Chapter 111: Spreading Blood on Sand (2)
“Yes, I would like you to come.”
The attention of the club members was focused on him. Ronan pointed his finger at Shullifen, who was sitting in his seat sharpening his sword. Shullifen, who had been silent, finally spoke after finishing the sword maintenance.
“Disappointing. Did you summon me just to say that?”
“Hear me out first. It’s going to be a pretty good trip.”
“Unfortunately, I have successor lessons scheduled during the vacation. Get another member to go.”
“Successor lessons, huh… I guess it can’t be helped. That’s too bad.”
Ronan licked his lips. He suddenly reached into his pocket, pulling out a small piece of paper.
“I even prepared a small reward. Oops, I dropped it.”
Ronan exaggeratedly spread his fingers, and the paper slipped from his hand, landing on Shullifen’s sword. Shullifen’s eyes widened.
“This is…”
The paper had a drawing of a smiling Iril. However, it felt completely different from a typical painting.
Although it was black and white without color, it was full of life, as if a part of reality had been cut out and pasted onto it. Shullifen’s pupils rapidly oscillated.
“Anyway, I understand… Have a good lesson.”
Ronan picked up the picture again and headed towards the other members. Suddenly, Shullifen grabbed his shoulder and stood up.
“Wait a minute.”
His voice was extremely serious. Ronan desperately suppressed laughter and turned his head.
“What is it?”
“Now that I think about it, broadening one’s horizons is also a part of imperial studies. As time goes on, we might have less and less time together, and this might even be our last chance. If there’s no other option, I’ll cooperate.”
“You’re quite something. I’ll give it to you after everything is over.”
The companion for the trip had been decided. The other members who had escaped being chosen breathed a sigh of relief.
Considering the events Ronan had experienced with his companions, even enduring a couple of days was challenging, so it was hard to imagine what would happen if they spent nearly a month together.
‘Thank goodness.’
Ronan was also relieved. The corners of Ronan’s mouth raised as he recalled what happened two days ago.
‘It’s definitely a good invention. Dydican.’
Dydican had come to the surface to deliver Ronan and Adeshan’s weapons. Attached to his waist was a device that promised to turn moments into eternity.
Ronan had invited Dydican to his house, treated him to a meal, and asked him to take several photos of Iril and himself. At that time, he didn’t have any particular intention, but he didn’t know that things would turn out like this.
Anyway, it turned out well. This time, Ronan really needed Shullifen. Dainhar wasn’t an easy location where he could bring novices to gain practical experience.
Ophelia might’ve been a slightly better option, but the environment was unfavorable for her to be active as she would be constantly exposed to strong sunlight. After completing his goal, Ronan looked at the members and spoke.
“You’ve worked hard this semester. You’re going to get busier, so take a good rest and come back.”
With that, the summer vacation began. Most of the club members scattered in different directions, each pursuing their own goals. Aselle went to Nimbuten where his parents were, and Marya left for the distant eastern city of Falchion for long-distance trading.
Braum also headed to the northernmost part of the Imperial Territory to meet his family. The only one not leaving was Ophelia, who remained at the club building.
“Ophelia, aren’t you going anywhere?”
“Yeah… my parents will say something… and if I stay here, I won’t have to run into Valzac…”
“Yeah, that crazy guy was there. You’ve been through a lot.”
“No… I’ll be fine if I stay here.”
She yawned and waved her hand as if to tell him not to worry. Ronan and Shullifen had two days to prepare before departing for Dainhar.
To safely complete a trip that would last for nearly a month, there was a lot to do. The ever so meticulous Adeshan helped them prepare for the trip.
“It’s better to buy a sleeping bag from the club. There is a big temperature difference between day and night in the desert, so make sure to bring thick clothes… If I had known in advance, I would have made them for you.”
“It’s okay. Ah, I’m sorry I burned the uniform you repaired with so much care.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll fix it for you again. You packed all the potions and scrolls, right?”
The two of them traveled around the entire island to gather supplies. Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
On a clear morning with not a single cloud in the sky, at the quiet front gate of Philleon, Ronan said his farewells.
“Then, I’ll be back.”
“Bweeh!”
On his back was a backpack as big as his torso. Cita, riding on his shoulder, also flapped its wings as if bidding farewell.
Cita was also one of the companions Ronan picked for this trip. A voice mixed with worry and concern flowed through Adeshan’s smiling lips as she spoke.
“Yeah, be careful. Dainhar… I want to stop you with all my heart, but there must be a reason.”
“Nothing will happen. What are you going to do during the vacation?”
“I’ve decided to visit my hometown with my father. I need to send regards to my mother and my brothers. After that, I’ll probably return to Philleon.”
“Why? You should relax for a while longer since you’re going.”
“Hehe… Since we are behind everyone else, we have to work even harder. There is almost no mana in my body right now.”
Adeshan scratched her cheek, looking a little embarrassed. In reality, she was still limited to being a sword user. Since awakening the shadow mana had depleted all her existing mana entirely.
‘She feels so gentle, but so strong. It’s a good quality to have.’
Ronan smiled. She was a great person who would have risen to a high position even if she had been born with only ordinary talent and not the shadow mana.
“That’s right. I’m also practicing using weapons. It feels very unfamiliar.”
“Oh, yeah. I was surprised when he brought two of them. The Longsword is fine, but the other one is…”
Adeshan nodded. She had received two weapons, including a longsword. The other weapon that Doron had made for her was completely unfamiliar to her, since she had only wielded a sword her entire life.
However, based on her abilities, if she learned to handle it well it would certainly be beneficial to her. Ronan and Adeshan shook hands, and with a smile, Ronan turned and walked away.
“See you later. I hope you succeed.”
Ronan left those words behind and turned to walk away. As he left the southern gate of Philleon, he soon spotted Shullifen, who was waiting with his arms crossed. Standing next to him were two vibrant ghost horses, as still as statues.
“You’re late, Ronan.”
“I arrived on time, buddy. You arrived early.”
“Hurry up and load your stuff. We need to pass through the Southwest Checkpoint before sunset.”
“Alright. Lead the way, Master Shullifen.”
The two of them wearing goggles climbed onto the ghost horses, which rattled with excitement. Cita, who had been scolded for the previous race, settled in Ronan’s backpack instead of competing with the ghost horse for speed.
Kawchak! With a snap of the reins, the ghost horses shot forward with incredible speed. Their destination was Carlisle, the nearest town to the Crimson Desert, where Dainhar was located.
****
The road to Dainhar was long and complex. It took a considerable amount of time even riding ghost horses, proving the vast distance they had to cover.
Fortunately, they could ride on the roads up to Carlisle, but the real problem lay beyond. To reach Dainhar across the Crimson Desert, they would have to rely on their two legs.
“Damn, this is why I hate the south.”
“Beeewwwh…”
Ronan muttered a curse as he felt the clear change in weather. As they moved south, the sun felt lower and lower. Cita, which had been panting from the heat, slipped back into Ronan’s backpack.
They arrived in Carlisle on the afternoon of the fifth day. Several shabby buildings were erected on the scorched wasteland where the heat was unbearable.
They had already prepared most of the supplies they needed, so they rested briefly and then immediately set off. The ghost horses, perhaps irritated by the heat, quickly dashed away as soon as they were released.
“They’re not even looking back. Damn you bastards.”
Ronan couldn’t help but burst into laughter, looking almost cheerful. Just the fact that they could escape from this scorching heat felt like liberation from hell.
As they began their trip on foot, Shullifen and Ronan walked side by side. Ronan suddenly frowned.
“Aren’t you hot? Stop pretending to be tough and wear something, buddy.”
“I’m… fine.”
Ronan’s head was covered with a wide, round hat. This was the reason why he could endure the scorching heat without going crazy. As soon as he took off my hat, the scorching sunbeam that pierced his forehead felt like it would cook his brain.
On the other hand, Shullifen had nothing covering his head. He looked like a piece of raw sugar, ready to melt under the scorching sun. Walking silently under the blazing sun, he muttered as if possessed.
“I’m… fine… I’m… fine.”
“Idiot. Adeshan even packed one for you, didn’t she? I’ll give you ten seconds to decide whether you want to use it or not. Ten… nine…”
From his backpack, Ronan pulled out another hat and quickly counted down. Shullifen silently grabbed it at the count of two. Then they continued on their walk.
“How long does it take to reach Dainhar?”
“About six days. We’ll have to spend two days in the desert. Like I said, you brought a sleeping bag and leather clothes, right?”
Shullifen grumbled in agreement. Fortunately, they had brought the rest of their supplies. They continued to walk without resting, their inhuman stamina from years of training coming in handy. Ronan, who was quietly looking around, muttered in a nostalgic voice.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been to the southwest.”
Memories of his wandering youth flooded back. The desert and its surroundings offered little diversity. Short vegetation, not even knee-high, sporadically dotted the barren land.
The sky was blue, while the earth and the sparse vegetation had a yellowish hue. The only greenery one could find was near water sources, which appeared occasionally. Suddenly, Shullifen spoke up.
“Is that the new weapon you received this time? Made by the master blacksmith Doron.”
“Huh? Oh, this.”
Shullifen’s gaze rested on Ronan’s right hip. There hung a sheath that he hadn’t seen before. Ronan nodded in response. Sensing a surge of power emanating from the sheath, Shullifen furrowed his brow.
“It seems the place we’re heading to is definitely dangerous if you’ve brought something like that.”
“That’s right.”
As they walked, the surroundings grew darker. The lukewarm air cooled rapidly, and the wind picked up. Ronan came to a halt when he confirmed that the sun had completely set.
“Let’s camp here for the night. I’ll be on guard first, so get some rest. Keep your sword by your side and ready to draw at any moment.”
Ronan asked with a serious expression. Shullifen, sensing an inexplicable sense of skill and experience, raised his eyebrows.
“I will do that. Is there a chance of monsters appearing?”
“No, it’s enough to be cautious of just monsters once you enter the desert. Around here, it’s the losers who are scattered everywhere.”
“Losers?”
“Yeah, those who attempted to challenge Dainhar and failed, foolish adventurers who became bandits in the end. They are like hyenas.”
Ronan recalled his past trips, and the thought of these unsavory individuals made him shudder. These were people who staked everything on the challenge and failed, unable to let go of the desire for a fortune and eventually becoming bandits.
Their main targets were other adventurers who attempted to challenge Dainhar. Hearing Ronan’s explanation, Shullifen nodded slowly.
“I see. So, there won’t be a problem with killing, right?”
“Huh? Of course not. Just grind them down.”
“Got it.”
Swoosh! Suddenly, Shullifen pulled out his sword with a swift motion. Without a word, he swung the sword into the darkness. Swish! The crescent-shaped sword strike flew through the air and disappeared beyond their sight.
“Hey, what are you doing all of a sudden?”
Schlieffen did not answer. Before long, an explosion was heard from afar. Bang! A whirlwind rose under the moonlight, and desperate screams and cries echoed sporadically.
“…Khaaack!”
“…Move!”
“Damn it… mo… move..!”
Ronan’s eyes widened. From the sound, it seemed quite far away. Shullifen didn’t offer any explanation, instead he sent out three more sword strikes.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Once again, with a series of explosions, three whirlwinds emerged. Shullifen mumbled while looking in the direction he had aimed the sword strikes.
“They’re quite skilled for mere bandits. They managed to avoid quite a few.”
“You crazy bastard. Did you sense them from over here?”
“By expanding my senses with mana, it’s not impossible to achieve such a feat. They’re coming this way.”
Only then could Ronan pick up the hostile auras and footsteps coming from that direction. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Suddenly, a dozen lights bloomed in the darkness.
It didn’t take long to realize that they were torches lit by the bandits. Ronan pulled the hilts of both of his swords, drawing them both simultaneously.
“Good. I was already curious about the performance of this new weapon.”
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