Soul of the Warrior

Chapter 275: Lines in the Stone

Reivyn expected the road to end abruptly. The way the personal accounts described their journeys only mentioned the road ending a short distance within the Wilderness. He didn’t know exactly what to expect, but he thought it would just end at some point.

That’s not exactly what happened. He noticed the first signs with his Divine Sense, but as they continued deeper into the Wilderness it even became observable with the naked eyes. Reivyn knew to keep an eye out for it already, so he was the first to notice and point it out.

“Doesn’t it seem like the erosion of the road’s stones is too much?” He turned to Kefira and asked.

“It has to do with the fluctuations of the Mana density,” she easily replied. “It’s a known phenomenon, which is the real reason the road doesn’t go all the way through. While it might be difficult to form a large team to build a road, a small team would have no problems, and in fact, it’s been tried before in the past.

“The roads don’t last, though, and the Wilderness quickly takes over once again. We repair the road a bit deeper every decade, but there’s still a few years left until the next scheduled maintenance.”

“So the Mana density erodes the stones? How does that work?” Reivyn continued to ask.

“Mana is energy, and the stones used have their own energy resistance and upkeep thresholds,” Kefira answered. “We use materials from our Tier 4 Region. They last the longest. The building materials get hit with double duty from lack of Mana density to upkeep the stones as well as increased burden from too much Mana.

“We’ve experimented with other materials, but just using our own Tier 4 materials was found to be the best solution. Anything lower will have less strain when the Mana density falls, but it will take more damage from higher density levels, and higher Tier materials just aren’t cost effective. They eventually erode just the same as Tier 4 materials, but they’re much harder to source.

“In fact we don’t even have access to a ready supply of Tier 6 materials at all. We have some of the older, more powerful members of our empire in the Tier 6 Regions, but there are very few of them, and it doesn’t make sense to have them ferry stones for a road, much less spend the time necessary to quarry them.”

“Ahh, that makes sense,” Reivyn nodded. “It’s all about opportunity cost. They could spend their time mining stones for a road, but then all that time wouldn’t be spent acquiring metals and natural treasures, and they would have to brave the dangers of the Tier 6 region just for a bit of road crossing the Wilderness.

“It makes more sense for those entering the Upper Regions to properly prepare themselves instead.”

“Exactly. We sometimes do get shipments of stones included in what they send back to the empire, but we’re not going to use them on a road. That would be the equivalent of paving the whole thing out of gold. It’s an improper use of the resource.”

Reivyn nodded his head again. The fluctuations of the Mana density in the Wilderness were the cause of accelerated erosion, so even if they acquired Tier 8 materials to build a road through it, the drop in Mana density would still lead to eventual failure. It just didn’t make any sense at all.

“I question the need for any kind of road, to be honest,” Reivyn admitted.

“Eh, it’s convenient,” Kefira said. “It’s actually more for those returning than for those going in. It’s a landmark to find the quickest path back to the capital, and those returning are often weary. Even if they’re physically fine, they’re mentally tired. The luxury of the road, even a few days early, is a balm. It buoys the spirits of those returning.”

“I see.”

Reivyn agreed with the sentiment, and he dropped the subject. There really wasn’t much else to say on the topic. He let his mind wander a bit as he passively inspected the road condition.

There seemed to be a pattern in the erosion.

Hmm, I’m no expert, but it looks like a… wave?

There were long, wavy striations that were below the visible spectrum. If he didn’t have his Divine Sense, he would need to use a specialized tool to be able to see the patterns. His Divine Sense wasn’t so great that he could actually see the lines. It was more that he could detect the flow of energy along them.

But it’s not just the waves, either, Reivyn realized as his sample size increased. There are dents and nicks scattered among the waves, as well. Some are grouped closely together, there are some places where there aren’t any for a large area, and there are some areas where it looks totally random.

He didn’t really know what to make of it. He felt a bit of a tug from his subconscious, but he couldn’t wrestle it to the forefront.

Hmm, I don’t think it’s necessarily important to get to the bottom of this, but it is something to think about. I feel like there’s some sort of fundamental concept at work here.

He wasn’t much of a theory person, so he mentally filed the information away.

I think I’ll do like the other predecessors and start a travelog, Reivynd decided, I can include my observations and thoughts there.

It wasn’t the most appropriate time to bring it up to Kefira or the others. They needed to remain vigilant as they traversed deeper into the Wilderness, but when they had some time to themselves when he documented the day, he would mention it.

Thinking of remaining vigilant, Reivyn returned his mental focus to his surroundings. The road was an intriguing situation, but not one that warranted any kind of immediate action or even deeper thought.

Eventually the road just sort of petered out. There was still a noticeable trail where the Wilderness hadn't fully reclaimed the environment. It started out as a rocky dirt path, but it quickly became an overgrown swath cut into the landscape. It was more noticeable through wooded areas, but one could kind of still see it if they paid attention in the open areas.

His Divine Sense was ever expanding as his Skill Level rose, but his Perception Stat was still considerably more powerful when it came to what he could see with detail at greater distances. He constantly scanned the surroundings with his eyes while keeping his Divine Sense active.

The geography of the Wilderness, at least where it bordered Wispan, was identical to the Tier 4 Region. If there wasn’t the sign by the road and the occasional pocket of different Mana density he sensed, he would have never been able to tell the difference.

There wasn’t always a stark contrast between biomes of Regions like between Drallo and Wispan, but it was usually at least more noticeable than this. If Reivyn had to guess, it wasn’t that Wispan actually ended where the sign said the Wilderness began, but that there was something else at play between the Upper and Lower Regions.

The striations of erosion on the stone road were an indication, though Reivyn didn’t know the significance off the top of his head.

Wispan was a pretty idyllic environment. It was temperate with forests, plains, hills, and mountains. The Wilderness was identical, though there was the occasional strange flora and fauna that he could see or sense.

They weren’t completely aberrant in their appearance. It seemed like evolution had taken a fast track with some of the plants and animals for the most part, though there were some completely different species interspersed in weird ways. Reivyn had seen more than one palm tree in the middle of a pine grove, and there were some things that were undeniably more suited for a tundra environment.

Despite the differences, though, they all mostly thrived in the Wilderness. Reivyn didn’t see any rot or decay, nor were there any plants with stunted growth that he could tell.

They were still many days away from the deepest parts of the Wilderness, and they hadn’t run into any significant monster populations so far. There weren’t even many ferocious beasts about. Most of the wildlife were simple creatures, though they were predominantly the ones found in Tier 4 Regions on this side of the center of the Wilderness.

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No significant populations of monsters didn’t mean they didn’t run into individuals or small groups. Reivyn and his Party hadn’t been required to step up to assist with any of them, though. The honor guards had taken turns keeping them at bay.

Even though those chosen to accompany their Party were elites, they were much less powerful than Reivyn’s Party. Not only individually, but also as a team. If they ran into any real dangers, Reivyn wouldn’t hesitate to step forward to take charge. As it was, he was perfectly happy with letting them get the full experience of trudging through the Wilderness.

The honor guard weren’t going to be with them for the entire trip, either. Kefira had a map leading to a settlement run by her family, and they would part ways with their companions there. Whether or not they sought out others to fill the numbers at that point was something they would decide after evaluating the risks and their Party’s ability to handle them during the trip.

Reivyn wasn’t for or against supplementing their Party further. They weren’t out here specifically to gain Experience, though it would come naturally. There were always pros and cons to either option, and if they didn’t struggle like some of the predecessors did in the journals he had read, there might not be too many pros to adding more people to their group.

The new seal Kefira wore around her neck was a temporary solution, and Reivyn, now that he knew what to look for, could tell that it was already deteriorating quicker than anticipated. Being able to move about the Tier 5 Region quickly and efficiently, while also knowing where to search for the natural treasures they needed was the priority.

Getting the information on where the best spots to find what they were looking for could be provided in a written guide, though a personal one might be better.

We’ll just have to see how things play out from here to there, Reivyn thought as he continued to scan the distance.

The trick to properly keeping one’s eyes out was to not focus on anything in particular. It was natural for one to focus on a treeline in the distance, but one had to train themselves to always look at the furthest horizon they could see.

One also needed to be mindful of the lines. The vast majority of plants grew vertically, and any creature would most likely be horizontal. There were always exceptions to the rule, but the rule set the exceptions.

Reivyn kept his focus on the furthest point he could, zooming his focus beyond everything that could be seen in the foreground. He didn’t expect to run upon anything dangerous, but his motto had always been “complacency kills,” so he always made a point to keep that in mind.

The one time a scary Tier 6 creature that shouldn’t be there descended upon them, it would be the one time nobody was paying proper attention, and from all the records he had seen, Tier 6 creatures in the Wilderness weren’t necessarily uncommon. It was very unlikely they would run into any before reaching the center line, but unlikely didn’t mean impossible.

The rest of the day, and the following ones, continued in a similar vein. Reivyn would occasionally allow his mind to wander about certain things he saw, but he always kept it brief and maintained his vigilance. His father, mother, and other companions seemed to have the exact same mindset.

There was a reason they were all so much more powerful than their contemporaries.

Reivyn started his own journal and discussed the findings he had made of the striations and dents that were felt more than seen in the road. He didn’t notice it so much in the natural growth of the Wilderness, but if he dug deep enough, there was evidence it was still there, permeating everything in the area.

“The reason the plants thrive in this environment is because they adapted here,” Kefira explained one evening. “The stones of the road had been transported here from outside the Wilderness. I would bet that if we unearthed similar stone from within the Wilderness itself, it would be far more durable in the environment.

“It’s not like we couldn’t do it, but the risks and opportunity costs outweigh the reward, so we don’t.”

Neither Kefira nor Reivyn’s parents understood the implications of the wavy patterns found across the environment of the Wilderness anymore than Reivyn did, but they would be sure to pass the information along to the proper scholarly channels. If he remembered, he would bring it up to someone in the settlement they were headed to, as well. Someone else might have noticed the pattern and discerned the meaning behind it.

The striations and dents grew in intensity as they neared the center line. The others with decent Mana Sensing Skills were able to see exactly what Reivyn was talking about if they focused enough. When they finally arrived at the center line, though, Reivyn noticed something new.

“Huh,” he said as they crossed the center. “I could actually feel the energy in the wind as we stepped over the center.” Kefira looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “Well, it’s hard to explain. I could feel it through my Divine Sense, but it was still very faint. If I wasn’t paying attention, I would have never noticed.”

“So the same pattern exists in the wind?” Kefira asked.

“Not exactly?” It was more a question than a statement. “It’s more that the energy permeates everything in a three-dimensional area, but I could only sense it directly over the center. I already can’t feel it anymore.

“It was like a constant wind with particles flitting about being carried along with it, but there was no actual wind. Does that make any sense?”

“Kind of?” Kefira gave him a questioning look. “I mean I can sort of visualize what you’re describing, but there’s nothing there to actually visualize. To be clear, you’re not saying it’s the motes of Mana, correct?”

“Yeah,” Reivyn nodded his head. “Those are completely normal to my Perception and Skills. There seems to be some sort of other energy in the environment. If I had to guess, whatever the movement is, it’s what causes the differing Mana densities without being Mana itself.”

“Well, add the observation to your notes,” Kefira said. “It will probably help anyone interested in trying to solve the riddle you’ve found.”

“So you’re certain we’ve officially crossed the center of the Wilderness?” Refix asked, walking closer to the pair.

Reivyn nodded his head.

“I’m certain,” he answered. “We knew we were coming up on it soon, and it makes sense. Even if we’re still not exactly over it for whatever reason, I would say it’s close enough to be the same thing.”

“Alright.”

Refix let out a short, sharp whistle to get the escorting soldiers’ attention. He waved the leaders toward him once he knew he had their attention. The other soldiers took that as a signal for a short break, and everyone made preparations for it. Scouts were sent a short ways off in each direction while others pulled out rations. They would switch places to allow everyone to have a quick reprieve before they set out again.

Refix faced the squad leaders of the soldiers.

“Now that we’re on the far side of the Wilderness, our Party will now be the primary combatants,” he said. “You all will be auxiliary. You'll provide support and scouting for us. That doesn’t mean we’re going to handle every encounter going forward, but I no long want you to automatically engage based on your own judgment.

“If we run into anything, you tell me, and I’ll make the call on how we proceed. Does everyone understand?”

Refix looked each of the four squad leaders in the eye. They all nodded their heads and voiced assent to the new marching orders. Everyone knew this was coming, so there was no bickering or questions. Refix was now taking full responsibility.

Reivyn and his parents had discussed this before embarking on the journey. While Reivyn had his memories from Dreams of the Past to assist him in leading soldiers, Refix had far more experience leading this type of expedition. He was also Reivyn’s father. Refix was perfectly happy to let his son be in charge of the mercenaries without question, but he was in his element now. There was no doubt that Reivyn would be a successful leader, but establishing a clear chain of command ahead of time was just a good idea.

To be perfectly honest, Reivyn was looking forward to being under his father’s wing. He hadn’t had too many opportunities other than training to be in such a situation. There was just something about a father and son’s relationship that Reivyn was looking forward to. Putting his trust and faith in his father would bring him closer to Refix, and finally being able to fully embody his role as Reivyn’s father brought immense satisfaction to Refix.

The military environment of the mercenary company had made it easier for Refix to take a backseat to his son, but now they were in a more informal setting. Refix was no stranger to a militarized organization, but they had been operating as Adventurers for almost two decades now, even with their loyal subordinates from Vynndin they had picked up over the years.

“Kimberly and I will be the main vanguards,” Refix continued to their Party after the squad leaders returned to their soldiers. “Serilla, you’re more of a protector than a frontline combatant, so your main role will be to protect the casters. That doesn’t mean you can’t engage on the frontline, of course, but that’s not your primary duty.”

“I understand,” Serilla said with a nod.

“Ameliyn and Kefira, obviously, are the main casters. Teilon is the flanker, and Reivyn is the floater. Unless I call for something specific, feel free to engage how you see fit.”

“Yes, father,” Reivyn answered.

They had all gone over their roles before beginning the journey, but it never hurt to reiterate them. For the most part, Reivyn would stand back with Kefira and his mother to fling Spells at the enemies while being prepared to assist Serilla in guarding them. Teilon would be positioned just behind the vanguard and would seek out opportunities to strike in unpredictable ways.

It was a solid formation. The only thing they lacked was a non-magical ranged focused Classer and a dedicated Healer, though those things could easily be made up. Reivyn himself could fill in the role of an archer if he needed to with his Weapons Master Skill. He was actually interested in seeing how effective his True Strike ability functioned with a bow and arrow.

I’ll need to acquire a bow and arrows first, though, Reivyn snorted to himself. He had only brought his trusty sling along with him for the journey. If they determined it was appropriate for him to get a bow, they would pick one up in the settlement.

The Party hunkered down to enjoy a quick meal while the soldiers rotated out their watch. They didn’t take an extended break, so conversation remained light. Even with the scouts from the soldiers deployed all around them, Reivyn and the others still kept an eye on their surroundings while they took their short break.

“Alright,” Refix declared, standing up. “We still have another half a month before we reach the Tier 5 Region. Let’s get going.”

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