SSS-Ranked Evolution: Worlds Unbound-Chapter 24: The Journey Of The Forgotten Land.

A stifled groan, silence, another groan, but this time around, a bit louder. Twenty minutes had passed and Ren was putting on his clothes to go on the mission he had long delayed.

"Your destination is north of here, the journey of the forgotten land will be tasking on your being. Do me the honour of sending some of my people to accompany you." The bedspread was clenched tightly to her naked body as she watched the man she had grown to love leave with a possibility that he might never return. Ren didn’t say a word but continued to dress up, and once he was fully kitted with his sword slashed to his back, he turned to look her straight in the eyes.

"No one dies any more Reina. Keep the spirits high and this place standing, I will be back soon." With that, his mask slipped to his face and he walked out of her tent. Dawn was just about breaking, so the camp was still enclosed in darkness with a few torches being the sources of light. As Ren moved to the exit, he heard a growl, turning back, it was Luna who had signalled him to wait while she ran towards him. Reaching his side, she stopped waiting for him to move, "you should stay back." she pretends like she didn’t hear him, not even giving him an eye and with an exasperated sigh, "let’s go." he agreed to take her along.

With that, she pranced in front of him, leading the way. As they walked north, a number of things went through Ren’s mind but what went through his heart the most was his new-found hatred for the empire. Sure yes he had always detested them but after sending the assassin to cause so much havoc, the hatred had blossomed.

Luna’s snort brought him back from his headspace, noting he was too far behind, he picked up the pace. For hours, they walked till it was time to rest under a tree and find something to eat. Luna was pretty good at that as she had brought numerous small animals for him and her to share. She only gave him one while she ate the remaining.

Ren’s life had changed since he awakened beast taming. Who would have thought that the small town boy could be something great? Who would have thought he would be risking his life for beasts? For a hot minute, Irina’s eyes flashed in his mind, her smile, and guilt struck him like lightning struck the earth. He could still hear her voice, telling him not to look back, telling him to run.

From inside his tunic, he exhumed the golden card she had given him. He had no idea what it did, but he was sure it was so precious, yet she made the choice to give it to him. And he allowed the empire to get her. With a sigh, he pushed himself to his feet, it was afternoon, it was best to cover any distance before nightfall.

Soon evening arrived, and it was soon time to camp as it would be too dark to continue in the forest, but just as he was picking a good spot, Luna’s barking alerted him, and he ran to her to see what she was sniffing. Laid in front of them was a trap, "people..." Ren examined it carefully. He had seen this trap before, it was one of the good ones used for catching really big animals and wolves. It was good Luna had not stepped on it, or it could have as well taken her leg off. But if the trap was there, it meant there was a settlement close by.

Ditching the idea of camping for the night, he pressed on until night, heavily relying on the small torch he carried and Luna’s nose and instinct. And just as he had expected, he reached the gates of a settlement. The large signboard greeted him as he crossed the border. Eblan, was the name that was written on the wooden board, but it was quiet.

Too quiet.

The crunching of the sand beneath his soles could be heard, as he moved deeper into the town. Buildings were still standing and one looked recently painted, Luna had shifted to his side, her nose constantly twitching, taking in all the scents around. Instinctively, he heard movements that were not his own. He froze in his tracks, and suddenly, Luna did the same.

His eyes lifted to higher altitude, on the rooftops of the buildings, many archers stood with their bows drawn at them, waiting for the command of their leader. Ren rolled his eyes and knew he had walked into a death trap.

"State your business kid!" The commander, who had the biggest arrow in the firing squad, gave Ren a chance to explain who he was before at least a hundred arrows were cemented into his body.

"A traveller. I come seeking rest!" with his hands in the air, he went down on his knees, signifying he wasn’t a treat and didn’t have any business being one to them. Luna, understanding what was going on, also laid down beside Ren in submission but they both knew that if they made the mistake of hurting either, there would be a mass bloodshed. It took a few seconds and murmurs before the commander lowered his bow, making everyone follow suit.

"Lead yourself and your partner to the main centre, the chief will meet you there." and with that, the archers slowly disappeared from view, one by one. Ren got up from his position and so did Luna and with a bold step, moved to the town square. It wasn’t hard to find, most towns built by the Tzen empire had intricate cobblestone roads that indicated that they were on the right way to the centre of the town.

When they reached there, people were murmuring from corners, gazing at the duo in fear. They asked so many questions, one of the many was audible to re, "what is he doing with that beast?" it came from the life beaten woman who held a worn expression, mixed with a feeling of pity for Ren, believing that Luna would eat him.

Ren instantly deduced that people were not really afraid of him but of Luna. He looked down at Luna, she did look a little fierce, but Ren thought she was just a huge goof ball that acted tough from time to time. Or maybe they have had bad experiences?

His train of thoughts was broken when a new energy Joined him at the town square. The figure was dressed in an old robe and her grey hair hung gorgeously off her shoulders, stopping at the middle of her back. Wrinkles decorated her face as a sign of old age and though her skin had faded, she was still beautiful for an old woman. She wore a simple necklace adorned with jade stones, signifying she held the most importance in the town.

She was Eblan’s chief.

"Young traveller." Her voice was smoother than silk and her brown eyes held a chill he was slightly familiar too, "I do apologize for the way my archers welcomed you. Please follow me. I will give you shelter at my abode." it was all she said as she turned around to lead him to the abode. For a moment, he locked eyes with Luna, unsure but when she stood up and followed the chief, Ren knew he was safer with her than he was outside. And besides, he was cold and slightly hungry.

But what awaits him at the house of Eblan’s chief?