Chapter 11
The seventh morning arrived quietly.
The sun had only begun to rise when a faint golden light slipped through the trees, illuminating the road ahead. After seven days of traveling through the wilderness, the forest was finally beginning to thin.
Nick walked beside Krogas with his hands behind his head, looking considerably more energetic than he had during the first few days.
"So we're actually getting there today, right?" he asked.
Krogas continued walking without looking at him.
"If you mean the capital, yes."
Nick's eyes immediately lit up.
"Finally!"
Miguel, who was walking a few steps behind them, sighed.
"You've asked him that every morning since the fifth day."
"Because he kept saying 'soon.'"
"I said we were getting closer."
"That's basically the same thing."
"It isn't."
Nick looked at Miguel.
"You're becoming way too serious."
Miguel gave him a tired look.
"Someone has to balance you out."
Krogas listened to their argument in silence, a faint smile appearing on his face.
The journey had been surprisingly peaceful.
There had been monsters almost every day, but none of them had been strong enough to pose a serious threat. Krogas had allowed the two boys to fight the weaker ones themselves, stepping in whenever something significantly stronger appeared.
It had been useful training.
Nick's control over fire had improved noticeably. His flames no longer burst wildly whenever he became excited, and he had learned to strengthen his physical attacks by surrounding his fists with controlled fire.
Miguel had developed similarly.
His water magic was becoming faster and more precise. Instead of simply throwing large spheres of water, he had started experimenting with smaller, faster projectiles and thin streams that could be manipulated in different directions.
They were still inexperienced.
But they were learning.
And Krogas had noticed something else.
They were becoming comfortable fighting together.
Nick naturally took the front.
Miguel stayed farther back and controlled the battlefield.
Neither had formally discussed it.
It simply happened.
After another hour of walking, Nick suddenly stopped.
"Wait."
Miguel nearly walked into him.
"What?"
Nick pointed ahead.
"Look."
Miguel followed his finger.
At first, he saw only trees.
Then he noticed something behind them.
A massive stone structure rose beyond the forest.
Walls.
Huge walls.
They stretched across the horizon, towering above the surrounding landscape.
Miguel stared.
"Is that...?"
"The capital," Krogas answered.
Nick's mouth slowly opened.
"That's the capital?"
Krogas nodded.
Nick immediately started walking faster.
"Why didn't you tell us it was that huge?"
"I did."
"When?"
"You asked what the capital was like. I said it was large."
Nick stopped and turned around.
"That was NOT enough information!"
Krogas shrugged.
Miguel laughed.
"He's got you there."
Nick pointed at him.
"Don't take his side."
"I didn't. I'm just stating facts."
The closer they got, the more impressive the city became.
The walls were built from enormous blocks of pale stone, reinforced with thick metal structures. Several towers rose above them, each large enough to hold dozens of soldiers.
Flags bearing the symbol of Glaria fluttered from the highest towers.
Outside the city, a wide road had formed from years of travelers passing through.
Merchants pulled carts filled with goods.
Carriages moved toward the gates.
Adventurers wearing armor walked in groups.
Elves, humans, beastfolk, and several races Nick couldn't immediately identify traveled along the same road.
Nick's eyes moved from one person to another.
"Are all these races allowed inside the capital?"
Krogas nodded.
"Glaria is an elven kingdom, but that doesn't mean elves are the only people living here. The capital is one of the most diverse cities on the continent."
Nick stared at a beastman walking past them.
The man had the ears and tail of a wolf.
Nick whispered to Miguel, "Did you see that?"
Miguel nodded.
"Yes."
"That guy has a tail."
"I noticed."
"I want to see what other races there are."
Miguel gave him a suspicious look.
"You've been here for five minutes and you're already acting like a tourist."
Nick grinned.
"We're in another world. I'm absolutely going to act like a tourist."
Krogas glanced back.
"Try not to stare at people."
Nick immediately looked away.
"I wasn't staring."
"You were."
"...Maybe a little."
Krogas shook his head.
Eventually, they reached the main gate.
Several guards stood in formation beside the entrance. They were dressed in silver-and-green armor, each carrying a sword.
One of them noticed Krogas.
His expression immediately changed.
"Sir Krogas?"
Krogas stopped.
"Yes?"
The guard quickly stepped forward.
"I didn't expect to see you returning to the capital."
"I had business in Elderwind Forest."
The guard's eyes moved toward Nick and Miguel.
"And these children?"
Krogas placed one hand on Nick's shoulder.
"They're traveling with me. They're under my protection."
The guard looked slightly surprised.
"Under your protection?"
"Yes."
The guard immediately became more respectful.
"Understood. You may enter."
Nick waited until they passed through the gate before whispering to Miguel.
"Did you notice that?"
Miguel nodded.
"They definitely know him."
"Exactly."
Nick looked toward Krogas.
"Old man, how important are you?"
Krogas didn't even turn around.
"Important enough that you shouldn't worry about it."
Nick frowned.
"That's not an answer."
"It's the answer you're getting."
Miguel chuckled.
"I think he's avoiding the question."
Krogas glanced back at him.
"You two ask too many questions."
Nick smiled.
"We're curious."
"Curiosity is useful."
Krogas turned forward again.
"But knowing when to stay quiet is also useful."
Nick immediately shut his mouth.
Miguel smiled.
"For once, you listened."
"Don't ruin it."
They continued into the city.
The moment they entered, Nick felt overwhelmed.
The streets were enormous compared to anything he had seen since arriving in this world.
Buildings several stories tall stood on either side of the road.
Magic lamps floated above the streets, glowing softly despite the daylight.
Merchants shouted from stalls.
Children ran through the crowds.
Adventurers discussed quests outside guild buildings.
Nick even spotted a man selling strange glowing fruits.
He stopped walking.
"Miguel."
"What?"
"Look at those."
Miguel followed his gaze.
"Those fruits?"
"They're glowing."
"So?"
"How can you look at a glowing fruit in another world and say 'so'?"
Miguel laughed.
"Because we're hungry, not stupid."
Nick looked at Krogas.
"Can we buy some?"
"No."
Nick's expression fell.
"Why?"
"Because you're going to eat lunch soon."
"But—"
"No."
Nick sighed dramatically.
"You have no kindness in your heart."
Krogas glanced at him.
"You said that yesterday when I wouldn't let you fight a monster twice your size."
"That monster looked weak."
"It could have crushed you."
"But it didn't."
"Because I stopped it."
Nick went quiet.
Miguel covered his mouth, trying not to laugh.
Nick pointed at him.
"You're enjoying this."
"Very much."
After walking for another fifteen minutes, Krogas stopped in front of a clothing store.
Nick looked at the building.
"Why are we stopping?"
"Because you need proper clothes."
Nick looked down at himself.
His current clothes were still the rough garments they had made during their time in the forest.
They were functional, but barely.
Miguel looked at Krogas.
"He's right. We can't walk around the capital dressed like this."
Nick sighed.
"Fine."
Inside the shop, they were given several sets of clothing.
Nick chose a dark outfit that was comfortable enough to move in.
Miguel chose a simpler set with a clean shirt and trousers.
After changing, they stood in front of a large mirror.
Nick looked at his reflection for several seconds.
Then he smiled.
"Not bad."
Miguel adjusted his collar.
"We actually look like normal children now."
Nick grinned.
"I looked normal before."
Miguel stared at the old boar-hide clothing they had been wearing.
"No."
Nick sighed.
"Fine."
Krogas paid for everything without hesitation.
Nick noticed.
"You're paying for all this?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because you have no money."
Nick blinked.
"...That's actually a very good reason."
Krogas shook his head.
The three left the store and continued through the capital.
Soon, the smell of food reached them.
Nick stopped.
His stomach growled loudly.
Miguel looked at him.
"You haven't even seen the restaurant yet."
"I know."
Krogas sighed.
"Come."
They entered a nearby restaurant.
The smell immediately made both boys hungry.
They were seated at a table, and Krogas ordered several dishes.
When the food arrived, Nick stared at the table in disbelief.
Roasted meat.
Fresh bread.
Soup.
Rice.
Vegetables.
And several dishes neither boy had ever seen before.
Nick looked at Krogas.
"Can we really eat all of this?"
Krogas raised an eyebrow.
"You two spent a week eating mostly dried meat."
Miguel picked up his spoon.
"I think we've earned it."
Nick immediately began eating.
"This is amazing!"
Miguel took a bite of the roasted meat and nodded.
"He's right."
Nick swallowed quickly.
"I swear, if the capital has food like this everywhere, I'm never leaving."
Krogas smiled.
"You've been here for less than an hour."
"Exactly. And I've already decided."
Miguel laughed.
For several minutes, the two boys simply ate.
There was something strangely peaceful about it.
No prison.
No guards.
No monsters chasing them.
No running through the forest.
Just food, warmth, and a crowded restaurant full of people living ordinary lives.
Miguel leaned back slightly after finishing his meal.
"It feels strange."
Nick looked at him.
"What does?"
"Having a normal day."
Nick became quiet.
He understood.
Their old lives had ended.
Their new lives had begun in a prison.
Then they had escaped into a forest.
Now they were sitting in a restaurant in a completely different world.
It was difficult to believe.
Krogas looked at them.
"You'll have to get used to it."
Nick smiled.
"I think I can."
Miguel nodded.
"Me too."
Krogas looked through the restaurant window.
Far beyond the buildings, the royal palace could be seen rising above the city.
Neither boy noticed the significance of that sight yet.
They had no idea that their arrival in the capital was only the beginning.
Soon, they would meet the people who ruled Glaria.
They would learn why Krogas had such influence.
And eventually, they would discover that the capital had a place waiting for them.
The Royal Academy.
But for today, none of that mattered.
Nick picked up another piece of meat.
"Best day ever."
Miguel smiled.
"After everything we've been through..."
He looked around the restaurant.
"...I think I agree."
Krogas quietly watched them.
For the first time in a long while, the old swordsman felt that bringing these two children here might have been the right decision.
To be continued...