บท 14: The Southern Region
The next day, before sunrise, they began their journey northwards. There was still no town or village in sight as their first destination. After all, they realised that a place in the south was the furthest away from any other area. The Southern Region was the most dangerous place to visit, so it was little used as a place to live or for the construction of royal property.
It is no wonder that the ancestors who built Cliffside Village planned to build a village that was very deep and hidden from the dangers of the Southern Region.
The Southern Region was also often used as a testing ground for various kingdoms. They had discussed and scheduled each year without causing any disputes. He understood very well how the royal system worked and took it all as experience and decided to live as an ordinary citizen who was considered weak by the common people.
Cytherea's body shivered, her teeth clashing together creating a sound that irritated Xavier's ears. Even the scarves and jackets used in layers could not stop her from babbling.
"Damn it. Why is the wind here so cold? I don't remember it being winter soon."
"It's always cold every morning around here. I bet you never open your eyes when the sun is about to rise."
"God created the sun and you're saying I've never seen the sun rise? You always jump to conclusions, huh? At least acquire enough knowledge to insult or argue with us."
Xavier did not reply and walked faster, trying to leave the goddess.
"Don't leave me! What do you know about this world!"
"We're going north, right?"
***
Their journey was always dotted with at least one or two hills that blocked the sky. This was the start of a very complicated journey considering that neither of them had a map with them. The goddess always raved that she had travelled for 500 years. But she never recorded all the places she visited and tried to steal maps so it's no wonder many places she visited dozens of times.
This would be part of her secret or Xavier would not accompany her on her travels anymore. In contrast, as a former soldier, Xavier knows every terrain he sees. That's not useless to remember because living in ignorance of your surroundings is something your opponents take advantage of.
It took only seconds for him to determine the path they would take from the many hills that blinded their direction.
"Make sure you don't go the wrong way. Or we'll be spending time outside like last night."
"Trust me. I wouldn't mislead myself."
"We're a party. Don't forget that I'm the leader of this team." Cytherea felt ignored and protested.
"Yes, captain." Xavier replied with a hoarse shout as if he were dealing with a former leader.
The goddess suddenly trembled, shuddering at the sound of his voice. "Show-off. Your voice will not make me feel protected by you." She tried to hide her admiration and now her face was flushed.
"My mission is only to help you manipulate the people we meet to defeat Azazil, right? Then I'm protecting myself. So if there's a disaster don't expect you to receive any help from me." Xavier warned, turning his face away and then smiling a little.
"Oh, you're threatening, huh? You don't look like a grown man at all."
"It's not a matter of being mature or not. Did you forget the original agreement? Or are you trying to use me as a refuge?"
"I am a goddess. I can protect myself if I want to."
"Good. I have great respect for a woman who is confident in her abilities."
A few hours later they climbed a hill that was not so high but it was the only way before leaving the Southern Region that was highly alienated by many groups. They did not look tired after making sure their heads were not directly exposed to the sun. As explorers, the two did not slacken their defences and protected themselves as agreed.
This group was formed not because it was weak, but because it lacked the members to topple the Demon Lord's throne in Heaven. After all, no matter how good Xavier and Cytherea were at subverting opponents, they would not necessarily be able to defeat Azazil's minister who was very protective of The Lord. She knew that and would not make a rash decision by challenging the Demon army and Azazil alone.
"Hey, I'm a little curious. Have you ever thought of defeating a Demon Lord before?" Cytherea let out what was on her mind.
"That's a silly question. I've never even met a demon or god in my life. I'm sure you'll ask me silly things after this?" Xavier was prejudiced.
The goddess shook her head. "Then what did you do while you were a soldier."
He firmly replied. "Suspecting and disposing of suspicious people like you. You know, many people claim to be witches or gods. While they were unable to prove themselves when I interrogated them. Of course, ensuring the safety and comfort of the population is our priority."
"Oh, from your story you are nothing more than a naive slave. Then, which kingdom are you protecting?"
"I don't know. I'm not interested in this conversation at all, you know. All of a sudden my brain feels like it's under pressure and about to explode." Xavier acted like he really needed help.
"Don't die or my last hope will be completely gone!" Cytherea shouted, voicing a personal interest.
Not far from the hill, they could see a village set in a vast plain. It seemed as if it stood to confine the war-avoiding peoples like Cliffside Village. Walking at an increased speed, they tried to observe the village more closely but it was still out of sight of the guards.
Xavier squinted and tried to observe from the outside and make sure there was no war or chaos inside the village. Right now, their goal was not to involve themselves in other matters and put their priorities aside.
"It's a pity I didn't remember to bring binoculars. Are you able to observe more details of this place?" Xavier asked while pushing slightly
"What do you think I am? A hawk?" She retorted with an uncomfortable look.
His disappointment was so loud that the snapping of his mouth drew another glare from the goddess.
"But before that, may I express my selfish desires?"
"You always do, Selfish Goddess." Xavier insulted.
"Ignore the village and make sure you forget what you saw this time?" Cytherea smiled doubtfully, then decided to walk in an unplanned direction.
"Huh?"
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