The convoy came to a halt in front of the Adventurers' Guild. Dozens of adventurers who had applied to join the Velhein raid were already gathered, forming a loose crowd around the central plaza. They were waiting to be processed before joining the official convoy.
"So," Erik asked, glancing at the growing crowd, "how many adventurers are coming in total?"
Yosul leaned against the carriage. "With this bunch? About a hundred and twenty, maybe a bit more."
"That's… a lot. How big is this dungeon, anyway?"
Yosul gave a knowing smile. "You'll see when you get there. It's a sight to marvel at."
"Really…" Erik's voice trailed off as a familiar voice rose over the murmur of the crowd.
"Please make sure to write the name of every member in your team. If anyone doesn't know how to write, let me know—I'll do it for you."
It was Shasa.
She was seated behind a wooden desk in front of the guild's temporary registry booth, as busy as ever, surrounded by adventurers handing her slips of paper or asking for help.
"Aren't you going to say goodbye to her?" Yosul asked, following Erik's gaze.
"No."
"She's your sister."
"Yeah."
"Then…"
"It won't change anything," Erik muttered. "She's going to worry until I come back anyway."
"Then tell her not to," Yosul said plainly.
"Huh?"
"Have you ever tried saying that before leaving?"
Erik didn't answer.
"Maybe then… she won't worry as much."
"I doubt that."
"Why don't you try it?"
Erik let out a slow breath. It didn't look like Yosul would let him off easy otherwise.
"Huh… fine. I'll be back."
He stepped down from the caravan and walked toward the booth.
Shasa was still surrounded by adventurers asking her to write their names on the registry sheet. Erik waited, watching the line slowly thin. The longer he stood there, the more awkward he felt. Nervous, even.
Finally, the last of the crowd moved on.
Shasa remained seated, resting her cheek on her left hand, rubbing her temple like she had a headache.
Erik stepped up to the desk.
"You okay?" he asked.
She looked up at him.
"…So you remember who I am after all."
"I haven't been away that long, Shasa."
She stared at him for a moment—frustration flashing in her expression.
"So it's true. You really did join the White Wolfs."
"Yeah. They made a pretty good offer."
"And now you're leaving too?" she asked.
"Yeah."
Shasa nodded quietly. The worry was written all over her face, no matter how hard she tried to mask it.
"…Don't worry about me," Erik said. "I'm stronger than I was last time you saw me."
Her eyes welled for a brief moment, and she wiped at them quickly, brushing the tears away before they could fall. She looked at Erik with the eyes she seen Erik before. Not surprising since Erik has never said anything similar to her before.
"…Alright," she whispered. "I won't worry about you."
She took a deep breath and looked at him again, really looked.
"Did you get taller?"
Erik blinked. "Do I look taller?"
"Yeah. And… different, too."
"If you say so." He smiled faintly. "Goodbye, Shasa."
She nodded, holding his gaze for just a moment longer.
Erik turned and walked away, back toward the caravan.
Phew… that took more out of me than I thought.
As Erik walked back toward the caravan, he caught sight of a familiar face in the crowd. The man approached with a confident stride, waving slightly.
"Well, well, well, would you look at who it is?" the man said. "I knew we'd meet again and—"
He paused, eyes scanning Erik's attire.
"That's White Wolfs armor… I knew it. Back then, I could tell—When you were that strong."
Erik stared, a little awkwardly. He couldn't remember the guy's name.
"Don't tell me you've already forgotten me," the man said with a grin. "Huh. I'm not even worth remembering, huh?"
He extended a hand.
"Borus. Borus Vanart."
Erik shook his hand. "Right… Borus."
"With this dungeon raid," Borus declared, pounding a fist to his chest, "I'll make sure the whole kingdom remembers my name."
Erik smirked. "Good luck with that."
"Same to you, Erik. I'll see you in the dungeon." With that, Borus turned and walked away, his team waiting behind him.
A couple of them waved at Erik. He recognized them—the same ones who had helped him fight the mana bears in the forest. He gave a small wave in return before heading toward the carriage.
When he opened the door, he was surprised to find Leena inside, seated across from Yosul, the two mid-conversation.
"Oh, Erik," Yosul said. "Vice-Captain Leena will be riding with us."
"Hello, Erik," Leena said calmly, giving him a small nod.
"...Hello." Erik stepped inside and took a seat.
The carriage was crowded, but well-arranged. Eight people in total: Erik, Yosul, Leena, a young sorcerer, three swordmasters in light armor, and an older man with a weathered axe resting by his side. Despite the tight space, the air inside felt calm—focused.
As the convoy began to move, Erik peeked out the window, catching a glimpse of Shasa standing near the guild entrance, scanning the crowd.
She's looking for me.
He hesitated for a moment. Then, without a word, he opened the window.
"Shasa!" he called, waving.
She spotted him instantly.
"Erik! Take care!" she shouted back, waving with both hands.
Erik smiled faintly and shut the window as he settled back into his seat. Across from him, Yosul wore a grin.
"What?" Erik asked.
"Nothing. Nothing at all," Yosul replied, clearly amused.
"…Thanks," Erik said quietly.
Yosul simply nodded.
"So," Yosul continued, stretching slightly, "it begins, huh? Erik, what do you think about taking a little detour on our way?"
Erik glanced over. "I don't mind."
"Good."
Outside, the capital began to disappear behind them—slowly replaced by fields, roads, and the distant silhouette of wild country.
The journey to Velhein had begun.