Another option

Ethan explained everything, that he was from the world of the guy who saved that planet years ago, why he came and where he wanted to go. After hearing that, Aharis couldn't help but show a complicated expression.

"You saved us, and you deserve our help," Aharis closed his eyes. "But, right now, I can't offer you much of an assistance. You are looking for the imperial capital, Darfield. To reach it, you will have to use a carriage for one month… we really can't give one to you, nor can I leave my post. We lost too many soldiers, and we can't leave this place unprotected."

"I can understand that, and it is fine," Ethan said. "I just need a direction, and I will manage on my own. Still, why can't you leave? This place is close to the front lines, right? Even if the capital is too far away, you should be able to take the people here to a safer place."

"That would normally be the case," Aharis said while scratching his chin. "However, all the cities and strongholds that are managing to withstand the attack of monsters are already filled with refugees. Communicating with the capital has been rather problematic as of late, but I have some hypotheses. It looks like some magician on our side decided to side with the monsters, and because of that, all big cities and even the imperial capital are being attacked as we speak. To prevent us from sending reinforcements, we are constantly being attacked, and the same is happening everywhere else."

Things were starting to make sense. Although Ethan didn't have the opportunity to be the target of jealousy, since he was feared more than anything, it is clear that some heroes have to deal with that kind of problem. In any case, it looks like a powerful magician concluded that they hadn't been rewarded enough for their deeds and decided to have their revenge.

Hannah was a smart young woman, but she was also incredibly naïve in some aspects. Most likely, she decided to help the people of that world. The hero saved the world, but they didn't solve all the problems, and due to that, things escalated in an unexpected manner. If possible, Ethan would ask for the help of a magician to teleport him to his destination. Still, given that Aharis didn't mention it, finding one was impossible.

"Although we can't help you, I think there is a way to make you reach the capital faster," Aharis said. "However, it might be a bit troublesome…"

"I'm listening," Ethan said after he crossed his arms.

"You said that you passed through several villages along the way, but you had to stop to rest several times," Aharis said. "That means that you have speed but lack stamina. You are a hero of another world, so it makes sense that you are stronger and faster than you look. I can help you move without having to stop to rest, but it will be painful to reach the capital even so since she can only relieve the fatigue and not heal tired muscles."

"She?" Ethan frowned.

"You know, the female magician who helped you before," Aharis replied. "Support is her specialty. As you noticed, she is especially talented at making others recover their health, mana, and stamina."

"I thought you said that you need every single guard here," Ethan said.

"Yes, we need it," Aharis nodded. "That being said, I can feel that you might help the capital a lot, so this is the right choice. Besides, with your help, we just defeated the army that tormented us for several days. Others will probably come, but until that happens, we will have prepared ourselves."

"I know that she has to follow your commands, but I'm not quite enthusiastic about forcing someone to help me solve my problems," Ethan said. "Besides, I can't touch others, and she doesn't look like the type who can keep up with me, either. So how are we going to move?"

"We can't spare a carriage or any horses," Aharis said. "The only thing we can offer you is a small cart. As for whether you are willing to go or not, that isn't a problem. Her family lives in the capital, and I'm pretty sure that she is worried and want to check things by herself. When I said it would be troublesome, I was referring to the vehicle you would use to transport her."

That seemed like a good idea, but given their previous exchange, it looked like the magician would be a pain in the ass to deal with. In any case, Ethan wouldn't have to stop every few minutes, and he would just have to endure the muscular pain and the fact that he would be a bit slower while pulling a cart. Still, given that he had increased his speed, he would be even faster than before. Besides, the more he uses Dash, the faster he will become.

"Well, if you think it is a good idea, then I will accept it," Ethan said. "I'm in a hurry, so I will depart whenever everything is ready."

Aharis couldn't help but frown after hearing that. Any sane person would need hours of rest after such a fierce battle, it was also dark, but Ethan didn't want to stop. That was even more insane considering that he has been running for the entire day.

"Are you sure?" Aharis asked. "You will find several cities along the way in situations far worse. Trying to pass by them without fighting will be nearly impossible. It pains me to admit this, but the monsters we faced here were all small fries considering the things you will have to face."

"No problem," Ethan shrugged his shoulders. "I'm used to this kind of thing. Considering our means of transportation, I will bet the magician will need to stop to rest several times along the way. So, while she rests, I will give a hand to the people of those cities."

Aharis mouth was left hanging open, Ethan had come up with a goal of his own, but he didn't intend to ignore the problems the people of this world were facing. Although that looked pretty noble, Ethan wasn't going to help just because he felt that he should, it was because in the long run, that would benefit him. The faster the situation is solved, the sooner Ethan and Hannah would be able to go home.

"Go and call Lili," Aharis said to one of his men. "Tell her that she can go home for a while."

That was quite a cute name, even though she was quite… temperamental. In any case, they will have to work together for both of their convenience. Ethan will have to endure the presence of what seemed to be the spoiled daughter of a rich family, and Lili will have to endure Ethan's transporting her in a not-so-convenient vehicle at speeds that she won't believe.