Chapter 116: Cultists and Monsters (1)
In the western part of the Grental territory lay Gallant Mountain, one of the branches of the Baracant Mountain Range.
Its rugged terrain and frequent monster appearances made it a place where humans rarely ventured beyond the established trade routes. Even the most daring hunters and hardened loggers avoided setting foot in these treacherous peaks. Yet, five individuals were making their way through the perilous mountain trails.
Among them were a dark-haired young man in a mage’s robe, a priest in his twenties clad in ceremonial garb, a pair of knights, male and female, in full plate armor, and a gray-haired young girl in light armor with a longsword strapped to her waist. This heavily armed group was Karnak and his companions. This time, they had brought Lapicel along as well.
As they walked, Alius leaned toward Serati and whispered, "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
This mission was no mere journey. They were pursuing an imperial noble suspected of heresy. It was definitely a dangerous task with unpredictable challenges. Until now, Lapicel had always been kept away from any battles. For some reason, however, Karnak had decided to include her this time.
"Isn’t this too dangerous for someone so young?" Alius pressed.
Serati responded calmly, "Lapicel is my apprentice. Someone walking the path of a warrior cannot stay in safe places forever."
Despite her reassurance, Alius’s expression remained troubled. "I understand that, but..."
Raising an apprentice was the mentor’s prerogative, and outsiders had no right to interfere. Knights often brought their squires along on missions, so technically, there was nothing improper about this decision. Yes, there was no issue in principle, but...
Hasn’t it been less than two months since she became your apprentice? How much swordsmanship could she possibly have learned in that time?
It wasn’t just concern for Lapicel’s safety. What if her inexperience became a liability and put the entire group in danger?
Serati’s response to such doubts was firm. "Her life and death are her own, and as her mentor, it is my responsibility to ensure. You don’t need to worry about it, Alius."