章 2: Chapter 2
The week passed as the Delvers prepared for the journey to Rosvinia. Supplies were gathered, plans reviewed, and finally, they arrived at Mari Kai's train system—a sprawling network of steel and steam connecting the scattered lands. The platform buzzed with the sounds of hissing engines and clattering footsteps, the air heavy with the scent of oil and distant rain.
Their eyes scanned the schedule board, glowing faintly in the station's haze, as Dr. Blackfoot arrived. Visibly struggling with a traveler's bag almost as big as he was, Roark and the others chuckled before stepping forward to help.
"Hey there, Doc. Need a hand with that?"
"Oh, there you are, Mr. Walbrker. No, I have packed all the essentials—and perhaps a few indulgences to make the journey more pleasant."
"Aye, I can see that. Alright, everyone, gather 'round and introduce yourselves."
"I am Dr. Lenard Fafnir Blackfoot, professor, researcher, and liaison at Grand Arcanum University," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "You may address me as Dr. Blackfoot or Professor. I have read all your adventure profiles and am aware of who each of you are." Dr. Blackfoot pulled out a small notebook, fumbling for a moment before regaining his composure. "Ms. Anna Alienor, Ms. Valerie Pequeña, and Ms. Stella Sarangerel, if I may presume."
Valerie smirked, noticing the halfling wizard clearly out of his element. She sauntered over to him, her eyes twinkling mischievously, and placed a hand on his shoulder, leaning in slightly.
"It's Val, Lenard," she said warmly. "And that's Anna and Stella. Don't worry; we'll take good care of you." She gave him a playful wink before brushing her hand lightly down his arm.
"Come on, handsome, we've got a train to catch."
As they boarded the train, Dr. Blackfoot stumbled over his words, nervously mumbling, "Well, yes, uh, quite an impressive locomotive, isn't it?"
His face flushed slightly as he tried to keep up with the others. Valerie flashed him another playful grin, her eyes dancing with amusement, while Anna gave her a knowing smirk. Stella chuckled softly, shaking her head in bemusement.
"Careful, Val, you might make the poor guy swoon before we even get there," Anna teased.
The rhythmic hum of the engine beneath their feet seemed to echo their collective heartbeat—steady yet thrumming with the anticipation of the unknown adventure ahead. They settled into a closed seating space, a booth reminiscent of a cozy restaurant, with plush seats and a small table between them. Roark found himself between Anna and Valerie, both of whom smiled at him—Valerie's grin more playful. Dr. Blackfoot settled beside Valerie, her smile easing his awkwardness. Stella sat next to Anna, leaving Roark surrounded, both comforted and slightly overwhelmed by the closeness.
The group exchanged glances as the train lurched forward. Dr. Blackfoot adjusted his glasses, his eyes darting between his notebook and Roark. The train's rhythmic clatter created a cozy ambiance, a background melody that invited conversation.
"Alright, Mr. Walbrker, may I ask what our path is?" Dr. Blackfoot asked, glancing at Roark with a curious look.
Roark leaned forward, resting his elbows on the small table. "We're heading north through the Oskara Pass. It'll take us through a few outposts, and then we'll switch tracks toward Meiza City," he explained, tracing an imaginary route on the tabletop. "From there, we'll push onward into Rosvinia, making sure to avoid the more notorious sections of the city."
"Meiza City?" Dr. Blackfoot's brow furrowed deeply, his expression clouded with concern. "It's a lawless city—full of cutthroats and opportunists. I'm genuinely worried about what we might face there. We'll have to be on constant guard, perhaps even more than in the woods."
Valerie waved her hand dismissively. "It's just the usual—bandits, rogue mages, maybe even a few mercenaries trying to prove themselves. But we know better than to take it lightly." She shot Roark a grin, her confidence still evident but with a hint of caution. "Isn't that right, fearless leader? Or are you starting to worry, too?"
Roark chuckled, his expression growing more serious. "No, never. But we can't afford to underestimate them. They'll be in for a nasty surprise if they try anything with this crew, but we need to stay sharp and expect the unexpected. We can't let our guard down, not for a second."
Dr. Blackfoot nodded, though his grip on his notebook tightened slightly. "I see. But why Meiza City? There are clear pathways into Rosvinia without going through its border. I don't understand why we'd choose the riskier route."
"I have a trusted contact there who knows the area well and should be able to guide us to our destination safely, though it's still a risk."
"Well, I'm certainly glad to be traveling with, um… experts. I must admit, though, I feel a bit out of my depth compared to all of you."
"Experts, huh?" Anna leaned back, crossing her arms with a humble smile. "Professor, I think you're being too kind. We're just doing our best, trying to get by like everyone else."
Stella caught their attention with a gentle gesture, her fingers moving fluidly as she signed her response. Anna translated aloud, "Speak for yourself. Some of us would rather stay focused and avoid unnecessary trouble." Stella's expression remained calm, her eyes conveying her message with quiet determination.
"Speaking of trouble," Roark interjected, glancing around the booth. "It's a long journey, and Rosvinia is going to test us. We'll need each other's skills, support, and focus to make it through. Tell us, Doc, what kind of capabilities can we expect from a Mari Kai wizard?"
Dr. Blackfoot cleared his throat, looking both nervous and determined. "I understand. I may not be a fighter, but my spells are quite effective in the right situations. I can provide defenses, create distractions, and even heal minor injuries. I think you'll find my magic will come in handy."
Roark raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by Dr. Blackfoot's knowledge. "That sounds impressive, Doc. You'll do just great. We're all in this together, and I think your expertise will make a real difference."
Dr. Blackfoot stammered for a moment, clearly taken aback. "T-Thank you, Mr. Walbrker," he said, his cheeks flushing with both pride and embarrassment.
"By the way, do we have a specific destination in mind when we enter Rosvinia?" Val asked.
"We'll be heading to Volta, the heart of Rosvinia's political landscape."
"Volta?" Roark spoke up, his intrigue evident. "So this Duchess of yours actually lives in the capital? That's impressive."
"No. That's where the Duchess conducts her business. If we can't find any trace of her there, our next step would be to check her home."
"Where does she live? I assume she has an estate or property near Volta."
"You see, Duchess Carmine lives in the northern section of Rosvinia, where her husband, Duke Zakerai Carmine, rules."
"Rules? As if he controls the entire northern region."
"Yes, under Her Royal Majesty Queen Abigale Rosvinia, of course. But Duke Zakerai Carmine has significant authority as the lord of the sector, and his influence shouldn't be underestimated."
There was a moment of silence. Each member of the group took in the gravity of his words, their expressions shifting from curiosity to determination.
Valerie's grin faded, her eyes narrowing with a mix of concern and curiosity. "So, it's more than just bandits, then?"
"Yes," Dr. Blackfoot said, his voice quiet but with a hint of awe. "There may be… other forces at play. Forces beyond what we typically encounter."
Roark nodded, feeling the weight of the journey settle over him. He looked around the table, meeting each of their gazes, seeing a shared determination reflected in their eyes. "Alright, everyone. We've got quite the adventure ahead of us. Let's put our backs into it and give it all we've got."
The train moved steadily through the countryside, its rhythmic clattering on the tracks adding a steady heartbeat to the group's adventure. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting fleeting patterns across their faces as the landscape rushed by. Fields of golden wheat swayed in the distance, and small clusters of cottages dotted the horizon, hinting at stories yet untold.
The group enjoyed the bustling atmosphere of the train. Vendors moved through the aisles, offering snacks and trinkets, their trays filled with fragrant delicacies and colorful curios. Passengers laughed and chatted, creating a lively symphony of excitement that filled the train car. Hours pleasantly passed as they shared stories, the occasional burst of laughter mixing with the sounds of the train.
The train stopped at Okara Township, allowing passengers a brief glimpse of the lively marketplace just beyond the station. Brightly colored stalls offered everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods, and the air was rich with the scent of roasting nuts and spices.
Valerie leaned over to Anna, nudging her playfully. "Think we could make a quick dash for some of those roasted nuts? They smell amazing."
Anna smirked, shaking her head. "We both know you'd end up buying half the market if we let you loose."
Roark chuckled, his voice gruff. "Save yer energy, Val. We'll get our fill soon enough, don't ye worry." He leaned back in his seat, his gaze shifting to the scenery outside. There was something comforting about the steady movement of the train, as if it mirrored the progression of their journey—one step at a time, moving toward something greater.
The whistle of the train signaled their departure, and the marketplace slowly faded from view as the train picked up speed. Valerie sighed, but a smile lingered on her lips. "Alright, alright. But next time, I'm getting those nuts."
Anna laughed, patting Valerie on the shoulder. "Deal. And maybe I'll even let you buy me something nice."
The group fell into a comfortable silence, each of them lost in thought. As they walked through the township, they observed the small marketplace bustling with activity. Stalls lined the narrow main street, selling fresh produce, handwoven crafts, and steaming food. The scent of spices mingled with the distant sound of laughter coming from an inn at the corner, its sign swinging gently in the breeze. A few homes stood further away, their gardens neatly kept, chickens pecking at the ground near the outskirts, adding a homely charm to the scenery.
At the edge of the township, Roark looked toward the sky, noting the sun dipping lower, signaling the arrival of the afternoon. "Alright, listen up. It'll take us about two days to get to Meiza. Let's keep our wits about us, aye?" Roark's tone was confident, fully aware of the group's dynamic, and ready to lead them forward.
"Uh, question?" Dr. Blackfoot spoke up, raising his hand slightly, still trying to get used to the group's dynamic.
"What is it, Doc?" Roark asked, his tone gruff but carrying a hint of curiosity, recognizing that Dr. Blackfoot was still adjusting.
"What is the marching order or formation you all want to take up? I prefer to be in the middle to avoid attacks from the front or back."
Roark nodded thoughtfully. "Good point, Doc. Usually, it's me or Val takin' the lead. Since I know the path, I'll take point, and Val can cover our backs. You and Anna stick in the middle."
"And what about Ms. Sarangerel?" Dr. Blackfoot started, but his words trailed off as he watched Stella float effortlessly without uttering a single spell or showing clear evidence of magic. She ascended above the others, her presence almost ethereal.
Roark gave Stella an approving nod, a slight grin breaking through his beard. "Stella's our eyes in the sky, always watchin'."
Dr. Blackfoot blinked in amazement. "Uh, I suppose... that works too," he muttered, still trying to comprehend the display.
With that, they set off, each of them settling into their roles. Roark led the group confidently through the Okara Pass while Anna and Dr. Blackfoot kept watch. The Okara Pass was a winding, narrow trail flanked by towering cliffs on one side and a steep drop on the other. Dense foliage grew along the edges, creating patches of shade that danced with the movement of the wind. The rocky terrain required careful footing, and the air was filled with the distant cries of unseen creatures echoing through the pass.
Dr. Blackfoot, however, seemed a bit distracted, still trying to understand Stella's ability to fly. Stella hovered above the treetops, staying hidden from anyone not looking up, yet fully aware of her surroundings. Valerie took up the rear, occasionally engaging the group in light conversation to pass the time.
"What's the matter, Lenard? Never seen a flying elf before?" Valerie teased, her tone light but with a hint of playful mockery.
"I've seen all sorts of flights, Ms. Pequeña—" Dr. Blackfoot said, his voice tinged with confusion and curiosity.
"Val," Valerie interrupted firmly.
"But Ms. Sarangerel—"
"Stella," she corrected again.
Dr. Blackfoot took a breath, his frustration evident with each correction from Valerie. "The way she flies is maddening. No incantation, no signs of subtle casting. I see no traces of magic around her, and she's been up there longer than any known spell allows. It's as if she can fly as naturally as a bird. I know lunar elves are quite rare, but none of the sources I've read mention anything like this."
"There are traces of magic," Anna said, looking back. "You can see them more clearly at night."
"I see." Dr. Blackfoot pulled out a small notebook. "Ms. Alienor—"
"Anna," Valerie interjected.
Dr. Blackfoot's frustration finally bubbled over. "Ms. Pequeña, may I ask why you consistently correct me every time I speak up?"
"Because you're too uptight. Loosen up a bit; we'll be traveling for gods knows how long, and you keep calling us Ms. and Mr. I know we're your escorts, but the more you relax, the easier it'll be for everyone."
"Forgive me... Valerie," he spoke with mockery in his voice, "if I was taught to treat others with respect. This is how I speak, and I will not change it for some irrational notion of comfort."
"Don't mind her, Doc. Val hates fancy speech—it reminds her too much of what being a 'proper woman' is supposed to sound like." Roark's tone was firm yet gentle as he continued, "And Val, leave Doc alone. We'll be traveling together for a long time, so let's avoid any unnecessary arguments."
With Roark's words, a moment of quiet understanding settled over the group. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the group began setting up camp for the night. The fading light bathed the landscape in deep purples and blues, and the temperature started to cool. Roark led them to a small clearing off the main trail, sheltered by a cluster of trees that provided some cover from the elements.
Valerie gathered dry branches for a fire while Anna laid out their sleeping arrangements. Dr. Blackfoot, still preoccupied with his notes, finally put them aside to help assemble the camp. Stella remained above, her eyes scanning the treetops, her watchful gaze ensuring they were alone.
The crackling of the fire soon filled the quiet night, its flickering glow casting long shadows across their camp. The group settled down around the fire, their faces illuminated in its warm light, ready to rest before continuing their journey the next day.
Dr. Blackfoot cleared his throat to speak once again, "Ms. Alie—Anna? What kind of magic is Stella using? Is it druidic? Perhaps a sorcerer or sorceress bloodline?"
As Dr. Blackfoot asked his questions, Stella flew in front of him upside down, her moonlit eyes slightly narrowing as they met his plain blue eyes. She made a subtle gesture, her finger pressed against her lips, indicating that her secrets were not to be shared. With a quiet, knowing smile, she flew back to her position while Anna apologetically repeated the same gesture.
"Sorry, Lenard. But Stella doesn't share her secrets with anyone, and Anna doesn't break vows," Valerie spoke up. "Also, I'm sorry for being annoying, even if it wasn't that serious."
"That's alright, Valerie. I apologize for being reactive.
"Yeah, again, it's Val. I prefer Ms. over Valerie any day."
"Apologies, Ms. Val," Dr. Blackfoot said with a faint smile, hinting at a rare moment of humor. Valerie lightly punched Dr. Blackfoot on the shoulder, a smirk playing on her lips as the night began to envelop the Delvers in cool, calming darkness.
Roark took the first watch. The night was still, the air cool and crisp as he sat at the edge of the clearing, listening closely with vigilant eyes scanning the darkness. The flickering fire cast long shadows, while the occasional rustle of leaves brought life to the quiet forest. The distant calls of nocturnal creatures echoed in the background, mingling with the gentle breeze as it passed through the treetops. Roark took a deep breath, feeling the crisp night air fill his lungs, and allowed himself a moment of calm. He found peace in the solitude, using the time to reflect on their journey and what lay ahead. As the hours slipped by, the old dwarf ensured everything remained secure and undisturbed. When his shift ended, he quietly made his way to Valerie, gently shaking her shoulder to wake her for her turn.
Valerie stretched and yawned, rubbing her eyes before sitting up. She glanced around the dimly lit camp, the fire now a faint glow barely illuminating her sleeping companions. She stood, grabbed her sword, and walked to the edge of the clearing. A cool breeze rustled the leaves above, carrying the scent of damp earth and the distant sounds of nocturnal creatures. The darkness wrapped around her like a comforting cloak, the stars twinkling faintly overhead, reminding her of the vastness of the world beyond their small camp.
After a while, she returned to the campfire, warming her hands over the glowing embers. She looked over at her companions, their faces softened by rest, the flickering light casting gentle shadows. Valerie smiled to herself, feeling a sense of warmth and camaraderie. She then resumed her watch, her eyes sharp and alert, scanning the darkness until it was time to wake Anna for her shift.
Valerie moved over to where Anna lay, gently nudging her shoulder. "Your turn, Anna," she whispered. Anna stirred, blinking sleepily before nodding and slowly sitting up. Valerie gave her a reassuring smile before standing and stretching, feeling the night's cool air brush against her skin. "All quiet so far," she added before settling down to rest.
As Anna awoke, she took a moment to pray to Soldus, the radiant God of Life, the Sun, and Light. In Nyūeden, the name Soldus is synonymous with vitality, enlightenment, and the everlasting day and night cycle. His divine essence stands as a guiding force, reminding all that even in the darkest times, the dawn of hope and the brilliance of life's light are ever present, waiting to shine upon those who turn their faces toward the heavens.
She quietly rose to her feet, taking care not to disturb her resting companions, and moved to the edge of the clearing. The night was serene; the fire was now reduced to a few glowing embers that barely provided any light. Despite the calmness of the surroundings, Anna couldn't shake a sense of unease. The shadows seemed deeper, and every sound made her heart beat a little faster, her breath hitching in sync with the gentle swaying of the trees.
Anna's watch felt different from the others. The darkness felt oppressive, every shifting shadow stirring unease deep within her, as if something unseen was always just out of reach. The stars above provided some comfort, a reminder of the divine presence of Soldus, but her nervousness never fully subsided. Her prayers had given her some strength, though she found herself often glancing over her shoulder, wary of the hidden dangers that could lurk beyond the clearing. Every rustle and whisper of the forest heightened her anxiety, her senses on high alert. Despite her fears, she clung to her belief in Soldus' light to guide and protect them, trying to find courage in her faith.
After some time, she walked back to the campfire, adding a few small branches to keep the embers alive, hoping the renewed glow would offer her a little more comfort against the lingering darkness. Eventually, Stella woke from her slumber and moved over to Anna, gently touching her shoulder. When Anna turned, Stella quickly signed that she'd take over the watch. Anna nodded, a look of relief crossing her face as she stood, stretched, and made her way to her bedroll for some much-needed rest.
Stella kept her eyes scanning the surroundings, her ears attuned to the soft rustle of small animals and the occasional hoot of an owl. She moved quietly around the perimeter of the camp, her steps deliberate and light, careful not to disturb the calm. Occasionally, the lunar elf would glance up at the stars, their silvery light twinkling against the vast dark sky, a reminder of the world beyond their immediate concerns. Despite the tension of their journey and the unknown dangers ahead, she found unexpected comfort in the darkness. The stillness of the woods and the gentle rustle of the leaves seemed to embrace her, offering a sense of calm and protection. She allowed herself to relax slightly, finding solace in the quiet and the feeling of being enveloped by the night.
She looked at her companions, her gaze lingering on each of them, feeling a sense of unity despite the hardships they faced. Stella wrapped her cloak tighter around herself as the chill of the early morning set in and resumed her watch, her thoughts drifting between memories of home and the hope that the road ahead, though uncertain, might lead them to something better.
As the first hints of dawn began to touch the horizon, Stella knew her watch was nearly over. The sky was slowly lightening, and the stars were starting to fade. She moved over to Roark, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. Roark stirred, opening his eyes to see the morning light, and gave her a nod. Stella smiled, a sense of relief washing over her as they prepared to continue.
"Roark, I must ask, who is this contact we're headed to? Forgive my rudeness, but Meiza isn't known for its law-abiding citizens."
"Aye, I agree with ye, Doc. This contact knows her trade well, and she'll help us. That much I can promise ye."
"How certain are you? Everyone's got a price."
"Not her, not Winnie."
"Winnie?" Valerie spoke with surprise. "Your sister Winnie? The same Winnie you haven't seen in, what, 40 years? That Winnie?"
"Aye, the same."
"Roark? Didn't you tell us the last time you spoke to your sister, she threatened to rip you apart?" Anna asked.
"So, let me process this. Your contact is your sister, Winnie, who you haven't seen in 40 years and has threatened to kill you?"
"Aye."
"Why?"
"Because she runs a transporting business—"
"No, why does she want your head?"
"Because I didn't go to her wedding some years ago."
The group exchanged incredulous glances, their jaws slightly dropping as Roark maintained his calm demeanor.
"What?! Elara and I were teleported to some ruins in Los Islas. It took us months to return to Libertas. I tried explaining it to her, but the stubborn cow said I 'broke me promise,' threatened to rip me apart if she ever saw me again, and I haven't seen her since."
"So you decided we'd drop by and hope she'd give us a ride?" Valerie asked.
"Aye, we're family, even if she's as stubborn as a mule."
"What's the backup plan if she refuses?"
"Doc, don't worry about it. She won't let us down."
Everyone let out a collective sigh as they realized that the road to Meiza was a bit more complicated than they had hoped.
As the second night passed and the first rays of sunlight broke through the treetops, the group began to stir, shaking off the remnants of sleep. The air was still crisp, and the promise of a new day lay ahead, tinged with uncertainty. They packed up their camp in silence, each one lost in their thoughts. Roark's revelation about Winnie lingered heavily among them, the unspoken tension adding weight to their preparations.
Valerie shot a skeptical glance toward Roark as they readied their gear, her curiosity and concern barely concealed. Anna, meanwhile, looked skyward, whispering a silent prayer to Soldus, seeking guidance for whatever awaited them in Meiza. Stella, with a slight smirk, gave Roark a playful nudge as if daring him to explain how he planned to mend decades-old wounds with his estranged sister.
The journey ahead was fraught with uncertainty—both from the dangers that lay ahead and from the unknown reception they might receive in Meiza. They moved along a narrow path that led toward their destination, the air heavy with reluctant hope. The group knew they would need more than courage and skill for what was to come; they needed each other—and they needed Winnie.
Roark took the lead, his eyes focused ahead, a glimmer of determination in his gaze. "Come on, lad and lasses," he called over his shoulder, his voice echoing off the trees. "Let's see what the stubborn mule has to say."
And with that, they set off, their path winding toward the unknown, Meiza on the horizon, and Roark's past waiting just beyond the edge of dawn.
— 次の章はもうすぐ掲載する — レビューを書く
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット