Published: July 4, 2025
The next day, Ryo and Abel parted ways with Roshu Ten's group.
Additionally, Inspector Li Wu also mentioned he would return to the imperial capital after stopping by another town.
"I see, you both are heading to the imperial capital. If you swing by, please do come to the Shirei platform. That's the department that oversees us inspectors. I will probably be in the imperial capital for a while this time," Inspector Li Wu said before departing for the next town.
Ryo and Abel completed the necessary procedures at the Adventurers' Mutual Aid Association and successfully advanced to a sixth rank adventurer.
"Alright, shall we set off?"
"Atinjo, take care of us again," Abel said.
Both Ryo and Abel were mounted on their beloved horses.
Since Feiwan and Atinjo were both well-behaved, they required no assistance at all.
Moreover, they walked along the road without needing any extra guidance, making the journey far less burdensome than a car on Earth... or so it seemed.
"Riding becomes easier once you get used to it, doesn’t it?" Abel remarked.
"Indeed. Horses are intelligent creatures, so they tend to act in accordance with what you want," Ryo replied. "Still... Ryo's riding has improved quite a bit."
"Right? It's because I trust Atinjo."
Ryo said happily, stroking Atinjo's neck.
The road leading north from Nomon to Fenmu was not very wide.
However, there was no issue with two horses walking side by side.
Also, with virtually no pedestrians around, the ride was very peaceful.
Since there were neither towns nor villages along the highway, the two hunted rabbits in the forest and fished in the river... in a sense, it was a very adventurer-like way to travel.
"It's nostalgic, isn't it?"
"Are you remembering the journey from the Forest of Rondo to Run?"
"Are you too, Abel? That journey was fun, but it was tough as well."
"The griffins would swoop down right in front of us, and we spotted behemoths... I think it's an understatement to call it tough."
"You're too scared, Abel."
Ryo said, shaking his head slightly.
Ryo was not particularly frightened, having ridden on the back of a griffin by offering it meat.
Of course, he understood that if he angered it, he could easily be killed, so he couldn't fully let go and relax like when riding Atinjo.
For example, riding Atinjo was entirely different from this...
"Well, Atinjo and Feiwan weren't with us back then. Now, we just have to let them do the work and we can travel comfortably. How nice is that?"
"Those who built relationships with horses in the past were truly great."
Ryo expressed his thoughts, and Abel praised the greatness of the ancestors.
During breaks and at night, Ryo showcased water attribute magic to Atinjo and Feiwan.
In particular, he demonstrated the Ice Wall multiple times, explaining its use.
Of course, they likely couldn’t understand the words...
"There's something about it that just feels right," Abel murmured while observing the scene.
Abel understood Ryo's reasoning for explaining things to the two horses.
There might come a time when they would need to set up an Ice Wall to protect the two horses from danger, and avoiding a situation where they would be confused and collide with it would be wise.
Abel highly rated this method, recognizing it as a good understanding of the horses' characteristics.
"Ryo sometimes has some rather inexplicable knowledge, doesn't he?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"I'm praising you."
"If you're going to praise me, do it properly. Ryo is great! Ryo is wonderful! Ryo is the best! Something like that."
"That sounds a bit off."
"Eh..."
As they exchanged such conversations, the two and their horses continued north.
Soon, they began reading books while still mounted.
Not just Abel, but even Ryo...
"Who would have thought Ryo would be able to read a book while riding?"
"After mastering the basic riding techniques, I realized it depends on the trust established with the horse. I completely trust Atinjo, so reading a book is a piece of cake."
Abel praised Ryo's growth, while Ryo expressed his immense trust in Atinjo.