The week long trek around is affordable for us, but is an unnecessary expense. By using the power of magic, a temporary bridge can be built for us to take the carriage across. Of course, the magic we will use to bring the carriage across is not going to be easy. We are still all Bck Iron level so our overall abilities when it comes to magic would of course not be enough.

  Thankfully, with Marianne's addition to the party, we have someone on the Bronze level that we could work with. To make this trip across the canyon, we prepared and built a ptform to carry the carriage across on. By pcing the carriage on a ptform, it is easier to carry the ptform since the shape of a carriage is generally more difficult to try to carry around.

  If we were to carry the carriage directly, we would need to always visualize the exact bottom of the carriage at all times in order to not mess up anything while carrying it with our magic.

  Of course, the ptform should also have indents for the wheels of the carriage do that it does not roll around uncontrolbly while we go.

  Soon, Millie and I finished chopping a few trees with roughly a simir diameter. We then split the logs into roughly equal pnks to build the ptform out of. When we were done with that, Mist and Lily both went to work tying the pnks together so they would be stable when lifted together. Finally, we let Kris and Marianne both make the indents for the carriage wheels. When we were done, we saw that a few hours had passed and it was now getting a little te.

  We put together all of the leftover branches to build a campfire to keep ourselves warm. Thankfully, all of our logging has left us with a lot of wood scraps that we can burn for the entire night. Mist went and spread his animal deterring scent around while I helped the girls set up the tents around.

  As we all finished up our campsite, the sun started to set in the sky. I looked and saw a relieved smile on Marianne's face. Confused, I asked her a question.

  Sean: What are you looking at with such intensity? Is there something wrong?

  She seemed to have snapped from her stupor as the others quieted down and turned to look at her. Seeing all of us so curious, she gave a genuine smile before responding.

  Marianne: I was appreciating the sunset. Before, I was always taught to wake with the sun and sleep with it. I was never given the opportunity to see a sunset like this. Ever since I left the Church headquarters, every sunset felt so magical to me. Now I don't have to worry about the next day's prayers or any trainings or lessons.

  After giving a sigh, she sat with her head on her knees with her arms wrapped around them in the fetal position. Giving a gentle ugh, she then reached out with her right hand to rub the ground her.

  Marianne: The smell of grass and soil, this warm feeling from the sun. All of this almost makes it seem like these days are just an illusion, a beautiful dream of life outside and that I would find myself locked to the headquarters if I were to wake. You know, this feeling is quite indescribable.

  Sean: But, this is no illusion. With us here, you will experience a full life. There is no cage or restriction, and you will have the freedom to choose your own path.

  I then stretched my hand to Marianne.

  Giving a surprised expression. She turns and sees everyone's faces. After a while, she finally stretches her hand to grab mine. Tears began tracking down her face as a genuine smile showed on her face. We stayed in this position in this mood for a while until Kris interrupted.

  Kris: Hey! Don't get cocky newbie, just because I allow it this time, does not mean I am giving up! Sean will be mine no matter how you do it! Now get your stinky hands off of him!

  She rushed over and pushed me down to break the connection between me and Marianne. I saw Lily show an exasperated expression as she tries to pull her back. After a few attempts of no more use, she calls Millie over to help.

  After some more fun and games, we all found that we had all rexed and got tired fun our theatrics. Mist who was watching on the sidelines called for the first night watch. We all agree and after Kris begrudgingly lets go of my stomach she was hugging, works with Lily to build a warning array.

  On the side, Marianne was called to watch so that she could participate in the next array that we would build for tomorrow. Soon, we were all prepared and I headed into my own tent for us guys.

  Soon, I fell into a deep slumber and was only awoken a few hours ter by a very sleepy Mist to do my night watch. After quietly thanking him, he nodded his head and slowly nodded off to slumber.

  I went out to check out the campsite and found that there were still ember lit on the fire. Next to the fire was a few twigs and logs to keep it burning if needed. Since I had to keep watch, I kept the fire lit on a gentle fme. I sat there watching the fire and thinking back on our adventure so far.

  I first recalled our first adventures as a team. We did not have the teamwork and cooperation that we have now. I remember that sometimes, Mist would accidentally hit Millie when she rushed in head first to an enemy group. And also when Lily and Kris's magic used to sometimes collide and cancel each other out.

  During that time, I was quite busy since I was the only one who could effectively heal others so every mission ended up with me saving them one way or another.

  It was only after we started getting famous, that we were allowed to go on more dangerous missions. The most dangerous one was in that spider's cave. Our first major commission was to go and check out the abnormality in the spider's cave. We had grown a little cocky due to our string of successful missions without injuries that we forgot the most important caution of an adventuring team.

  Three seconds.

  That was the amount of time it took for a major problem to occur. A spider found a way to sneak past our senses. At the time, Mist was only worried about the traps around us and not above. By the time we realized it, a giant spider had sneaked up and stole a member of our team.

  Sean: Kris!

  I remember running around chasing the giant spider and cleaving through different enemies. The others were also scared and started to go all out. I remember when we reached the end of the cave, we saw the giant spider was indeed the so called abnormality in the cave. Not only was it big enough to grab people, it was smart enough to set traps and lure people into them.

  We finally arrived in what we could only see as a boss arena and after a long fight, I was finally able to free Kris who was wrapped into a bundle on the side. Seeing her relieved expression, after she took second to calm down, she was finally fit for combat and used her anger as fuel to completely wipe out the darn spider.

  I remember that that was the moment that let her fall in love with me. Although I don't know how to respond to her feelings even now...

  Is what I feel for her, a mutual love? Or is it something different entirely?

  Of course, we had many adventures afterwards. The five of us all bonded during all of those day after day missions as we started being able to understand each other's pns with just a look. Soon we became a famous party through our cooperation and our activeness. We then started getting called the Ptinum Stars and truly are fame after a while.

  It was only a week after our name started getting spread that we were first called in by William. It was then that he invited us to be his disciples. Of course, since we were a little experienced we did not agree right away. We said that we would respond by tomorrow so we took the time to report the situation to our leader.

  Of course, she did not mind so we were able to apprentice under him as expected.

  We then were trained for a few months under him so that we could learn about how to face an overwhelming threat on another level from us. It was only due to our inexperience with such circumstances that we were able to learn a lot from him. Back at base, we used to have sparring matches with the combat teaching golems. They are indeed quite good at showing a certain level of combat, but the atmosphere when facing an absolute superior is not there.

  If a golem were to be set up to be on the level of William, it would still be easier to take on the golem because a golem isn't living and so instincts are not present when you fight them.

  So fighting William helped fill in the final piece of the puzzle of our training. By enduring the pressure from a strong and experienced fighter like him would help push us a step further in our combat capabilities. Of course, actual combat is the catalyst of exponential growth so it was only after we left and came here that we were subject to so many life and death situations.

  After recalling all of that, I started reminiscing of how we met Marianne. Back when we first met, I thought she would be the unapproachable type considering she was wearing a shawl that covered her face and that she left all of the talking to Farrell.

  Now we all know that Marianne is not so aloof and is in fact more on the friendly and approachable side to Kris's chagrin. Now we are actually able to adventure around with someone with a position of saint which is quite incredible.

  Recalling all of this like this really opens my eyes. We sure have done a lot in around a year after we joined the organization.

  I sat there recollecting all of those cherished memories as I stood by the embers of the campfire. My reminiscing sure has taken a while as I was able to see the first break of dawn. With a sigh of relief and a big stretch, I began prepping an area for Lily to cook at,

  Speak of the devil, I heard shifting around in the girl's tent as the bustling of activity began in the forest. Soon, a sleepy nest head walked out of the tent and greeted me.

  Lily: Good Morning Sean. Get some rest while I prepare our meal.

  I oblige and took a quick power nap. Soon, I heard the bustling noise of the morning as I awoke from my short rest. The others were beginning to wake and wash themselves with some of our clean travel water. I join in and soon we all sat around the dead campfire as we ate our dry food for the morning.

  Although jerky and crackers are not the most appealing way to start the day, it is indeed better than simply staying on an empty stomach. We all know this from back when we were all in the orphanage.

  When we all finished, we all went on top of the wooden ptform with our cart and horses and I called everyone together.

  Sean: Does everyone know their missions?

  The other four all nod in agreement as Marianne looked at us with a confused expression.

  Marianne: How should I put this, I have been wondering this for a while, but what exactly are we pnning on doing?

  It was then that we remembered that we had not told Marianne about what to do. After a little embarrassed ughing, Lily stepped forward to expin to Marianne.

  Lily: In our organization, we are taught about various ways to travel and various stories. One of the lessons we can choose to learn is how to navigate around the world easier. In this instance, I remember how we were told to be able to carry a carriage across an area. In that lesson, we were told that bridges are not always reliable so we could create a ptform for our horses and carriage in order to carry them across. The ptform is less awkward to lift and allows the horses to not be stressed out when they have their feet of the ground.

  Marianne showed a somewhat understanding look, but was still a little confused.

  Marianne: Now there is a ptform too so how can you carry the cart over the ravine?

  Lily: Simple, magic. One of the things we were taught in the school is propulsion and lift. By using wind magic to stabilize the ptform in the air, and using the violent push from fire magic we can let the ptform move along as long as we maintain the bance of the structure.

  Still a little confused, I decided to step in and make it a little easier for her to understand.

  Sean: Simply put, aa Fire Breath spell shoots fire and pushes the user away with the force of the fire right? We simply use the spell to push the ptform backwards with the spell too. Since the ptform is in the air, it is easier to push it away.

  Hearing my expnation let it click in her head and she nodded her head now knowing how our idea works. Now we started putting ourselves in position.

  In the back was of course Kris. She would be casting two fire breaths simultaneously to push the ptform forward. On the sides were Marianne Mist and I with Mist on one end and Marianne and I on the other. Since Mist is a half elf, he learned not only pnt magic, but also wind magic for cases like this. For me, although I know a little about it, Marianne will also be on my side to support me if needed. Then, Lily took the front to not only freeze the ptform should we falter, but also to cast ice magic to deter any monsters from interrupting us. Millie would be just staying on top of the carriage to help Lily with her look out, due to her short range of combat.

  With all of us prepared, we started our first attempt to bance the ptform. Soon, with Marianne and my cooperation, we were able to bance both sides of the ptform while Millie took care to calm the horses. Then, when we were finally banced, we showed the signal to Kris and she fired off her spell.

  On both ends of the back of the ptform, a burst of fmes emerged from behind and pushed the ptform forward aggressively. Due to the sudden acceleration, the two of us on the sides were unable to keep bance and the ptform shifted. Thankfully, Lily came in time and froze the edges of the ptform to prevent it from breaking when it collided on the side.

  We calmed down and let the ptform down slowly into the canyon in order to prevent a situation like that from happening again.

  Sean: We should have probably tried to start from down here instead of hovering over from up there to be safe.

  The others nod their heads and we then begun the process all over again. This time, because we were starting from the bottom of the canyon, we decided to head on over using a lowered height this time. We could just rise up the ptform from the bottom when we reached the end.

  Due to this decision, the ride was retively stable all the way across. Most flying monsters would not go all the way down the canyon to attack unless they were hungry, and the monsters living in the canyon were all usually the underground type so our hovering solved that problem.

  We were able to fly across unhindered all the way to the half way point. At the center, we decided to take a break since it has been a while of concentration.

  After some time to have a break and snack, we went back to our positions to continue the journey. If we keep at this pace, it would start getting dark once we reach the other side. At that time, we could build a camp there and rise the ptform in the morning before going back on the journey. Because of our prior experience flying the ptform, we were more steady and made less mistakes the rest of the way and arrived at the end quite easily. Although it was not dark, we still decided to camp here and took out our tents and made a makeshift campfire.

  In the canyon, there were less trees and pnts to burn so we had to make do with our fire starter and taking chunks of wood off of the ptform. We also had some grass and hay we picked for the horses to feast on since the earth here has little grass to graze. Like yesterday, we still kept the same shifts so I quickly headed to bed since I knew I would need the energy to stay awake in the ter half of the night.

  In the canyon, the wind above was quite noisy so the rest here was not optimal. So when I was woken up by Mist for my shift for the night, I was still quite groggy. With the ck of fire materials, I had to stay up while the wind was blowing quite harshly for a while so I was feeling a little grouchy. Then, a mound of dirt rose up from the ground I was immediately on alert.

  When the target broke through the soil, I was able to find out what it was. It was a weird rodent known as a mole that likes to dig around and happened to arise here. I went over and tapped the creature which frightened it to rush back underground. After doing this, I dusted off my hands and began to thank how convenient the warning array is. It did not arm for the mole because it detected the mole had no energy and could not cause any harm to us so I knew I did not need to wake the others.

  It is because of this array that we only need a single person on guard duty at night. Even if the guard on duty does not catch any intruders, the array surely would.

  Of course, the array has its own problems. It can't detect a target that specifically hides their energy well. That, in addition to only warning of the presence of a threat and not the amount or severity of the threat would all be marks against it if it were not so easy to put up. It truly astounds me the knowledge we were casually taught at the base. Even Marianne was shocked at such an efficient and simple spell.

  With the array protecting us, I was able to rest soundly for the nest while keeping my attention up with the cold wind blowing through the canyon.

  So the night passed by and I was a little sleepy from staying up the night. After casting a light magic spell to reduce my fatigue, I quickly went to wash up while the others have not yet woken up.

  By the time I was done, Lily had just gotten up and prepared to wash up herself. After waiting around for a bit, the whole team was up and ready after an hour. In this time, I went and helped Lily with preparing today's breakfast. Eating dry food would just be a miserable way to start any morning after all.

  With our meal completed, we went back onto the ptform. Since we had reached the other side of the cliff yesterday, we just had to lift the ptform to reach the other side we were going for. This time, Kris was over in the middle to cast the fire breath below the ptform while Millie moved to the back to keep bance on the ptform.

  After a few attempts, we finally got the ptform rebanced and Kris went and fired us up to the top of the cliff. Using her experience from before, she was able to quickly propel us up and slow down when we were there.

  Slowly putting down the ptform, we finally let the horses pull the cart off of the ptform as we took small break. Using all of that magic in one burst like that really consumed us a lot. Thankfully, nothing happened when rising up and we were now on the other side of the rift safely.

  Now we had to just keep moving forward from here and we should be at the border area of the Church's territory.

  We took a small break and finally headed off to the nearest town to the border. This town is not under the supervision of any city and is a rather detached locale from the others.

  It was called the Bde's Edge in reference to it being the furthest territory of the Church. It is quite the hotly contested area as in wars past there were times that ownership of the town switched pces constantly as one side conquered it before losing control to the other. Compared to the other towns who could be called gray areas where both sides could live, this town is quite divisive as the winning side always booted out the loser in order to maintain the town's purity.

  So when wars usually start, this is the pce where it usually begins.

  All of this makes the pce quite influential and it is pone of the locations that I most want to see on this trip. As adventurers, a pce like this is an incredible travel spot as simply passing through the town would lead you to a whole different territory.

  When we were going, I saw in the distance something peering over the horizon. I hurriedly shouted into the carriage to get everyone's attention.

  Sean: I think I can see it!

  The others quickly rose in attention and went to look. As we were riding, the location grew bigger and more clear as we headed closer.

  Soon the massive walls of the town were clearly visible for all of us. As we headed closer, there were finally signs of people as we reached a road built for traveler like us. After heading on it, we found a line and entrance to enter into the town.

  After waiting in line for a while, it was finally our turn to enter and after we showed our adventurer's badges to the guard they let us in.

  The first thing we did was to find the company we rented the carriage from. After speaking to the person and showing the evidence of renting, we paid the fare and took our stuff to find a hotel to stay in for the day.

  We have been stuck in the wilderness for quite a while and adventuring does not mean always staying in bad conditions out in the wild. Exploring a city also brings its own sense of adventure doesn't it?

  After some time searching, we found the right hotel for us. It was a clean and proper establishment that was middle css in terms of quality. Booking three double rooms and putting our stuff away was quite quick and we headed out to explore the city on foot.

  On our feet for the first time in a bit, we wandered around this town for a while. Thankfully, the Church currently has the area under control. Due to the potential threat of war, the patrols around were more cautious and strict then they were in other pces we have been at.

  So our trip on foot has been quite depressing as the patrols would always be watching us since we are newcomers who are not recognized here. Even if we are not bad or overly suspicious, just being from a different pce would put some level of scrutiny on us. Of course, this does not mean that they will let go of the civilians who live here.

  With all of these patrols always around, the experience of shopping around and exploring was quite unfortunate. Even so, we still had our fun traveling around. Soon, we had traveled through most of the town and were thinking of finding a pce to stop and eat at. A little searching led us to stop by a bar near the adventurer's guild of the town. Since it was here, I thought that it would be convenient to have a meal here before registering Marianne into our party officially. I went to ask my teammates about my thoughts before deciding.

  Sean: Since the Adventurer's Guild is right here, why don't we have a quick meal before registering Marianne to our squad?

  Lily: I think that idea is quite efficient. There is no reason for me to reject.

  Mist; No problem here, either.

  Kris: Finally! I was wondering when we would have her registered with us!

  Millie: Meal! Meal!

  Marianne: I don't mind. Sorry for taking up some of your time.

  We all reassure her and head into the bar. The pce was quite bustling, I guess that quite a few adventurers head here for an easy meal. Soon a waiter came to us and brought us to our table and we were seated. I took a quick look at the menu. As the leader of the guild, I first mentioned that we would not be getting any alcoholic drinks.

  I then found the items I wanted and waited for everyone to choose an order. Soon, we all decided and I called a waiter over to take our order.

  Due to the general noise of the adventurers here, I had to raise my voice a little to say our orders. After taking our orders, the waiter went to pce the order by the chef while preparing drinks for us.

  Then I turned to chat with my partners. While we were chatting, we kept our ears active to see if we can get any information that would be beneficial to us.

  Sure enough, there was a loud ughter on the other side of the bar. The ones ughing were what seemed like a team of three older adventurers.

  Rough Adventurer: Hey, did you hear that weird rumor about that vampire family?

  Old Adventurer: You mean that vampire family that had almost all their members assassinated? I heard about it, so what?

  Rough Adventurer: Did you know that according to the investigators on the scene that it was actually a vampire civil war? I even heard that it was just one figure who went and attempted to sughter the whole family. They were close to finishing the job when a group of guards appeared and the figure was scared away.

  Sneaky Adventurer: I have even clearer news. I have a fried who is the brother in w of one of the guards who were there. I heard from him that the sole survivor of the family is a bastard daughter from outside with silver hair. I heard she even has a maid with beast ears and a sve that is a Beast Whisperer!

  They then began to meaninglessly chatter on various factors around the town. Soon I ignored their conversation and turned to look at the others. Seeing their simir expressions, I knew they also heard that conversation. Well, maybe not for Millie. I turned and saw her wolfing down her meal like she has been starved a while. It received a little attention, but they all turned back after a while.

  Just in case we could get more free information, the rest of us slowed down our eating pace. Unfortunately, the rest we heard was just meaningless gossip and bragging that could be easily seen through.

  We finally finished our meal and rested in pce for a bit. I then paid for the meal with our team funds and we walked over to the adventurer's guild. When we walked in, the pce was a little deserted. It makes sense since most adventurers would be out on missions or in the tavern rather than staying here meaninglessly. I went and walked to an empty counter and talked to the receptionist.

  Sean: Hey, this is our guild card. I want to register a new member to our team.

  The receptionist quickly responded. She first went to check the guild card. Soon she returned and took out a form and asked me to hand it to the new member to write down. I handed it over to her and asked if she needed us to write.

  Marianne: I can still write. Don't worry, it will be quick work.

  She then filled in the name and role positions and didn't bother filling in the specialties since we already knew what she was capable of.

  After she was done, she handed the form over and after scanning the sheet with an unknown device she then passed our guild team card through another device and we were given the card back.

  Receptionist: Thank you for coming to the Bde's Edge Adventurer's Guild branch. Is there anything else we can do for you?

  Sean: Can I see the request that our team can take?

  She then pointed at a specific board on the wall.

  Receptionist: That board is all quests you can take. The requests currently on there are usually harder or more complex tasks since the next batch of requests has not come by yet.

  After thanking her, we headed over to see if there were any that were on our way that we could take down and submit somewhere else.