đźź Chapter 37:
After we formed a partnership with Ryo and Prince Elithius, we decided to prepare ourselves before heading to the capital, Ferenta. Night had fallen, so we lit a fire in front of the house to talk with Ryo about when we would depart for the capital. Well… after all, he is a dragon and couldn't fit inside a small house.
Ryo began discussing when the gang might attack.
"We left the royal palace a week ago as soon as we received the gang's message. Most likely, news of our absence in the capital has reached them, but these people mentioned in their letter that if the prince doesn't present himself to them, they will attack on the day of the Elite National Exam."
I became curious about this exam he mentioned, so I decided to ask him about it.
"Listen, Ryo—"
"What's with the rudeness? Do I look like your friend? Call me Mr. Ryo."
"Why should I call you Mr.? You're just a winged lizard. Wait, what was I going to ask… oh, right, what is this Elite Exam?"
"Ugh, you're annoying. Listen, the Elite Exam is the final test for graduating from the National Academy of the Kingdom of Azmirin and obtaining the Elite Certificate."
"What does it involve? Magic?"
"Magic? No. It's an exam that covers a set of different subjects depending on the specialization."
Ah, so they don't study magic at schools; it's more like real-world schools… somewhat boring.
Ryo continued:
"Even though the gang plans to attack on the day of the exam, we must ensure it proceeds without fail. It's an important occasion—almost like a national holiday. I want both of you to act as Prince Elithius's guards during the exam and fend off the gang's assault."
I wondered if this spoiled prince had prepared himself well for the exam. Anyway, I also need to prepare myself; now that skill levels have increased, I might be able to craft things like guns or similar items.
[Of course, you can now make guns, but don't forget you have no resources—you'll need to acquire them first.]
That's true. I can't make anything out of nothing; I need to find resources to craft a weapon. I'm not bad at aiming at targets, but I've never tried a real gun before. Haizen, who had been polishing his sword, looked at Ryo and asked:
"Since we still have some time, I suggest we go to the southern province tomorrow."
The southern province! The place with most of the heavy industries and mines. Good idea. Is this so I can get raw materials from there? Wow, he really thinks about his companions.
"Great, Haizen, you're really thinking about helping me find materials for crafting good weapons."
"Of course. That way, you'll craft an even more amazing sword for me."
Oh, so he's thinking about himself. Ryo didn't mind this at all.
"Since you both want to go there, I have no objection. After that, we can head to the capital. You protect Elithius while I gather enough soldiers to defend the palace."
After we agreed on this plan, Haizen and I returned to the hideout to sleep, while Ryo stayed outside.
By morning, we started preparing ourselves to head to the southern province. Elithius, despite sleeping early, still refused to get up. What a lazy person.
[Look who's talking about laziness.]
"Oh, I'm not that lazy."
Well, it's not laziness but stubbornness. He just doesn't want to follow orders. Finally, he got up after Ryo shouted at him:
"Prince, get up, or I'll smash this hideout over your head!"
Elithius jumped up at Ryo's words. It was like when you want just five more minutes of sleep before school. Elithius got ready, and we left the house. He used the storage stone, and the hideout was pulled into it in an instant. My skill can do the same, though I still have no idea where those stored objects actually end up-and I'm not even sure I could handle something as large as a house.
We rode on Ryo's back and set off toward the southern province. Traveling there by carriage would take two days, but with Ryo, we could reach it in about two hours since we were flying. It ended up taking nearly three hours to reach the southern province. It was a small city with a sign displaying its name: Orivia.
At the city gate, the guards stepped forward for us to identify ourselves.
"Stop here. Identify yourselves."
Haizen and I showed our hunter cards. After seeing them, they let us in. As for Elithius, he didn't show anything since he is the prince, but the guards didn't recognize him.
"And you, boy. Show us some proof of who you are."
Elithius looked at them arrogantly, as if he didn't need to prove himself.
"I don't need to show any proof to enter a city."
One guard grabbed Elithius by his collar and threw him aside. Elithius felt insulted by the guard's actions.
"You insolent one! Don't you know who I am? If my father saw what you did, he'd throw you in prison."
"And who are you to say such things?"
Elithius revealed a golden necklace shaped like a royal crown and introduced himself.
"I am Prince Elithius, son of the king."
After seeing the necklace and hearing Elithius's words, the guards trembled and apologized.
"Prince Elithius, we sincerely apologize for our previous actions. You may enter."
"Good that you recognized who I am. If your insolence had continued, Ryo would have set you straight."
Elithius looked confidently at his dragon, but Ryo showed no reaction to what happened, leaving Elithius somewhat frustrated.
We entered Orivia, a city that looked straight out of the early Industrial Revolution-factories everywhere and smoke choking the sky. For a moment, I felt as if I had been thrown into World War I, despite never living through it. The city had housing, sure, but nothing compared to Osmara or Valoris.
[Just so you know, you might find materials here that don't exist in the real world—they'll help you.]
That's true. It is a fantasy world, after all. Even the old man who once swapped my body with a rooster used materials that existed only in this world.
We stopped at a large factory producing swords, armor, and other types of weapons. Despite being an industrial city, they hadn't yet manufactured guns. We met the factory manager, and without any introduction, Elithius showed his necklace. The manager quickly recognized him and warmly welcomed us.
"Welcome. How may I help you?"
Ryo spoke for us. "We'd like to purchase some of the raw materials you have, if possible."
He led us to the raw materials section.
Before heading to the capital, I needed to find the best ore and components this city had to offer, so we'd be ready for what lay ahead.