By the Grace of the Gods

Today, five chapters are posted simultaneously.

This story is the third chapter.

The next day

After various training sessions, everyone somehow safely reached the final day. The prepared stay period was over, and all that remained was to return to Gimul. They packed up and prepared to leave from the morning, had an early lunch before noon, and then spent the rest of the time being rocked by the horse-drawn cart as it retraced the route back.

“Already the fifth day, huh.”

“Time sure flies.”

“I thought it would feel longer, but not really.”

The horse-drawn cart assignment was the same as on the way there. That meant I was riding with the same group who headed to Poison Insect Plain, but it seemed they had grown closer through the training. On the first day, they had been helped by Roche-san to start conversations, but now, without anyone prompting them, they naturally shared stories about what had happened up until yesterday.

“Don’t get too excited now.”

“Yeah. We’re just heading back, but the training isn’t over yet.”

Roche-san and the others cautioned them. They understood the feeling, but outside the town, there was always the possibility of encountering magical beasts or bandits. After the warning, the students obediently started to stay alert and watch their surroundings.

They were serious, but it was obvious at a glance that they were not yet used to the situation. Seeing them so tense it seemed exhausting, neither Roche-san nor Lucy-san said anything, but both gave a wry smile. Still, a calm atmosphere flowed inside the cart.

Without encountering any magical beasts or bandits, they arrived peacefully at the campsite that day.

However...

“Roche-san.”

“Yeah, looks like it’ll be shared tonight.”

It was while unloading from the horse-drawn cart. Hearing the sound of a wheel rut from afar, they looked up to see a somewhat larger horse-drawn cart with a big canopy coming their way. As it approached, the horse-drawn cart slowed down and stopped next to them, keeping some distance.

“Anywhere on the edge will do. Is there space?”

“Yeah, no problem.”

The driver exchanged brief words with Roche-san and seemed to take position at the edge of the campsite.

At the same time,

“Attention! Everyone, I taught you the rules for using the campsite, right? We’re not the only ones using this place today. It’s fine for us, but don’t cause trouble for others. If you’ve forgotten, come ask!”

Students were reminded to avoid bothering unrelated people. The instructors subtly kept a watchful eye on the horse-drawn cart as well. At campsites, there were sometimes bandits masquerading as fellow travelers to ambush others.

Their methods varied: some simply overwhelm with numbers and strength, some attack while victims sleep, others approach with a friendly smile trying to get their victims to drink or eat poisoned food or drink. For that reason, it’s safest and standard for users to interfere with each other as little as possible in these campsites.

But rules are rules, and there are exceptions.

“May I speak with you for a moment?”

Probably from inside the horse-drawn cart, a slender, moderately well-dressed man spoke, accompanied by what looked like a bodyguard.

“What is it?”

“Did you come from that direction? If so, I’d like to ask about the road ahead—conditions of the ground, presence of magical beasts, safety, that sort of thing.”

“If that’s the case, our leader knows well. I’ll guide you.”

“Much appreciated, thank you.”

For travelers, road conditions are a matter of life and death. Accidentally stepping into dangerous paths can risk lives.

Gathering information in town beforehand is standard, but conditions can change before arrival. So exchanging information is not uncommon.

“Leader, these people want to know about the road ahead.”

“Understood.”

I left it to Roche-san but stayed nearby to observe for future reference.

However, it didn’t seem like they were doing anything special.

They spoke plainly, cutting out all unnecessary details, focusing only on the road conditions.