After a well deserved nap, Askyros awoke.
"...Where is this?" [Askyros]
He found himself sitting within an enclosed space. It was like a small room with two doors on the sides, along with lightly cushioned seats on each end.
("Is this… a car?") [Adam]
"Oh, you're awake." [Ryse]
Across from Askyros, there sat Ryse. Not only was Ryse sitting within the room, Tida was also there.
"I thought you'd never wake up." [Tida]
"..." [Askyros]
He stared at Tida strangely, wondering why she was present.
"Ah, you must be curious as to why Tida is here too. I'll explain in a bit, just take this first." [Ryse]
Ryse rummaged through a bag slung over his shoulder, bringing out a flask of water..
"Here. You must be thirsty after that nap." [Ryse]
"..." [Askyros]
Though he didn't express it, Askyros was indeed thirsty. Without much hesitation, Askyros emptied the flask within seconds.
"Wow. You never cease to surprise me." [Tida]
"...Where are we?" [Askyros]
Ignoring Tida's comment, Askyros aimed to kill his curiosity.
"Well, first of all… We're in a carriage." [Ryse]
"A… Carriage?" [Askyros]
Askyros raised an eyebrow. It wasn't every day that someone would simply ride a carriage.
"Here. Take a look." [Ryse]
He placed a hand onto the door like structure,sliding his fingers into a groove and pulling. The wooden door slid open, revealing a view outside.
"It's… moving?" [Askyros]
The surroundings outside seemed to be flying past, confusing Askyros a bit more.
"Er… Not really. It's actually us moving. Though it may be hard to understand from a commoner's standpoint." [Ryse]
"..." [Askyros]
Askyros remained silent, staring out the door as if he was entranced by it.
"...How strange." [Askyros]
"It must be. It's usually like that for first time riders." [Tida]
"...I never thought I would be able to see such a view without running." [Askyros]
"What...?" [Tida]
"Just… Don't mind it." [Ryse]
The two went quiet, allowing Askyros to enjoy the view outside. After a while, Askyros snapped back to reality.
"...Where is this carriage headed?" [Askyros]
"Close the door first, then I'll tell you." [Tida]
"..." [Askyros]
Listening to her demands, he slid the door shut.
"Good. Anyway, we're currently headed to the Capital. I'm sure you know the reason why." [Tida]
It was then that Askyros recalled the summons he had hidden within his chestplate.
"...I see." [Askyros]
Knowing that he was heading towards the capital of the kingdom he resided in made Askyros feel a bit of excitement.
"...I hope it lives up to its name." [Askyros]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The journey to the capital was a simple one. The carriage moved on a seemingly amateurishly paved path, until the presence of people became more apparent. As time went on, the road began to be filled with other carriages, wagons, and travelers.
"We must be nearing the checkpoint, prepare your belongings. Also, don't do anything. Leave it to the coachman." [Ryse]
Though he said to prepare their belongings, there wasn't much to prepare. Anything Askyros had on him was already with him.
"Identification, please." [???]
"Ah, here." [???]
Voices were heard outside of the carriage, but no one moved. Askyros was a bit confused as to how everything was supposed to go, so he simply followed Ryse's lead.
"Identification seems fine. What is your business here?" [???]
"I'm escorting a few soldiers from the front line." [???]
"...From the front line?" [???]
Footsteps moved towards the carriage door, followed by a knock.
"I'll open it." [Ryse]
He slid the door open to reveal a lightly armored guard. Someone who only had a small chestplate, protected forearms, and a small amount of armor on his legs.
"May I ask which squadron you're all from? Also, please tell me who is the Cefalis of your squad." [Guard]
"Angel's Blessing. Cefalis, Iris." [Tida]
"Okay, wait- Angel's Blessing?!" [Guard]
"Mhm." [Tida]
The guard seemed to be shaken, but he moved on.
"And you?" [Guard]
"Me and him are from Steel Will. Cefalis, Sitros." [Ryse]
"S-Steel Will?!" [Guard]
The guard seemed very shaken. He glanced at all three, taking a minute to swallow before continuing.
"M-May I ask for your names…?" [Guard]
"Tida." [Tida]
"Ryse." [Ryse]
"...Askyros." [Askyros]
The guard seemed like he was about to faint. Askyros didn't seem to understand what was going on, but Ryse and Tida had a smug look on their faces.
"I-I apologize for taking up your time! You may go on ahead!" [Guard]
Backing away from the carriage, he waved at some other guards ahead.
"Finally, some recognition." [Tida]
"I am… unsure of what just happened." [Askyros]
"Don't worry about it. I'll tell you on the way." [Ryse]