The night passed uneventfully, and by dawn, the convoy was on the move again. The road to Nosead grew rougher, the forest grew denser, and the air colder as they climbed higher into the hills. Though the likelihood of an attack was low this deep in Union territory, the soldiers remained vigilant.
As the convoy passed through a stretch of barren, dry land, Cedar was preoccupied with refining his spiral technique. Suddenly, an alarm blared from the radar.
"All units on alert! Stay in formation—magic beasts incoming!" Captain Orlan's voice echoed through the convoy, amplified by a speaker.
Cedar quickly checked the radar. The screen displayed their troops as small yellow dots traveling in formation. Not far away, six massive, elongated red shapes appeared, moving steadily in their direction.
"Earthwurms!" Orlan shouted, immediately identifying the threat. In the distance, clouds of sand swirled violently as the colossal creatures advanced.
Realizing they were directly in the earthwurms' migration path, Captain Orlan swiftly ordered the convoy to split into two groups and reroute.
"They're migrating, aren't they?" Lugh remarked. "I read that earthwurms travel to volcanic areas or hot springs to hibernate during winter."
"That's right," Ivan nodded. "They'll stay dormant until spring and then return to their original habitat. The areas where they hibernate become rich with earth crystals, which are commonly used as fuel. Even our vehicles are powered by them."
"I'd love to see one up close," Rogan chimed in, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "It'd be amazing to capture a photo of such a massive creature in person!"
"Hate to burst your bubble, Mr. Photographer," Lugh retorted, "but even elite mages can't face one directly. They'd flatten you just by moving. These things are classified as five-star beasts for a reason—they're the biggest chunks of meat around."
"Yeah, what a shame," Rogan sighed. "There aren't many records or pictures of them. People just exploit their resources without appreciating the true beauty of nature."
"Beauty? You don't mean these things, do you?" Lugh scoffed, his disbelief evident.
"Their migration process creates extensive underground tunnel systems," Rogan explained. "Those tunnels become habitats for countless creatures, forming entire subterranean ecosystems. Many beasts even feed on the crystals they leave behind. It is the beauty of nature life."
"You mean their crap," Lugh snorted.
"You could put it that way," Rogan admitted, undeterred. "But their physiology is vastly different from ours. What you call their 'crap' is a vital resource for numerous creatures."
"Like the Magloths?" Cedar asked suddenly, drawing the group's attention.
"Yeah, like the Magloths. You know about them? Most people have prejudices that they live on the surface because of their bear-like appearance." Rogan replied, surprised.
"Ivan and I faced one before," Cedar explained. "I did some research afterward."
"When did you have time for that?" Ivan asked, looking skeptical.
"Back when we were stationed at Oberon," Cedar replied. "I ran into Captain Vera on my way to breakfast. We talked about the Magloth during our conversation. You were busy with your morning training routine."
"Ah, that makes sense," Ivan said, nodding.
As the convoy split and rerouted, they successfully avoided the earthwurms, though it cost them time. By nightfall, they crested a ridge, and Nosead came into view.
The town was a bustling hub, its sturdy walls and watchtowers underscoring its strategic importance. Soldiers and civilians moved about in controlled chaos. Carts laden with goods trundled through the gates while patrols marched in disciplined formations.
As the convoy rolled through the gates, Cedar's squad took in the sights. The streets were lined with warehouses, barracks, and shops catering to the military. Flags bearing the Union's crest fluttered in the chilly breeze.
Captain Orlan led the convoy to the central command post—a sturdy stone building that served as the heart of operations in Nosead. After disembarking, the squads were directed to a large briefing room where officers awaited them.
"Welcome to Nosead," greeted Major Halst, a grizzled veteran whose scar ran from temple to jawline, adding a menacing edge to his already commanding presence. His sharp eyes scanned the assembled soldiers as he continued, "You've done well to get this far, but the real work begins now. Your next assignment is critical—escort this equipment to the border and deliver it to our allies in Nam. They're counting on this shipment to fortify their defenses."
The mention of Nam drew murmurs from the soldiers.
Nam, a small nation nestled against Long Shan's border on the western continent, had long been a strategic flashpoint. The Imperium Empire and their ally, Eryndale, had targeted Nam as a gateway to strike Long Shan, the Union's most significant ally.
Despite its size, Nam had fiercely resisted occupation. Initially a monarchy, the nation crumbled under Eryndale's invasion, but patriotic remnants had formed rebel factions, requesting aid from the Imperium's enemies.
Now, Nam was divided into two factions: the Union-backed northern rebels and the southern regime controlled by Eryndale. This shipment would be crucial in bolstering the northern forces' resistance.
"You'll be working alongside Nam's diplomatic envoy to ensure a smooth handoff," Halst continued, his voice firm. "Failure is not an option. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" the soldiers replied in unison.
With the meeting adjourned, Cedar's squad was assigned to the convoy's vanguard for the next leg of their journey. The road ahead promised rugged terrain and proximity to the border, where tensions simmered dangerously close to a boil.
Two days later, the convoy reached the rendezvous point near the border. Waiting for them was the Nam envoy, their banners snapping proudly in the wind. At the head of the delegation stood a tall, imposing man clad in a finely sewn amour vest. His expression was stern but carried a composed dignity.
"Welcome," he greeted, his voice commanding attention. "I am Quang Duy, representative of Nam. On behalf of my people, thank you for your assistance."
Captain Orlan stepped forward, exchanging formalities with Quang Duy before introducing the squads. Cedar stood back, quietly observing. He noticed the subtle tension in the envoy's movements and how their sharp eyes constantly scanned the surroundings.
As the equipment was unloaded and inspected, Cedar's squad took charge of assisting the process and ensuring security.
The atmosphere was lively as the Nam forces, clearly in desperate need of supplies, expressed their gratitude. The Union had even sent engineers to help the rebels understand how to use the equipment effectively, though deploying Union soldiers in large numbers remained strictly prohibited.
The world as they knew it was now divided into two major parts: the East and West continents, each home to two dominant factions locked in a cold war.
On the East continent, the Union and Imperium vied for supremacy. Both sides had agreed on rules of engagement that limited interference on the opposing continent—guidance and resources were permitted, but direct military intervention was avoided to prevent escalation.
Later that evening, as both groups gathered around a large fire to share a meal, Quang Duy addressed the soldiers. "Dark times lie ahead," he said solemnly, his voice carrying a weight that silenced the murmurs around the fire. "But with allies like you, we stand a chance. Let us hope this partnership brings us closer to victory."
Cedar raised his flask silently in agreement, just as the others did.
Yet, his thoughts wandered elsewhere—to the West continent. He found himself musing about its geography, its diverse cultures, and, most importantly, its cuisines.
Especially the cuisines!
The mere mention of a hot, savory bowl of Western noodles had his mouth watering. He imagined the steam curling upwards, the rich broth, and the exotic spices that filled the air with their tantalizing aroma.
Because of the complex political entanglements between nations, Cedar had little hope of ever traveling to the West continent as a mere tourist. Such leisure was almost unthinkable for someone in his position. At least for now that is.
Yet, since meeting Len, Cedar had come to realize just how much he had changed. No longer the lowly soldier constantly struggling to survive, he now possessed power—enough to give him confidence and freedom he had never known.
For the first time in his life, he found himself dreaming of things he had never dared to before. He didn't have many hobbies or interests, aside from small toys and junks he filled his void bag with, there were only music and food.