Seeing Mikasa leaning against me, still half-asleep as she nudged me along, Yato couldn't hide a smile. "Mikasa, it's a rare trip into town; why do you look so listless? Look at how energetic Jax is."
"Mom, there were too many mosquitoes last night. I couldn't sleep well," Mikasa replied, barely lifting her head.
"Mosquitoes, huh? They really are annoying," Hank said, then glanced at me. "Hey, Jax, weren't there any mosquitoes on your end?"
I smiled faintly. A Demon Hunter's blood isn't easy to feed on; it naturally repels insects.
"I have a way to keep mosquitoes away," I explained.
"Hm?" Mikasa suddenly perked up and looked at me, while Hank and Yato raised their eyebrows in curiosity.
"I used some herbs and cardboard to make mosquito-repelling items. I still have some left, so I can make them for everyone," I said.
"Oh, then we'll have to trouble you, Jax," Yato said with a warm smile.
"No trouble at all. We're family," I replied. Yato paused, then smiled and gently patted my head. "That's right. Family."
After breakfast, the four of us went to the stables. Five horses awaited us, and I had to admit—horses were the most common form of transportation in this world.
"Jax, do you know how to ride?" Hank asked suddenly.
"I've ridden a few times, but I'm not very skilled," I answered honestly.
"Alright, here's the plan: Mikasa and I will share a horse, while Yato and Jax each take one. Yato, look after Jax a bit," Hank instructed.
"Don't worry," Yato nodded, then turned to me. "Ready, Jax?"
"Always ready!" I said, trying to sound serious.
Yato chuckled and led a horse over to me. "Mount up, Jax."
Soon, the four of us were riding toward the town. My Demon Hunter reflexes and memory allowed me to quickly master the basics of riding. Yato, impressed, exclaimed, "Jax learns so fast!" I just chuckled.
Perhaps because they were watching over me, the horses didn't gallop too fast, giving me time to enjoy the scenery. Steam engines existed in this world, but they were rare, likely restricted to the Government. Pollution was minimal; blue skies, white clouds, green mountains, and clear rivers painted a breathtaking landscape.
We soon emerged from the mountain range, and Wall Maria loomed before us, massive and imposing, like a giant dragon stretched across the land. Though Earth's buildings could reach fifty meters, this wall's sheer scale was awe-inspiring. Sunlight spilled over it, giving it a surreal, almost dreamlike appearance.
I understood its dual role: a protective shield against Titans and a confining cage limiting humanity's freedom. Yet, the people inside seemed content with their constrained lives.
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