Chapter 6: A New Traveling Companion
Year 0003, Month VIII-X: The Imperium
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DAY 11.1: An Invitation
The morning sun cast long shadows across their makeshift camp as August and Andy prepared to resume their northward journey. After wasting yet another day in the same location where they had made camp the previous evening, they were now eager to make progress. This time, however, they would not travel alone. Marcus, the courier they had rescued from bandits the day before, would accompany them on their trek north.
The revelation that had emerged from their encounter with the bandits weighed heavily on Marcus's mind. Based on the evidence August had gleaned from the bodies of their attackers, it appeared that someone within the Meredian Trading Company—Marcus's own employer—had betrayed him. The thought that a colleague, perhaps even a friend, had sold him out to bandits was a bitter pill to swallow. Though it remained speculation based on fragmentary evidence, the possibility gnawed at Marcus like a persistent wound.
Fortunately, Marcus's prized steed, his six-legged horse, had recovered significantly from its exhaustion. The magnificent beast, an unusual breed even by the standards of this world, stood proud and alert, its six powerful legs shifting restlessly as it sensed the impending journey. Such creatures were rare and valuable, explaining why the bandits had been so eager to capture both rider and mount alive.
As the trio busied themselves breaking camp, Marcus approached his saviors with a proposition that had been forming in his mind throughout the sleepless night. The previous day's conversation about August's goals and ambitions had sparked something within the young courier—a sense of opportunity that resonated deep in his merchant's soul.
"August, Andy," Marcus began, his voice carrying a mixture of gratitude and excitement, "I've been thinking about our discussion yesterday regarding your search for the right people, those who might join your (village) cause." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "I would like to extend an invitation for you both to visit my family's home. It's humble by merchant standards, but it would provide us with the privacy we need to discuss the details of your plans without fear of eavesdropping."
Marcus continued, his enthusiasm growing as he spoke. "Though I am merely a courier for the trading company, I possess the knowledge and skills of a merchant. My father ensured I received proper training in commerce, negotiation, and trade routes. I would like to offer my services and perhaps even take a stake in whatever venture you're planning." His eyes gleamed with an almost prophetic certainty. "I can feel it in my very soul—this encounter of ours is destined to be fruitful."
August studied the young man carefully, noting the sincerity in his voice and the determination in his posture. There was something about Marcus that suggested he was more than he appeared to be, despite his modest claims about being "merely a courier."
As they set out, Marcus found himself increasingly impressed by his traveling companions. Despite his six-legged steed's natural advantages, the two men on foot could match their pace with surprising ease. They maintained this seemingly effortless speed for hours without showing signs of fatigue. This was particularly remarkable for August, who appeared to be the younger of the two but moved with a fluid grace that reminded Marcus of the great cats he had seen in traveling menageries.
The landscape around them gradually changed as they traveled, the dense woods of their previous camps giving way to more open terrain dotted with groves and meadows. The road, though unpaved, was well-maintained and showed signs of regular merchant traffic—a good omen for their journey ahead.
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DAY 11.2: Camping Outside the Village of Kirka
Several hours into their journey, the trio crested a small hill and saw their destination spread out in the valley below. The Frontier Village of Kirka lay before them, its thatched roofs and stone chimneys creating a picturesque scene in the afternoon light, surrounding it is a wooden wall of 15 feet high and wooden towers evenly spaced out in between. Smoke rose lazily from several hearths, and Marcus could make out the movement of people going about their daily business in the streets below.
Marcus naturally assumed they would descend into the village to rest and resupply, but to his surprise, August and Andy came to a halt at the hill's crest. The two men stood motionless, staring down at the settlement with expressions that seemed to communicate volumes without words. To Marcus's bewilderment, they appeared to be having some sort of silent conversation, their eyes occasionally meeting in meaningful glances.
*How could that be possible?* Marcus wondered. *Only high-tier magicians and powerful magical beasts possess the ability to communicate telepathically.* He dismissed the thought as ridiculous, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that something extraordinary was occurring before his eyes.
Marcus was, in fact, correct in his assumption. August and Andy were indeed communicating through August's [Party Chat System], a capability that would have seemed like pure fantasy to anyone observing from the outside.
**[AUGUST: SO THIS IS ANGELINE'S HOME, ALONG WITH UNCLE JONATHAN, UNCLE RED, AUNT THERESA, ISABEL, AND ADAM'S PLACE.**
**ANDY: IT IS INDEED. THIS IS ALSO THE FORMER DOMAIN OF MY EMPLOYER AND MENTOR, LORD KIRKA. HOW UNFORTUNATE THAT HE WAS OUSTED BY HIS STEPSON, WHO HAPPENS TO BE A MEMBER OF THE CORVUS SYNDICATE—THE SAME ORGANIZATION THAT TREATED ME AS NOTHING MORE THAN A SLAVE.**
**AUGUST: UNCLE, DO YOU THINK THIS ROMMEL PERSON MIGHT BE AFFILIATED WITH THOSE BANDITS WE ENCOUNTERED?**
**ANDY: THE POSSIBILITY IS CERTAINLY NOT ZERO. THERE MIGHT BE TRUTH TO YOUR DEDUCTIONS ABOUT A LARGER CONSPIRACY.**
**AUGUST: UNFORTUNATELY, WE LACK SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT SUCH CLAIMS, AND THIS GROUP LIKELY HAS CONNECTIONS TO NOBLES AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.**
**ANDY: WE MUST TREAD CAREFULLY. FOR NOW, LET US DECIDE WHETHER ENTERING THIS PLACE WOULD BE WISE OR FOOLHARDY.**]
Meanwhile, Marcus grew increasingly uncomfortable watching his companions stand in apparent contemplation. Minutes passed in silence, and he began to fidget nervously, unsure whether he should interrupt their strange meditation or wait patiently for them to conclude whatever mysterious process they were engaged in.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity but was likely only a few minutes, the two men stirred and turned to face him. August's expression was grave as he spoke.
"Mister Marcus, we will not be proceeding into the village at this time. You see, we possess knowledge regarding this village's current acting chief that concerns us greatly. He is an associate of an underworld syndicate. Have you perhaps heard of the Corvus Syndicate or their legitimate front organization, Zargos Mercantile?"
The words hit Marcus like a physical blow. His mind reeled as he tried to process what he was hearing. Zargos Mercantile was one of the most respected trading organizations in the region, known for their fair dealing and extensive network. The idea that they might be connected to the infamous Corvus Syndicate—a criminal organization whispered about in the darkest corners of merchant gatherings—was almost too shocking to believe.
"August," Marcus stammered, his voice barely above a whisper, "I pray this is some sort of jest, but if I'm hearing you correctly... how could the reputable Zargos Mercantile have any connection to that notorious underworld syndicate?"
August studied Marcus's reaction carefully, noting the genuine shock and dismay in the young man's expression. This level of surprise suggested either exceptional acting ability or complete ignorance of the darker aspects of the trading world. Given Marcus's youth and position as a mere courier, August was inclined to believe the latter.
"I can see this comes as a shock to you, Mister Marcus," August said thoughtfully. "Your reaction tells me that either your Meredian Trading Company has worked very hard to avoid entanglements with such organizations, or there are saboteurs within your ranks working to undermine competitors through association with criminal elements. Both scenarios would explain why you've remained ignorant of these connections despite three years in the trade."
August paused, choosing his words carefully. "What I'm about to share with you must be understood as speculation, though it is based on evidence we've gathered. Several months ago, our isolated community was visited by some unfortunate souls who had escaped from slave caravans. Through them (Sandeval), we learned that two bloodhounds of the Corvus Syndicate had been searching our borders for a former employee (still Sandeval)—someone we had, in fact, captured and interrogated."
The story August wove was carefully crafted, revealing enough truth to establish credibility while concealing the true nature of his origins. He spoke of how they had learned about the syndicate's operations, their connection to Zargos Mercantile, and the slave trade that operated under the cover of legitimate commerce.
"The person we captured was the head captain of one such slave caravan revealed under questioning that they were transporting human cargo to an influential figure in the northern territories. This same captain also served as a high-ranking guard in Zargos Mercantile's more... unsavory operations. Through his testimony, we began to understand the scope of what we were dealing with."
August's voice grew harder as he continued. "The Corvus Syndicate's bloodhounds have since been dealt with, but their interference cost us one of our own people. That loss is part of what drove me to step down from my leadership role in our village and venture into the outside world. I seek to understand the broader scope of this corruption and, if possible, find capable individuals who might be willing to help us build something better—a community free from such influences."
The implicit threat in August's final words was not lost on Marcus. "Now that you have heard this, Mister Marcus, I trust you understand the importance of keeping this information within our circle. Such knowledge is dangerous, and those who traffic in it carelessly often find themselves facing unfortunate accidents."
Marcus felt a chill run down his spine as he fully grasped the implications of what he had learned. This information was indeed deadly dangerous—if the syndicate discovered he possessed it, his life would be forfeit. Equally concerning was the subtle but unmistakable threat in August's manner. Though he had not witnessed the young man's combat abilities firsthand, the aura August projected suggested someone accustomed to violence and capable of delivering on implied promises.
"I understand completely," Marcus replied, his voice steady despite his inner turmoil. "Perhaps I should address you as Sir August from now on? Given the gravity of what you've shared, I believe it becomes even more important that you accept my invitation to visit my family's home. We can discuss these matters in complete privacy, away from any possibility of eavesdropping. Since your ultimate goal is to reach the northern regions of the central sub-continent, my home lies directly along that route."
Marcus's mind raced with possibilities. If he could secure a partnership with these extraordinary individuals, his father might finally acknowledge his worth as more than just another family member riding on the company's reputation. This could be the opportunity he had been seeking to prove himself.
And so the trio established their camp outside the Village of Kirka, close enough to observe the settlement but far enough to avoid unwanted attention. As August gazed down at the village lights beginning to twinkle in the gathering dusk, he made a silent promise. Perhaps in the future, when he had grown stronger and gathered more allies, he would return to liberate this place from the Corvus Syndicate's influence.
If the empire's reach had limits, August would ensure that his own name—and the legend of the "Blurred Devil"—would strike fear into the hearts of those who preyed upon the innocent. Justice might seem absent from these lands, but August intended to change that, one corrupt organization at a time.
The day ended quietly, but with an undercurrent of tension and anticipation. This ragtag group had begun to form the foundation of something larger, and they had established comprehensive plans for reaching Marcus's home before winter's harsh grip could complicate their journey.
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DAY 12.1: Departure Further North
Dawn broke clear and cold, with frost glittering on the grass around their campsite. Following their established routine, August and Andy completed their morning exercises while Marcus tended to his six-legged steed and prepared his own gear. The methodical nature of his companions' preparations impressed Marcus—these were clearly individuals accustomed to life on the road and potentially in dangerous situations.
After breaking their fast on dried provisions and hot tea brewed over their small campfire, the trio reviewed their comprehensive plan for the journey ahead. Their next destination was the Town of Roka, located approximately 150 kilometers north of the Village of Kirka. Though relatively small for a town, Roka served as an important hub near the edge of the Principality of Ogind County.
Despite its modest size, Roka had recently experienced a surge in activity due to the presence of hunters drawn to a nearby forest preserve. This area, safely outside the dangerous influence of the Great Forests of Arkanus, offered wealthy nobles and adventurous merchants the opportunity to hunt game for sport without risking encounters with the truly deadly creatures that inhabited the deeper wilderness.
The town also served a strategic military purpose, functioning as headquarters for the forces responsible for defending the frontier village of Kirka against potential threats. Whether these came in the form of human raiders or the occasional beast incursion from the great forests, Roka's garrison stood ready to respond. This military presence made the town relatively safe for travelers, a welcome change from the lawless territories they had recently navigated.
The road to Roka was well-maintained and largely flat, allowing for much better travel time than their previous trek through hostile forest terrain. By August's calculations, they should be able to cover at least 70 kilometers per day on this route—a significant improvement over the 50 kilometers they had managed in the dangerous woodland areas.
As they set out, the landscape around them began to open up dramatically. Rolling hills stretched toward the horizon, dotted with copses of trees and crossed by small streams that caught the morning light like ribbons of silver. The road itself showed clear signs of regular use, with wagon ruts and hoof prints indicating steady merchant traffic.
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DAY 12.2: Lesser Beast in a Different Forest
Of all the travelers, August found himself most fascinated by the new environments they encountered. Having spent only a few days outside the Lonelywood Forest of his birth, every new sight and experience captured his attention with the intensity of someone discovering the world for the first time.
The forest they were currently traversing to reach the Town of Roka presented a stark contrast to everything August had previously known. Where the Great Forest of Arkanus had teemed with powerful, dangerous creatures that demanded constant vigilance, this woodland felt almost peaceful. The strongest beast presence August could detect registered as merely an Advanced Rarity Soldier Rank—a creature that would have been considered weak by the standards of his homeland in the Lonelywoods Forest.
This realization struck August with the force of revelation. The difference in power levels was not just significant—it was staggering. The beasts inhabiting areas outside the Great Forest were so much weaker that they barely registered as threats. Even the flora seemed mundane and uninteresting compared to the exotic and often dangerous plant life he had grown up among.
*Everything outside the Great Forest is diminished,* August thought to himself. *The scale of what I considered normal was completely skewed.* He began to understand why Andy and the other villagers in Maya had been so astonished by his abilities when they first arrived. What had seemed like natural, everyday capability to August must have appeared superhuman to people accustomed to this gentler world.
The revelation was both humbling and concerning. If he had been unconsciously operating at such an elevated level, what other assumptions about the world might be completely wrong? He made a mental note to be more circumspect about displaying his abilities in the future.
During their passage through this lesser forest, August took the opportunity to hunt one of the local creatures for their evening meal. The beast he selected was a variant of the Boarats he had frequently encountered near Maya Village, though this specimen was considerably weaker. The locals called it a **Boarrre or Oink**—a, [Level 1 Common Rank Novice Rarity Beast] that would have been considered prey rather than predator in August's homeland.
The hunt itself was almost anticlimactic. The creature posed no real challenge, and August found himself having to consciously hold back to avoid completely obliterating it. Even so, the Boarrre would provide ample meat for their group over the next several days of travel.
As evening approached and they made camp for the night, August reflected on how much his world had expanded in just twelve days since leaving his birthplace. He had gained not only a trusted companion in Andy but also a potential ally and friend in Marcus. More importantly, he was beginning to understand the true scope of the world beyond his isolated forest home.
The stars wheeled overhead in their eternal dance, and August found himself wondering what other revelations awaited him on the road ahead. Tomorrow would bring them closer to the Town of Roka, and from there, they would continue toward Marcus's family home and whatever opportunities that meeting might present.
As he settled into his bedroll, August's last conscious thought was a prayer of gratitude for the journey that had brought him this far and anticipation for the adventures yet to come. In twelve days, he had traveled farther from home than he had ever imagined possible, and somehow, he sensed that this was only the beginning of a much larger story.