta: "It's to meet my savior."

Alno: "Hmm... We all have our own goals in mind, but as long as we're going the same way, I'm with you."

Souta: "Thanks, Alno."

Lea suddenly spoke to brighten the mood.

Lea: "It doesn't matter! As long as we're having fun, then this adventure will be worthwhile."

Her smile was as bright as the sun. Even though the sun rarely shines brightly in the Deadlands,.

We returned the smiles, except for Roln.

Roln: "..."

Roln was listening to the conversation but was not intending to join in. He's not the guy who likes socializing in the first place.

It might take a long time before these guys get along nicely.