Just as they left Seturia Village, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the sprawling landscape as Tobe, Miri, and Yuka settled into their seats in the carriage. The air was filled with the soft sounds of the wheels creaking against the uneven path and the rhythmic clop of the horses' hooves. The journey to the capital of Munth would take three long days, and each day would hold its own set of adventures, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
"First stop, the Capital!" Tobe exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he leaned out of the carriage, taking in the vibrant scenery rushing past. "I can't wait to see the market! I've heard they sell the best magical trinkets and spell components there!"
Miri rolled her eyes playfully, a smirk dancing on her lips as she adjusted her sword at her side. "Senpai, let's focus on surviving the trip first. There could be dangers lurking in these woods."
Yuka, seated quietly beside Miri, chuckled softly, her long ears twitching with amusement. "I'm sure it will be an adventure, regardless of what happens," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, but there was a hint of excitement in her eyes.
The first day passed without incident, the carriage rattling along the dusty road as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Tobe was animatedly discussing his plans for their visit to the capital, filling the air with laughter, hopes, and dreams. Miri kept a watchful eye outside, ensuring they wouldn't be caught off guard by any lurking threats or unexpected challenges.
As twilight settled, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, they came across a fellow traveler on the roadside—a tall figure with a large greatsword strapped to his back. His posture was confident, and he appeared to be waiting for someone or perhaps just resting after a long day.
"Hey! Need a ride?" Tobe called out, waving enthusiastically, his cheerful demeanor lighting up the dimming surroundings.
The figure turned, revealing a handsome young man with tousled dark hair and sharp features. He approached the carriage with a curious smile that seemed to radiate warmth. "I wouldn't say no to that," he replied, climbing onto the carriage with the grace of someone accustomed to travel.
Miri studied him closely, her gaze assessing. "What's your name?" she inquired, her tone friendly but direct.
"
"Perfect! We can use all the help we can get," Tobe grinned, his enthusiasm just as infectious.
"Just don't slow us down," Miri warned with a mock-serious tone, though the corners of her mouth betrayed her amusement. Max nodded in understanding, a glimmer of camaraderie forming between them.
Max then remembered their familiar faces and said "Oh! Wait! It's you guys! the one's who simultaneously saved those B-ranked adventurers and cleared that dungeon in a day and a half! I honestly respect you guys!"
and they thanked Max for the praise meekly, while they had forgotten the fact that their whole dungeon raid journey was broadcasted live through the use of the Monitoring Orb.
As night fell, they made camp under a canopy of stars, the air filled with the scent of campfire smoke and the sound of crackling wood. Tobe animatedly recounted tales of his childhood days and memories with his mother, while Miri told of her rigorous and annoying days with her foster parents and the fun memories she and Tobe had when they were kids.
Yuka quietly listened to the stories while gently petting Blubby, her heart warming at the sight of her friends laughing and enjoying themselves. Occasionally, she chimed in with her thoughts, sharing her own experiences from her life in the real world and her initial struggles in this new world.
As they settled down for the night, Tobe's eyes gleamed with determination. "With our buddy, Max here, we'll be unstoppable! I can feel it! We've got a great team going now!"
The second day dawned bright and clear, the morning sun casting golden rays across the dew-kissed grass. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as the adventurers prepared for another day on the road. Tobe's spirit was unyielding, his excitement infectious as he chatted about the various stalls and wonders they would encounter in Munth.
"Do you think we'll run into any monsters today?" he asked, eyes wide with excitement.
Max chuckled, his tone light yet serious. "Let's hope we don't. But stay alert. This area is known for its Ambush Wolves. They tend to hunt in packs and strike from the shadows."
Just as Max finished speaking, a low growl echoed through the trees, sending a shiver down Yuka's spine. Tobe immediately quieted, his cheerful demeanor shifting to one of alertness.
"Wolves," Miri said, gripping her sword tightly, her knuckles turning white against the hilt. "Everyone, get ready!"
From the underbrush, a pack of sleek, dark wolves emerged, their eyes glinting like shards of ice in the sunlight. The leader, larger than the others, snarled, revealing razor-sharp teeth as it advanced toward them with a predatory grace.
"Max, get ready to fight!" Miri commanded, she then used Defense Up stepping protectively in front of Yuka to shield her from potential danger.
With a swift movement, Max unsheathed his greatsword, the blade glinting ominously in the sunlight. "Let's go!" he shouted, his voice full of resolve and determination.
The wolves lunged forward, teeth bared, and the battle began in earnest. Miri charged ahead, her shield raised to absorb the first attack. The impact rattled her, but she held her ground, swinging her sword to counter the assault.
"Explosion Impact!" Tobe shouted, aiming his hands to two incoming wolves. The spell hit with a crack, sending the creatures sprawling back, howling in pain as they collided with the ground.
"Scale, help out!" Yuka called, her voice filled with urgency as she half-summoned her Wind Wyvern, unleashing a Wind Blast that sent a pair of wolves tumbling backward, their bodies slamming into trees with a thud.
Max swung his greatsword with precision, cleaving through another wolf with a powerful strike, the blade biting deep into flesh. But the remaining pack was relentless, their eyes filled with a hunger for blood. The air was filled with growls, snarls, and the sound of steel clashing against teeth.
"Yuka, keep your summons close! We need to take them down quickly!" Miri shouted, deflecting another attack with her shield.
Yuka focused, her heart racing as she felt the tension in the air. "Balboa, come out!" she commanded, summoning her Rock Golem. The massive creature emerged from the ground, fists raised, ready for battle.
"Ground Break!" Yuka shouted. Balboa slammed its fists into the ground, sending a shockwave rippling through the earth. The remaining wolves were thrown off balance, their coordination disrupted, and the advantage was theirs.
"Now, let's finish this!" Max yelled, charging forward with Miri at his side. Miri activated both Agility Up and Strength Up, while Tobe provided cover from the rear, hurling his Aqua Control: Water Bullet spells with deadly accuracy. One by one, the wolves fell, their howls fading into silence as the adventurers fought with coordinated effort.
With the last wolf defeated, they stood panting, adrenaline coursing through their veins as they surveyed the battlefield, a mixture of exhaustion and triumph washing over them.
"That was too close," Yuka murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face, her heart still racing from the encounter.
"Good teamwork, everyone," Miri said, wiping sweat from her brow and smiling at her friends. "Let's keep moving; we still have a long way to go."
Max then replied "Yup! You guys are just as expected! Really skilled and I'm super impressed! Hahaha!"
And after the thrilling confrontation, they went back to the carriage and took a good long rest and informed the carriage driver that it's safe now, and they continued on their journey.
The final day of their journey dawned with a gentle breeze, the sun rising in hues of pink and gold that painted the sky. Tobe stretched luxuriously, his spirits higher than ever. "Just a few more hours, and we'll be in the capital!" he proclaimed, excitement bubbling within him.
The tension from the previous day's battle lingered in the air, but Tobe was determined to lighten the mood. "How about we share what we're most excited about in Munth?" he suggested, glancing at each of his companions, eager to hear their thoughts.
"I'm hoping to find some magical trinkets to experiment with," Tobe added, his excitement bubbling over as he leaned forward, his eyes shining. "I've read about a shop that sells enchanted items. Imagine what we could find!"
"What about you, Yuka?" Max asked, his interest piqued.
"I'm looking forward to meeting other Summoners and learning more about their techniques. There's so much I want to explore in the capital," Yuka admitted, her voice filled with a mixture of shyness and enthusiasm.
Max chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Maybe I'll find a new sword while I'm there. I hear the blacksmiths are renowned for their craftsmanship, especially in Munth! I heard that they forge magic swords there too!"
As they conversed, the hours slipped by, the landscape transforming from dense woods to open fields dotted with wildflowers. The vibrant colors were a welcome sight after their harrowing encounter with the wolves, each petal swaying in the gentle breeze.
Max then pointed towards the distance and said "Hey guys! Look there! We finally made it, that's the Capital of Munth!"
When they finally spotted the towering walls of the capital, cheers erupted from Tobe, who jumped up and down in excitement, his tail swishing behind him in pure joy. "Woah, we made it, Yeah!"
The city of Munth loomed large and majestic before them, its towering walls stretching towards the heavens. The capital's gates were a blend of iron and ancient stone, etched with the marks of countless generations who had entered and left its borders. Tobe, Miri, Yuka, and Max, weary yet excited after their three-day journey, finally found themselves standing at the foot of Munth's grand entrance.
Their carriage came to a halt as the capital guards, clad in gleaming armor and standing tall with unwavering gazes, approached. The guards' eyes scanned each traveler with practiced precision, and one of them raised a hand to halt the group as they neared the entryway.
"Guild cards, please," the guard requested, his tone formal yet respectful.
The carriage driver, accustomed to this routine, handed over his Transport Guild Card without hesitation. The guard inspected it, nodded, and returned it with a curt nod of approval.
Next was Max's turn. He reached into his cloak and presented his Adventurers Guild Card, holding it out confidently. The guard took the card, scanned it, and handed it back with another nod.
Then, the guard turned his attention to Tobe, Miri, and Yuka, his eyes narrowing slightly with curiosity. "And yours?"
A slightly awkward pause hung in the air as the three young adventurers exchanged glances. Miri stepped forward, her expression serious as she addressed the guard. "We've come from Seturia Village. There… well, there's no need for guild cards in Seturia. They don't use them for identification."
The guard raised an eyebrow. "No guild cards? How do they handle adventurer registrations and criminal tracking there?"
"In Seturia, they rely on the Verdict Stone," Yuka explained softly. "It's a unique system that detects any crimes, sins, or dishonest intentions, rather than relying on guild membership cards."
The guard regarded them skeptically, clearly uncertain whether to take this as an acceptable answer. "The Verdict Stone?" he muttered, glancing back at his companion as if to confirm if they'd ever heard of such a method.
Max, sensing the rising tension, stepped forward to help. "Actually, these three are the ones you might have heard about," he said confidently. "The young adventurers who rescued those B-ranked adventurers lost in the dungeon very long ago. They're also the ones who cleared that same dungeon in less than two days."
The guard's brows furrowed as he processed this information. "Those B-ranked adventurers... yes, I remember that report," he said thoughtfully. He turned to his partner, who was already consulting a Monitoring Orb, that recorded significant events related to adventurers in the capital and its surrounding territories.
After a moment of fiddling with the orb, a faint glow illuminated the guard's hand, casting a projection of images captured from the dungeon events. There, displayed in the orb's soft glow, were the faces of Tobe, Miri, Jun and Yuka, caught in the midst of their efforts to rescue the stranded B-rank adventurers. The projection showed them fighting against creatures in the dungeon, navigating treacherous paths, and even defeating the dungeon boss and ultimately emerging victorious.
The guard's expression softened as he studied the images, comparing them with the three standing before him. "You're the ones, alright," he muttered, a note of respect slipping into his voice.
With newfound appreciation, he returned his gaze to the trio. "Thank you for your service. Those adventurers owe you a debt, and so does Munth. I'm sure the Adventurers Guild will gladly register you and provide the necessary documents now that you've arrived."
Another guard, who had been watching the orb's recordings with wide eyes, turned to the first. "I've heard about that dungeon—dangerous territory even for B-ranks. And these three did it in a day and a half?"
The first guard nodded, impressed. He stepped back, gesturing towards the open gates. "You're all clear. Welcome to Munth, and good luck with your stay. It seems the capital has gained some formidable adventurers today."
Tobe, Miri, and Yuka smiled gratefully, exchanging a glance of relief and excitement. This was the beginning of a new chapter in their journey, and they could feel the weight of responsibility settling upon their shoulders—but also the thrill of adventure ahead.
"Thank you," Miri said, giving the guard a respectful nod. She tightened her grip on her sword, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them within the capital's walls.
As they crossed the threshold into Munth, Tobe couldn't contain his excitement. "We're really here!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the bustling streets filled with vendors, adventurers, and performers.
Max chuckled, slapping Tobe on the back. "Well, let's not get lost in the sights just yet. You guys still have to register at the guild."
They walked through the crowded streets, the buzz of the capital all around them. The city was alive with energy, each corner revealing something new—stalls selling rare herbs, blacksmiths crafting intricate armor, and street performers wowing audiences with magic tricks.
As they moved deeper into Munth, Yuka spoke up, her voice filled with wonder. "It's incredible… so many people, so much life. Completely different vibe from Seturia."
Miri nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the vibrant surroundings. "It's more than I imagined. Let's head to the guild and see what they have in store for us."
With hearts full of hope and determination, the young adventurers headed towards the grand building that housed Munth's Adventurers Guild.
Yuka, Tobe, Miri, and Max arrived at the massive central square of Munth, with a statue of the ruler and queen of Munth,
The four of them stopped and decided to take a break and eat at a populated restaurant owned and runned by a Munth named
Yuka was the first to excuse herself. "I'll be heading to the Summoners Guild," she announced, adjusting the strap of her small bag over her shoulder. "I want to register and get my guild card." She looked at her friends, smiling. "This city… it's everything I'd hoped for. I'll meet up with you guys later."
Tobe and Miri waved as she set off, disappearing into the crowded streets.
Once Yuka was out of sight, Tobe turned to Miri and Max. "Alright! Time to make it official, huh?" His usual cheer was infectious, and even Miri cracked a small smile. Together, the three entered the Adventurers Guild, their footsteps echoing against the stone floor as they approached the counter to finalize their registration.
After a few questions and verifying their skills and abilities, they were asked to name their party. Tobe exchanged an excited glance with Miri before proudly declaring, "Cheery Black!", which honestly what Miri wasn't thinking of, therefore comedically confusing her and even Max
The clerk raised an eyebrow but didn't question it further, stamping their forms and handing them their party card. With that, they were officially recognized as an official adventuring party in Munth. As they exited, the excitement from their new status seemed to invigorate each of them in different ways. Max, ever the seasoned warrior, turned to the two with a grin.
"Alright, I'm off," he announced, glancing in the direction of a nearby tavern with the insignia of crossed swords. "I've got an adventurers gathering to attend. Good chance to hear about any big quests and maybe pick up some tips." With a friendly wave, he strode off, disappearing into the crowd.
This left Tobe and Miri to explore Munth on their own. They looked at each other, their thoughts already drifting to the city's mysteries and hidden treasures. "Well," Tobe said, excitement brimming in his voice, "let's split up for a bit and see what else Munth has to offer! Meet you back at the fountain?"
Miri nodded, a rare gleam of intrigue in her eyes as she headed towards the bustling merchant district. She wandered through rows of shops, stopping to examine trinkets, amulets, and various pieces of armor. Eventually, she found herself standing in front of a blacksmith's shop, its sign a bit worn but proudly bearing a hammer and shield.
Curiosity got the best of her, and she entered. Inside, she was greeted by the rich scent of burning coals and the rhythmic clang of metal on metal. Weapons of every kind lined the walls, along with armor, shields, and even some rare magical artifacts. Her eyes roamed over each piece until something truly remarkable caught her eye: a white and glowing blue shield, resting alone inside a barrel as if it were waiting just for her.
As she reached out and touched it, a voice echoed in her mind, deep and warm. "Ah, a knight with purpose. Greetings, young warrior."
Miri blinked in surprise but didn't let go of the shield. "Are… are you talking to me?" she asked telepathically.
"Indeed," the voice responded. "You may call me
The idea of wielding such a powerful and unique weapon sent a thrill down Miri's spine. She listened as Bastion continued, explaining his abilities in a calm, steady tone. Not only was he a defensive marvel, but he also had a special ability as a Sentient Weapon: he could fuse with a sword to become a mighty greatsword making the blade larger. After a few moments of silent deliberation, she made her decision.
"It would be pretty fun to have you around, Bastion," she said quietly.
With that, Bastion settled against her arm, seemingly content. Miri could feel a newfound strength as she strapped the shield across her back, paying then leaving the shop with an added sense of purpose.
Meanwhile, Tobe had found himself in a magic shop across town, his eyes wide with awe as he took in shelves stacked with potions, mana crystals, and enchanted items. After browsing through various trinkets, his gaze landed on a set of mana restoration potions—exactly what he needed for those intense moments in battle.
After buying a few, he spotted something else intriguing: an upgrade for his mana gloves. They were a staple part of his gear, but he'd often wished they offered smoother mana output and faster spell charging. He asked the shopkeeper who was also a Munth,
Handing them over, Tobe watched with keen interest as the shopkeeper chanted an incantation, adding enchanted threads to the gloves' seams and recharging the mana-conducting fibers. When he slipped the gloves back on, he could immediately feel the difference. Mana flowed smoothly, and he could sense his spells charging faster, ready to burst forth with ease.
Satisfied with his purchase, Tobe left the shop, glancing around for Miri. Just then, he saw her emerging from a street nearby, the bright shield gleaming on her back.
"Whoa, Miri! Nice shield! Where'd you find that?" he asked, rushing up to her.
"It's name is Bastion," she said simply, "A Sentient Weapon… he and I are allies now."
Tobe's eyes widened. "You've got a talking shield now? That's super cool!" He grinned, admiring the craftsmanship and the subtle glow emanating from Bastion.
As they chatted, Yuka arrived back from her guild visit, her face lit up with excitement as she showed off her new Summoners Guild Card. "Look! Its official now!" she beamed, holding the card up proudly.
The three caught up, sharing stories of their individual adventures and the fascinating things they'd found in Munth. Tobe showed off his refined gloves and his newly purchased potions, while Miri introduced Bastion, who greeted Yuka and Tobe with a calm, almost fatherly voice.
With the afternoon still stretching before them, the trio decided to explore the capital further. They wandered through winding streets, discovering everything from magical pet shops to eateries boasting delicacies from across the continent. At one point, they found themselves standing before a massive train station. The station was abuzz with activity, and a sleek train, entirely powered by magic and mana, gleamed on the tracks.
Tobe leaned in, awe on his face. "Is that… a train?"
Miri nodded, equally entranced. "I've heard of this thing from Chief Dornias. Its fast, connecting capitals and kingdoms across this world. Only possible because of the skilled magic engineers here in Munth."
As they admired the train, Tobe gazed thoughtfully at the grand structure. "Imagine the places we could go with that," she murmured.
The group lingered in the grand train station, absorbing the reality of their upcoming journey. The mana-powered train stretched before them, gleaming with its intricate craftsmanship and adorned with symbols that pulsed with faint magical energy. After some deliberation, they decided to explore the kingdoms and cities this train connected to, seeking new experiences and potential quests.
Yuka was the first to voice a different path. She took a deep breath, her gaze steady as she looked at her friends. "I think… I'll stay here in Munth for a while. I want to explore more of the capital, take on some smaller missions, and… maybe make some new friends." Her eyes sparkled at the mention of "friends," and Tobe knew she meant more summons to add to her arsenal.
Miri gave her a firm nod. "You've grown so much already, Yuka. Go find those "friends" you're looking for—and we'll see you again soon."
They shared a final embrace. As Yuka waved them off with a smile, Tobe and Miri made their way into the station.
At the ticket counter, they encountered a cheerful, older woman whose nameplate read, "
"Two tickets, please," Tobe said, feeling the weight of excitement settle in his chest.
July chuckled. "First-time travelers on the
Tobe nodded, fishing out his pouch of silver coins. "It'll be my first time traveling by train… ever."
She smiled knowingly, her eyes twinkling. "Well then, welcome to the Mana Rail! Your adventure begins here." July placed two sleek tickets into their hands and added, "Make sure to meet my brother,
After paying, they took their tickets, which gleamed with magic symbols, and moved toward the train entrance. The train cars were sleek, polished steel and ivory with large windows that allowed passengers a view of the landscapes beyond. The doors slid open smoothly, and they stepped inside, marveling at the warm lighting and elegant decor. They made their way to the middle car, hoping for a balanced view of the passing scenery.
As they settled into plush, cushioned seats, a sense of calm washed over them. The anticipation of what lay ahead mingled with the contentment of finally embarking on the journey they'd been planning for so long. Tobe and Miri exchanged smiles as the train let out a soft hum, signaling that it would soon depart.
Unbeknownst to them, a young mage by the name of
Meanwhile, in the luxurious first car reserved for royalty and high-ranking officials, a dignified figure boarded the train with two stern-looking bodyguards in tow. She wore a regal gown with a shimmering emblem on her chest that identified her as a member of one of the most prestigious kingdoms in the realm. Her presence exuded authority and grace, and her bodyguards flanked her with unyielding vigilance, their eyes scanning the train car for any hint of a threat. They took their seats, unaware of the young adventurers riding in the middle car.
The royal guest's enthusiasm was contagious, drawing even a smile from her typically stoic guards. She whispered eagerly to them about the famed cuisine and desserts served on the Mana Rail, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. It was clear that for her, this journey wasn't merely a transit but a rare chance to indulge and enjoy the world beyond her kingdom.
The royal guest in the front car, oblivious to the attention her presence had drawn, continued enjoying her treats, occasionally gazing out at the sprawling landscapes with fascination. For her, this was more than a ride on the Mana Rail—it was a rare opportunity to step beyond the gilded walls of her kingdom, to indulge in small pleasures and fleeting freedoms.
Her guards, however, were less relaxed. Their eyes roved the room, scrutinizing each passenger with silent vigilance. Though they knew the train was safe, they took no chances; the Mana Rail was as close as their charge would get to a public environment, and it was their duty to ensure she reached her destination without incident.
As the train gave a final chime and began to move, Tobe and Miri gazed out the windows, captivated by the shifting landscape. Rolling green hills and distant forests stretched out before them, casting a serene scene against the bright sky.
"So," Miri said, breaking the comfortable silence, "any plans for when we reach our first stop?"
Tobe leaned back, a thoughtful look on his face. "Maybe check out some of the local magic shops and see what kind of relics they carry. I want to keep refining my spells—and maybe pick up some artifacts that'll help us on tougher missions."
Miri smirked. "Always on the hunt for new gear. I'd like to find a new place to train my swordsmanship. I feel like there are more techniques and skills I can master, especially now that I have Bastion."
As the train sped along its enchanted tracks, the sky dimmed into twilight, and the train's lights glowed softly, The train continued into the night, the varied lives of its passengers entwining, yet remaining separate, as they each journey towards a destination they had yet to fully comprehend. Never expecting the incoming trouble that would lie ahead on their trip.
End of Chapter Stats of our Young Adventurers:
Tobe Lvl 47 - (Spells: Mana String, Explosion Impact, Fall Lighting, Space Space, Aqua Control, Reconstruct)
Miri Lvl 42 - (Skills: Strength Up, Defense Up, Agility Up, Slash, Pierce, Block, Bash, Rush)
Yuka Lvl 33 - (Skills: Contract, Summon, Half-Summon, Encouragement. Summons: Blubby Lvl 32, Scale Lvl 38, Balboa Lvl 47)