The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

The following day, as the first rays of the sun began to stretch across the horizon, the pervasive darkness that enshrouded the forest reluctantly yielded, unveiling a carpet of withered brown grass that blanketed the ground within its depths.

Undeterred by the ambient tranquility, the mercenaries swiftly commenced their preparations. With deft hands, they sought to extinguish the crackling campfire and deftly fold their tents, all the while ensuring their steeds were adequately prepared for the journey ahead.

In contrast, the soldiers, unaccustomed to the rigors of wilderness living, fumbled clumsily as they struggled to fold their unwieldy tents. Consequently, their preparations lagged behind, causing delays that tested their patience.

Outside a small window, the melodious trill of a bird pierced the air, stirring a lady from her slumber. Blinking her eyes open, she revealed a pair of wide, expressive orbs adorned with luxuriant eyebrows. A bewildered expression played upon her face as she strained to recollect her scattered memories.

Laura, accustomed to her mistress's morning rituals, arose with a gentle smile. However, her bewilderment was evident as she discovered her young master sprawled in an unconventional sleeping pose. Momentarily taken aback, she delicately adjusted his posture before resuming her chores.

The passage of time was marked by the gradual ingress of sunlight through the small window, casting its warm rays upon the visage of a handsome young boy. As he slowly pried open his eyes, a mesmerizing magenta hue gazed intently around the room.

"Good morning, young master," Laura greeted promptly, her hands clasped respectfully over her apron-clad belly.

"Mornin'," Desmond replied, his gaze drifting toward the window where the trees beyond seemed to sway in an ethereal blur.

Laura approached with a tray, bearing an assortment of freshly baked bread and a delicate teacup. "Your breakfast, young master," she offered softly.

Desmond's attention shifted from the distorted view outside to the enticing spread before him. With newfound fluidity, he reached for a slice of bread, acknowledging his satisfaction with a satisfied nod before taking a hearty bite.

The journey continued in serene tranquility as the carriages steadily traversed the land. No longer plagued by attacks from marauding creatures or opportunistic bandits, their advance remained unhindered. Villages became a rarity on the horizon, their absence unnoticed amidst the steady progression.

Along the way, Desmond often caught sight of overturned carts, their splintered remains bearing fresh crimson stains upon the dusty path. Perhaps remnants of a previous battle, but Vesta paid them little heed, urging the carriages onward, his determination unwavering.

Leaning against the narrow window, Desmond peered outward, his gaze limited to the verdant tapestry passing by on his right. The fluttering wings of birds in the clear blue sky occasionally caught his eye as the carriages pressed forward through the winding path.

Days bled into one another, the scenery monotonously repeating itself, broken only by pauses for replenishing dwindling water supplies. And now, a full month had elapsed since Desmond embarked on this adventurous journey beyond the city walls.

Spring 17, year 430.

As the carriages halted before the mouth of a formidable valley, the grandeur of a fortified city loomed in the distance. Towering walls encased the city, their sheer height intimidating all who beheld them.

The valley presented a treacherously narrow passage, flanked by imposing rock formations that cast deep shadows, barely allowing slivers of sunlight to penetrate. Only a single carriage could traverse this perilous path, while the others would have to maintain a safe distance, wary of falling stones.

Within Vesta's carriage, he engaged in a tense discussion with the captain, their expressions revealing impatience and furrowed brows, the air growing icy with their exchanged glares.

"What is the situation?" Vesta inquired brusquely, his impatience palpable as he fixed his subordinate with a frigid gaze.

However, it seemed that their efforts fell short, not just once, but almost twice, leaving Vesta regretting his decision to bring them along on this perilous journey. Fatigue washed over him as he recollected the difficulties they had faced, which far exceeded his expectations. Yet, buried deep within his heart, a flicker of hope remained, which compelled him to continue placing his trust in them.

"We scouted the surrounding area thoroughly and found no signs of danger. I dispatched a soldier to test the path, and it appears relatively safe. The only concern is the possibility of falling rocks once the carriage enters," the captain reported, his voice tinged with a dryness that betrayed his nerves.

Glancing surreptitiously at his Guardian, the captain's heart sank at the sight of Vesta's furrowed brow. He wondered what he could have done wrong, having exerted every ounce of effort. Thoughts raced through his mind, desperately searching for alternative possibilities.

Shaking his head, Vesta couldn't hide his disappointment as he listened to the report. They were still lacking in their scouting capabilities, but he mused that it was to be expected from inexperienced soldiers. Now standing at the carriage door, he sighed wearily.

*Click.*

As he stepped outside, Vesta's eyes narrowed, taking in the dark expanse of the valley. Though shrouded in shadows, he could discern its contents with a faint clarity.

"Hmm... I recall that the former Grandmaster cleared this path before. It shouldn't be too treacherous," Vesta muttered, his gaze fixed on the surroundings.

Meanwhile, Desmond observed the valley, squinting his eyes as he scanned the ridge above.

"Laura, prepare yourself. The enemy lurks within the shadows," Desmond warned, unable to spot the adversary himself, but the map provided by the system indicated numerous red dots scattered around the valley.

However, the map failed to differentiate between high and low ground, making it impossible for Desmond to pinpoint the exact location of the enemy.

His attention then shifted to Vesta, who had ventured into the valley. "That old man... with his strength, no one should be able to harm him, unless a high-ranking beast suddenly appears," Desmond commented, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"Speaking of beasts, I've come to realize something. Why are there still so many beasts in this kingdom? Didn't Vesta claim to have cleared most of them? The presence of Husk Wolves and Dire Wolves might be understandable, but Ogres? It's highly unlikely," Desmond pondered aloud, perplexed by their persistence.

Considering their size, he couldn't fathom where they could be hiding. Although he harbored grievances about his situation, fate was beyond his control. Having recently arrived in this world, he had already encountered an assassin lying in wait. Just as he sought to immerse himself in the outside world, he found himself confronted by Ogres, Husk Wolves, and Dire Wolves.

Desmond cursed inwardly, wondering if there was some sort of magnet drawing danger towards him. If not for the protection of the mercenaries and Vesta himself, he would undoubtedly be in deep trouble. In the worst-case scenario, he would be forced to retreat back to the city and reevaluate his plans.

Nonetheless, a glimmer of contentment flickered within him, for amidst these encounters, he had the opportunity to conduct numerous experiments and acquire valuable stats.

Lost in contemplation, Desmond snapped back to reality as his pupils contracted, catching sight of a massive boulder hurtling downward.

"Guardian!" Simultaneously, the soldiers cried out in terror, their eyes fixated on the impending disaster as the rock bore down on their Guardian.

*Boom.*