Chocolate, A Truck, and A Railgun

Chapter 4

South of Haleo Berena was the city of Pakihana. Carriage-wise, it took around six hours, but since they were driving a truck, it only took around forty-five minutes to reach the place. It was the closest and largest city that was available to the public. Any city further north were small villages and towns or places that had been converted to defense centers and military bases.

"..."

Feodora kept a flat expression on her face, although she seemed to be shaking. Lily, on the other hand, held the door handle tightly, a childish, excited smile on her face.

"Are you sure you don't want me to slow down?"

"Do not worry, William. It is embarrassing if I cannot handle this much."

"It's fun, right?" Lily elbowed her friend.

"Fun? Umm... maybe..."

Traveling sixty kilometers per hour was the norm on Earth. William didn't know what Feodora's past world was like, but it seemed that this was too fast for her. In her defense, they were driving above an unpaved dirt road, so there was a lot of shaking. He had offered to slow down numerous times, but every time she rejected the offer, saying that this was an essential part of training.

Guess you're not entirely fearless.

Seeing her plant herself on the seat was endearing. It made her look much more human.

"We'll be arriving soon. Want to increase speed?" he teased. Lily nodded vigorously in response. "Yes, please!"

Feodora looked between Lily and William, before nodding as well. "I... I am sure I will be fine."

He wasn't expecting that answer, but if the two girls wished...

"Okay!" he planted his foot on the gas. The two let out little squeaks as the speedometer turned to the right, hitting seventy kilometers per hour, sending all of them into their seats. He decided against going any faster.

Feodora held tight to the seatbelt, forcing her eyes to continue watching the scenery zoom past.

•••

"Are you alright?" William's voice was filled with concern as he observed Feodora.

"I'm... alright... Thank you..." she wobbled left and right. They parked a kilometer away from Pakihana, the city's wall visible in the distance. They hid the truck behind some trees, and set out for the remaining distance on foot.

"Would... the truck... be, alright?" Feodora asked. Lily took her hand and guided her to sit down near a tree, resting her back on the tree's trunk. She then sat down next to her.

"We'll rest here."

"But-"

"Don't worry, driving got me tired as well." William sat down next to Lily.

Feodora looked at him, her sharp violet eyes reflecting the incoming sunlight. She softly exhaled, resting herself on the tree.

"Thank you."

"Don't worry about it."

Feodora looked up. Clouds floated above the horizon, flying freely in the skies. Lily moved away from the tree and instead lay down on Feodora's lap.

"Are you two hungry?" William asked.

"I have been trained to go for days without eating... but yes, I am hungry."

"Do you mind me borrowing a bit of money? I don't have any."

"So that's your intention." Lily scoffed. "But, well, I guess we can lend you some for your help."