Seed Pocket

Chapter 39: On the Road Again

"Where to next, Touwa?" I asked my always professional companion.

"According to the map, the next town is just over these mountains," she replied, pointing to a dot on the map. "Apparently, the town is full of friendly golems. However, they haven't been seen anywhere as of late."

"Does that mean their town was taken over by a general?"

"It sure seems likely. We should keep our guard up after we cross the mountains."

As we continued our journey, I thought about what the next general would be like. Would they be like Hebi or like Kumo? I sincerely hoped they wouldn't take a liking to me like Hebi.

I shivered in spite of myself.

"Are you ok, Hana? If you're cold, we could use Mari as a heater," Yuri suggested.

"I'M NOT SOME TYPE OF HEATER, YA HEAR?!" Mari shouted angrily at Yuri. "Though I guess I could make an exception for Hana..."

"What was that, Mari? Did you say you want to add kindling to your fire of love for Hana?"

"W-WHAT ARE YOU T-TALKING ABOUT?! I NEVER SAID THAT!"

Yuri just chuckled to herself after Mari got all flustered.

As we continued on, we encountered more and more rock like monsters the closer we got to the mountains. Thanks to our strong attacks, they were easily defeated.

"Are we there yet?! I can't wait to see the gole-wolies!" Akino suddenly exclaimed while we were climbing the mountain.

"We just have to continue on this path for a little while longer. Then we'll be at Iwa Town," Touwa replied while checking the map.

"I hope a general's there so I can kick their ***! These weak little monsters just don't do it for me!" Mari shouted, her voice echoing across the mountains.

"Keep your voice down, Mari. We don't want to cause an avalanche."

"Fine."

When we got to the mountain's peak, I had the strange feeling we were being watched. I looked down at the village, hoping I was imagining it. Strangely enough, the village looked perfectly normal, like it wasn't taken over by a general or anything.

"Touwa, I thought you said Iwa Town was more than likely taken over by a general. How come it doesn't look that way?" I asked the bespectacled girl.

"Hmm... that is odd. I guess my hypothesis was incorrect after all. Oh well. That's good for us."

"Are you kidding me?! I really wanted to-" Mari's voice suddenly cut off.

We turned to look back at her, but she was gone.