The great forest was one day's travel from the capital.
It was situated on the north of Eryndor—and comes under Eryndor's territory; that's why Austin and the other two had to remain vigilant all the time.
Once Aiden gets to know where Austin is heading, he will surely launch an attack on Drenovar, or worse, he might inform Hener about Austin's movements to get him assassinated.
That's why this whole mission needs to be done in utter secrecy.
Austin didn't know how he would execute the whole plan, in Drenovar. He doesn't have the luck of the Protagonist and the worst part is that he is the Prince of the nation they are planning to take their revenge on.
'Well, I think there is still some hope…' Now all depends on whether he could find the Eternal Flower and extract its essence.
'System, what's the status?'
[Ding!]
[Combat: 41/100]
[You have unlocked a reward!]
{Next reward at 60}
[Romance: 42->50/100]
{Next reward at 60}
[Durability: 53/100]
{Next reward at 60}
[Trickery: 33/100]
{Next reward at 35}
[Overall Progression: 43/100]
[Next Reward at 50]
Austin was too sleepy last night to notice the reward, and when he reached the capital, his attention was completely diverted.
'But…how did my romance stat develop?'
Austin received no response from the system, but Austin didn't need an answer in the first place since he soon realized what changed.
'Okay, open the reward.'
[Ding!]
[Kinetic Charge: Accumulates energy through combat, including movement, damage taken, and damage inflicted. The stored energy can be released in a single, devastating attack.]
[Limitation: Can be used once after five hours of complete body rest.]
[Note: Can be upgraded using status points]
Austin's brows were raised in surprise. He understood the application of the skill and was quite excited to use it.
'Launching the accumulated force of combat…nice.' And the recovery time was low as well.
"Young master, we are here." Seeing Sebastian slowing down his horse, Austin and Valerie followed suit.
It was the first time for Austin to be here, given the dangers of the place. However, he wasn't completely lost because in the game he has come here several times.
The great forest stretched endlessly, its towering trees casting deep shadows over the land. Thick vines curled around ancient trunks, and the air buzzed with the sounds of unseen creatures.
They could hear the rustle of creatures everywhere, once in a while, Austin spotted a few eyes of those beasts looking at them. However, despite being so close to them, they chose to retreat because of a single person.
"Should we stop here or go deeper?"
Valerie asked as she remained on top of the horse while looking around.
Austin hummed before saying, "Sebas, arrange a camp here since it will take some time to find the Eternal Flower."
Sebastian nodded, "Understood, sir."
Austin jumped off the horse and helped Valerie get off as well, before he said, "Want to come along and discover a little?"
Valerie smiled, "Sure."
Leaving the old man behind, the duo embarked on a little journey to explore the forest a little.
With their hands connected, Austin moved carefully so as not to trip and make them both fall down.
The forest was too dense and dark, that's why Austin took out a small flare and lit it up.
It was quite exciting to visit the forest, which he had seen only in the game. Although the graphics cannot be compared to the real vision at all, he could identify a few things based on his memory.
"I was thinking…it would take us much longer to reach the Drenovar through a straight route." Valerie suddenly spoke, which made him curious.
"Do you have any better route in mind?"
Valerie responded with the plan she had been formulating for the whole journey, "If we travel to our west, we will reach the water bodies in a day, at most. And by hiring a fireheart vessel we could reach Drenovar in one day."
Austin hummed—this was actually a good idea. It will take almost four days for them to reach Drenovar if they travel on horses, and even if they only take a couple of hours of rest.
However, using the waterways would surely shorten the time since Drenovar was situated on the shore of the Ocean of Separation.
However, "Two problems," Austin began, "First, because I used WarpMail, I don't have funds to rent a Fireheart Vessel."
"I can give you the money!" Valerie instantly added, ushering Austin to pause and look at her.
Valerie's enthusiasm died as she slowly whispered, "I have got them through monster subjugation in the past. I have no use for that money, so please use it."
She became hesitant because she suddenly remembered something her mother told her a few years back,
'It hurts a man's ego to get help, especially financial help from their woman. So be very careful.'
She was anxious that she might have insulted him, but Austin suddenly chuckled, "I don't mind using your savings...but is that really okay?"
Valerie was momentarily stunned seeing him being nonchalant. But then, putting her Lord in the same category as the other men is truly blasphemous for her.
With a smile, she nodded, "Yes, there could be no greater purpose for using this money."
Austin smiled at the girl before a sigh soon seeped through his lips, "But there is one more problem."
Valerie raised her brows, urging Austin to add,
"The port from where we could take the Vessel and the whole city on the West is under the Union Council's control."
The Ocean of Separation separates the human world from the Demon's domain. That's why, the nearest city to that border was where the Council's headquarters was situated.
And if they spot Valerie there, they surely would investigate the matter, given an S-rank moving around between nations could never be good news.
Austin heaved a sigh, "We are already doing it covertly, but hiding from Council would be too difficult."
The duo turned silent and decided to make the decision after discussing it with Sebastian.
°°°°°°
A/N:- I hope you are liking their development. Drop a comment and let me know.