Onwards! The Endrosian Empire Awaits

The new leather armour looked fairly similar to my previous one. There were slight colour changes, but other than that nothing else. Of course design wise. The material was much tougher, yet also flexible. She was probably worried after I came back from my first trip. I didn't complain though, better armour was good news to me.

"It's perfect, you even improved the materials, hehe. I'll place some Formations on it during the trip, since it will take me a few days", "Mmm, my daughter looks stunning in armour, just like me", my father commented. "You and your armour chiselled body. Anyway, I'm glad you like it, please try to return in one piece this time", my mother said.

The other had a chance to change as well. Teri wore nice leather pads, a chest piece, boots and gloves. Tara wasn't any different, it's like they prepared a long time ago for the trip. The biggest surprise was perhaps Dawn. She had a full set of leather, just like me, but her Human look really defined the leather around her.

"Hehe, little Dawn isn't looking bad. Though Anna looks better", my father compared us. "When did you get this leather?", I asked instead. "Oh… It's a gift", she replied a bit embarrassed. "Your boyfriend is a good boy. If he wasn't good to you, I'd make him disappear a long time ago", my mother said with a smile.

'Seems like everyone knows Dawn's boyfriend… Except me, Tara and Teri', "That's enough you guys. Leave the girl alone… Anyway, Teri looks good. He'd easily pass as a Human warrior. With the choice of your armour, the muscles are showing and whatnot. Hehe, maybe some Human girls will hit on you", I joked.

"Pah, if they look anything like you or Dawn, I have nothing to worry about. Check out my muscles, this look isn't that bad after all", Tara said. 'She's a lost cause…'. Human boys or men, preferred slim and nice looking girls. Tara was the complete opposite of that. Her body was burly, she was tall and not even good looking as a Human. Teri's look was alright, since he was a man.

"Okay, okay, we all look great. I believe everything's taken care of. We have our supplies, medicine and so on. Are we ready to go then?", "Yes!", my friends cheered loudly in reply. "Hehe, sorry to spoil the fun, but how exactly will you leave?", my father asked. 'Right… I forgot about that', "... Wait a minute. Master Irwin and Yater had some sort of figurine. Just give me one, and we're on our way", I replied.

"Here, this thing is really simple to use. No need to activate it or anything, just grab your friends and walk past the barrier. That's it. If you ever encounter troubles, escape towards the barrier. No Human will be able to pass just like you guys, so you'll get some additional time if necessary", my father explained while passing me the figurine.

"By the way, your medical supply includes a few poisons. These ones are for Dawn, they'll help her recover. These ones… Well, they aren't for Dawn. This poison is quite vicious, so don't drink it. If someone chases you, open and throw it away. Then run, don't look back. It's not as deadly as the Krashker Veratias, but it will do the job of at least slowing the pursuers down", he added.

"I want to go with Anna", Dante complained in our mother's arms. "You can't go with us, you're too young for that. Once you grow up, I'll take you there, alright?", I proposed. "Umm, I'll grow up quickly for Anna". He tried really hard not to cry, which melted my heart. "Come here you little pest". I hugged my brother, and parents. They wished me a good journey, but then it was time for us to leave.

Our destination was Arangard. That was the closest point to which we could travel using fast travel Formation. From there on, we'd use our Tauruses and go across the barrier. The Lizards of Arangard were a bit surprised to see me with other 'Humans'. Of course they didn't know that Dawn, Tara and Teri were simply disguised as such, which meant the disguise worked the treat.

"I'm excited! We must be the first Northerners to leave our homeland. We'll be remembered in history, hehehe", Tara's voice was full of excitement. "I'm more interested in those forests and creatures living there. I'd like to see the cities too", Dawn shared her view. "Hehe, I'd like to fight against some Humans, and test their strength", Teri also joined in.

"Remember to watch out when you spar. We don't want the second skin to get ripped. Though there are some protective Formations on each, don't take anything for granted", I reminded them. "Yes, mom!", Tara replied in a mocking tone. "One more thing. Endrosian Empire is great for honing our skills. We should really work on that. After all, that's part of the trip", I added.

"Ah, relax a little, will you? If you only have training in your head, when will you find a boyfriend?", "Say the one who couldn't even express her feelings properly. Whatever, I'm not after boyfriends. When the time's right, someone will be there for me", I replied. "Anna's right. We've never been to the Endrosian Empire. It's a good place to hone our skills, and improve ourselves. Besides, a lot is riding on that…", Dawn agreed with me, but of course for a reason.

Tara secretly asked for an explanation, so I told her about the deal between Dawn and her parents. "Wow, who'd have thought. That means, we might be finally able to meet the mysterious guy… On the other hand, if we do nothing for the whole trip…", "Don't even try me you idiot. I'll make you train, even if I have to", Dawn replied seriously, like never before. She was really committed to the idea.

At one point, the barrier finally appeared in front of us. "So this is the barrier, eh? You can see the other side, though it's distorted a bit", Tara said. "Huh? You guys never came close to the barrier?", I asked, a bit surprised. "Well, no one could leave, so why come here? It'd be a waste of time", Dawn replied. That was a good point, though curiosity alone would make me come to that place.

"Well then, shall we?", I asked while looking at everyone. My friends nodded, before we slowly approached. "Make sure to hold on. The feeling isn't unpleasant, but you'll feel some pressure or force pushing against you". Once they knew, there was nothing else stopping us. "Swoosh!...", and just like that, our little group appeared outside the barrier separating the Great North from the Endrosian Empire.