Alright! Time to embark on a new journey!

I went out a few minutes ago to tell Fen and the others about my plan. They were skeptical but they did agree.

So now that the other's had already agreed. Then of course I had to do my part!

"Tres! Is Mika ready? Uno, Quatro—have the supplies been packed? Dos, Cinco—how about the sleeping bags, do we have any? If not, go ask Serena if she has one!"

The house was alive with activity as everyone moved with purpose, albeit slightly chaotically.

We're now currently in Serena's house which by the way is actually also Rea, Jin, Io and Levy's house.

I guess they decided it would be for the best they stay together in case something happened while they were here, huh?

Anyway,

My clones scurried about, fulfilling their tasks with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Tres, was double-checking Mika's gear. Mika, as usual, was more interested in sneaking bites of a leftover snack than focusing on the trip we were about to go on.

"Those foods Jin told me about..." I muttered under my breath, wiping a stray bead of sweat from my brow as I recalled her description. "The spicy stew, the roasted meats, and those... those pastries! Damn it, now I'm drooling again."

Jin didn't just tell me about the kingdom's dangers; she also tempted me with the most mouthwatering descriptions of their cuisine. And honestly? Even if the kingdom needed saving for me to try those dishes, so be it.

[System Response:

Aria. Focus. ]

I snapped back from my thoughts at that.

Thanks for that system.

"Tres! Is Mika ready?" I repeated, louder this time.

Tres turned to me, exasperation evident. "Mika's ready. I've packed her things, and I even made sure she has snacks. Healthy snacks." She shot a pointed glare at Mika, who was trying—and failing—not to look guilty.

"Good," I said, then turned to Uno and Quatro, who were hauling supplies. "What about you two? Supplies?"

Uno saluted, her expression stoic. "All packed, boss. Food, water, tools, and essentials accounted for."

Quatro, on the otherhand, groaned under the weight of her oversized pack. "I think I packed too much..."

I sighed. "Quatro, we're not hauling treasure. Trim it down. This isn't a stroll."

Quatro muttered something about "always being prepared," but she started unloading excess items.

I heard footsteps coming towards us, looking up I saw Serena and the 4 looking at the others as they ran around, her calm demeanor in stark contrast to the chaos around her. She glanced up at me, her eyes gleaming with quiet amusement.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" she asked, her voice steady.

She's on professional mode today, huh?

I rolled my eyes. "Why does everyone keep asking me that? Of course, I'm ready."

She smirked, leaning back slightly. "Just making sure you're not biting off more than you can chew. You've got that 'I don't know what I'm doing energy' going on right now."

"A what energy?" I repeated, stunned. "Serena. I'm just... worried."

It's true, I'm worried about Kron and the others if I leave. But with the system's help with the message function it added, that lessens by a bit.

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And if what Jin says is really true, then this won't be a journey of no gains.

I heard Serena laugh, it was soft but genuine. "Well, hungry or not, stick to the plan. No rushing ahead, no unnecessary risks. Got it?"

Geh! She found out!

"Got it," I replied, trying to look serious though my mind was already drifting to the thought of sizzling meats and flaky pastries.

Titan, our armored companion, stood silently at the edge of this chaos. His imposing frame glinted in the morning light, his presence both reassuring and slightly intimidating.

I approached him, craning my neck to meet his gaze—or where his gaze would be if he had visible eyes.

"Titan," I began. "Do you think this is the right move?"

Titan's response was wordless, as always. Still, his massive hand rose, resting gently on my shoulder. Despite his silence, the gesture carried weight—reassurance, maybe even encouragement. That's what I wanted to believe, anyway.

"I'll take that as a yes," I muttered, smiling faintly. Titan's stoic presence had a way of grounding me, reminding me that I wasn't alone in this. No matter how uncertain I felt, he was there, a silent guardian.

Behind me, Mika's laughter rang out, a stark contrast to the seriousness of the moment. I turned to see her attempting to lift one of Titan's gauntlets, her small hands barely making it budge.

"You're so strong, Titan!" she chirped, her voice brimming with awe. "Can I ride on your shoulders when we leave?"

Titan tilted his head slightly, his armor clinking softly with the motion. I wasn't sure if that was a yes or a no, but Mika didn't seem to care. She beamed up at him, already planning her perch.

"Alright, everyone, listen up!" I called, clapping my hands together to gather the group's attention. My clones froze mid-task, turning to face me. Mika hopped off her chair, her expression curious. Even Serena leaned slightly forward, her interest piqued.

"We're leaving at sunrise," I began. "That gives us... what? An hour? Two?"

"An hour and thirty minutes," Uno supplied helpfully.

"Right. That much time to finalize everything. Double-check your packs, make sure nothing's been forgotten. And for the love of all things spicy, don't forget the food."

Mika raised her hand eagerly. "Can I be in charge of snacks?"

"No," Tres and I said in unison.

She pouted but didn't argue, instead flopping back into her chair with a dramatic sigh.

Serena chuckled from her seat at the dining table. "You've got your hands full," she remarked.

"You think?" I shot back, rolling my eyes.

Rea and Io, our strategist for today, spread a map across the table, beckoning us over. Rea's fingers traced a path through the dense forest that bordered the kingdom.

"This is the best route," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "It's not the fastest, but it's the safest. Minimal risk of bandit encounters and the terrain is manageable."

I studied the map, nodding slowly. "And if we took the faster route?"

Io's eyes narrowed. "Higher risk. Bandits, wild beasts, unstable ground... and the possibility of running into that group Jin mentioned."

"Right. We'll stick with the safe path," I decided. "No point in rushing if it gets us killed."

And with Mika with us, going to a dangerous road is a No.

They both nodded approvingly, rolling up the map and tucking it into her satchel.

As the others went and done their businesses, I found myself sitting beside Serena. Her eyes looking as the others finished their preparations.

"You're really going through with this, huh?" she asked, her tone quieter now.

"I have to," I replied, staring into the flames. "If your sister really knows something and the mist is growing as Gorn and the others say then waiting isn't an option. Besides..." I hesitated, then smiled faintly. "I really want to try their food."

Serena laughed softly, shaking her head. "Of course you do."

I leaned back, letting the warmth of the fire wash over me. For a moment, the weight of the journey ahead didn't feel so heavy.

When the first rays of sunlight spilled through the windows, the house came alive again.

My clones were ready, each one carrying their share of the supplies. Mika was perched on Titan's shoulders, grinning from ear to ear.

For some reason, she really likes looking at us from a high place. Weird.

"Alright," I said, stepping to the center of the room. "Let's do a final check."

"Food?"

"Packed and double-checked," Uno confirmed.

"Tools and essentials?"

"Ready," Quatro said, looking slightly less burdened after trimming her pack.

"Map?"

"With me," Leah replied, tapping her satchel.

I glanced at Serena, who stood by the door with her own pack slung over one shoulder. She raised an eyebrow.

"Do you really need to ask if I'm ready?" she teased.

I smirked. "Fair point."

The door creaked open, and the crisp morning air rushed in, carrying the scent of pine and earth. The forest loomed ahead, its towering trees casting long shadows across the path.

I took a deep breath, gripping the strap of my pack. "Alright, team. Let's move out."

Titan led the way, his towering frame a reassuring presence. Mika chattered excitedly from her perch, her enthusiasm infectious, Leah walked besides them. Serena walked beside me, her pace steady and confident. Io stood on the middle with Levy, while Jin and Rea stood at the rear.

As we stepped onto the path, I felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The kingdom awaited, with all its dangers and delights.

And most importantly, its food.

With a determined grin, I adjusted my pack and pressed forward, the promise of answers—and a good meal—driving me onward.

Little theater:

Mika: *pointing dramatically* "Onward, mighty Titan! To snacks and glory!"

Tres: *exasperated* "It's a journey, not a picnic, Mika!"

Titan: *gently adjusts Mika on his shoulders* nodded, fully endorsing her snack quest.