After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
“We’ll proceed with things on this end regarding the young lady. I’ll send word once we’ve got something.”
“Thanks. I’ll let you know right away if we learn anything on our side too.”
Finis East City Gate.
Despite the early hour, Benwood had come to see us off. We exchanged a light handshake.
Nene had explained everything last night, so he was already in the loop.
“Everyone, take care! Safe travels!”
“Thanks. Niberune, look after things while we’re gone, okay?”
“You got it! When Marina comes back, I’ll make sure to catch her!”
What a clever kid.
She’s probably feeling anxious herself, but still smiles like that.
I really can’t allow myself to look pathetic now.
“Mr. Yuke, here.”
Mamal, who had also come to see us off like Benwood, handed me something like a notebook.
It looked fairly new but was covered with sticky notes, almost giving it the feel of a seasoned adventurer’s journal.
“This is the information I’ve gathered on the ‘Seventh Order.’ The accuracy should be decent, but due to limited data, I couldn’t dig very deep. I have a bit of a bad feeling about it. Just keep it in mind as a reference.”
“I appreciate it.”
“Please take care of Nene.”
Mamal gave a respectful bow.
I nodded in return, then casually looked up at the cityscape of Finis.
This had become something of a departure ritual for me lately.
Finis — the place we, Clover, are meant to return to.
To someone like me who lost their hometown, burning that image into memory might be an important ceremony.
Especially now, with Marina gone.
…I want to return here together with her.
“Make sure to stop by the adventurer’s guilds in each city of the Edright Republic. I've set things up so you can share information as needed. The networks should work in most places, so you’ll be able to get news from our side too.”
“Got it. Thanks for setting all this up, Benwood.”
“It’s my job. Take care out there.”
Benwood patted my shoulder. I nodded and exchanged glances with my companions.
If we didn’t leave soon, we’d fall behind schedule.
“Good luck! I’ll be waiting!”
“Yeah. I’ll come back as soon as I can. Be good, alright?”
“Make sure to brush your teeth! And no juice at night!”
“If you get in trouble, ask Tac or the Guildmaster for help, okay?”
“Eat your veggies too! I’ll bring back lots of souvenirs!”
“We’ll be streaming, so you won’t feel lonely.”
We responded to Rune waving at us, then climbed into the carriage.
To travel from Finis, on the western edge of the Kingdom of Welmeria, to the neighboring Edright Republic in the east, we had to cross the kingdom.
There were roads, but it was still going to be a long journey.
Anticipating that, we’d arranged for a quality carriage.
“Alright then, we’re off. Look forward to good news.”
From the driver’s seat, I called back lightly, and just like that, we departed from the adventurer city of Finis.
◆
Ten days had passed since we headed east.
After taking a short break in Quaroto, we continued on toward the borderlands of the Edright Republic.
The carriage rolled along smoothly through the gently sloping hills.
"The mountains you see over there—that's already the Edright Republic."
"The scenery... doesn't really change much, does it?"
"Now that you mention it, you're right."
I chuckled softly at Rain's comment.
The places we’d been to before—like Salmutaria and Vilmuren Island—were vastly different in both climate and culture compared to Welmeria.
So perhaps I’d unknowingly braced myself for a similar shift this time as well.
"Our destination is the Noed Autonomous Zone... 'Old Capital Jo-Koco,' right?"
"Yeah. According to Mamal's notes, that's where the headquarters of the 'Seventh Order' is located. It’s also supposedly the place where the broadcast was made."
"...Could be a trap?"
"Yeah. I’ve thought about that too."
I gave a small nod as I handled the reins.
It's common knowledge that broadcasts can be traced back to the broadcasting stations they pass through.
So if they went ahead with the broadcast knowing that—it might mean they had a specific reason or intent behind it.
"Do you think we can watch the broadcast here too?"
"Not sure."
"I'll try."
Sensing the heavier mood, Rain pulled a tablet from her magical bag and powered it on.
"Let’s see... looks like we can still only view Welmeria broadcasts."
"They might be limiting magical communications at the border. That broadcast supposedly used illegal magical artifacts, after all."
"Would be nice if there were Edright artifact broadcasts too..."
Maybe there are. No, there must be.
The Edright Republic is a country obsessed with new technologies.
Surely they have refined artifact manufacturers that suit such a forward-looking nation.
"Teacher? Should I take over the reins soon?"
"No, I’ll handle it until we cross the border. It'll make things go more smoothly."
"Understood. But if you get tired, please say so anytime."
While not as extreme as Salmutaria, I’d heard that Edright still had a bit of a patriarchal bias.
Since the country went through a revolution, and it was one brought about through force, it’s likely that men—stronger in physical power—played the central role.
Given that, it wouldn’t be surprising if a male-dominated society had taken root.
Though recently, there’s been talk of increased activity surrounding women’s rights.
In any case, if I stand at the forefront, I can reduce the risk of unnecessary trouble for the others.
Especially around border zones, where interactions can be quite delicate.
As both the party leader and a man, it’s best that I do the talking.
As we climbed a gentle slope, we spotted a brick wall up ahead along the road.
That must be the border.
"Everyone, get your adventurer tags ready, just in case. Have them where you can show them quickly if asked."
I called out toward the carriage behind me.
Next to me, Rain slipped her tag—hanging from her neck—out from under her shirt.
At the same time, I pulled out a bundle of documents from the magical bag at my waist.
They were the papers Benwood and the kingdom’s officials had prepared—certifications of our identity and credentials to help ease our passage.
"Alright, we’re now entering the Edright Republic. Let’s stay sharp."
"Yeah. Let’s be careful... and have fun."
Rain, sitting beside me, stole the line right out of my mouth with a small smile.
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