The trip

"Quickly, we need to depart early!" A man in armor shouted at half-asleep soldiers who were dressed as civilians or merchants.

"Hell...the sun isn't even out yet, chill out" One of the soldiers next to Zero quietly muttered in irritation.

'There are only 2 carriages, one filled with mostly supplies for the trip and the second is empty, prepared to be filled with even more soldiers. I really wonder what needs so much secrecy...what kind of information is so valuable?' Zero thought while following after the others. Fortunately for him, everyone rushed to board the carriage since they didn't want to walk which already aroused in Zero a strong feeling of disapproval. In his opinion, everyone should get a horse not only to preserve the energy but also to look more like a genuine group of merchants. He understood that even horses needed to eat but one carriage of food should be enough for all, horses and soldiers alike.

'Don't tell me they are stingy even when it comes to secret missions?' Zero thought before he noticed something which made him frown. The 2 officers that were leading the group were the only ones in armor.

'Only 2 soldiers guarding 2 carriages along with around 10 people? Won't that make us look like an easy target for mindless bandits but suspicious for anyone who could be possibly aware of such a mission? I didn't want to be involved more than necessary but...' Zero increased his pace to get to the front of the group.

"Sir, shouldn't we make at least 2 more soldiers take off their clothes and reveal their armor? We might appear like an easy target for others." Zero suggested lightly which made the officer on the horse grunt in displeasure.

"We will be fine, you might not be aware but we are wearing armor belonging to the most elite soldiers. No bandits would dare to attack even if there are only 2 of us, now go back and protect the rear before I lose patience." The officer said in an irritated tone, rolling his eyes in an arrogant manner.

"Yes, as you wish, sir" Zero kept his head low and returned back.

'They are so arrogant, ignorant and most of all...greedy!' Despite the officer's words, Zero could notice that he wasn't telling the entire truth. He could feel greediness from both officers.

'They have much more information than me but if they truly think the bandits won't dare to attack then they must hope for someone else to attack...maybe rebels. They most likely just want to rise in ranks by sacrificing the other soldiers.' Zero coldly glared at the front while walking behind the carriages at the back.

"Come on, we don't have the entire month! Increase the pace!" The second officer shouted at everyone who looked greatly displeased but no one dared to talk back.

'Heh, if we will truly be ambushed by an organized group, you two will be the first targets since you stand out the most.' Zero coldly smiled.

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The first day was quite peaceful however the moment they stopped for the break, most of the soldiers who were walking the entire time were completely exhausted. Zero spent most of the time chatting with the others, digging for some information.

From what he discovered, it looked like they knew even less than him which slightly surprised how come no one informed or maybe it was just him having a few useful connections. However, the biggest part of their conversations took swearing at the 2 leaders for making them march for almost the entire day at a fast pace.

The second day...

While they were marching, a few wolf-like creatures appeared some distance in front of the group, blocking the road. Calling them wolves was an understatement since they were at least twice their sizes.

'This is the first time I am seeing Danger Beasts ever since leaving The Capital. I almost forgot how hideout they look after those 9 years. I have had the honor of seeing a few of them after my escape from those bandits. I still have no idea how I have gotten from that far away to The Capital just on my 6 years old legs, I guess high adrenaline does wonders'

"Finally some action, pity they are only Class 3 Danger Beasts!" One of the officers shouted excitedly while the other stopped the carriage.

With all the shouting, the creatures finally took notice of the group and instantly darted towards them, making several soldiers in the front instinctively grasp their sword under the cloak but they were quickly stopped.

"Stop, don't blow your cover for some measly danger beasts! The two of us are enough to take care of them."

'You already blew it by shouting it aloud, idiot' Zero stared at the two officers with a blank expression as if he was looking at idiots. Maybe the brains weren't their strongest point but they were indeed skilled. The moment wolf-like creatures got close enough and pounced at them, they instantly got cleaved in half.

"Haha, come you beasts!"

The other soldiers watched them in awe as they were dispatching of the several danger beasts only in 2 people.

"Maybe they are annoying as hell but they sure are skilled to be in that position..." A guy standing next to Zero muttered.

'They are not half bad indeed but these are just mindless animals. Even a rabbit is more cleaver than these creatures since it knows when to run away from the danger, these creatures just keep charging on despite seeing it's futile. Still, I am glad they are taking care of this matter since I don't want anyone here to know of my capabilities.' Zero observed with his arms folded arms as the danger beasts were being slaughtered by the two officers.

The moment they were finally done cleaning up, they boasted in front of the soldiers for a few minutes before moving on, making Zero shake his head. This small fight along with the praises from the others only further fed their ego which was in Zero's opinion already fed enough to pop.

As they were traveling further away from The Capital, Zero noticed that every village they passed was looking poorer than the other. This convinced Zero that only The Capital and those who adapted to the life there were prospering.

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The fifth day of their trip...

The officers were in quite a bad mood but no one could tell why, still, there were soldiers who were being used for them to vent on. The only Zero knew why they were in such a bad mood and why they seemed so restless, they were even going at a slower pace which the rest of the soldiers welcomed.

'These fuckers really want to be ambushed by someone. We have been moving too fast and now we are moving too slow, if anyone was watching us, they would instantly notice something. If I were planning the ambush I would choose a good terrain and if I knew the enemy's destination, I would also choose it to be as close as possible to catch them off guard.' Zero thought and started paying closer attention to their surroundings since they were slowly nearing Toushi town.