To The Next Town

The carriage continued its advance past that point without encountering a single issue. By the time we had cruised past roughly two more towns, the sun began to dip beneath the horizon.

“Alright, let’s call it a night and log a stay in this town.”

We were progressing at a pace slightly ahead of our original schedule. I highly hoped we could maintain this excellent momentum moving forward.

Rolf skillfully handled the lodging arrangements for us without delay. Since this particular hub served as a major transit point frequented by a massive influx of traveling merchants and adventurers, the town boasted a remarkably high concentration of inns.

“Right then, we shall plan to move out first thing tomorrow morning. Everyone, ensure you get some thorough rest.”

“Yes, goodnight.”

“Goodnight, My Lord.”

With those parting words, everyone guided their steps toward their designated quarters. The room provided was a textbook, austere space furnished strictly with a basic bed, a desk, and a chair—but it was perfectly sufficient to recharge our batteries for a single night.

The moment Vim collapsed onto the bed, he softly closed his eyes. With a significant chunk of fatigue undoubtedly accumulated through the day, he promptly let go of his consciousness.

The following morning, I opened my eyes a bit ahead of my usual hour. Unlatching and throwing open the window, a refreshing, cool morning breeze flooded the space. Waking up early isn’t a bad feeling at all, I reflected.

“Well now, time to execute another solid day of work.”

Stepping out of my quarters, I resolved to secure some breakfast at the dining tavern attached directly to the inn. I descended the central staircase and guided my steps straight into the dining hall.

“Lord Vim!”

Hana and Misa were already positioned at a table in the hall.

“Morning, you two. Grabbing some breakfast?”

“Yes! A proper breakfast is an absolute mandatory requirement, after all.”

“Too true. Do you mind if I hijack this vacant spot?”

“Not at all, please join us.”

I seated myself in the chair right next to Hana.

“I highly want to ensure we advance at least up to this specific milestone today,” I noted, unfolding a regional map across the table.

“I entirely agree. If we can successfully breach that boundary before nightfall, tomorrow’s travel will become a hundred times easier for us.”

“Exactly. Alright, let’s move out.”

Once breakfast concluded and our gear was completely locked in, we checked out of the inn.

“Good morning, Lord Vim. I am at your disposal for today’s journey as well.”

Rolf was already waiting right outside the establishment, with the carriage perfectly prepped and positioned.

“Good morning, Rolf. I am in your hands as well. Today, I highly hope to navigate along this specific route and push our advance up to this quadrant.” I presented the exact same map to Rolf, detailing our objectives.

“Understood, My Lord. In that case, I shall permit the horses to run a bit aggressively today.” Delivering his compliant reply, Rolf fitted his signature white gloves over his hands.

“Understood. I am counting on you.”

Offering a supporting hand to help Hana and Misa mount the vehicle, I stepped into the compartment right behind them.

“We are executing our departure, sirs.”

Rolf’s announcement drifted through from the driver’s box, and the carriage slowly jolted forward into motion. The orderly, rhythmic clatter of horseshoes striking the earth echoed through the compartment.

For quite a significant chunk of time after exiting the town parameters, the smooth, paved highway continued ahead. I routinely cast and expanded my detection magic. Word among travelers claimed that this particular sector was still classified as a safe zone completely devoid of magical beasts or bandit activity. True to that data, our advance progressed without a single issue for a while.

“Hm? This is…”

Suddenly, a cryptic signature registered within the perimeter of my detection magic. It was the distinct resonance of magical lifeforms intersected with human presence.

“Based on these vectors… they are actively locked in combat.”

Evaluating the rapid shifts in their energy signatures, the magical lifeforms clearly held the absolute upper hand.

“Rolf, pick up the pace immediately! We have a skirmish between humans and magical beasts unfolding roughly three hundred meters directly ahead of our position!”

“Understood!”

Rolf ruthlessly cracked his whip across the horses, and the carriage accelerated into a furious sprint in a single split second.