chapter 19: Through The Desert 1

Later that day, in a dark alley, Minho pulled out a scroll when he said he was going out to help us get a traveler out of state. His face was inscrutable as he talked into the shadows. "Yes, Sir. He passed the exam in eight hours, and the stars have already reacted. They're looking for the apostle."

There were five individuals sitting in the darkness, their faces obscured from view. One of them spoke out abruptly. "How in the hell did he do it? I still sense the souls. Are you certain he finished the test and that too in such a short amount of time?"

Minho's voice was calm. "Yes, Sir. He has the ring, and the family is on their way to Thaloria Faunara via the desert to escape the state."

The figures mumbled together until the leader spoke again, his voice powerful and commanding. "First, guarantee their safe departure from the state. Once they get in Faunara, our second section will conduct further investigations into the youngster."

"I understand, Great Lord. I will notify the first department and begin relocating them. It will take about half a year because they will have to travel from village to village on the outskirts of the country while avoiding the tribes."

The Great Lord's final words resonated in the darkness. "And if you fail, I hope you and your entire squad commit suicide, as I will be far more gruesome than you can imagine."

Minho then left to finish his job and get everything ready so that we could depart, while I stayed by my side.

The pain of losing my newfound instructor again weighed hard on me, throwing doubt on my resolve to modify fate. However, I knew there would be more disasters to come and that any possibilities that arose would be seized by me, no matter the cost.

The tension environment began to shift as everyone became preoccupied with getting ready, and we had to leave the guards and coachmen for our own protection, so we needed to flee from the back alley to the city's exit, where we would catch our ride.

As we packed our possessions and waited for Minho's return, my anxiety level hit an all-time high for this life. I could see the same strain on my family's faces. Luna's shaky, unsure voice pierced the quiet.

"Mom, where are we going now?" she enquired.

"We're going to Faunara state's Thaloria, which is close to the capital city," my mother said, attempting to sound reassured.

"It's a place where many different kinds of people live—humans who look like cats, even lions, and many others. I am sure you will enjoy it."

As she talked, I observed my father carefully place his valuable rune stones in his dimension bag. The bag had a 50 cm³ capacity, similar to my ring but considerably more expensive. Higher-capacity pouches were available, but they cost more than 5,000 gold coins—enough to feed our entire village of 85 people for a half decade. They required a golem core, which is a rare and valuable item.

Minho quickly returned, appearing stern. "A merchant is travelling the desert on devil horses. "Get ready as soon as possible; they'll be leaving in the afternoon."

"We're ready," said my father, his voice tight. "Let's leave." 

It felt like he was willing to do anything to get us out of the state as soon as possible.

By midday, we had arrived at the town's exit, where eight hell horses were tethered to three carriages in a single row. The image was unusual—hell horses were a luxury in our nation, utilised primarily by the wealthy.

The merchant, a young and wealthy-looking man, was joined by two others wearing dark cloaks. One of them felt vaguely familiar, like the fortune teller, but I couldn't be sure as both had a negligible feeling. We were accompanied by two workers because the travel would be long.

"Hi, Aiden. I found out about you on Minho, and you wanted to traverse the desert with me to Thaloria Faunara. It was a joy to meet you, and I hope our adventure continues well." He was calm, formal, and pleasant for a young affluent lord like himself.

Our luggage was placed into the second carriage, and we were assigned to seats in the third. As we travelled into the desert, we felt a sensation of alienation and uncertainty. Nobody talked; the gravity of the situation was too great.

As night struck, we came to a stop on the outskirts of a settlement and pitched our tents. The two labourers transferred to the second waggon, with one going to get food and supplies. Suddenly, a yell penetrated the darkness.

"Sir, there's a bleeding child in the food container of the carriage!"

Everyone raced to the carriage, where we discovered a beastfolk youngster, most likely a cat person, with a metal collar around his neck, indicating that he was a slave. His hand was bleeding, maybe due to an explosion as I was spread out, and he had burn marks around it.

"Step aside, I'm an alchemist; I can help." She first checked the kid and then went to my father and said, "Aiden, bring my bag from the third carriage."

My mother cautiously raised the child, knowing he was on the edge of dying. Her hands trembled slightly as she examined his condition and waited for my father to come with her suitcase. When he did, she swiftly closed the blinds and started treating the child.

One of the guards approached me and said, "Kid, our young lord has asked for you."

"Okay, I'm coming," I replied, exchanging a brief glance with my father.

"Dajit, don't do anything foolish," my father warned as I was heading out.

"Yes, father," I said, following the guard to the front of the caravan. There the young lord and his entourage waited.

The young nobleman, clad in beautiful silks, seemed no older than twenty. He exuded a sense of power coupled with curiosity.

"You are Dajit, correct?" he enquired.

"Yes, my Lord," I said.

"I heard about your meeting with the fate teller and the distinctive ring you own. Show it to me, as I am also a member of that organisation."

Reluctantly, I extended my hand, displaying the white ring.

The three men knelt abruptly, their synchronized voices ringing in the still desert night, saying, "We pledge our loyalty to the one chosen by destiny."