At the city's exit gates, Rumia, Lutessa and Archibald were preparing to depart.
However, the weight of all three of them would be too much for the land crawler-kun to bear.
In order to make their journey more comfortable, Rumia suggested purchasing a cart to attach to the land crawler.
This would allow them to ride in the cart while the land crawler moved, similar to a train.
("I guess Lamperogue didn't come... That sucks I guess. We could've really used his help in whatever hell we might find ourselves in, when we arrive at Rivelune.")
The handyman had successfully attached the cart to the back of the land crawler.
The cart was capable of accommodating more than four people and their belongings.
However, the addition of a new member led to additional expenses.
To ensure Lutessa's comfort, a Cold-resistant charm and a coat were purchased for 20 silver pieces.
The cart was also bought and attached for an additional 10 silver pieces.
"Hey, Rumia," he called her name.
"What?" She was obviously still annoyed about having to spend much.
"Did you hear about what happened to Badler and his team?"
"No, anything serious?"
"Pretty much... Apparently, someone decimated their entire forces. Badler was lucky not have been with them."
"Wait! Really?!"
"Yeah," Archibald wore a stern countenance. He found it troubling that only one person could do such a thing.
'Is it possible, that...' Rumia didn't want to ponder the possibility that Ciel was the one behind it.
Still, she couldn't rule out the possibility.
"At least he's told the guild about it, so some veteran Adventurers will investigate sooner or later," he adjusted the charm he wore on his neck.
"Okay, that's comforting." Her voice appeared a bit dull.
She wasn't in good spirits having met with Ciel.
He was a huge part of her past. A past she wanted to forget.
"Well! We might as well get going," Archibald stretched his arms out.
A moment of silence came.
Both Rumia and Archibald witnessed Lutessa in a state of prayer.
They couldn't hear a word she said.
Of course they wouldn't, she prayed in the ancient praying language for people of Vayetra Belief.
"Uh, Lu—"
He paused.
Archibald didn't know how best to tell her they had to get going.
He looked at Rumia, all she did was shrug. She didn't have a solution either, it was best they just waited.
------Some minutes later.
"Thank you Lord Vayetra, for your journey mercies," she bowed her head to conclude her lengthened prayers.
When Lutessa rose to her feet and turned, Archibald and Rumia were seated in the large cart waiting for her.
After a short-lived yawn, Archibald said:
"So, are we gonna go, or are you planning on inviting the whole congregation?"
"I can do that, Sir Knight?"
"Uh, nevermind." A sigh followed.
Lutessa obviously didn't understand the concept of sarcasm.
-------
Their cart set off, their next destination: The Rabastines.
As land crawler-kun began "crawling" everyone knew they could rest for the time being.
They'd gotten everything they needed for the journey ahead.
Seated next to Archibald, Lamperogue said:
"Hey."
It wasn't just Archibald who panicked, every other person within the cart did the same.
When did he get here?
"Wait?! How did you— When di— What?!"
The look on Archibaldʼs face was priceless, enough to make Lamperogue smile momentarily.
"You decided to join us in the end, huh?" With a smirk, Archibald playfully shoved him.
"Why not? It seemed like a good opportunity to hone my skills," through and through Lamperogue was unexpressive as ever.
"I wouldn't expect less," eyes closed, Archibald folded his arms.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
Rumiaʼs index finger lightly struck the edge of the cart.
"Archibald?" Her voice sounded cold and unfeeling.
"M-Ma'am?" He stuttered.
"You didn't tell me there was another person... Explain yourself," her eyes twitched.
"Let's just take it easy now Rumia. So we don't do anything we'll regret," sweat was visibly rolling down his forehead.
"The only person who'll be regretting anything here, is you," a smile suddenly came upon her face.
In Archibald's opinion, Rumia smiling in that manner was concerning.
"I suppose you're worried you'll have to spend more to accommodate me right?" Lamperogue mentioned with his expectedly calm voice.
"Not to seem rude, but yes, we don't have much on us."
"Then don't worry about me. From what I heard, you guys are heading for the Rabastines next... I can handle the cold there."
This meant he'd have no need for thick coats and whatnot.
"That's pretty cool." Archibald commented.
"I see, then the more the merrier I suppose," with a calm expression did Rumia speak.
"Well then, let's get going! Off to the Rabastines!"
Land crawler-kun began moving, and out of the city they went.
Lutessa had a concerned expression on her face, to which Archibald asked:
"Hey, are you okay?"
"Uh, yes Sir Knight. It's just... Isn't the Rabastines where the Ice Dragon called Kroslogia resides?"
"Kroslogia?"
Lamperogue interjected, "Kroslogia one of the [Five True Dragons], and also one of the most powerful. He was said to have frozen hell with his arctic roar."
Archibald rubbed his chin while he listened.
"[Five True Dragons], who are they?"
"The five most powerful dragons, they rule over the Dragon continent— Dragnyr."
While they discussed this, Rumia seemed uninterested. She was more concerned with the finances.
Being an elf, she didn't care much about the stories of these dragons as elves were deeply connected to the worship fairies and spirits.
In her opinion, Dragons were repulsive.
Lamperogue, after a sigh, then said:
"Dragnyr as you know, have religions rooted in the worship of Dragons. As such members of the Dragon Tribe created a ranking system of these five dragons.."
Both Archibald and Lutessa were engrossed by his story.
All their attention invested into his every word.
He listed the five dragons as:
Position One "Fafnir",
Position Two "Kroslogia",
Position Three "Kulshedra",
Position Four "Nidhogg",
Position Five "Amaru",
Then, he wrapped up his small lecture with:
"The True Dragons possess individual crests that symbolize the four Dragon clans. These clans are derived from the True Dragons as they're their offspring. As a result, the Dragon clans are feared across many continents. In the Dragnyr continent, they are worshipped as intermediaries to the True Dragons."
There was something off, "Wait there are five True Dragons, but only four clans?" Archibald inquired.
"That's because Kulshedra went missing." Lamperogue replied.
"The third strongest one right?"
"You catch on fast," an ambivalent response.
Adjusting herself on the cart, Lutessa spoke, "You seem to know a lot about Dragons, Sir Rogue," she smiled warmly.
"What can I say?" He focused his gaze on the road ahead.
There was nothing but red sand.
They had yet to exit the bounds of the Red Desert.
("Should've know Dragons were a thing here! Heck your surname's Pendragon... Do better, Archie-dono!")
Quiet, Archibald thought about how fascinating it'd be to meet one.
But, this was if they were benevolent creatures.
Quite unlikely for a bunch of overgrown lizards.
----------
It took a full day for the travelers to cross the Red Desert.
The path was devoid of any monsters and consisted solely of red sands.
Despite the lack of rest stops, the travelers were able to continue without issue and land crawler-kun remained unfazed.
Land crawler-kun was amazing.
While passing by several cities, the group remained focused on their destination of reaching the Rabastines.
---------
Upon concluding their time in the Red Desert, they eagerly set their sights on the Rabastines, also known as the "Dwelling of Mountains."
This region boasted high concentration of large mountains, once a part of the Red Desert, which was previously known for its intense heat.
However, following a fierce roar from Kroslogia, the Ice Dragon, the entire area was transformed into a frozen wasteland, now inhabited by ice golems.
This served as a testament to Kroslogia's formidable power.