Chapter 190 – An Emergency Quest
Chapter 190
An Emergency Quest
Date : Day 2 of Frostfall 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
Ina's words landed like a bomb.
For a brief moment, Hyoren and Elise simply stood there in stunned silence. The cheerful atmosphere that had accompanied them all the way home vanished in an instant.
After several long seconds, Hyoren finally broke the silence.
"An emergency?"
He frowned slightly.
"What do you mean, Ina? Could you please explain?"
Elise took a step forward. A worried expression appeared on her face.
"Is it the Shadowden Collective? Is the Goblin King finally making its move?"
Hyoren's expression darkened.
The Goblin King deep within the Forest of No Return periodically commanded goblin armies to attack nearby settlements. Since Akela City stood closest to its territory, it was usually the first target whenever such an invasion occurred.
He immediately looked back at Ina.
"But… You said they wouldn't attack until spring. Even goblins are affected by the winter cold, aren't they?"
Ina slowly inhaled before letting out a steady breath.
"No..."
She gently shook her head.
"It's not the Goblin King. It's... a different matter."
Having regained some of her composure, the stiffness in her body gradually eased. Her tail, which had remained completely still, began swishing slowly behind her once again.
She looked at everyone in the room before speaking.
"Let's sit first. This is going to take a while."
Hyoren nodded.
"Alright."
Without another word, everyone headed toward the reception room, which had gradually become both their office and library.
As Hyoren and Elise reached the doorway, they instinctively slowed their steps.
They glanced at one another. His dark eyes met her emerald ones. Without speaking a single word—they both understood what the other was thinking.
It seems our plan is cancelled...
A helpless smile appeared on Hyoren's face. He gave a small shrug.
"Can't be helped."
Elise returned the same wry smile.
"It is an emergency, after all."
With that, the two of them followed Ina, Jackey, and Arianna into the reception room, where whatever urgent news awaited Freedom Party would finally be revealed.
Everyone settled onto the sofas a short while later. The atmosphere inside the reception room had become noticeably heavier.
Hyoren leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on his knees.
"So, Ina… Could you explain everything?"
Ina gave a slow nod.
"First of all… We received a missing person request about a month ago."
She folded her hands neatly on her lap.
"It came from a town near the western border of Akela Territory. Riverville Town."
At first, her expression remained calm.
"We believed it was just an ordinary missing person case. So we posted the request on the guild's quest board like any other."
A wry smile appeared on her face.
"But… Since almost every adventurer was focused on the dungeon… The quest was completely overlooked. We personally approached several parties as well. But most of them declined."
She lowered her gaze briefly.
"The town is quite far from Akela City. And the reward wasn't particularly attractive."
The room fell silent. Ina's amber eyes gradually turned serious again.
"But… Three weeks ago… We received another request from the same town. Another person had disappeared."
She continued quietly.
"Then another report arrived two weeks ago. And another one a week ago."
She took a slow breath.
"There has been one missing person... every single week."
Hyoren and Elise were unconsciously swallowed hard. But, neither of them interrupted. They silently waited for Ina to continue.
"Then… Just last night… Another letter arrived from the town mayor."
She clasped her hands more tightly.
"As the villagers began organizing their own defensive patrols to prevent another kidnapping… They spotted a group of dark-robed figures heading toward a nearby forest."
The room grew even quieter.
Ina inhaled before continuing.
"Guildmas made a decision. She suspects a cell of the Voided Covenant on Akela has become active."
Her gaze shifted toward Hyoren and Elise.
"Do you remember your mission to Stonewell Village a few months back?"
Hyoren immediately nodded.
"Yeah… We discovered the truth behind the disappearance of that entire village. It was the result of a Voided Covenant ritual three years ago. The Curse of Nightmare."
The memories resurfaced one after another.
The lingering traces of cursed ritual magic engraved into a massive runic array. The suffocating atmosphere inside the basement. The three corpses—the three innocent girls were used as fuel and sacrifices for the ritual.
And finally, the journal left behind by the culprit. The written record that revealed what had truly happened in Stonewell Village.
Hyoren's expression gradually hardened.
"Those heretics of Noctynara..."
His voice carried a trace of disgust.
"Are they planning to conduct human experiments again?"
Beside him, Elise's expression also darkened.
"The person responsible for the incident three years ago was never identified."
She frowned.
"Could it be… The same people are preparing another ritual?"
Arianna, who had remained silent until now, shifted slightly in her seat.
"It is still uncertain, Leader... Mentor…"
She spoke in her usual composed manner.
"Earlier today, I met with my esteemed father and mother. They discussed this matter as well."
She gently shook her head.
"They still lack definitive proof that the Voided Covenant is truly behind these recent disappearances."
She offered a faint, restrained smile.
"Because so many adventurers have been occupied with the dungeon… My esteemed father has been forced to deploy most of Akela's knights to patrol the Forest of No Return in place of the adventurers."
She clasped her hands above her thighs.
"As a result… He simply doesn't have enough manpower left to properly investigate Riverville Town."
Her light blue eyes met Hyoren's dark ones.
"However… My esteemed father and mother both believe the Voided Covenant is the most likely culprit. Their methods… They are far too similar."
Hyoren slowly nodded in understanding.
"I see..."
He let out a quiet breath.
"The similarities are uncanny indeed.”
Hyoren fell into deep thought.
As someone who felt a connection towards Noctynara. And as the bearer of her divine protection. He felt nothing but disgust toward the heretics who stained the name of the Goddess of Darkness with their twisted deeds.
Especially after witnessing the horror that had unfolded in Stonewell Village. He had already sworn to himself that destroying the Voided Covenant would become one of his life's goals.
However, there was still one part of Ina's explanation that didn't quite make sense to him.
He raised his head and looked at her.
"I understand the situation. It really is serious. We have no idea what the Voided Covenant is planning in Riverville Town. But one thing is certain. They're definitely up to no good."
He furrowed his brows.
"But… Why the urgency? Why is this considered an emergency? From what you told us, the villagers have already organized their own militia to prevent further kidnappings, right?"
He folded his arms.
"Couldn't Baron Akela simply recall a few knights from the Forest of No Return and dispatch them to Riverville Town instead?"
Elise nodded beside him, her silver hair swaying gently with the movement.
"Hyoren is right. It shouldn't take weeks to organize that. So I don't really understand why our help is necessary when Akela's knights should be capable of handling the situation."
Ina smiled wryly.
Instead of answering immediately, she briefly glanced toward Arianna. The young noblewoman understood the silent cue and gave a small nod before speaking.
"The answer is quite simple, Leader... Mentor..."
She gently tucked a loose strand of her crimson hair behind her ear.
"It's a matter of logistics."
Her composed expression became more serious.
"We simply don't have the luxury of waiting days. Much less weeks. If we do… The situation in Riverville Town could become far worse."
She continued calmly.
"Even with the fastest messenger available… It would still take at least ten to twelve days for my esteemed father's knights to reach the town. They would first need to receive the recall order… Return from the Forest of No Return… Rest and replenish their supplies… And only then could they begin the journey toward Riverville Town."
Hyoren crossed his arms as he considered her explanation.
"Yeah… I know it can't happen instantly… But… If the villagers are already protecting themselves… I don't think delaying things by another couple of weeks would be that much of a problem."
Ina slowly shook her head. Her brown hair swayed lightly from side to side.
"No, Hyoren."
Her expression turned grave once more.
"If we wait… If we don't depart tomorrow..."
She met both Hyoren's and Elise's eyes.
"It will already be too late."
Hyoren and Elise slowly widened their eyes.
He knitted his brows.
"But… Why? Please explain."
Ina folded her arms across her chest.
"Because once the snow arrives… Riverville Town will become isolated for the rest of winter."
Her expression turned solemn.
"If that happens, we won't be able to provide any meaningful help for two months."
She slowly shook her head.
"And during those two months… We have no idea what the Voided Covenant might do."
Arianna nodded before continuing the explanation.
"Leader… Riverville Town is rather unique."
She gestured lightly with her hands as if outlining a map.
"It serves as the central hub for the surrounding logging and fishing villages. So, it has quite a large population."
She shifted slightly in her seat.
"But what truly makes Riverville Town special… is its location. The Akela River cuts straight through the middle of the Greyveil Marsh. And the town was built along its banks, in the middle of that marsh."
Her light blue eyes became more serious.
"The only reliable way to reach the town is by ship. The marsh itself is far too dangerous to cross on foot. Outside the winter season, some path is still traversable. "
She shook her head, her crimson hair swayed slightly.
“But when snow comes, the fog will be too heavy. It will be too dangerous…”
Ina leaned forward and continued the explanation.
"And because Riverville Town lies in the southwestern part of Akela Territory… The winters there are considerably harsher than around Akela City."
She clasped her hands together.
"Once the first snowfall arrives… The river gradually freezes over. Ships become difficult… if not impossible… to operate."
She paused briefly before delivering the conclusion.
"And when that happens… Riverville Town is effectively cut off from Akela City for the remainder of winter.”
Satisfied that he finally understood the situation, Hyoren gave a slow nod.
Ina continued her explanation.
"Outside of winter, before the river freezes, Riverville Town is actually quite accessible."
A faint smile appeared on her face.
"The fish and freshwater prawns from the nearby fishing villages are famous throughout Akela Territory. And the timber harvested from the surrounding logging forests is transported there as well."
She folded her hands on her lap.
"With an ordinary ferry, the journey from Akela City only takes around four to five hours."
Her smile gradually faded.
"But once winter arrives… The river is frozen… The fog covering the Greyveil Marsh becomes much denser, making it impossible to cross the marsh."
She slowly shook her head.
"Riverville will become isolated."
Hyoren nodded in understanding. Now the urgency finally made sense.
He glanced toward Elise, who had fallen into deep thought. Then toward Arianna, whose composed expression remained unchanged despite the seriousness of the discussion. His gaze shifted to Ina, whose concern was plainly visible.
Finally, he looked at Jackey.
The Cat-clan Beastkin was listening quietly. Whether he fully understood the logistical discussion or not. Hyoren couldn't quite tell.
His gaze returned to Ina.
"I see. Now I understand why this is an emergency."
He thought aloud.
"The first snowfall should arrive around the seventh of Frostfall… Or the ninth at the latest. Today is only the second."
He slowly pieced everything together.
"If we only have a few days between the first snowfall and the river freezing over… Then… We have, at most… Ten days. Or even less.
He looked around.
“To reach Riverville Town… Resolve whatever is happening there… And return."
Ina nodded. Her cat ears twitched once.
"Exactly, Hyoren."
Hyoren closed his eyes for a brief moment.
His mind rapidly calculated everything. The travel time. The supplies they would need. The possibility of confronting the Voided Covenant. The dangers awaiting them. And, the innocent villagers whose lives were already under threat.
When he opened his eyes again, he looked at Ina.
"I understand. But tell me one more thing. There isn't another party available to take this quest?"
Ina smiled helplessly.
"Freedom Party is the strongest party in Akela City now. As for the other bronze-rank parties… Jigor's, Hilde's, and Fits's parties… The timing couldn't be worse. They entered the dungeon yesterday. And Ronald's Party was also out of the City since last month."
Her cat ears twitched.
"So after discussing it… We concluded that Freedom Party is the only party capable of accepting this request."
She leaned back against the sofa.
"Guildmas also told me to make one thing clear. This quest is not mandatory. If your party chooses to decline it… She'll understand. She doesn't want to put too much pressure on Freedom Party."
Hyoren slowly nodded.
"So… We're not being forced."
He became quiet for a moment before smiling faintly.
"But… I don't think I want to refuse either."
His expression gradually hardened.
"I still have unfinished business with the Voided Covenant. I want to destroy their Akela cell once and for all."
He turned toward Arianna. The daughter of Baron Akela met his gaze and smiled.
"I want to help my esteemed parents protect their people, Leader."
Hyoren nodded before looking toward Jackey. Jackey immediately flexed both arms.
"Saving people? Let's go!"
He smirked.
"And I want to eat fish too! HAHA!"
Hyoren couldn't help smiling wryly.
It seemed Jackey had listened to the discussion after all. Even if his contribution was slightly different from everyone else's.
Finally, Hyoren turned toward Elise. She simply gave a firm nod.
"After seeing what happened at Stonewell Village with you, Hyoren… I also believe the Voided Covenant must be eradicated."
Hyoren quietly steeled his resolve.
"Good. Then everyone agrees."
He looked back at Ina.
"Alright. We'll accept this quest. We're going to root out whatever threatens Akela Territory."
Ina smiled before raising a finger.
"But… It's still not guaranteed to be the Voided Covenant. It might be just bandits… "
For a brief moment. Everyone fell silent. Then laughter filled the room.
Hyoren shook his head with a smile.
"You're right. But even if it just normal bandits… Saving people is never a bad thing."
Jackey bobbed his head enthusiastically.
"Yes, Big Bro! Saving people feels good!"
Laughter echoed through the room once more.
The heavy atmosphere that had filled the mansion earlier gradually became lighter.
Hyoren clapped his hands once, drawing everyone's attention.
"Alright. Since none of us wants to end up trapped in Riverville Town for two months… We'll move quickly. We leave tomorrow at dawn"
He nodded.
"We'll search for the missing people first. Investigate whether the Voided Covenant is truly involved. And if it really is them..."
His eyes sharpened.
"We'll deal with them."
A confident smirk spread across his face.
"We'll try to return before the tenth. Besides avoiding the frozen river… We don't want to miss the festival. Right?"
Elise tucked a strand of her silver hair behind her pointed ear.
"Fufufu… That's true. The Snow Festival is far too wonderful to miss."
Arianna nodded in agreement, her crimson hair swaying gently.
"Indeed, Leader. We still have seven days. That should be more than enough time to complete the investigation."
Ina leaned forward again.
"And don't worry. Guildmas said the barony will provide an additional reward on top of the guild reward. She also said all necessary supplies will be prepared for the expedition."
A mischievous glint appeared in her amber eyes.
"And… I'll be coming with all of you as the guild's field staff. Nyahaha."
Hyoren blinked in surprise.
Ina was the Vice Guild Master.
Although she had once regularly worked as a field staff member—accompanying adventurer parties, scouting dungeons, and handling field operations—he had assumed she had long since stopped doing that.
"Huh? Ina? Really? Is that alright?"
Ina's amber eyes sparkled with amusement. She grinned.
"I'll leave the paperwork to Guildmas! Think of this as my revenge for last time.”
She giggled.
“I want to accompany you all too. It's been a while since we've gone outside together. Right?"
Hyoren smiled wryly.
He immediately knew what she meant. Five days. That was how long Guild Master Fiona had disappeared while desperately trying to persuade Arianna not to become an adventurer.
In the end, it had all been for nothing. Arianna still joined Freedom Party. Meanwhile, every bit of guild paperwork had landed squarely on Ina's desk.
Remembering those days, Hyoren could only chuckle.
"I'd be happy to have you with us. It really has been a long time."
Elise and Arianna both smiled and nodded in agreement.
Jackey suddenly jumped to his feet and threw both fists into the air.
"YES! Big Sis is coming too! This is a holiday!"
Ina immediately smacked her brother.
"Stupid brother. It's not a holiday. It's a dangerous mission!"
That only made everyone laugh even harder.
With the matter settled, Freedom Party retired for the night. They enjoyed dinner together as usual before each member headed to their own room to rest.
Tomorrow would be another long day.
***
At dawn on the 3rd of Frostfall, everyone gathered on the front porch of Wyvern Street Manor. The chilly winter air greeted them, while the pale light of silver sun streaked on the horizon.
Hyoren looked around at his companions before giving a satisfied nod.
He was still wearing his usual tunic. His Mithril-alloy Chainmail and Steel Kite Shield were still being repaired by Borin, so they would need to collect them before leaving Akela City.
After making sure everyone had assembled, he smiled.
"Everyone. Ready?"
Elise was the first to answer.
She had already donned her Aerostag Armor beneath her cloak. Around her neck, Sylvana's Lavalier softly clinked as she moved. Her silver hair had been tied into a practical ponytail, while her Moonveil Bow remained safely stored inside her storage bag until it was needed.
She smiled confidently.
"Ready anytime, Hyoren."
Hyoren nodded before turning toward his second lover.
Ina.
The Cat-clan Beastkin Vice Guild Master who had decided to accompany them on this mission. She wore clothing similar to her usual guild uniform.
However, this version was clearly designed for fieldwork. The sturdier fabric and reinforced stitching immediately distinguished it from the attire she normally wore behind the reception desk. A similar cloak rested over her shoulders.
She casually brushed a strand of her brown hair behind one ear. When Hyoren had first met her, her hair had been cut short. Now it had grown to shoulder length after she decided to let it grow out.
She smiled with quiet confidence.
"Leave the bureaucracy to me. I'll handle the discussions with the town mayor."
Hyoren nodded appreciatively before looking toward Ina's younger brother.
Jackey.
The Cat-clan Beastkin tabby tail was already spiraling energetically behind him. Despite the early hour, he looked completely awake.
His Illusion Viper armor was already worn beneath his cloak, ready for battle at a moment's notice.
He grinned from ear to ear.
"Ready to save people, Big Bro!"
Hyoren chuckled before shifting his gaze to their newest party member.
Arianna.
The young noblewoman stood with her usual graceful posture.
She wore her elegant deep purple robe, trimmed with white lining that gave it an air of refinement. A matching wide-brimmed hat rested neatly atop her red hair.
The robe remained open at the front, revealing the fitted leotard-like underrobe beneath. Its open-shoulder design left both shoulders exposed, while black stockings covered her legs all the way to her hips.
Compared to everyone else—her outfit hardly looked suitable for winter. She wasn't even wearing a cloak.
Arianna calmly adjusted the brim of her hat.
"I'm ready, Leader."
Hyoren smiled wryly.
"Aren't you cold, Arianna?"
She returned a small, reassuring smile.
"Please don't worry. Although it appears rather thin, the temperature-control rune woven into my clothing is functioning perfectly. I don't feel cold in the slightest."
Hyoren was still somewhat unconvinced.
Even so, if the genius mage herself said it was fine, there was little reason for him to question her further.
Finally, he turned toward the mother-and-daughter Fox-clan Beastkin who would be looking after the manor during their absence. Lena and Vina—their dependable caretakers.
"Alright. We probably won't be away for too long. But… We'll be leaving the house in your hands again."
Lena bowed respectfully.
"Leave the manor to us, Master Hyoren. We'll take good care of it."
Beside her, Vina nodded enthusiastically.
"Leave it to us! We'll make the whole place spotless while you all go save people!"
Hyoren smiled warmly before giving one last nod to everyone.
"Alright then. Let's go."
Without another word, the members of Freedom Party stepped away from Wyvern Street Manor one after another. Under the cold winter sky, they began walking toward their next destination.
A new quest awaited them. The investigation into the mysterious kidnapping cases surrounding Riverville Town.
***
After retrieving his repaired Steel Kite Shield and Mithril-alloy Chainmail from Grit & Gear Arms, Hyoren and the others continued their journey.
Leaving the blacksmith shop behind, they passed through Akela City's bustling Adventurer's District.
Street vendors enthusiastically called out to passing adventurers, advertising freshly grilled skewers, travel rations, potions, spare equipment, and countless other goods. But none of it managed to slow Freedom Party's pace. They simply weaved through the crowds before heading farther south toward Administrative’s District.
The atmosphere gradually became quieter. The lively chatter of adventurers gave way to disciplined order.
They passed the knights' barracks, where the rhythmic sounds of morning drills echoed beyond the stone walls. The clang of wooden practice weapons striking one another carried through the crisp winter air.
Farther ahead stood several elegant mansions belonging to Akela's minor noble families, each surrounded by carefully maintained gardens despite the approaching winter.
Hyoren turned toward Ina.
"Ina. What ship are we going to use to reach Riverville Town?"
Walking beside him, Ina nodded. Her cat tail swayed lazily behind her.
"There is always a scheduled ship that travels along the Akela River."
Arianna, who was walking nearby, continued the explanation without slowing her steps.
"There are quite a few of those ships, Leader. I believe Akela has three scheduled ones. One in the morning. One at noon. And one in the afternoon."
She looked ahead as they continued walking.
"They transport people between the towns and villages along the Akela River within Akela Territory."
Hyoren nodded.
"I see."
Ina, however, leaned forward slightly with a mischievous smile.
"But… We won't be using one of those ships today."
Hyoren raised an eyebrow.
"Huh? Then what ship are we going to use?"
He looked at her curiously.
"Don't tell me we're buying one. Or… You actually own a ship yourself, Ina?"
Ina burst into laughter.
"Nyahaha. Of course not."
Her cat ears twitched playfully.
"It's the Adventurer's Guild's ship. We're going to use it today."
She clasped both hands behind her back.
"It's much faster than the scheduled ships. And unlike them, it doesn't stop at every settlement along the river. So we'll be able to cut down our travel time considerably."
Hyoren nodded in understanding.
"I see. That's good then.”
They continued toward the south, and eventually, the quiet streets opened into a slightly busier area. The river harbor. The southern edge of Akela City met the broad Akela River here.
The harbor itself wasn't particularly large. Rather than a major port, it primarily served as a docking point for river traffic traveling throughout Akela Territory.
Several cargo ships rested quietly alongside the wooden piers. Others slowly departed. Most carried neatly stacked timber harvested from the surrounding logging settlements. Others were loaded with crates and assorted cargo hidden beneath thick canvas sheets.
Nearby, a sturdy wooden crane creaked rhythmically as dock workers hauled heavy cargo between ships. Shouted instructions mixed with the splashing of water and the groaning of ropes under tension, creating the familiar sounds of a working harbor.
On both sides of the river stood tall stone towers built against Akela City's southern walls.
Each rose roughly ten to fifteen meters into the air. Serving as observation posts, they guarded the city's southern approach while allowing the knights to keep watch over traffic entering through the river.
Hyoren's gaze unconsciously drifted toward one of those towers.
That tower…
His face immediately warmed. That tower was one of Ina's favorite places. And once, the two of them had shared an unforgettable private moment atop it.
We did that in broad daylight… on top of that…
The memory surfaced so suddenly that Hyoren instinctively coughed into his fist. He quickly forced his expression back to normal before anyone noticed the faint blush creeping across his face.
Fortunately—no one seemed to have realized what had crossed his mind. Silently relieved, he turned his attention back toward the harbor.
As Freedom Party drew closer to the docks, Hyoren studied the vessels moored along the piers.
Most were cargo ships transporting goods throughout Akela Territory. However, among them were also a handful of passenger boats, quietly waiting for their next departure.
***
They soon reached the wooden docks. This section of the harbor was lined with rows upon rows of passenger ships moored neatly along the piers.
Nearby stood a modest ticket booth for the Akela Ferry Service. A middle-aged attendant sat behind the counter, selling tickets to waiting passengers. Several people had already formed an orderly queue, patiently waiting for their turn.
Hyoren's gaze wandered across the ships docked along the river.
The nearest one immediately caught his attention. It was considerably larger than the others. Roughly twenty-five to thirty meters in length, its hull was painted a muted gray. The words Akela Ferry Service were boldly painted along its side.
From a single glance, Hyoren could tell it had been built to transport both passengers and cargo. Its spacious first deck was large enough to accommodate several horse-drawn carriages. Meanwhile, the second deck was reserved for passengers.
Farther along the docks were various privately owned ships, as well as ships belonging to different organizations. Among them was the Adventurer's Guild's ship.
Ina took the lead.
"Come over here."
Everyone followed after her.
Their footsteps echoed softly across the wooden dock while the gentle waves of the Akela River lapped against the supporting pillars below. The farther they walked, the fewer people there were. Eventually, they reached the very end of the dock.
Moored there was a sleek-looking ship.
Compared to the large ferry ships, this one was much smaller. It measured roughly fifteen meters in length. It wasn't built to carry cargos. Only passengers. Its hull was painted a rich brown, while elegant white lettering near the bow displayed its name—The Sailer.
Ina gestured toward it with a smile.
"Here. This is the Adventurer's Guild's ship."
As soon as they approached, a man stepped off the ship onto the dock.
He was a towering, tanned man with a broad, muscular build. His white sailor's uniform strained around his thick chest and powerful arms, making it obvious that years of physical labor had shaped his physique.
A sailor's hat rested neatly atop his head. Seeing Ina, he removed it slightly before giving a respectful bow.
"Welcome aboard The Sailer. I'm Holley Tirv. I'll be your ferryman."
He then bowed once more toward Ina.
"Mistress Ina."
Ina immediately waved one hand dismissively.
"No need for such formalities, Holley. You've already been briefed, right?"
Holley nodded confidently.
"Certainly. I'll get everyone to Riverville Town as quickly as this ship can."
Ina smiled, clearly satisfied with the answer.
While Ina continued speaking with the ferryman, Hyoren and Arianna waited quietly nearby. Elise also stood patiently, although her emerald eyes wandered curiously around the harbor and the ship.
Jackey, on the other hand—had already dashed toward The Sailer the moment they arrived.
"Woah! It looks awesome, Big Bro!"
He enthusiastically patted the side of the ship.
"It's sturdy too!"
His excitement immediately drew amused smiles from everyone.
Ina gestured toward the ship.
"Let's board and depart, everyone."
Hyoren nodded.
"That's right. The sooner we leave… The sooner we'll arrive at Riverville Town."
One by one, everyone stepped aboard The Sailer. The boarding plank creaked softly beneath their footsteps. Ina boarded first, followed by Elise, Arianna, and Jackey.
Hyoren was the last to step aboard.
Instead of following immediately, he remained standing on the dock for a few more moments, quietly observing the ship.
Something about it caught his attention.
It didn't have any sails… And no mast…
The center of the ship was occupied by a fully covered passenger cabin, while the stern contained only the ferryman's station for steering.
His eyes wandered toward both sides of the hull.
There were no paddle wheels either…
He furrowed his brows.
And since there was only a single ferryman aboard… There was no way the ship was propelled by oars either…
As Hyoren stepped onto the boarding plank, another thought crossed his mind. He glanced toward the stern once more.
No propeller either…
He looked at the downstream again, his mind went into deep thought.
If the ship is traveling downstream, perhaps it can simply follow the river's current… But… What about the journey back upstream later…?
Curious, his gaze shifted toward the other ships navigating the Akela River. Cargo ships. Passenger ships.
Despite the size and use difference. They all shared the same design. No sails. No oars. No paddle wheels. No propellers. No visible means of propulsion.
Hyoren quietly frowned.
Interesting...
After another brief glance, he shook his head.
No need to overthink it right now… I'll ask about it later…
He finally stepped aboard The Sailer and turned his attention forward.
For now, his priority was reaching Riverville Town as quickly as possible. Only then could they uncover the truth behind the mysterious kidnappings.
Was the culprit truly the Voided Covenant, or merely a group of bandits? Perhaps even slavers? And if it really was the heretics, what kind of ritual were they preparing this time?
The Curse of Nightmare ritual they had uncovered in Stonewell Village had already shown him horrors he wished he could forget.
Hyoren couldn't help wondering—what awaited Freedom Party in Riverville Town this time.