After weeks or days, we set out once more, the familiar bustle of Riverton fading into the distance behind us.
"Please be careful," the innkeeper said as she saw us off, her hands clasped in front of her.
Her sharp gaze softened for a moment as she looked at Nathalie. "And take care, alright?"
I nodded. "Of course. Thanks for everything."
With that, we began our journey.
The innkeeper kept reminding us of little things—stay safe, don't wander into trouble, make sure to eat properly.
Her words came with genuine concern, but the sheer volume of her advice was enough to make me chuckle under my breath.
"What are you, my mother?" I teased, raising a brow at her.
The innkeeper smirked, crossing her arms. "Well, someone has to make sure you stay alive. Specially Nathalie."
Lira, standing just behind me, let out a quiet laugh. "She's got a point."
I shook my head, smiling despite myself. "Alright, alright. We'll be careful."
The innkeeper sighed, her smirk softening into a small smile.
"Good. Safe travels, Nathan. And you too, Nathalie. Don't let him cause too much trouble, alright?"
Nathalie nodded.
With that, we turned and began walking away, the innkeeper's watchful gaze following us until Riverton was out of sight.
***
We walked in a comfortable silence, the sound of our boots crunching against the dirt road filling the air.
The sky was clear, and the gentle warmth of the sun was a welcome change from the damp chill of the forest where we'd been camping.
Nathalie held my hand, her small steps matching my pace as best as they could.
Occasionally, she glanced up at me, her curious eyes scanning the surroundings.
Lira walked beside us, her posture relaxed but her eyes sharp.
"Where are we going exactly?" She asked.
"To the beach"
"The beach?" Lira echoed, raising an eyebrow, her tone laced with curiosity. "Not exactly a usual destination for travelers."
"It's where something important is," I replied vaguely, avoiding her gaze.
The road stretched ahead, winding through rolling fields and sparse trees.
It wasn't long before we reached the familiar fork where I'd first encountered the mysterious carriage weeks ago.
I slowed my pace, my eyes scanning the area as memories surfaced.
The quiet creak of wooden wheels, the strange emblem on the side of the carriage, the distant sound of horses' hooves—everything felt vivid again.
"Something wrong?" Lira asked, noticing my hesitation.
"No," I said quickly, shaking my head. "Just... thinking."
Lira's gaze lingered on me for a moment before she turned her attention back to the road.
"We're close," I said, more to myself than anyone else, as the faint smell of salt in the air confirmed our proximity to the coast.
The distant roar of the ocean grew louder with every step, and a strange mix of anticipation and unease settled in my chest.
YOU ARE READING
Quefaialm: In Another World With A Battleship
FantasyThere was once a game called Warship Online. A game where you create your own avatar and you'll be given a ship of your choosing. Nathan Esser, a dedicated player, had just completed a mission and decided to rest. But when he woke up, he found himse...
