Things never go as planned in this accursed world. Zyro agreed to that statement, even more now after multiple days of efforts he put into formulating a doable plan. In the end, it went in vain due to Pert's abrupt involvement.
It took numerous discussions for both parties to reach an agreement.
Fortunately, despite having many questions of his own towards Zyro, the kid restrained himself from prying into the Fallen Knight's privacy. In contrast, Pert was fully willing to abide by Zyro's terms and honestly respond in every question to the last bits of details he could muster. Which all was justified without flaw, ridding Zyro's doubts. Therefore, the negotiation went smoother than expected. Zyro doesn't trust anyone easily especially on risky missions, but Pert's desperate obedience convinced him. Albeit, not fully, it's enough to cooperate in a quest to escape Foggy Ring and head towards the Kingdom of Strays.
The Kingdom of Strays were a mixed settlement, unlike other territories where only one race reigns and discriminates against others. The stays kingdom, in contrast, accepted anyone without disdain. No matter what race they are, impure hybrids shun by their homes or fallen people, such as Grick cut out of their wings, vampires without their fangs and so on. After all, that place was purposefully created to accommodate homeless strays who don't belong anywhere.
The majority of Asters like Pert lived there, as well. For they have no mystical trees left by their ancestor nor the capacity to build iron fortresses in the untamed regions, differing to Argon's. In fact, the kingdom of Strays was originally home to Asters, but later accepted wandering migrators. So as visitors, even now. Making it the most highly populated place in the Beast Continent. And offer vaster opportunities for Zyro to prosper.
That's only one of the reason why Zyro accepted the kid request. The other, was Pert's hidden talents in archery, strength of the first tier Warrior, wilderness navigation and elaborate guiding map including a safe route to their destination. Pert had tirelessly honed and meticulously drawn through the years of occasional venturing into the verdant woods.
All of this was done by the kid to escape Foggy Ring's trapping expanse to return home ever since he arrived here five years ago.
And Zyro had to admit, the kid's years worth of effort were better than his original plan.
Pert's plan was simple, instead of heading into the vampire territories. They would be going to a settlement called Log Wall. A none Grick or Vampire town made exclusively for other races within Foggy Ring. Zyro didn't know such a place existed, for it was considered private. And only the rich could afford living there.
It took Pert a long time to know such a place existed inside Foggy Ring, and many more to determine its exact location through fragmented hints from former citizens of Log Wall that were reduced to slaves. But the most crucial knowledge he obtained, was an airship being there. If Zyro were to choose between invading vampire settlements or Log Wall. He would rather go with the latter due to his blood peculiarity. The path his taking cannot avoid violence, even with the armor on. Zyro wasn't confident in not being wounded. The probability of him bleeding was high, which will release his blood's unique aroma for the nearby vampires to smell. Enticing them like moths to a light. Thus, Log Wal, a place devoid of vampires and Gricks was the best option for him.
That's only their destination, the arduous process though. Was absolutely difficult, but not entirely impossible. As starters, the duo need to traverse a long distance through untamed wilderness to reach Log Wall. Thankfully, Pert had already scouted relatively safe paths more than half way there by occasionally heading out for years. Most almost cost the kid life. But it was worth it for it greatly reduces the risk of encountering dreadful beasts or accidentally entering death zones in their travel.
Sadly, the strategic map ends there. A young slave's capabilities were limited after all.
It only included closely reaching Log Wall. Not sneaking inside and stealing an airship, let alone flying past the Gricks security. Still, it was enough for Zyro to make do. As long as he gets to Log Wall, infiltrating and robbing will depend on his skills flexibility and adaptability on the situations.
Scaping the root-lifted circular edifice of Gricks wasn't planned too. Yet he succeeded thanks to his quick thinking and luck.
Furthermore, Zyro is more suitable for dealing with people than monsters. As for piloting the aircraft, he already did it once, quite exceptionally in fact. Their chances weren't that low.
Inside a capacious hidden cubical room made of stones. Zyro silently analyzes the huge intricate map carved on the wall, illuminated by warm torches. It looks like a sculpted painting, abstract yet beautiful. Anyone who'll see it can't imagine how much time and effort put into creating such a masterpiece. It seemed Pert possesses exceptional talent as a sculptor.
This room was created by Pert, as well. That can only be accessed through a secret tunnel. Such daunting task can't be accomplished by mundane body alone. However, Pert's Aster talents blessed him with supreme stamina to work above others. Still, it took him years. Sadly, this chamber will soon be abandoned.
Turning to the side, Zyro saw the blonde boy honing wooden sticks and putting triangular stone tips at its end. He ask.
"You done?"
Without stopping. Pert replied casually.
"Wait a minute more, creating arrows wasn't that easy you know. I'm not heading out there without ammunition. Anyway, why do you even want to go near the Fog wall, there's nothing there but toxic fog."
In return, Zyro evenly said.
"Preparations."
One of Zyro's condition was guiding him near the wall of fog to do something before leaving. Which confused Pert, but obey nevertheless.
Done prepping his arrows, the two began moving. Pert held a bow with a quiver full of arrows behind his back and light leather armor protecting vulnerable parts of his youthful body. Zyro's appearance didn't change much - his garments were new to erase evidences after killing the guard. To avoid being questioned, Zyro weaved a replication of his former clothing. Still shrouding his entire body with loss, messy silks. Gloved and booted, with a scarf on his neck hiding the mask. Zyro was not always fully equipped, usually, his dressed poorly inside the Mine to fit in.
Pert led Zyro into a camouflaged passage leading outside. Saying it's what he usually went through when sneaking into the forest. Now, Zyro understood why Pert sometimes vanished in the earlier days here. Removing one of his lingering wonders.
The dug tunnel wasn't that spacious, demanding dou to crawl in all fours like cats in a dark tunnel to pass through. The kid really knew what his doing when he created this, for they exited in the most unguarded area near the mine.
It was dusk when they began walking into the dangerous forest under the dimming crimson sky, announcing the near of night.
If not for Zyro's cyber suit ability to see in darkness replacing the need for bright torches that scream for attention at nighttime. They would be traveling in broad daylight when beasts are more active instead.
Having experienced crossing this forest numerous times. Pert served as pathfinder as they navigated through the feral expanse of verdant woods. Taking many detours to avoid dangerous territories of exceptionally dreadful creatures. And when they encounter wandering nocturnal predators, Pert would determine to either wait or flee depending on what kind of monster it is. Fortunately, nocturnal hunters were seldom. The dou bumped into a relatively weak beast sometimes, such as the repulsive eyeless hound that traced their scents. Dealing with such beasts was easier than expected with Pert around - climbing on trees and shooting arrows with the strength of an Alpha. Those particular hounds were blind and could not evade incoming attacks, It took Pert three ammunition hitting the same spot to kill one. The kid killed two with this strategy, while Zyro quickly killed one with his retractable blade.
Zyro was quite surprised by the youth's outstanding talent in archery after witnessing it first hand. Despite how crude his equipment is and using only the moon's dim radiance to see. Pert was able to accurately deliver his arrows. Considering Pert years of hunting experience in this feral woods risking his life every time. Zyro knew better than anyone that decades of safe practice cannot be compared to what real life and death situations teaches. The STELLAR soldiers were trained that way, after all.
Their cautious process was relatively safe, but too time consuming. The sun was already rising by the time they arrived at their destination.
Standing under the shade of tree. Zyro look at the scene before him in bewilderment. This was his first time seeing the legendary barrier this close.
Although, there's nothing but a vast expanse of cloudy wall towering above him. It's sheer size was just too astonishing. In his calculation, its height will be close to a thousand meters. Stretching left and right as far as the eyes could see.
With piqued interest, Zyro studied the mist.
At closer inspection, the great wall of Fog wasn't straight, but a messy arch. However, what caught his attention the most is its supernatural state. Normally, a gas cluster of this scale would break down and scatter everywhere. Or be affected by the wind pressure. But it didn't, it's white surface with a touch of grey remained tranquilly flowing, unperturbed by the surroundings influence. Not because the mist can't be affected, but due to an invisible force attracting the dense fogs together. Preventing it from dispersing.
The scary thing about it, was it's like a barrier of death. No grass, nor trees or anything alive grew near it. Creating an obvious line between the luxuriant greeneries and plain, lifeless soils.
Because of this, Zyro was only able to get close to 12 meters. Anymore nearer, he'll be breathing its toxins, a farther more, he'll be able to touch the corrosive fog itself.
Disturbing his reverie, Pert's voice sounded behind him.
"So... What are we supposed to do here?"
Zyro retrained himself from smiling at the sight of boundless mists. He ask.
"Say, how dangerous is this fog?"