671: The journey

The journey

Vivian had also accepted to join, she understood well that she couldn't free her father from his torment unless she grew stronger. She had to master her new abilities and she had to reach Tier 6 at the minimum.2

Only then could she hope to be able to release him, though her chances would still be low. Her dad had been Tier 7 in life after all. If he had fallen to the temptation of undeath he would be far too strong for her to contend with. This however she did not believe would be the case for even a second. 

She suspected that he was fighting daily to remain human, to not let go of his sanity and his memories. That his soul was being tormented daily. The thought made each day hell for her, but it also strengthened her resolve. 

Thus, when Eldrian came and offered for her to join, she did not have to think long. For her, this would also be the best hope to grow stronger in the shortest amount of time. Knowing that Eldrian had similar aspirations, though for different reasons, she knew that they would push each other further. 

And so the day finally came when they would set off. While they had tried to keep it a secret, many in the city had heard about it from Akarui. She was still a young child and couldn't quite keep to herself. 

As such, when the four were about to leave the city quite a number of people came to see them off. From human to demi, to centaur.

Their carriage was not all that special, a simple carriage often used by merchants who were going on long travels. It had a roofed body where Vivian and Akarui were sitting, Erik and Eldrian were currently figuring out how to drive the carriage. Luckily, the horses were well trained and they didn't really need to do much. 

Akarui had become a star among those working with the farms, thus many had come to see her. Erik was also well known and had saved many people after the siege.

Eldrian of course was the so-called hero who had saved them through his reckless actions many times and had even been the deputy mayor for a few weeks.

Not to mention the memorial flower, which stood in the square of the gate from which they were leaving. It had helped most here to come to accept their losses, helping them to slowly start rebuilding their lives. To look toward the future, and not remain stuck in the past. In the pain. 

Even if it could not bring them to accept what had happened, it reminded everyone that they were not alone. It helped them at least share the burden of a survivor amongst themselves, amongst other survivors. 

Only Vivian was not well known. Consequently, many people were curious about who she was and why she was going with them. 

Passing through the procession of people coming to say their thanks and bid them safe travels, the group felt awkward. All except for Akarui who was enthusiastically waving at the crowd. 

Of course, everyone had bid farewell to those they were close to already.

...

The journey started very smoothly and stayed that way over the next three days as they reached Verest, their first stop.

They stayed on the road the entire way and would stop every now and then to stretch their legs and have a meal. Of course, the meals were all stored in Erik and Eldrian's inventories. As was the food for the horses and barrels of water. While they had packed a few tents, thus far the four had decided to sleep in the carriage instead. 

Along the way, they had come to see a number of interesting animals and many smaller villages. Seeing such peaceful lives still existing was truly a sight for weary hearts. 

Of course, throughout the travels, Eldrian and Vivian continued to practice. Erik and Akarui simply watched them in awe as the two would leave the carriage to spar or go through their routines. As they tried to master new skills and spells, and as they practiced coordinated fighting. 

In all this, they also kept pace with the carriage, and when the two became exhausted, Eldrian would continue to train. Shifting his training to the non-physical, improving his control of mana manipulation, and slowly digesting the Tier 5 spell Ice Rain. Trying to figure out what made Tier 5 such a significant jump, outside of the complexity of the spell modules. 

In these moments he also shared what he knew with the rest. This was especially useful to Vivian who was slowly managing to gain control over her new abilities. Eldrian's advice helped her shave off weeks if not months of trial and error. 

When the group arrived in Verest, they toured the city for two days. Enjoying the sights and broadening their horizons. Verest was only one of the four corner cities, yet its magnificence was far greater than that of Kynigo and even Duron. Like Valan it was a city of wonders. 

Yet, these sights could only be enjoyed slightly by Vivian. Eldrian at least could take the time to enjoy these moments. But each second spent touring and not training ate at Vivian, it had been so bad that after the first hour she had left the group to find a place to train. 

Eldrian had joined her on the second day, he was torn realizing just how much pain she was in. Just how much she was going through. He also slowly started realizing what her hidden ability was, and why she was so determined to become stronger. 

Just before the group met up again to continue on to Njired, their next stop, Eldrian took some time to speak with Vivian. 

"You want to go free your dad." Eldrian did not ask, he was certain this was her motivation. "Your breakthrough also has something to do with this, doesn't it?"

"Yes," Her reply was flat, almost cold. 

"You don't have to do this alone. Once we are strong enough, I will go with you."

Vivian nodded, his words meant a lot to her but at this time she could not let them affect her. Thus, she closed off her heart, she kept her focus on training. 

Eldrian sighed seeing her actions, he understood them well. It might not be the best thing to do, but Eldrian could not fault her. Instead, he resolved himself to help her get past this. To help her let Old Sword rest, to let her dad, Arthur, find peace in the afterlife. 

'I need to make a foolproof plan to set myself free. I need to talk with Ziraili again, but how?' 

...

The entire journey continued in a similar manner, the group had come across a couple of wild beast packs. Though they were of no concern to the group. Yet, they had not killed the wild beasts as Akarui had begged them not to. 

Luckily, a simple display of might had scared them all off. 

Finally, after a little over two weeks, the group arrived at Taurtania. As they were stopped at the furthest outer wall, spreading from horizon to horizon, Eldrian had finally come up with his plan. 

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