"What are you doing?"
Night.
Yan Huan, Mydei, and an Earth Beast were sitting around together.
The campfire blazed, and the firewood crackled in the pile.
A skewer of roast chicken rested over the fire. Mydei leaned forward, turning the spit as he looked at Phainon. "You're here?"
Bathed in the firelight, Mydei's face looked especially peaceful.
"Sit down first. Though this little bit of meat isn't even enough for a dog to eat."
Hearing that, Phainon walked over to the fire and sat on the ground.
"Why are you here? What about the Black Tide?"
"If I can show up here, that means the front lines are naturally fine."
Mydei glanced at Phainon.
"I heard you set out at dawn. I didn't expect you to only reach the Tree Court now."
"What could I do?" Phainon shrugged.
"A normal merchant caravan needs at least five days and five nights to travel between the two places."
"Getting here in one day was already my absolute limit."
"You can't put it that way." Mydei turned the spit, letting the flames roast the chicken evenly.
"You're a Chrysos Heir, a savior. Speed is crucial."
"When I used to lead troops into battle, I suffered major losses many times because we missed the right moment."
"What if supplies couldn't be delivered in time? What if we learned there was an ambush ahead but couldn't notify the main force in time?"
"Or... what if we knew our comrades were in danger, yet couldn't reach them in time?"
"Savior, you must return to Okhema before dawn tomorrow."
"Uh... I understand. Training, right?" Phainon said thoughtfully.
"Then I'll hit the road as soon as I finish eating."
"Don't worry. I'm not afraid of hardship. I can endure even the harshest training."
"No, no, I said tomorrow."