Haaah… Finally. After a full month away, we're finally heading back.
Joy and happiness were clearly visible on Ryan's face. He had finally completed this mission, and now, together with the rest of the team, they were making their way home.
Ryan: Hey, Tala, why do we have to take this long route? Wouldn't it be better to head west and go straight ahead until we arrive? Wouldn't that be faster?
Ryan complained slightly about taking the longer road to their destination. However, his words clearly displeased Tala. She took a deep breath before answering him:
Tala: Don't you think you're unbelievably stupid? Do you want us to push west through these mountains, enter the Kingdom of Valdaria, and cross that harsh terrain just to reach the eastern borders of the Kingdom of Calidora? You're truly an idiot—no, let's just say your request is rejected. Do you really think I don't know why you want to take that route?
At that moment, confusion appeared on Ryan's face.
Ryan: Well… I just wanted us to arrive earlier, that's all.
That was Ryan's excuse, but it was far from the truth.
Carlos: Liar. Don't try to dodge it. Everyone here knows exactly why you want to return by that road.
Carlos's words struck Ryan like a bolt of lightning.
Ryan: Huh?! What do you mean by that? I really wanted to go that way because it's shorter!
The team continued arguing with Ryan for quite some time. Meanwhile, as everyone was caught up in the discussion, Raven stood beside them, completely unaware of what was going on.
Til: Hey, Ryan, do you really think we don't know what you're thinking? No, I'm not going back by that road. If you want to go, then go alone. Everyone knows you only want to pass through there because of the rumors we heard recently, nothing more. Do you seriously believe them? A seventh-rank dragon sleeping atop one of those mountains? That's complete nonsense. Not to mention a seventh-rank dragon—if it were real, the Kingdom of Valdaria would've already sent forces to suppress it. Forget it. It's just rumors.
Ryan looked genuinely discouraged. Even though he denied his true reason for wanting to take that route, the team already knew the truth—there was no fooling them.
Tala: The decision is final. We'll head to the capital of the Kingdom of Arcadia first, then travel north until we enter the Kingdom of Calidora. No other routes will be taken. Besides, I need to stop by the royal capital's markets along the way, so don't bother arguing.
Everyone in the team opposed Ryan. None of them wanted to take a route filled with mountains and monsters—especially with rumors of a dragon lurking there. While Til had outright refused, Tala took the same stance.
After losing hope with both Til and Tala, Ryan turned to Carlos, forcing a pitiful expression in an attempt to persuade him.
Ryan: Come on, Carlos. Don't you think checking it out wouldn't hurt? I promise I won't do anything reckless. We'll just pass through the area…
Ryan's expression disgusted Carlos, and there was no chance he would agree.
Carlos: Forget it. The decision has already been made.
Ryan: Tch… You're all useless—and cowards, too!
Tala: Say whatever you want. I won't follow you down that road. Go alone if you want.
At that point, Ryan had lost every chance of convincing them. If only someone had taken his side, things might have turned out differently.
Suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed through Ryan's mind. He immediately turned toward Raven, a suspicious grin spreading across his face.
"Heeey… heeeey…"
Raven shuddered slightly as Ryan approached him.
Raven: W-What… what are you doing? Why are you getting closer? And what's with that face?
Ryan: Heeey, Raven… you're also a member of the Shadow Warriors, right?
Raven: Uh… yeah, if you put it that way.
Ryan: Perfect! Then you have the right to voice your opinion as well. Tell me—are we really going to leave a seventh-rank dragon roaming freely, spreading destruction and killing innocents while we ignore it? That doesn't make sense, does it? Don't you know that the ultimate goal of the Shadow Warriors is to protect this continent from the shadows and eradicate all evil? Not just the remnants of Erebos, but this supposed dragon too. Isn't that right?
Raven was truly stunned by Ryan's words. It sounded like a heroic speech, as if Ryan were a chosen savior spreading justice wherever he went.
Raven: Huh… honestly, that sounded impressive… but—
Ryan: But…?
Raven: But don't you think the idea of a seventh-rank dragon roaming freely is ridiculous? If it really existed, the kingdom would've dealt with it immediately. I'm siding with Tala this time.
Raven's words pierced Ryan like a knife.
Ryan: Aaaagh!! What?!
Raven: I told you… it sounds ridiculous.
The situation was devastating for Ryan. Even Raven was against him now. With no other options left, Ryan was forced to follow the safest—and, to him, the most boring—route.
Once the outcome—already decided from the beginning—was settled, the team headed southwest toward the royal capital of Arcadia.
---
As they continued their journey, Carlos asked Tala a question.
Carlos: Why do we have to stop at the royal capital? Wouldn't it be better to avoid it? You know… if we're caught and they discover we're Mutants—
Tala: There's no need to worry. I'll only go to the market for a short while. You don't need to enter the capital with me. I just need to buy a few things.
Carlos grew curious about what those items might be.
Carlos: And what are these things that are so important?
Tala explained that they were medicinal herbs sold in the capital. The royal markets offered high-quality herbs, which they needed to brew superior potions.
Carlos: In that case, I'll go with you.
Although Tala had said she would enter alone, Carlos insisted on accompanying her this time. However, her response was unexpected.
Tala: No.
Carlos: What?
Tala: I said no. I refuse your offer. You'll stay outside with the others. I can handle this on my own.
Her answer was shocking. Both Til and Ryan stared at her as if they couldn't believe what they had just heard.
Ryan and Til (together): What?! Tala is refusing Carlos's company?!
Tala—who usually took Carlos with her—was rejecting him this time.
Seeing their stares, annoyance appeared on Tala's face.
Tala: Tch! Stop staring at me. Security inside the capital will be tight, so I don't expect anything to threaten my life.
Her explanation made sense, but the two remained suspicious.
Then Tala's tone changed, her voice carrying restrained anger.
Tala: Do you really think I'd leave you alone? Do you think I'm stupid enough to leave you outside the walls to cause trouble? Don't even dream of it. Carlos will stay with you. And as a precaution… Raven will do just fine.
Raven: Wha—what?! Me?! No, no! I think Carlos is far better suited to accompany you, Miss Tala… Ryan, don't you agree?!
Raven was clearly terrified of Tala and outright rejected the role. However, Tala had already made her decision, and his opinion didn't matter.
---
End of Chapter