Ethan had always been curious to see the city of Miniac, especially after learning of its importance. As the second biggest city in all of Alapur, he was already drawing comparisons to the cities back on Vakuma. Was it as big as the capital of the Empire, or perhaps even bigger? Even though he was proud of Vakuma and the history of his home, he wasn't prejudiced. Miniac could be bigger than even the capital city of the Empire or perhaps the Rakar, the capital of the Rakaru Archduchy, his actual home.
However, this was only in size. While he was curious to see if it was truly as big as Igimo portrayed it to be, he was more interested in the defenses of the city, eager to see the magic of Alapur at work. Perhaps it was a trait he had inherited from his family or a habit of his education.
What? Was it so odd for the son of a military family to focus more on things like those? Whatever it was, Ethan wasn't interested in being a tourist but rather there to gather information.
Vital information.
He was certain he was the first "free" Vakuman who was going to step into the city. He was aware that Alapur sometimes captured Vakuman villagers or soldiers and took them back home, most likely to study them or for slavery.
Not only that, but he was keen to explore the city. Fortunately, with Igimo's support, he would be allowed in and have an identity. Ethan was extremely grateful that Igimo would help in that regard. According to the man, he was actually a high priest of the Beast God, and that position granted him many benefits.
Why was he going so far for Ethan? Ethan didn't really know, but if he had to take a shot in the dark, he thought it might be about 'Beast God' and his revelations or Igimos's guilt from his experiences in Vakuma. It could be both.
Regardless, Ethan would be a fool if he wasted this chance. Igimo didn't seem to be the type to turn him in either, thankfully. If something like that happened... Ethan had a plan in mind. The chances of success were abysmal, but at the very least... he would go in somewhat prepared.
Ethan appeared at the entrance of the village, where Ravu was already waiting for him. The gigantic hulk of a man approached him with a beaming smile and hugged Ethan.
"...!"
"Buddy! How are you?!"
Truly, the man belonged to the bear-men. The sheer strength of his raw physique was something Ethan could only hope to have. If only the gentle giant knew how to channel Ki... he would be someone Ethan would have to face seriously.
Then again, he was thankful that Ian was the only one he had to worry about in this village. After Ravu finally released him, Ethan gasped for breath as he nodded. Ravu seemed satisfied and waited for the rest to arrive.
He went over to the carriages, as Ethan observed with interest. The carriages appeared... ancient. Though he hadn't witnessed much of the continent, it appeared Alapur relied solely on magic and mana stones. Vakuma was a bit more technologically advanced, if one could use that word.
The carriage, although it appeared old, had several metallic plates stuck to it, each one possessing a magic stone. Ethan was unaware of the functions, but they had to be related to making travel smoother, right?
For a short while, Ethan focused on the metal plates, but since he didn't know what they were, he turned his attention to the beast pulling the carriages. It was something he had never seen before... a large reptile with four strong legs and a rather short tail that was as big as, or even bigger than, the average horse.
On that note, Alapur also had horses, although a majority of them were used either by lone adventurers, knights, or nobles. For carriages like this, a single one of these beasts could do the same work of two horses, although slightly slower.
They were perfect for pulling carriages, but due to the shape of their spine as well as the spikes on top of it, they were unsuited to ride.
The beast was a magical creature known as a Reepa, docile in nature and rather sturdy. They were capable of handling heavier loads and also didn't require much upkeep. Ethan could see why merchants preferred to use them to draw carriages
.
Cheap and efficient, although Ethan was certain a single train would be worth more than a thousand of these beasts and more efficient than them too. Alas, he had heard of nothing even remotely similar to a train in Alapur from Igimo.
Ethan silently inspected the Reepa and the cargo the village was supposed to bring to the city to deliver to suppliers and sell by themselves. Along with Ethan, Ravu, Igimo, Illika, and a handful of villagers.
The trip to Miniac would take half a day, and according to Igimo, monster attacks were nonexistent, as well as bandits, which honestly relieved Ethan. He would view Alapur as lesser if something like that existed close to the "Holy Lands" and the biggest city of the beastfolk.
Such a thing was almost non-existent in Vakuma, appearing only on the edges of the continent or certain dangerous regions, although in the latter, the bandits were actually soldiers on a mission.
Ilika soon arrived and greeted Ethan respectfully with a face full of smiles and a bit of bruising. Ethan had properly taught Ilika a few things and also instilled discipline in the brat.
He stuck to Ethan like glue, unfortunately, and wouldn't stop talking until the villagers gathered. Ethan didn't stop him, though, as he mostly discussed Miniac and its surroundings.
After a while, everyone was present... all except for one person. Unsurprisingly, it was the dear High Priest, Igimo, himself who was late...