Ugh, and now I don’t want to ask, as that would probably be suspicious. Or perhaps it won’t raise suspicion, because no one expects a peasant who had just become a Knight to be aware of where we are going. I mean, I know we are going back to base. But where’s base? Whats it called? Is it the capital? Or just a location within Imperial territory that we set down the camp?
Too many questions ran throughout my brain as I started to overthink the matter. I mean, it’s not like knowing is going to change anything, so maybe it doesn’t even matter. Still, I am very curious. How can I not be; I am in an entirely different world after all. I have the right to be curious about every little detail.
I hope this home base is as stunning and exceptional-looking as Nevarrine was. Especially since it sounds like a place we will be staying at for quite a while.
Our walk continued without any change, except within my body, which began to finally start feeling tired. It has already been hours of non-stop walking since we left the city, and pile on everything else I’ve done since becoming a Knight, it is kind of insane that my body is just now starting to feel tired.
Having your Mana Veins opened really does wonders for this body. Another thing I have noticed is that although I have eaten a few tasty meals since I have been here, I have yet had to use the bathroom. It’s been a bit over three days now, and I haven’t even gone to pee since I have been in this world.
Though it is worth mentioning that the meals I had were very delicious, even when they only looked simple. I mean, it was just some simple-looking meat, some vegetables, fruit and bread, most of which I could not identify. Yet, it was one of the tastiest meals I have ever had. Could also be because I was just that hungry. No idea.
As I was thinking along those lines, a change finally occurred, and it was the captain giving orders. "Uther, wake up seven others; it’s time for shift change!" He yelled out toward Uther, who was positioned closest to the rear of the cart.
I almost let out a sigh of relief at the thought of being able to sit and maybe get some sleep, even though nighttime was almost over and dawn was arriving soon. Still, within my mind I was celebrating, since all this overworking is my least favorite part of the military.
I just want to fight! That is pretty much my only wish and part I like about the military. All this other nonsense I couldn’t care less about, even if it is interesting to learn.
When the man who was to relieve me walked over, I practically clasped his metal-clad hands in thanks, as I finally got to head over to the cart, hop in, and lean against the large cube that is our tent. It also felt nice that I was at least able to take my helmet off in the cart, as I noticed the others also begin to relax. Including the captain who piled in as well once he had someone take his spot.
Dalia even passed around some packets of some sort of jerky that tasted pretty good and helped fill my stomach. I also began to notice that when I ate, my body got more energized than normal. Especially since becoming a Knight, when I eat, I always feel like I could lift more or something, though it doesn’t last that long, only a few hours before back to normal.
All I can guess is that the food in this world is a bit special. I mean, there is still so much that I just don’t know and can only wait to find out as I continue to live here. Anyway, time to doze off.
RUMBLE!
Suddenly, I jolted awake with only a few hours of sleep as it felt like some kind of earthquake was occurring, and I noticed the surrounding others were all standing up, alert and annoyed. I stand up and ask the captain who was nearby. "What’s going on, Captain Ogman?"
"A damn Mastodan stampede," he says with an annoyed scoff. "Those damnable beasts always causing a problem when they migrate or get spooked. And, of course, just my luck, it looks like they are going to hit our segment of the caravan. Still a ways off, though."
I look toward the distance and can barely make out what looks to be a large herd of massive beasts barrelling toward us. Well, more specifically toward further south of us, but by the time they get over here, that is where we will be.
"What’s the plan, Cap?" Kino asks as he stares in the same direction.
Captain Ogman leans against the cube, pondering for a moment. "Well, the caravan will stop and become fully alert when the stampede gets very close. So we will have a moment to prepare. However, no help will come. It will be up to each cart to defend themselves and their cargo."
"Damn, that’s gonna be annoying," Uther chimes in. "At least Mastodan’s aren’t too much for Knights to handle."
"Exactly, and there is also the added bonus because of safety protocols there is a decent distance between each cart of the caravan. Which means we only have to defend a single side, and only those coming directly at us. We can let those that are heading for the gaps pass us by," the captain explains.
He then places his helmet on and starts issuing orders. "Gear up and get ready to get into loose formation when the cart stops." He then makes his way toward the front of the cart to where the current driver is. "Asher, stop exactly when you see the cart ahead stop. We need to ensure we keep the same paced distance."
"Understood, captain," he replies, his eyes steadily staying forward.
With my helmet back on, and my gaze steady on the approaching beasts, I couldn’t help but punch my gauntlets together at the exciting thought of fighting the creatures of this world for the first time.