I rejoin Tam and Mira in the hall, the weight of the newly bestowed knowledge still swirling in my mind.
Lady Celestria stands nearby, her regal demeanor softened by a glimmer of respect as she hands me my modified bracelet.
Its design sparkles under the grand chandeliers, each glint promising untold power.
"Here you go," she says, her voice smooth yet commanding. "With this, you'll be able to harness your magic without revealing your stats."
I slip it onto my wrist, feeling an electric pulse radiate from the device as it syncs with my body's energy. A wave of exhilaration washes over me—I can feel its potential coursing through me.
"Thank you," I reply, looking into her eyes for any hint of ulterior motives. There's none—just a quiet assurance that this path is ours to tread.
As I turn to Tam and Mira, I notice their expressions mix with curiosity and apprehension. "What's next?" Tam asks, glancing nervously around the opulent chamber filled with relics of ancient power.
I take a breath, remembering how far we've come since stumbling through that cursed dungeon. "We need to figure out where to go from here."
Mira crosses her arms skeptically. "So…what now? We just wander around looking for quests?"
I laugh lightly but quickly sense her seriousness beneath the surface. "Actually, do we even have an adventurer's guild here?"
Lady Celestria tilts her head slightly at my question, amusement flickering across her face. "Adventurer's guild? No such thing exists in Veyrall."
"Seriously?" I raise an eyebrow. "How does anyone take up quests then?"
Her expression shifts back to its composed nature as she explains. "If you want to undertake missions or assignments for rewards, you have two choices: join the military or assist in local complaints that arise from nobles by joining their personal military."
"Military?" I echo incredulously. The idea seems more suited for those desperate enough to throw their lives away than anything resembling adventure.
"Yes," she continues smoothly. "If someone complains about monsters raiding their village or requires assistance with bandit troubles, they report it directly to the military or the nobles. The appropriate units are dispatched accordingly."
I frown at this notion—no freedom of choice or heroic endeavors here; just bureaucratic red tape.
"And if someone doesn't want to join the army?" I ask hesitantly.
"There are outer baronies," Celestria suggests with a slight smile, handing me a map adorned with intricate designs that promise routes to uncharted territories outside royal control.
"You might find opportunities there—quests may not be regulated like they are within Veyrall's walls."
My gaze flickers over the map—each line and marker inviting exploration and mystery beyond our current confines.
"Thanks," I say earnestly as I tuck it away for safekeeping before turning back toward Tam and Mira, who look both hopeful and uncertain about our next steps.
"Let's move out from the palace then," I declare with newfound determination surging through me like liquid fire. "The world is waiting for us!"
With that rallying cry echoing through our minds, we step into our new adventure—armed not just with weapons but also with ambition burning brightly within our hearts.
* * *
I unfurl the map Lady Celestria handed me, tracing my finger along the intricate paths and markings. "Alright, team," I say, gesturing toward the routes like a seasoned tour guide at a monument nobody cares about. "We need to figure out where we're headed next. Thoughts?"
Tam squints at the map, his brow furrowing in concentration. "What about heading far east in the capital? That could be a good place for resources and information."
"Let's avoid that," I interject quickly. "The King controls the whole eastern capital directly—if we run into him there, it could spell trouble for all of us."
Mira crosses her arms, raising an eyebrow at my caution. "Then you also need to avoid the Southern Duchy; it's still under King Veymorr's watchful eye. He controls two duchies." She glances at Tam, who nods slowly.
"Great," Tam says, frowning as he leans closer to the map. "So that leaves us with Drez Khouran or… north."
"Drez Khouran is a militarized frontier," I point out, shaking my head. "It's known for its brutality and high-stakes combat training." I can practically see their hopes deflate as I speak.
"And the Northern Duchy?" Tam asks, glancing back up at me.
"It's wild and magical but also dangerous; lots of monsters roam those forests," Mira chimes in.
"Not to mention—it has its own secrets," I add thoughtfully, glancing at them both. "But if we want to keep things low-key and away from royal eyes..."
"Then north it is!" Tam declares with unexpected enthusiasm.
I catch Mira's skeptical glance. "You think that's wise?" she challenges, her voice laced with doubt.
"Absolutely!" I reply confidently, fueled by something deeper than mere bravado. "Think about it: we're trying to grow our stats while avoiding drawing attention from the King and his goons. North is chaotic enough that we can blend in—and maybe even find some MC Moments along the way."
Mira purses her lips but seems to relent slightly. "Fine," she says reluctantly. "But if we get mauled by wild beasts because you thought 'chaos' was a good idea..."
I cut her off with a laugh, waving my hand dismissively. "Please! It's not like we haven't faced our fair share of chaos already."
* * *
I trace my finger along the map, frowning at the long route to the Northern Duchy. "Fourteen days on foot? No thanks."
I shake my head, glancing at Tam and Mira. "Wouldn't it be better to catch a carriage or something?"
"Right?" Tam nods eagerly. "I mean, who wants to trek that long? There's got to be some way to cut down the time."
Mira crosses her arms, skeptical. "Like what? Carriages are expensive and probably not worth the trouble."
"Let's ask around," I suggest, glancing around for anyone who might know more about transport options. The bustling atmosphere of the Capital hints at possibilities—caravans moving in and out, merchants hawking their wares.
I spot a nearby stall with a sign that reads 'Travel Arrangements' in bright letters, like a beacon of hope. "Let's check over there."
We make our way through the crowd until we reach the stall. A grizzled old man sits behind a makeshift desk littered with parchment and maps. He squints at us from beneath a tattered hat that looks like it's seen better days.
"What can I do for ya?" he rasps, eyeing us suspiciously.
"Do you have any carriages heading north?" I inquire, my excitement bubbling beneath my cool exterior.
He strokes his scruffy beard thoughtfully. "Caravans go north every few days—faster than foot travel by about seven days if ya can catch one."
"Seven days? That sounds perfect!" Tam exclaims, eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.
"Where can we find this caravan?" I ask eagerly, envisioning how much easier life would be if we didn't have to endure two weeks of walking.
The old man leans forward conspiratorially. "You'll want to head toward the East Gate come dawn tomorrow—just look for the big wagons adorned with red cloth."
"We'll be there," I say firmly, determination coursing through me like electricity.
As we turn to leave, Mira nudges me lightly. "So, how do we pay for this caravan? We're practically broke."
I chuckle lightly, feeling the weight of our current situation ease just a bit. "Don't forget, even if you guys are F and G rank, I'm technically still a B-Ranker." I flash them a grin, trying to keep the mood light.
Mira rolls her eyes. "Yes, but they value your STR, AGI, and VIT more here. They won't take you in just for having a high INT."
"Let me and my B-Rank intelligence take care of that," I counter, puffing out my chest with mock bravado. "Besides, you've got to admit: without me here to make dumb decisions, this group would be floundering."
"We can finally get out of here," Tam says, his voice tinged with hope.
"Let's not celebrate until we're on that carriage," Mira chimes in, glancing around as if expecting a noble to swoop in and ruin our plans.
I laugh lightly. "Don't jinx us! But yes, let's keep our heads low and avoid drawing attention."
As we turn to leave, the streets buzz with activity—the sounds of merchants hawking their wares blend with distant laughter. It feels surreal after everything we've been through; I'm reminded of how quickly life can shift.
A sudden shout catches my attention—a group of soldiers marching past, their armor gleaming under the sun. Tension rises again in my chest.
I step closer to Tam and Mira, lowering my voice. "Keep your cool. If they stop us—"
Before I can finish my thought, one soldier calls out. "You three! Hold up!"
The world feels like it slows down as I turn to face them, heart racing—ready for whatever this chapter brings next.