From Real to Realm

With her last-minute shopping done, it was time for Val to meet up for the escort.

“Can I see you off?” Lynesia asked, looking up at Val.

Val nodded, smiling. “Of course you can.”

Since they were leaving the pop-up market outside the dungeon, it wouldn’t take long to reach the guild. Only a handful of adventurers were already up and heading to the dungeon this early.

“Why aren’t we using the Floor Gate to reach Floor 5?”

Val glanced over at the group of adventurers walking toward them.

“Because the Ashen King was taken out recently. He shouldn’t reappear for another day or so,” said the tall man following from the back of the group.

“Who knows what might’ve been missed on the way down,” said the shorter girl walking near the middle of the group. “Maybe we’ll find something good on the way.”

Lynesia raised an eyebrow, glancing up at Val. “Who’s the Ashen King?”

Val was also confused. “If it has a name and is in the dungeon…” Val gulped. “I’d be willing to bet it’s a boss of some kind.”

Lynesia’s pace slowed slightly. “Val… does that mean?”

Val squeezed her girlfriend a little tighter. “I won’t fight anything I don’t feel prepared for. I don’t want to put anyone through that again.”

Silence settled on the two of them as the group walked past. There were seven people in varying types of gear.

Maybe one day I’ll have a group like that.

A few minutes later, they were approaching the corner of the large wrought-iron gate that surrounded the guildhall. As soon as they rounded the corner, they noticed three wagons with horses sitting out front.

“Is that for you?” Lynesia asked, arms squeezing a little tighter.

Val shrugged. “I have no clue. I know we are escorting a supply caravan of sorts.”

Lynesia nodded. “That’s probably for you then.”

They continued to walk forward.

“Once the final person arrives, we’ll set off at once.”

A portly, wide-shouldered man in commoner clothing was speaking with four people at the front gate. It didn’t take long for Val to recognize those bunny ears from afar.

“There she is!” Amarisse said, pointing. “I told you she wouldn’t skip out on us.”

The portly man turned around. “Well, I’m glad we didn’t need to grab someone at random to fill your spot.” He extended his hand. “I am Sturman. I’ll be the one guiding the wagons.”

Val shook his hand. “I’m Valnarei, but you can all call me Val.”

The other adventurers gave a gentle bow of their heads while giving their names.

“I’m Weyland, Iron 3rd Class.”

Weyland was tall, very tall. Val guessed he was easily 6’ 6”. He wasn’t very built, a bit on the lanky side, but she could see the toned muscle when he moved his arms. His hair was dirty blonde and unkempt. The bow strapped to his back, along with the light leather armor and green cloak, gave away his class type immediately.

“Nice to meet you,” Val replied, smiling.

“Good to see someone with a bit more muscle than these two,” said a very well-built light green humanoid. “I’m Thais, Iron 5th Class.” He extended his hand.

Val immediately shook it and was shocked at how vice-like it was.

Thais was a half-orc by all standards. Val had seen a handful of Orcs throughout Phylandair, but none with skin as light as his. Not to mention, he looked much more human compared to the other Orcs. He did have one tooth peeking from beneath his lips, though. He was slightly shorter than her but built like a bodybuilder. His choice of armor lacked sleeves, revealing the muscle beneath his skin and scars that decorated them. On his back was a double-headed war axe that looked extremely well cared for.

“Muscle isn’t everything, Thais.”

Stepping up next was someone around the same height as Lynesia.

“I’m glad to see someone who at least shares elven heritage,” she said, bowing lightly. “I’m Cera, it’s nice to meet you, Valnarei.”

Cera was thin, lacking much in the chest, but more below. There was something there, but her outfit didn’t show anything off. She had long black hair that reached midway down her back, with the tip of her ears poking through. Her outfit was a bit more unique compared to what Val was used to seeing. The white top matched what she’d consider a dress, with a high slit running up to her right hip. However, beneath the dress Cera was wearing tights that almost looked like leggings to Val. Cera had a tome on her left hip, held in place by a harness. However, on her right thigh was a strap with a small dagger in a sheath.

“I’ve already introduced myself,” Amarisse said, stepping forward. “Val and I have been together for a while, so we’re well acquainted.”

Weyland raised an eyebrow. “A duo? Don’t run into many duos.”

Val shrugged. “Hopefully, we won’t be a duo forever. We’re always on the lookout for anyone willing to join up more permanently.”

At the mention of that, Val almost swore she saw Cera’s ear twitch in interest.

“Let me introduce you to the other drivers for this trip,” Sturman suggested, motioning toward the other men. “This is Orion, Ainz, and William. I will be the caravan’s lead driver. Orion will drive the second wagon with Ainz bringing up the rear. William will ride with Orion on the second wagon; he’s here to fill in if one of us gets hurt, sick, or just needs a break.”

Each man gave a bow of their heads.

“We’re grateful for your protection,” Ainz said, smiling. “Please, let us know if you need anything while we’re traveling.”

It was heartening to hear such an open offer of assistance. Val didn’t really have any clue what to expect with this job. For all she knew, the drivers with the Concord could’ve been total hard-asses. However, it looked like that wasn’t going to be an issue.

“We can discuss the plan once we start moving through the city,” Sturman said, walking to his wagon. “Does everyone here have what they need? No going back once we’re on the open road.”

Orion, Ainz, and William all returned to their wagons as well. Each of them started doing final checks, writing on something akin to a clipboard.

As for Val and her temporary party, they just shared confirming looks.

Weyland stepped forward. “As soon as you’re ready, so are we.”

Lynesia grabbed Val’s hand and pulled her to the side. “Promise you’ll be careful.”

Val nodded, pressing her forehead to Lynesia’s. “I will.”

“Come home to me,” Lynesia whispered, fingers clinging to the belt around Val’s waist.

“I will,” Val said, lifting Lynesia’s chin to share a deep, loving kiss.

When their lips separated, Lynesia looked into Val’s eyes. “I love you, Valnarei.”

Val smiled. “And I love you, Lynesia.”

After another soft kiss, Val started walking over toward the group. Weyland and Cera were blushing slightly after possibly catching a glimpse of what just happened. Thais and Amarisse didn’t seem bothered in the slightest.

“Alright, now I want to go over the formation for the escort,” Weyland said, bringing out a roll of paper.

He unrolled it showing a drawing of three wagons with a few x’s in different spots.

“I will be with the lead wagon. I’ve got a passive that assists with tracking movement. Does anyone else have a passive that does the same?” His eyes roamed over the group. “Alright, why don’t we each explain our classes? I’m a Level Eleven Marksman, Skirmisher Archetype.”

Thais grinned big. “I’m a Level Six Breaker.”

Amarisse chuckled. “I’m a Level One Tank.”

“Level Four Channeler,” Cera said softly.

“I’m a Level One Hybrid,” Val said, looking up.

Weyland winced a little bit but stayed quiet. After a handful of seconds, he finally spoke. “I wasn’t expecting two Level Ones. Have you at least been in the dungeon?”

Both Amarisse and Val nodded.

“We’ve both been down twice,” Amarisse said, tilting her head to the side.

Val nodded. “We’ve spent the last week training as well.”

Weyland sighed. “No offense meant, it’s just not what I was expecting. I guess they let you both sign on since Thais and I are both Iron rank.”

Val shrugged. “Probably.”

Weyland studied the paper for a few more seconds, then spoke up. “Alright, like I said, I’ll be the lead. Amarisse, I want you up front with me. If something comes at us, I’ll need you to take aggro long enough for the rest of us to move up to support.”

Amarisse nodded. “Understood.”

“Cera, I want you in the middle, with the second wagon. From there, you should be able to respond with healing equally regardless of where it comes from. If the attack originates from the middle, you move to the front. Amarisse, as the Tank, will prioritize protecting you from direct attacks.”

“Okay.”

“Val and Thais will bring up the rear of the caravan. In the event the attack originates from the rear, Val is to act as a temp Tank. Thais, you support her as best you can to avoid getting overrun before we can fall back to you.”

“Leave it to me,” Thais said, punching his palm.

Val nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

Weyland nodded, rolling up the paper. “Last thing. On the off chance we run into a situation where we get hit from multiple sides, your goal is to protect life before product, understood?”

Everyone shared varying glances.

“I know we are supposed to protect the Concord’s goods, but I refuse to have anyone sacrifice themselves for materials while I’m in charge. I will answer to the Concord alone if such a situation comes to pass, okay?”

Slowly, everyone nodded, not willing to argue the point.

Weyland smiled. “Good, now let’s not linger on such a thought. I’m eager to see the plains again.”

As a group, they turned around walking toward the wagons.

“Everyone ready?” Sturman asked.

“As ready as we’ll ever be,” Weyland said, stepping next to the lead wagon.

“Good,” Sturman said, smiling. “A few more things before we go. I’m assuming everyone here knows how to whistle?” After getting his confirmation, he continued. “One whistle means be on guard, two whistles means stop the caravan, three whistles means incoming attack. Everyone understand?”

Once more, he waited for confirmations.

“Alright, excellent. We’ll be pushing to the border checkpoint and a little beyond that today. If you need a piss break or something, just let us know. We won’t be camping until nightfall. Don’t be afraid to ride with the wagons or walk.”

Sturman climbed onto his wagon, then turned around. “Almost forgot a couple of things. While we’re riding along, I’ll control the pace and make decisions. If we’re forced into a fight, I’ll defer to Weyland. Last, but not least, if a wagon breaks a wheel or axle or whatever, we pull off the side of the road and circle up.”

With that, he settled into his seat while everyone moved to their positions. William offered Cera a hand to help her up onto the bench next to him. Thais climbed up to sit down next to Ainz on the third wagon while Val made her way to the back. She climbed up, sitting on the edge with her legs hanging off.

After a few muffled yells, she heard the snap of the reins, and soon enough her cart lurched forward. It didn’t take long for the slight echo of hoofs against stone to reach her ears. Val blew Lynesia a kiss as soon as they began to move beyond the guildhall. Lynesia returned the gesture, refusing to move as she watched Val.

It wasn’t long before the wagons turned onto one of the main roads leading through the center of Phylandair. From there, it was a straight shot to one of the main gates.

“Hey, Val,” Thais called from the front of their wagon.

“Yeah?”

“Why not sit up here with us?”

Val originally sat on the back of their wagon so she could blow Lynesia a kiss goodbye. Now that she’d done that, it didn’t make much sense to sit back there anymore.

“Give me a second,” she said, hopping out and jogging along the side.

When she reached where the handle and step up for the front bench were, she grabbed hold and jumped up.

“There ya go!” Thais said, grabbing her free arm to help. “Nice of ya to join us.”

Val chuckled.

“I thought maybe you were just shy,” Ainz said, reins in hand. “Not that that would be a bad thing.”

Val shook her head. “I just wanted to wave goodbye is all.”

Thais elbowed her side. “Probably hard to say goodbye for almost a week.”

“Yeah, it was.”

Things got quiet for a moment, then Ainz spoke up. “Do you have multiple partners, Valnarei?”

Val tilted her head, looking at the man, confused.

Ainz immediately blushed. “Sorry! I don’t mean to pry. I just know it’s a bit more common for Elves to have multiple partners, with their longer lifespans and all.”

Thais nodded along. “I’ve also heard the same.”

This was news to Val. Currently, her only chosen partner was Lynesia. Mina was another potential partner, but that was shelved for more than obvious reasons.

Do I want more than one partner?

The idea of multiple partners didn’t sound bad per se. However, would it be fair to Lynesia? Could Val even handle another partner? What about two more?

“I don’t have more than one partner. I honestly haven’t considered additional partners, but I can’t say I’m opposed. Just not something I take lightly.”

Ainz nodded.

“Sounds to me like you’ve got a good head on your shoulders,” Thais said, arms crossed with a big grin. “I like you already.”

Val chuckled. “I think we’ll get along really well, Thais.”

The half-orc smirked. “Oh, you bet your ass we will.”

Things quieted down as the caravan made its way through the streets. Multiple people stepped to the side to allow the wagons through the main street. Some people would stare at them as they passed by, while others would point and chat away. Considering this was a routine trade escort, it was likely others were beginning to discuss what Edmur would be sending back to Phylandair.

“Have you or the other drivers done this before?” Val asked.

Ainz nodded. “The Concord prefers the usual people each time. We’re one of five groups they send to Edmur for these routine trades.”

“Why five groups?”

Ainz shrugged. “It depends. Sometimes we take on other jobs for the Concord, or maybe someone’s sick. If you have one group who does it, then you’re just asking for issues to arise.”

“Makes sense,” Thais said. “Kinda like how the guild has multiple designated kill squads, but not just one. You never know when you might need them, so you don’t want to just rely on one.”

Val nodded along. It did make sense. Ultimately, the quest was more to put her at ease. Nervousness was beginning to bubble up since this was her first time leaving the city. Knowing the drivers knew the route and were familiar with the job helped a lot.

It wasn’t much longer before Ainz spoke up again.

“There’s the gate not far ahead. Make sure you have your badge with you. They’ll check it so they can notarize you’re leaving the city.”

Val chuckled softly. “Is it that easy to tell I’m brand-new to this?”

Ainz smiled softly. “That’s not a bad thing. Just be open to feedback and listen to the veterans, and you’ll get through just fine.”

The same cobblestone road continued through the massive gate ahead. On either side of the gate were huge towers that cast long shadows along the ground. Val could see flags waving in the wind and plenty of soldiers walking along the edges of both the towers and walls, going in either direction.

On the right side of the road were multiple people walking. Some had large packs on, some were barely carrying anything. There were even a few people riding horses with packs. No one stopped them on their way out of the gate, but guards were standing nearby watching each person carefully.

Slowly, the two wagons ahead of them came to a stop, and a few guards approached the lead wagon. Val couldn’t hear what was said, but watched as Sturman handed over a paper. The guard on the right side of the wagons took Amarisse and Weyland’s badges. The other guard with him was writing on his clipboard as the guard with the badges spoke.

The guard who spoke to Sturman moved around the cart, eying it before climbing up in the back. He didn’t move anything or open any containers, but he did poke and prod in the gaps between everything.

This process was repeated for the middle wagon. Papers, badges, and names were taken, written down, and returned. A brief examination of the wagon and the back was done, then the guards moved on.

“Papers,” the guard on the left said.

Ainz already had his ready, handing them over readily.

The guard on the right held out his hand. “Badges.”

Thais handed his to Val, then she handed both to the guard.

She watched as the guard took out a small monocle. After a few spoken words, it glowed slightly, and the guard started speaking.

“Thais Belham, Iron 5th Class, Level Six, No Chapter Affiliation, Breaker Class, No Archetype.”

The second guard scribbled rapidly.

“Valnarei Rose Strouss, Bronze 5th Class, Level One, No Chapter Affiliation, Hybrid Class, No Archetype.”

Once more, the second guard scribbled rapidly.

When he was finished, the guard handed the badges back. “Thank you. Once the inspection is clear, you can head out.”

Val smiled. “Thank you.”

The wagon’s weight shifted slightly when the other guard climbed into the back. Val turned to watch him poke the tip of his spear in the little gaps between the crates and barrels in the back.

Suddenly, something hissed and jumped out from between the barrels. The guard jumped immediately and entered a combat stance, only to realize it was a cat hitching a ride. The other guards were chuckling behind him.

“Shut up, they’re clear.” He jumped down. “Back to your posts!”

He stopped next to Ainz, handing him his paper. “All clear, had a furry hitchhiker, but I scared it off.”

Thais and Val were struggling to keep from laughing. Ainz, for his part, didn’t break either as he accepted his papers back.

“Thank you, sir.”

With everyone cleared, the lead wagon started moving again. Slowly, each one began to roll under the massive stone archway of the main gate. The last thing Val heard as they rolled past was the guard yelling at the others for laughing at him.

It was all she and Thais could do to stop laughing once they were out of earshot. However, as they were leaving the gate, Val’s attention shifted.

“Oh wow.”

To the right and ahead of them was housing of various sizes. Val would’ve expected housing outside of the city to be slums or run-down shanty towns. However, the houses weren’t bad at all. It was definitely on the poorer side of things. What really took her breath away was the horizon.

The main road slowly curved to the left as it traveled parallel to a thick forest on the right. Even now, she saw a few hunters emerge from the trees with freshly killed game on their backs. The forest was lush and beautiful. Tall, thick, healthy trees stretched into the sky.

On the left side of the road leading out of Phylandair were soft rolling hills of farmland. It reminded Val of pictures she’d seen of some areas back on Earth. The way the land looked almost patchwork-like with various crops. Even from the main gate, she could see numerous people working the fields in various ways.

Even beyond that, she could see a jagged blue smear across the horizon. To her, they looked like tall mountains, but at this distance, it was impossible to guess their size.

“Alright, we’re officially out of the city,” Ainz said, waving at some children on the side of the road. “Once we’re in the farmland, be on your guard. I doubt we’ll run into anything, but it’s better to be prepared.”

This was it; Val was no longer inside Phylandair or its protective bubble. Out here, it was her party and the drivers.

“Understood.”

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