All night, Dory was trying to come up with plans to execute the mission and also clear the infamous Arlo Caesar out of the way. If anything he was going to be a huge hurdle in the way, that if he’s just as smart and strong as Sirene described him.

At the end, none of the plans seemed to be a good one. Well, Dory was Dory. He’ll surely have something up his sleeve especially when the deal this time is ten times or hundred times serious, harder than the previous one.

Morning came with movement, not silence. The courtyard in front of the forge was already busy before the sun fully rose. The sound of hooves shifting against dirt and the creak of wood made it clear that Elian had not come unprepared.

His carriage stood just outside, larger than the usual village carts. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was solid, built for long travel. Two horses were already harnessed, their breath visible in the cool morning air as they stamped their feet impatiently.

Liam stepped out first, still adjusting his shirt. "...We’re not walking?"

Elian glanced at him. "Did you expect to?"

"I mean... I was mentally preparing for it."

Maya walked past him, carrying her bundle. "That’s because you complain even when you don’t walk."

"I do not."

"You do."

Dory stepped out next, already dressed and ready. He took a quick look at the carriage, then at the supplies loaded at the back.

’...Good... this saves time...’

Horg followed behind, carrying a small sack of tools. "If this thing breaks halfway, we’re walking," he muttered.

"It won’t," Elian replied calmly.

Sirene was already seated inside, her posture straight as she waited. She looked like she hadn’t slept much, but there was no sign of fatigue in her expression.

"Get in," she said.

One by one, they climbed aboard. The inside was tight with the number of people, but manageable. The girls sat together on one side, Liam squeezed in near the edge, and Dory took a spot close to the opening, where he could still see outside.

Horg and Elian remained at the front, handling the reins.

"Everyone ready?" Elian called.

"Just go," Lola replied.

With a small flick of the reins, the horses moved.

The carriage rolled forward, leaving the village behind.

The first stretch of the journey was smooth. The road was wide and clear, and the carriage moved at a steady pace. The sound of wheels against dirt and the rhythmic clopping of hooves filled the air.

Inside, the group settled into a quiet rhythm.

Liam leaned back slightly. "This is way better than walking."

"No one asked," Maya said.

"I’m just saying."

Dano and Lila were already talking quietly, while Lisa looked out from the small opening, watching the scenery pass by.

Dory stayed silent for the most part, his eyes moving between the road ahead and the surroundings.

’...We’ll reach faster... but that also means less time to prepare...’

He adjusted his glasses.

Sirene noticed. "Thinking again?"

"Yes."

"Good."

Maya smirked. "He never stops."

"Someone has to," Dory replied.

The hours passed slowly but steadily. The village roads gave way to wider paths, and soon, the surroundings began to change. More travelers appeared along the road—merchants with carts, guards on patrol, and the occasional lone rider.

At one point, they passed a group of soldiers moving in the opposite direction. Their armor was worn, their expressions tired.

Sirene watched them closely but said nothing.

"...War really is close," Liam muttered.

No one disagreed.

By midday, they slowed down near a small clearing to let the horses rest. Elian stepped down first, checking the harness while Horg stretched his arms.

"Five minutes," Elian said. "No more."

The others climbed down as well, taking the chance to move around.

Liam stretched dramatically. "I still feel tired."

"You were sitting," Lola said.

"That doesn’t mean anything."

Dory walked a few steps away, scanning the area.

’...Still clear...’

Maya joined him. "You don’t trust this, do you?"

"I trust it enough," he said. "Not completely."

She nodded. "Fair."

They didn’t stay long. Soon, everyone was back inside, and the carriage moved again.

The second half of the journey felt different.

The road narrowed slightly, and the trees grew thicker on both sides. The shade covered most of the path, making the air cooler but heavier.

Dory noticed the shift immediately.

’...Too quiet...’

Liam leaned forward slightly. "Why does it feel like something’s off?"

"Because it is," Maya replied.

Sirene’s hand moved to her weapon again.

At the front, Horg slowed the carriage just a bit.

"...Elian," he said quietly.

"I see it," Elian replied.

Dory’s eyes narrowed.

’...So they noticed too...’

The carriage kept moving, but the tension inside it grew.

Then—

A figure stepped onto the road ahead.

The horses reacted immediately, slowing as Elian pulled the reins.

"...Stop," the man said.

Liam blinked. "...Seriously?"

Before anyone could react further, more figures emerged from the trees on both sides. One behind. Two to the left. Three to the right.

Surrounded.

Horg clicked his tongue. "Bandits."

The man in front smiled, a blade resting casually on his shoulder. "You’re quick."

Elian didn’t step down. "Move."

The man laughed. "That’s not how this works."

Sirene stood up inside the carriage, her voice calm. "State your terms."

"Simple," the man said. "Leave the carriage, the goods, and anything valuable you’re carrying. Do that, and you walk away."

Liam leaned toward Dory. "...Can we walk away?"

"No," Dory said.

Maya cracked her knuckles slightly. "Good."

Lola smirked. "Was getting bored anyway."

Dory exhaled quietly, adjusting his glasses.

’...Of course... right now...’

He looked at the men surrounding them, then at the narrow road.

’...No clean way out...’

The man in front took a step closer.

"Last chance."

Dory didn’t respond.

Instead, he shifted slightly in his seat.

"...We’re not giving you anything."

The man’s smile faded.

"...Then you’re not leaving."

The air tightened.

Horg stepped down from the front, his expression calm but firm.

"Try us."

And just like that—

Everything snapped.

The bandits moved.