The Capital

After a few hours of waiting, all of the local residents that have survived the onslaught made their way to the capital by shipping various carriages.

A total of 70 were transported and 30 of them are still injured and don't have any consciousness yet.

The commander of the knights took the lead with a few middle-level ranked knights while supporting the rear. They formed a certain lineup that is staggered in order to prepare for a sudden ambush.

On those carriages, Aran took the last one as he was the one to ride the last accompanied by Nash.

Aran kept on gazing outside the carriage to see where they are going and Nash was observing him.

"Kid, about your father. I really regret the slow progress of the reinforcements. If we only guessed their next target a bit more early, we would've been able to dispatch more troops to protect the whole village." Nash recalled the events before the ambush of the lycanthropes.

It is not easy for a child to forget about the traumatic event. Especially when its parent has died. Aran would have no choice but to continue moving forward while grieving distantly all by himself. He had no one to talk to about his situation and his childhood friend is nowhere to be found. He has no relatives either outside the capital and it is unreasonable to think that there would be someone from the capital to adopt him.

"I understand the situation now, Sir. I am still sad about it, yes, but if I don't move forward from here, I wouldn't be able to take a step. And just like what I have told you, I want to find my mother and live with her. I will do anything and get stronger. I will join you or the other knights to explore the outside world." Aran replied.

Despite the coldness in his voice, his determination to continue and build an unwavering will is fiercer than ever. There could be no other path to take than getting experience and taking small steps at a time.

"I can't believe that we are really going to the capital. I haven't seen such scenery before and I'm really glad that I came with you." Aran said while shifting his gaze left and right, observing the new places he hasn't seen before.

"What is that?" Later, he saw a tall-like building across the horizon. It is made out of white bricks with a red roof that sticks to the upper portion. It also has a fence that blocks out the balcony in order to prevent anyone from falling.

Curious by what Aran saw, Nash pulled and swayed the curtain of the carriage to see what he was referring to.

"That's what you call a Watchtower," Nash answered.

"A watchtower? Is that something important or it is just a temporary base for this place?"

"Well, sometimes the watchtower helps us overlook a portion of a place in order to scout or gather information. You know how we guard you last night, right?"

"Yes, you guys helped us recover our things, guarded our place, and spend the whole night assessing the casualties. Wait, is that relevant to this building?"

"That's only one of the jobs that a knight can do. For this building that you see right here, some knights or guards are assigned to go to the top of it in order for them to scout the place. But instead of looking out for people or refugees, they tend to check or monitor for any enemies or problems that might approach the place." Nash folded his arms as he explained the purpose of the watchtower.

"That's a good countermeasure for an ambush but why is it not installed near the corner of the village? And do they even sleep or like I mean, they are keeping watch for the whole night, right? Isn't that really tiring?" Aran asked with a concerned look on his face.

Certainly, if the watchtower is located at the border of the village or near the town, it would be easier to detect if there are monsters nearby and the call for help wouldn't take that much time.

"The village that you live in is not the only village in this region. That's why they have placed the watchtower somewhere where they can widen their view of the area. But of course, the faction can build another one, but they haven't got the time to establish another tower because of their assigned missions. They have a schedule on when they are going to go to the watchtower. There are at least, six knights in every watchtower. Normally, the first three of those respondents are assigned to go to the watchtower and monitor in the daylight. They spend at least 12 hours from morning until dusk, and then the next three knights will take over their place and monitor the area at night until morning comes. They need plenty of rest of course, but they need to toughen their condition to stabilize their decision making." He answered.

"Now that I think about it, they are indeed hard. Did you also experience having to watch the area in one of those watchtowers?" Aran asked.

"I did, but only for a few days during a mission. You see, there are different kinds of knights that complete a team. The most common kind is what we call, the Horseman. These knights are the most dominant ones and they are more close to the frontline when it comes to battle. They are usually deployed whenever an attack has been reported or if there's an emergency from the capital. Just like what you have seen in your village, we are the Horsemen and we need to be precise and good at fighting monsters." As the conversation went along, the whole pack of carriages closed the distance from the main road up to the capital.

"How about the other knights? The first one is very important, but the rest have their own roles as well right?" Aran scooped his body upward to get comfortable.

"All of us have our own role, of course. The second type of knight is what we call the Defender or Guardian. They are the second force of our kingdom and there are lots of them. I'm not going to dive in further on what they do but specifically but it is similar to what the first rank knights do but instead of fighting forever, they tend to aid the people who are in need, help them, recover them, fix a casualty and send reports to other divisions."

"Oh so like, they are the body of the whole team?" Aran asked.

"Well, you could say it like that. They are also very important to the community because, without them, there will be not enough manpower to handle issues around the kingdom."

"And how about those who spend time watching the area or guarding it?"

"Well, they are called the Scouts. Just like what I have said earlier, they are mostly the ones in charge of monitoring areas and keeping the peace in some villages. Our walls are not enough to protect all of the towns even outside the capital and so we need to level up our defensive form and build a fortification. But they are not entirely focused on just watching the area, they are also involved in secret missions, expeditions, and assassination jobs for criminals. They might be the lowest in the ranking, but they are efficient and more intelligent."

Finishing his answer, the carriages have arrived at the gate of the capital.

Falling in line, the guards opened the main gate and a group of horses came in.

"Are we here yet?" Aran almost stumbles from the sudden break of the carriage. Nash swayed the curtain to look outside and he confirmed that they are indeed in the capital now.

"We're here, once they park the carriage on the designated place for the refugees, we'll leave the place," Nash said.

"But, what about your shift?" Aran slid his bag on his shoulder, preparing to leave the carriage.

"There's no order for us as of now, but we are tasked to report our findings to the upper-division so you need to wait. I will take you to my place for now and you need to stay there until I come back. Then we will start finding your friend tomorrow. Am I clear?"

"Yes Sir," Aran nodded.

"Good."

The capital known as the 'Knighstar' is the main city of the Kingdom of Ruth located northeast of the Bael Continent. The walls have extended from near the tower and made their way to the center of the region. For years, this place which is surrounded by large walls has been the savior of many nobles and royalties.

The Kingdom of Ruth encompasses at least 1/4 of the whole Bael continent and it is the 4th biggest kingdom from the whole region.

There are multiple roads to take and the buildings are twice the size of the common buildings that can be found in villages or small towns. Their positioning and the materials that are used to create them seemed to be more prevalent and modern as it resembles a professional view for the whole people.

Other than that, the population inside the capital is exceeding more than what Aran expected.

After a few minutes, the last carriage was parked on the outer side of the road and all of the injured people were brought inside a big building.

"Where are they taking them?" Aran stepped out of the carriage. He looked around and he found a large building in front of him.

"This building is a Sanatorium. This is where sick people or injured people go so they can have treatment for any health condition. This building can properly safeguard at least five hundred people or so." Nash explained what the big building is for.

The sanatorium was built for the sole purpose of treating patients. Aside from that, it is also a good site for the refugees to stay in. Even if the people inside the Weshun are discriminating commoners, the other villages outside the capital are still part of the Ruth Kingdom. They wouldn't be sending forces out there if they have decided to ignore it.

"Should I go in there as well?" Aran asked as they walk.

"Well, you were quite weak when you woke up but do you want to? Unless if you're feeling any pain then we can go stop by first so they can check on you. Though it will take time and I won't be available. But if you are feeling fine, we can just eat and take a rest." Nash answered.

"Let's just go to your place, I'm not really in pain or anything."

"Alright then, let's move on."

Nash and Aran continued to walk on a different path leading to the westside area. They passed on different kinds of buildings and saw a lot of people.

Throughout their stroll, Aran broke his progress when his stomach growled. He looked at Nash with a slight embarrassment on his face partnered with a reddish cheek.

"—I uh, I don't really..."

"Let's go. We need to eat."

Nash continued on his path but they didn't go any further, instead, they went on the left side of the road and Nash opened the door to a small tavern with a sign saying "The Three Crowns". The bell rang as soon as the two went inside and they were instantly greeted by a lot of customers drinking and eating.

"Ah, Sterling boy, you finally came back." Suddenly, an old man working on the station noticed the presence of the two and called out to Nash.

"It's been a while eh? Welcome to my tavern!" He approached the two with a pleasant smile on his face. Nash walked towards him with the same expression.

"Old man Jie! How are you now? The last time I heard you were sick, are you okay now? Shouldn't you be getting some rest?" Nash expressed his concern for the old man's health.

"Nah, I don't need that stuff, I am stronger and better than ever. Come on, don't stand there, pick a table." the old man noticed the little kid hovering his eyes everywhere.

"Oh, and who is this young man that you brought here? Don't tell me!—"

"No, he came from Moriville. Their village was destroyed by lycanthropes last night and they were assigned to live in the capital for a couple of days." Nash explained the situation before the old man gets the wrong idea.

"Oh... I'm really sorry for your loss, young man. It must be hard but I'm glad that you end up with this guy. I thought this was your kid, boy. I was about to throw a free meal and drinks for everyone!" The old man chuckled.

"Come on Jie, you know I don't have time for that. Work is really hard these days and I can't afford to indulge myself with those kinds of stuff."

"I know, I'm just teasing you. But you know what, Sterling boy, sometimes you have to let go of that work and relax. Like, you won't find anything else in your life if you keep sacrificing your time for work every time. A proud soldier of our kingdom shouldn't just serve the country but take care of their own and live a good life." The old man gave him some advice and Nash seems to understand what he was referring to.

"But sacrificing myself for the good of the kingdom is already good life. I don't know what you are trying to say." He countered.

"That depends on your circumstances. But somehow, you need to experience a fulfilling life out off of your major dream. Sacrificing your life for the kingdom may be the most honored job for a knight like you to do but you fail at creating a new generation with your blood. There is a lot of woman out there who wants you, you know?"

"That seems annoying and uncomfortable to hear. But yes, you're right. Though, I just don't know if this is really the right time for me to take those steps. I'm not really interested in marriage right now. Though, if I should choose the time, that would be when the world is at its best peak."

Old Man Jie sighed and then he smirked. He seemed to have given up trying to persuade Nash to enter a marital relationship.

In a sense, Nash's mindset and willingness to defend the kingdom disabled him from living a normal life than those other knights. A strong and popular knight like him would've already set off with the highest-ranking noble and gotten engaged but for some reason, that kind of scenario hasn't happened yet.

Other people would be gossiping about his status while the father of their noble daughters would set a meeting to discuss marriage with him. All of these are unnecessary banter according to Nash's mindset.

"Well, at the end of the day, it is still your life. But don't let me down, aye? I want to see your offspring as soon as possible before I die. Your child will continue your honor until the next generation."

"Yeah yeah, I got it Jie, I'll think about that." Nash ended their conversation.

"Oh yeah, what would you guys like?"

"I want some coffee and bread, give this kid a meal full of nutrients," Nash ordered for both of them.

Aran was distracted by the whole place for a very long time that he didn't notice the conversation between the two. He is excitingly hovering his eyes on whatever things he hasn't seen yet back in the village.

A few moments later, the food arrived served by the old man.

"Here you go, boy. A coffee and a loaf of bread and a nice meal for the young man. Oh, and don't pay for this anymore."

"What? Why? No, I need to pay."

"Nah, just keep it to yourself and for the sake of that young man. You've helped us a lot of time with this shop already and we cannot thank you enough for that help. Take it as our gratitude." The old man insisted and Nash smiled.

"Alright then, thank you so much, Jie," Nash responded.

"No problem."

Nash shifted his gaze from the old man to Aran. He tapped Aran's shoulder and gave him a sign that he should eat.

"There's a lot of food in here!" He joyfully complimented the amount of food he was given.

"Yeah, now go eat and finish that. You need to recover your energy so we can travel for tomorrow. Resting is also important." Nash said. Aran hesitated at first but then his stomach growled again and it didn't take too long until he chomped the meat.

After an hour, they finished their meal and left the tavern.

"Is it good? Are you full?" Nash asked.

"Yeah! Thank you so much for the food, Umm..."

"Call me Rin..." Nash told his nickname.

"Rin? I thought your name is Nash Sterling?"

"Well, Rin was actually my nickname. Most people here call me that."

"I see... You said that you'd take me, right?" Aran suddenly asked a question.

"Yes. Are you hesitating?"

"No. That would be really ridiculous after all of that talk a while ago. But, if you are going to take me, can I ask you to train so I can become like you?"

Nash's eyes widened for a second. He wasn't expecting a request like this from the boy.

"Train? I am pretty sure that you can do that once you age but what do you mean exactly?" He asked Aran.

"I don't know if I am wrong or not but it seems like you are far more superior than those other knights that I have seen when they helped us. I have a feeling that you are an extraordinary person whose skills are unparalleled."

Aran's word hit the mark.

The identity of someone named Nash Sterling was pretty well hidden from the boy and he wasn't really interested in revealing that to him. But somehow, after all of what happened, Aran came to believe that the person who took him is someone who is really important and powerful.

With this instinct, Nash immediately smirked. He was impressed by the boy's intuition and sharp mind.

"I could say the same to you..." He accidentally blurted that out loud.

"Huh?"

"Nothing. I'm impressed that you were able to discern that. We were only together for like a few hours. But you are correct." Nash didn't deny it.

"So you are admitting that? Are you really sure that you can take someone like me on your household?"

Aran didn't know the real reason why Nash is intrigued about him and there was probably no reason for him to reveal it to him yet. If the kid goes berserk, then he would end his life immediately. Changing the era of this world was his most important dream. And in order to fulfill that, there should be a life-changing subject.

"It is fine since I'm not really affiliated with the other nobles. I grew up independently." He answered.

"Then, can you teach me how to become someone like you?"

"I will do my best to train you but you need to remember that it wouldn't be easy. Do you understand that?"

"Yes. Then I should call you Master Rin!"

"Sure, whatever you call me if that's what you really want, though, I'm a bit uneasy when you say it like that." He shrugged with a little smirk on his face.

Following the path that they passed earlier, it took them half an hour to reach the area where Nash lives. It is a nice farmhouse surrounded by a garden and a large farm. There were animals living on it and the whole area is pretty broad.

"Is this all of yours?" Aran asked.

"No, just that little house over there. Come on, let's go."

The two of them walked together on the grassy path and they were greeted by the farmers. The mountains can be seen on the horizon and the sun made the scenery more appealing. It almost looks like they are living on a peaceful grassy land with no barricades and unnecessary buildings.

This large farmhouse was actually owned by a noble and Nash decided to live in it for his daily activities.

Nash opened the door to his house and Aran came in. The house was not that fancy but it is similar to the houses in the Moriville village.

"So this is your house, huh. I like it, it is very comfortable, and it has more space than our house." Aran complimented the structure and space despite the lack of fanciness.

"Well, thank you. This is actually an old house that a noble left. I don't want to build another home for myself or reconstruct a better design. I want this one and I will not leave it." He said.

Aran took a break by sitting on the wooden chair with two pillows and a sheet and he leaned on the window to see the beautiful scenery.

Nash picked up some things and he fixed the lighting. After that, he approached Aran at the window and placed something on the table. Aran noticed the sound and he turned around.

He was surprised to see the book that he has been reading from his village.

"M-My book... Where did you get this? I thought I lost it."

"You dropped it and I thought I'd pick it up since this thing might be important to you," Nash answered.

"Thank you so much, this is really important to me!"

"Well, I'm glad that you are happy. Anyway, I need to go now. We need to report to the main capital about the incident. You go wait here and read that book of yours and do not leave this place, you got it?"

"Yes! Master Rin!" Aran responded loud and clear.

Nash smiled as he took his sword and closed the door of the house. Aran grabbed his book and leaned on the window while watching Nash walk away.

"Lisa, I will find you tomorrow. I hope you are alright..."