Chapter 1003: Fathers' Concerns (2)
Chapter 1003: Fathers' Concerns (2)
They began reminding them of the importance of washing themselves and to avoid attracting attention.
That was a real problem for both the three girls, not just Amber and Emily. The two older women gave them more tips.
"And remember, if you encounter anything that you cannot handle, run to the Chimaeric Demons; I doubt they will fail to help you, plus they can heal. So... it would be better to stay close to them at all times. Matter of fact, never leave their side. "
With last hugs and whispered words of love, Amber and Emily bid farewell to their parents and joined Erik, June, and Mira, who were waiting at the gates.
"Are you done?" Erik asked.
"Yes."
The five and the Chimaeric Demon set out the gates, heading north to Frant's shores, to Hin.
Behind them, Richard, Caiden, Lucy, and Luna watched their children disappear, proud but
nervous.
...
...
The group made their way through the forest. Their journey just started, and there were many things to talk about.
"So, what's the plan?" Amber asked. "How are we going to get to Hin?"
"For sure, we must head north to reach the shore. Once we get there, we'll steal one of Hin's ships to cross the sea. I heard their ships are pretty good." A smirk played on the man's lips. Mira nodded. "They must be, considering their whole territory is within an island."
The group continued walking, the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds accompanying their conversation. Luckily, there were no thaids around, at least for now. "Anyway, Erik, won't we need more people to man the ship? It's not like the eight of us can handle it alone," Mira said.
"Don't worry, I've already taken care of that. I've created fifty Chimaeric Demon eggs. They will help us man it once they hatch."
"Wait, will the eggs hatch in time? We don't want to be stuck in the middle of the sea waiting for our crew to be born," Emily said.
"Trust me, they'll hatch right on schedule. I've created them so that they would hatch once we reach the shore."
"Wouldn't it have been better to just take some of them and go all together?"
Mira was right. It would have been much better for them to have the Chimaeric Demons come along instead of hatching them.
They would have made the journey easier since they would help them kill thaids and enemy troops alike.
Erik shook his head. "Yes, and no. Too many people would have attracted much more attention, and we would have brought more provisions. I preferred things this way."
"If you say so."
"How do you plan to reach the shores, by the way?" Amber asked. "They're bound to be heavily fortified, and there will be patrols from both Hin and Etrium along the way."
Everyone knew about the situation, even the citizens. So, for people like Erik and the others who worked with Becker and the others, this information was common knowledge.
The area was heavily fortified and the presence of enemy camps was assured. Not only did Hin make camps, but even built fortified outposts.
As Hin was based on an island, they had to establish and maintain strong defensive positions along the shoreline to protect their supply lines and their ships.
Taking people through a monster-infested sea wasn't easy. Hin had to ensure the smooth transport of troops and resources.
The shores themselves were lined with fortifications, including watchtowers, artillery positions, and fortified bunkers created with the help of brain crystal powers.
Erik was an example of how easy and convenient that was, since he often created shelters with his Plant Master Brain Crystal power.
He did it when he traveled alone and did it when he went to New Alexandria with Mira, Amber, Emily, and June.
"I know, but I have a particular route in mind. It's the fastest way to get there."
Mira's curiosity piqued. "What route are you talking about?"
"We'll be following the same path as one of their supply lines."
"Won't that put us in more danger? We'll be walking straight into enemy territory, and use roads likely full of patrols."
Erik held up a hand, a grin spreading across his face. "In a sense, yes. There will be more patrols and enemies along the way. But the route itself will be less treacherous. The supply lines are bound to follow the easiest paths, which means fewer natural obstacles for us to deal
with."
Mira nodded. "And with Hin and Etrium's troops in the area, the number of thaids we
encounter should be lower, right?"
Erik was happy about having Mira on this journey. She had a lot of experience surviving in the wilderness, and years of hunts made her insightful.
She right away understood one of the reasons he chose that path.
She knew that sticking to the supply lines kept them away from obstacles and monsters and helped them gather enemy intelligence and resources.
"Right," Erik said. "They'll have cleared out most of the monsters to keep their supply lines safe. It's like having a built-in security system, even if it's not meant for us."
The group exchanged glances. It was a gamble, but one that made sense, given their circumstances.
Besides, with the Chimaeric Demons scouting and taking advantage of the enhanced sense that their shapeshifting provided, they could avoid most, if not all, the enemy units.
But then, it was June's turn to ask questions. "You said you wanted to go to Hin to reach the Mur continent, Master, but what are you exactly planning to do once we reach Hin?"
"I want to get to the Blackguards' headquarters."
The others, except for June, gasped in shock. "Is that really the right thing to do?" Emily asked. "I get Hin's troops, but the blackguards, with just 58 people, it is not that safe."
Erik nodded. "Yes, for two reasons. First, I want to get rid of them once and for all. Second, I need to gather information about their troops in Mur, which is where we'll ultimately be
heading."
June nodded in understanding. "Besides, most of the enemy troops will be in Mur, and inn/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Frant."
Erik had a point. "Yeah... It kind of makes sense to strike there now."
"Yeah right? With how many people they sent away, it is unlikely there will be many troops there. It's a chance we can't miss."
"How do you plan to infiltrate the headquarters?" Erik grinned like he never grinned before. "Isn't it obvious? I will steal someone's identity."