The group continued their journey for another hour, eventually arriving at the border that separated the nation of Alfira from the mysterious Land of the Beasts. However, what they encountered was nothing like what Bennet had envisioned. He had anticipated a simple border outpost with perhaps a few tents or a wooden barracks, but boy he expected so low compared to what he saw.
The border was fortified with a massive wall that could rival the Great Wall of China. On their side of the wall, there stood stone buildings that resembled a small town filled with warriors.
Hugo's eyes scanned the seemingly endless expanse of the border wall, but no matter how far he looked, the fortifications continued beyond the reach of his vision. It was an imposing and formidable structure that stretched as far as the eye could see.
Captain Igor, noticing the young warriors' curiosity, took a moment to explain the history behind the colossal wall. He shared that this massive structure had been constructed centuries ago as a defense against the relentless assaults of aggressive monsters that once threatened Alfira.
"It's called the 'Aegis Wall,' named after the shield that Zeus and Athena wielded," Captain Igor added, giving it a touch of mythological significance. The name resonated with the idea of a protective barrier.
"Are you with the caravan that arrived earlier?" a man abruptly intervened.
Captain Igor began to respond, "Yes, I am the captain of the group, and we were attacked by—" but was rudely interrupted.
"They are inside the Captain's office over there," the man pointed disdainfully.
"Thank you," Igor replied, heading towards the location.
As they moved away from the man, his derisive muttering echoed loudly.
"What kind of captain would lose his own caravan party?"
Bennet's expression twisted in irritation, ready to confront the disrespectful remark, but Captain Igor subtly signaled him to let it slide.
He can't disrespect a captain like that," Bennet remarked.
Captain Igor smiled and replied, "There's a difference between a city-promoted captain and one who earned their rank in battle on this side of the land."
"I am simply not worth their respect at the moment," Captain Igor continued.
The four younger warriors had come to deeply respect and admire Captain Igor as an honorable leader, and their reasons were abundantly clear. Captain Igor displayed unwavering dedication to his fellow warriors, earning their trust and loyalty.
"I'll let it slide for now, but next time, I'll chop his head," Hugo joked, lightening the mood.
They went inside the office, and inside, they found a stern-looking man behind a desk piled high with papers. He glanced up as they entered, and his expression became more snobbish.
"What do you need?" the man asked curtly, his tone reflecting his disinterest.
"Our caravan arrived earlier, and I am here to report the details of what has happened," Captain Igor stated firmly.
"You are the missing captain?" he asked, a mocking chuckle escaped his lips.
Ignoring the man's condescending tone, Igor continued with his explanation, recounting how the goblins had specifically targeted the young warriors, showing a clear intent to kidnap them. He emphasized the urgency and danger of the situation, hoping to convey the gravity of what had transpired.
"Is this the first time that you've encountered a kidnapping situation?" the man's response remained frustratingly dismissive.
"Does it matter, lives are at stake here!" Captain Igor retorted, his frustration evident.
The man behind the desk chuckled dismissively. "Lives? A city-raised warrior is crying about lives?" he scoffed.
"Lives are taken here every day, kid," he continued, his tone growing darker.
"People getting kidnapped every day. Being eaten alive, being rap—" he abruptly cut himself off, remembering that the young warriors before him were still children.
"Point of the matter is," he continued more coldly, "these are daily occurrences, just not to you sheltered rich kids."
"Captain Donovan, my status doesn't matter here. I am a soldier just like you, so please give me even the slightest respect," Captain Igor firmly stated before exiting the office.
Donovan laughed dismissively. "What a softie." The other young warriors followed Captain Igor out of the office, but Bennet hesitated.
"Captain, I don't know what's going on here, but Captain Igor risked his life trying to save the kidnapped warriors. He was the only one who ran after them, disregarding his own safety," Bennet passionately defended his leader.
"That's his biggest mistake, boy," Donovan remarked.
"A captain is not just about himself or the people who were kidnapped; it's about weighing the possible outcomes. Sure, you got lucky today, but what if you weren't lucky?" he asked.
"Picture this: all twelve young warriors killed, the food stock stolen, people here will starve. Once a battle erupts, an empty-stomach warrior won't be able to fight properly, which might result in more deaths," Donovan continued, emphasizing his point.
"Think with your brain, not with your heart," he said, pointing at his head.
"Aside from that, what kind of warriors would even be kidnapped by little Goblins?" Donovan questioned.
"There were Goblins that were odd, big ones almost as tall as an adult human," Bennet said.
Captain Donovan's eyes widened.
"What do you mean?" he inquired, clearly intrigued by the unexpected development.
Donovan's curiosity was piqued, and he leaned in to listen as Bennet explained the events.
"You are lucky that you only faced giant goblins. They are big, sure, but they are soft and weak. But what worries me..." Donovan's voice trailed off as a deep concern settled upon him.
"If there are giant goblins there, it means that there might be Titan Goblins as well."
Titan Goblins were formidable creatures, towering between six to seven feet tall, with skins almost as thick as crocodile hides. They were virtually impenetrable for weak warriors and possessed strength surpassing even that of orcs.
"I'll have to create a separate party to investigate the area," Donovan declared, understanding the potential threat that lurked within their own wall.
Bennet contemplated for a moment and then asked, "So... does that mean that you owe Captain Igor an apology?"
Captain Donovan scoffed at the idea. "Boy, what are you even getting at? There's no way I will apologize to a city-raised warrior."
Bennet was taken aback. "I don't get it. Do you just value a warrior based on where they were raised and not about their valor?"
Donovan paused, realizing the weight of his words. He then chuckled and admitted, "I'm not setting a good example for a young warrior, am I?"
"Perhaps, those of you stationed here are bitter. If you're a son of a Duke, a rich merchant, or have connections, you're assigned to the safest areas."
Donovan sighed, reflecting on his own situation. "While those of us born unlucky remain unlucky, and our lives depend on our own two hands."
"But didn't Captain Igor prove himself by being willing to die to save his own men?" Bennet pressed.
Donovan conceded, "I'll give him a point on that, sure."
Bennet gave him a look that Donovan couldn't ignore.
"Fine, when the right time comes, I'll apologize," Donovan grumbled.
"Thank you, Captain. I appreciate that," Bennet replied.
Donovan couldn't help but ask, "Why are you even defending him, by the way?"
"Because he is my captain, and I respect him," Bennet answered.
"Fair enough," Captain Donovan said accepting the centiment of the young warrior before heading out.