章 30: Onwards to Serenshire
Leaving the familiar city of Duskville behind, I felt a mixture of uneasiness as I embarked on this crucial journey.
With my trusty teammates by my side, we ventured eastward toward the corner of Nivalis.
Evie, the archeologist who played a crucial role in the Enigmatic Dungeon, Alaric the Mad Scientist, and Izzy the Tech-Genius, were joined by six other capable adventurers in my party towards the city of Serenshire.
As we walked through the verdant landscapes of Nivalis, I couldn't help but admire the natural beauty around us.
The country might not be too vast, but its landscapes were diverse and captivating, especially when you left the cities and were strolling through roads surrounded by mountains that reached the skies.
However, our mission was not one of leisure; we had a duty to fulfill, and time was of the essence.
We never knew when the next Emberhorn Main-Story Quest would be issued, after all.
Alaric, by my side, spoke to break the awkward silence, "I get it that we're useful and powerful enough to help other cities alone, but how the hell are we going to be walking there?!" He complained.
"Hm?" When did he drop his crazy personality act? Or is he actually just worried about how we'll be making our way there?
"I mean, it might take us weeks, but the fewer breaks we take, the faster we'll get there!" I smiled with my teeth out, a shining effect displayed on them intentionally by mana, making it comical.
"If only you put this much effort into making a car of mana and taking us there…"
"Good timing, Alaric!" Evie yelled out, the newbie adventurers by our side were just staring at us.
In a stroke of luck or perhaps destiny, we stumbled upon an old car thanks to Evie's gold eyesight. It was hidden amongst the trees and covered in vines. To our amazement, after filling it with fuel from our supplies, it roared to life, as if waiting for us all this time.
Just so you know, we had fuel with us to make fires a bit more quickly, even though mana exists now, humans can't shake off old insecurities.
"Oh, the reason it survived might be because humans don't usually just stop in the middle of a road with nothing else but mountains to it," A newbie mage with black hair and a skinny body spoke.
"That's reasonable. It might've been off the system's radar." I gave voice to my thoughts as I pondered over how to push ten people in a single car.
With the car as our newfound ally, our journey to the city we were headed to was quickened significantly. The thought of reaching our destination faster was a relief, given the urgency of the situation.
As the wheels of the car rumbled along the winding paths, the team couldn't help but feel a surge of camaraderie. The shared excitement and sense of adventure bound the newbies together, making the atmosphere within the car lively and joyous.
From time to time, we swapped stories, shared laughter, and bolstered each other's spirits as we drove toward the city that held our next destination.
As for our bags and all of that, we had tied them all on top of the car as some also took place in the trunk of the car, all mushed up next to each other.
Maybe the uncomfortably close distance also helped get rid of the awkward air between us.
Naturally, though, I was driving the car. Following the map that Isolde had given me with the best tracks to take.
Finally, after two days of travel that felt like a blur, the city came into view.
It was a sprawling metropolis nestled against the backdrop of majestic mountains.
The citizens of the city greeted us with cautious hope, for they knew the perilous circumstances that loomed over their home.
They were also in constant fear of terrorists and monsters that the Emberhorn had allowed to exist since the Second Main-Story Quest.
After securing accommodations at an inn, we set out to talk to the city's leaders and gather information about the impending doom that threatened to consume them.
In a meeting with the higher-ups of this place, they described the escalating threats mainly from the different types of monsters, now, also in fear of the Fourth Main-Story Quest.
"We have been preparing for the worst," said Mayor Brynn, a stern yet compassionate figure.
"But we know that we cannot face this peril alone. Your arrival gives us hope that perhaps we can overcome the challenges ahead. As for the price of your help, worry not, we'll do everything in our power to pay you all handsomely."
"We'll do everything in our power to help protect your city," I assured him, looking around at my teammates who nodded in agreement. I also didn't reject the offer of being paid since all the preparations to get here cost a lot.
The citizens of Serenshire welcomed us warmly after we left the building, expressing their gratitude for our willingness to aid them.
Over the course of the day, we mingled with the people, hearing their stories, and understanding the extent of the dangers they faced.
As night descended upon the city, we retreated to our rooms at the inn.
My mind was filled with a mixture of concerns as I switched sides numerous times before actually starting to snooze.
"Sigh, the weight of a damned city is resting on my shoulders… What have I gotten myself into?"
At times such as these, I can't help but think… "Just where are you, Smool?"
I'm not strong enough without your funny but useful support.
As I lay on my bed, I closed my eyes, envisioning what might expect me tomorrow or the following days to come.
I could feel the power of the System within me, the gift and the curse that had guided me thus far. I couldn't help but feel a sense of safety and comfort from it even though I had begun to take a rather negative view of it.
With a deep breath, I drifted off to sleep, wanting to take the best rest in case the quest is issued tomorrow.
***
Ding.
[Emberhorn has begun its second phase of authority stretching: Integration]
クリエイターの想い 
ItsHashi
ItsHashi I hope you all have been enjoying these chapters, I know the quality may have fallen a little, but writing 2-4 chapters a day is taking a toll on me so please cut me some slack...
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
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