"Only one day's journey left. Keep it up, everyone! Once we cross this valley, people from Cru Town will come meet us."
Night had just fallen over the desolate hills of the Hori Kingdom's eastern border, yet Benjamin and the Black Nightmare Army were still advancing. They had hidden in the mountains for a long time, constantly moving to conceal their tracks, and had finally drawn slowly near the Wood Army's main camp.
At those words, smiles finally appeared on the soldiers' weary faces.
They had not had an easy time lately. Crossing mountains and ridges while hauling vast quantities of provisions, materials, and military equipment had already exhausted them half to death, not to mention the Magic Beasts that occasionally sprang out along the way. In places as rarely visited as this, there were often large groups of Magic Beasts living together. Having to stay constantly on guard against them made it difficult for the soldiers to truly relax.
But... they were finally almost there. Everyone perked up, hoping to cover a little more ground before night fully settled in.
"You really don't need to travel with the main force. I could have a few mages protect you and fly you over first." Benjamin descended from the air into the ranks, looking at Maurice, who sat in a wheelchair and was jolting along the rugged mountain path, and could not help saying so.
"Don't worry about me." Maurice shook his head and smiled. "We've split up and relocated so many times already. The Church must be prepared for it, and we'd be easily exposed. Besides, this time we're going to live under someone else's eaves. It would be best if we all appeared together. It can be considered a statement of intent."
Hearing this, Benjamin did not try to