< 111. Blood wets the sand (2) >
#111
“Yes I hope you like it.”
The attention of the members was focused. Ronan’s index finger was pointing at Schlieffen who was sitting at the table sharpening his sword. Schlieffen who had been silent opened his mouth only after he had finished grooming himself.
“I’m disappointed. “Did you just call me to say something like that?”
“Just listen. “It will be a pretty good trip.”
“It is impossible because successor classes are scheduled during the vacation period anyway. “Please bring another member.”
“It’s a successor class… I see. “It’s a shame.”
Ronan quenched his appetite. Suddenly he was rummaging through his inside pocket and pulled out a piece of paper the size of his palm.
“I also prepared a small reward. “Oh my gosh I fell.”
Ronan artificially spread his fingers. The paper slipped and landed on Schlieffen’s sword. His eyes widened.
“This is…!”
On the paper was a picture of a smiling Iril. However it felt completely different from a typical painting.
Although it was black and white without color it was full of life as if it had been cut and pasted from a part of reality. Schlieffen’s pupils were vibrating rapidly.
“Anyway I got it… I did well in class.”
Ronan picked up the picture again and headed towards the other members. Suddenly Schlieffen grabbed his shoulder and stood up.
“for a moment.”
The voice was extremely serious. Ronan desperately suppressed his laughter and turned his head.
“What?”
“When I think about it broadening one’s horizons is also a type of kingship. As time goes by this might be your last chance. “If there is no other option I will cooperate.”
“You must be young. “I’ll give it to you when I’m done.”
The companion has been decided. The members who escaped selection breathed a sigh of relief.
Thinking about all the incidents that had happened with Ronan so far two or three days were not enough but it was hard to even imagine what would happen if we stayed together for almost a month.
‘Thank goodness.’
Ronan was also relieved. Ronan raised the corners of his mouth as he recalled what happened two days ago.
‘It’s definitely a good invention. Didican.’
Didican came to the surface to deliver Ronan and Adeshan’s weapons. Attached to his waist was a machine that made moments into eternity.
Ronan invited Didican to his house treated him to a meal and asked him to take a few pictures of himself and Iril. I had no particular intention at the time but I had no idea things would turn out this way.
Anyway it was a good thing. This time we really needed Schlieffen. Dainhar was not an easy place to take children to gain practical experience.
Ophelia was a little better but the environment was unfavorable for her to be active as she was constantly exposed to strong sunlight. Ronan who finished his business looked around at his crew and said.
“I had a hard time this semester. “It’s going to get busier so get some rest.”
That’s how summer vacation began. Most of the members dispersed according to their own purposes. Asher went to Nimburton where his parents were and Marya went to Falchion in the far east for long-distance trade.
Braum also headed to the northernmost part of the Empire to meet his family. Ofelia who was the only one who did not go back sat down in the club building.
“Ophelia where are you going?”
“Yeah…your parents will say something…if you stay here you won’t have to run into Balzac…”
“Well there was that crazy guy. “It’s been a lot of hard work.”
“No…I will guard this place.”
She yawned lazily and waved her hand as if to tell her not to worry. Ronan and Schlieffen had two days to prepare before departing for Dainhar.
There were many things needed to safely complete the nearly month-long journey. Adeshan who was meticulous helped prepare the trip.
“I like sleeping bags made and sold by guilds. “There is a large daily temperature difference in the desert so make sure to bring thick clothes… If I had known in advance I would have made them for you.”
“are you okay. “Oh I’m sorry for burning the uniform that I took care of.”
“don’t mind. I’ll fix it again. “You took all the potions and scrolls right?”
The two traveled around the islands to stock up on supplies. Two days passed quickly.
A clear morning without a single cloud. Before departing from the main gate of secluded Phileon Ronan said goodbye.
“Then I’ll come back.”
“Bye!”
On his back was a backpack as big as his torso. Sita riding on his shoulder also flapped her wings as if greeting him.
Sita was also one of the companions on this trip. A voice mixed with concern flowed from Ade Shan’s smiling mouth.
“huh. be careful. Dainhar… I would like to stop you if I feel the same way but I guess there is a reason for everything.”
“Nothing will happen. “What do you do on vacation?”
“I decided to go to my hometown with my father. I should say hello to her mother and her brothers. “I think I’ll come right back to Phileon after that.”
“why? “I’m going to take some rest before I leave.”
“Hehe… Since we are behind we have to work harder. “There is almost no mana in my body right now.”
Adeshan scratched his cheek as if he had no shame. In reality her level was still limited to that of a sword user. This was because she had blown away all of her existing mana when she awakened her shadow mana.
‘It seems so soft but it’s strong. It’s a good quality.’
Ronan smiled. She was a great person who would have risen to a high position even if she had been born with only ordinary talent and not the Mana of Shadow.
“that’s right. I’m also practicing using weapons. “It must be unfamiliar.”
“Oh yeah. I was surprised that two came at a time. Even if the long sword is like that the other one is….”
Ade Shan nodded her head. She was given two weapons including a longsword. The other weapon that Doron made was completely unfamiliar to Adeshan who had only wielded a sword his entire life.
However judging from her abilities there would be nothing better than her if she was handled well. Ronan who shook hands with Adeshan grinned.
“See you later. “I hope you achieve success.”
Ronan left those words and turned to follow her. She had not long left the south gate of the archipelago when she caught sight of Schlieffen with his arms crossed. Next to him two greenish ghost horses stood like statues.
“You’re late. Ronan.”
“I’m on time man. “You came out quickly.”
“Hurry up and load up. “I have to get through the southwestern checkpoint before the sun sets.”
“Let’s do that. “Little Duke.”
The two people who were laughing put on goggles and got on the ghost horse. Sita who had been scolded by the previous race settled in Ronan’s backpack instead of competing with the ghost horse for speed.
phut! As soon as I pulled the reins the ghost horse shot out. Destination: Carlisle. It was the village closest to the Red Desert where Dainhar was located.
****
The road to Dainhar was long and complicated. The fact that it took so long to ride the ghost horse was proof of the long distance.
Fortunately there was a road to Carlisle so it was possible to use ghost horses and other vehicles but the problem came later. In order to cross the red desert to Dainhar there was no choice but to use two bridges.
“Damn this is why I hate the South.”
“Bwaeeeeee….”
Ronan cursed at the noticeably different weather. She felt the sun getting lower as she went south. Sita panting from the heat took refuge in her backpack again.
They arrived at Carlisle in the afternoon of the fifth day. A few crude buildings were erected on the hazy wasteland.
Since they had brought most of the necessary items they took a short rest and then started right away. The ghost horses must have been sick of the heat and ran away as soon as they could be returned.
“I left without even looking back. Damn you guys.”
Ronan burst into laughter at the sleight of hand that seemed somewhat cheerful. In fact just the fact that I could escape this heat must have felt like being liberated from hell.
So the two people and one horse began their overland journey. Ronan who was walking alongside Schlieffen suddenly frowned.
“Anyway isn’t it hot? “You need to stop showing off your form man.”
“I’m fine.”
A wide-brimmed round hat was placed on Ronan’s head. This was the reason why I was able to survive this heat wave without going crazy. The moment she took off her hat the sunlight that penetrated the top of her head seemed as if it would cook her brain.
Schlieffen’s head on the other hand was not covered with anything. The sight of him walking under the scorching sun looked like a sugar cube that would crumble at any moment. He walked silently and muttered as if possessed.
“I…I’m okay.”
“What the fuck. Adeshan took yours too and has one more? I’ll give you ten seconds so you can decide whether you want to use it or not. nineteen…”
Ronan took out an identical hat from his backpack and quickly counted down the days. Schlieffen silently picked up his hat at the count of two. The two people took steps again.
“How long does it take to reach Dainhar?”
“About six days. We have to spend two days in the desert. Like I said you brought a sleeping bag and leather clothes right?”
Schlieffen hesitated. It was fortunate that I brought the rest of my belongings with me. The two walked without stopping. This was thanks to my inhumane physical training. Ronan who was quietly looking around muttered in a nostalgic voice.
“Anyway it’s been a really long time. southwest.”
Memories of my wandering childhood came to mind. The desert and its surrounding scenery were not very colorful. Short vegetation that did not reach up to the knees grew here and there on the barren land.
The sky was blue and the soil and vegetation were yellow so the only green color that could be found was near the water source which only occasionally appeared. Suddenly Schlieffen opened his mouth.
“Is that the new weapon you received this time? “It was made by a Doron craftsman.”
“ok? “Oh this.”
Schlieffen’s gaze rested on Ronan’s right waist. There was a scabbard hanging that I couldn’t see. Ronan nodded his head. Schlieffen sensing the energy rising beyond the sheath frowned.
“It seems like the place we’re going to is definitely dangerous. “If only we could make something like that.”
“Of course.”
As I walked the surroundings suddenly started to get dark. The muggy air cooled rapidly and the wind grew stronger. After confirming that the sun had completely disappeared Ronan stopped in place.
“Let’s camp here today. I’ll be on alert first so keep your eyes peeled. Leave the knife by his bedside so he can draw it at any time.”
Ronan asked with a serious expression. Schlieffen sensing an inexplicable sense of skill shrugged his eyebrows.
“I will do that. Are there monsters that appear?”
“no. It’s enough to be careful of monsters once you enter the desert. Instead there are a lot of losers around here.”
“Loser?”
“okay. They’re idiots who tried to challenge Dainhar and got kicked out. “They’re like hyenas.”
Ronan clicked her tongue as she recalled the journey of her past life. They were an unpleasant people just to imagine. Adventurers who risked everything but failed and ended up becoming thieves because they could not let go of their obsession with making a fortune.
Their main prey were other adventurers challenging Dainhar. After hearing Ronan’s explanation Schlieffen slowly nodded his head.
“I see. So is there no problem with cutting it?”
“ok? of course. Just grind it out.”
“I get it.”
Slurp! Suddenly Schlieffen grabbed the hilt of his sword. And without a word Ronan swung his sword toward the center of the darkness. Sigh! A crescent-shaped sword flew through the air and disappeared beyond the field of vision.
“What are you doing all of a sudden?”
Schlieffen did not answer. Before long an explosion was heard from afar. Quaaaaa! A whirlwind that arose under the moonlight soared into the sky. Urgent screams and shouts rang out sporadically.
“…Kwaaaaak!”
“…all!”
“Damn…mo…move…!”
Ronan’s eyes widened. Judging by the sound it was quite far away. Schlieffen fired three more sword strikes without any further explanation.
bang! bang! bang! Once again three whirlwinds sprang up along with the sound of an explosion. Schlieffen muttered while looking in the direction where the sword was fired.
“For a thief you have good skills. “I avoided it quite a lot.”
“You crazy bastard. “Did you sense that it was there right now?”
“It’s not impossible if you expand your senses with mana. “It’s coming this way.”
Only then did Ronan notice the malicious gestures and footsteps. Grumble! Suddenly what seemed like ten clusters of lights bloomed all at once in the darkness.
It didn’t take long to realize they were torches. As expected it was a good job to bring this bastard. Ronan muttered and pulled the hilts of both swords at the same time.
“Good. “I was already curious about its performance.”
