Capítulo 42: Chapter 40: The Iron Wall
After their meal, they set off again. After a while, they finally reached Iron Wall, the border city of the Goa Kingdom. The city was named not for its walls being made of iron, but for its reputation of never having been conquered.
"This city feels different," Shanks remarked as they stood outside the imposing walls. They couldn't enter without being noticed.
"Of course. This city has seen countless battles. It's practically soaked in blood," Shirakawa said, feeling a sense of awe beneath the towering fortifications.
They found a hidden spot outside the city and waited for nightfall. They had decided to fly over the wall under the cover of darkness to avoid attracting attention. Shirakawa didn't want to become a target for archers.
As night fell, a cool breeze blew, and the moon shone brightly in the clear sky. The only sounds were the occasional cries of nocturnal animals.
Unlike other cities, Iron Wall was quiet at night. The only activity came from the vigilant soldiers patrolling the walls, their eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of trouble.
"This country's government might be corrupt, but their soldiers are top-notch," Shirakawa observed, impressed by their discipline.
"They must have a strict system in place. They can't afford to relax, even for a moment. Any lapse in focus could lead to severe punishment."
"Makes sense," Shirakawa nodded. He knew that fear of punishment could be a powerful motivator, but he also wondered if such soldiers would be effective without that constant pressure.
"Let's get ready," he said.
"Right," the others agreed.
Shirakawa lifted Catherine into his arms, not to take advantage, but to ensure she wouldn't panic and scream while flying. Shanks and Buggy held onto his clothes.
Shirakawa had flown with Buggy before, but this time, they had to fly higher and for a longer duration to avoid detection. At first, Buggy was fine, but as they ascended, his heart pounded faster and faster. The darkness below was unnerving, and he clung to Shirakawa's leg tightly.
Shirakawa, feeling mischievous, suddenly descended rapidly, pretending to lose control. Buggy screamed in terror, his shrill voice echoing through the night.
Shanks quickly covered Buggy's mouth, and Shirakawa resumed their normal altitude. He wouldn't tease Buggy like that again; it had been too close a call.
"Did you hear a scream just now? It sounded pretty awful," a soldier on the wall asked his comrade.
"No, I didn't. Did you imagine it?"
"Maybe I did." Since no one else had heard it, he must have been hallucinating.
"You've been working too hard lately. You need some rest. Don't waste your energy on women," his comrade advised.
"Maybe you're right." The soldier looked up and saw a shooting star streak across the sky.
'Am I really that tired?' he wondered.
After a while, Buggy calmed down, and Shirakawa stopped playing pranks.
"Buggy, you were so scared back there," Shanks teased.
"Hmph. You weren't exactly brave either. We were both scared," Buggy retorted.
"But I didn't scream."
"That's because I screamed first and distracted you. Otherwise, you would have been the one screaming."
Shirakawa chuckled, listening to their banter. It was a welcome distraction during the long flight.
"Why don't you just fly me all the way to the capital?" Catherine asked, enjoying the feeling of flying and perhaps Shirakawa's embrace.
"No," Shirakawa refused flatly.
"Why not?" Catherine pouted.
"No reason. I just don't want to."
"Hmph. You're so stubborn," Catherine said, turning away in a huff.
"Hey, why don't we land? We should be past the Goa Kingdom's border by now," Catherine said after a while.
"I'm planning to fly directly to your country."
"What? I thought you said you wouldn't fly us all the way to the capital."
"I said I wouldn't fly to the capital, not that I wouldn't fly to your country. I'm just bored and want to finish this mission quickly."
"So you're saying it's boring being with me? Fine! Put me down, and I'll go back by myself!"
"Don't be unreasonable," Shirakawa said, his tone stern.
"Unreasonable? You're the one who said it was boring!"
"You can't have it both ways. I'm getting paid for this mission. If I drop you off now, who's going to pay me?"
Catherine fell silent, knowing he had a point.
Suddenly, they heard the sounds of battle below - gunshots, cannons, and shouting.
"What's happening?" Buggy exclaimed, his fear returning.
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