Journey to the Main Capital

Karan and Alan set off toward Mutespire Town, their destination before heading to the grand capital.
As they walked, Alan glanced at Nara and smirked. “So, have you decided what you’re going to say when we reach the capital?”
Nara folded his arms. “Yeah, I have something in mind.”
“Then tell me,” Alan insisted. “Maybe I can give you some suggestions.”
Nara shook his head. “No, no. I don’t even know how good my idea is yet. I’d rather not embarrass myself by saying it out loud.”
Alan chuckled. “And yet, you’ll say it in front of the princess and the royal guards?”
“Well…” Nara hesitated. “I just don’t want to reveal it now. If it works, I’ll tell you later.”
Alan shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
Before they could continue, a rustling sound came from the nearby bushes. Alan immediately tensed, stepping forward cautiously. As he peered through the leaves, his eyes lit up.
“Bingo,” he whispered.
Nara frowned. “What is it?”
Alan grinned. “Treasure.”
Confused, Nara stepped closer and saw a group of large, sheep-like beasts sleeping in the grass.
Karan observed them carefully. “What kind of beasts are these?”
Alan's voice was low. “They're called Ompians. Extremely aggressive. They’ll attack anything—big or small, even humans.”
Nara raised an eyebrow. “Why?”
“There’s no specific reason. Maybe it’s just their way of proving their strength. But here’s the interesting part—75% of their attacks are critical hits.”
Nara whistled. “That’s impressive.”
Alan nodded. “Yeah, but what makes them really valuable is their epic item.”
“Epic item?” Nara asked, intrigued.
“Yes. It’s called Shock Crystal. If an Ompian touches an opponent while carrying it, they double the electrical current in their body, usually knocking them out instantly.”
Nara’s eyes gleamed. “Now that sounds useful.”
Alan smirked. “That’s not all. Ompians are valuable for three reasons. One, their meat is even more expensive than Silvertusk. Two, their Shock Crystals fetch a high price. And three, their wool is incredibly valuable. You could either sell it or get a custom-made outfit.”
Nara grinned. “Then let’s catch them.”
Alan studied the herd. “That big one is the best choice. It’ll sell for a good price, plus it has the thickest wool.”
“I like the one next to it,” Nara said.
Alan sighed. “It’s good too, but not as good as the big one.”
Nara smirked. “Then let’s catch both.”
Alan groaned. “That might be a problem.”
“But we’ll make double the silver,” Nara argued.
Alan shot him a look. “Don’t get greedy.”
Nara shrugged. “This isn’t greed—it’s strategy. If I were greedy, I’d say, ‘Let’s catch them all.’”
Alan chuckled. “Fair point. But if we’re taking two, I’ll have to use my aura.”
Nara’s grin widened. “Awesome.”
Alan smirked. “You might not think so in a moment.”
He pulled out a rope, took a deep breath, and then—suddenly—his aura exploded in intensity. The sheer force of it caused the entire Ompian herd to stir awake, their bodies trembling, unable to move. Even Karan felt the overwhelming pressure, barely managing to stay on his feet.
Alan moved quickly, tying up the two Ompians before releasing his aura. The rest of the herd scattered in a frenzy. Karan, gasping, collapsed onto the ground.
Alan knelt beside him. “Take a moment to rest.”
After a short break, they heaved the captured Ompians onto their shoulders and resumed their journey.

---
An hour later, they reached Mutespire Town.
“Hah… finally…” Nara panted.
Alan sighed. “Not quite. We’re at the North Gate. We need to get to the West Gate for a ride to the capital.”
Nara groaned. “I can’t. My legs are dead. Even those wild boars were lighter than these.”
“That’s because they didn’t have wool,” Alan said. “Besides, a little effort every day keeps you in shape.”
Nara rolled his eyes. “Great. When my soul leaves my body, at least my muscles will still be strong.”
Alan chuckled. “Well, it’s night, so I doubt we’ll find anyone to help.”
Karan looked around. Last time he was here, the market had been bustling. Now, it was eerily empty.
He gritted his teeth and stood up, lifting the Ompian onto his shoulders.
Alan smiled. “That’s the spirit.”
They made their way to the West Gate, passing a few shops that were still open. Alan explained that since adventurers could arrive at any time, some businesses—hotels, exchange centers, and restaurants—remained open all night.
At the gate, Alan spoke to a carriage driver.
Alan returned with a frown. “The main route is in bad shape. We’ll have to take a detour. It’ll add about ten hours to the trip.”
Nara sighed. “Good thing we didn’t kill the Ompians. Otherwise, they’d start rotting by morning.”
Alan chuckled. “Hungry?”
“Starving.”
“Wait here. I’ll get us something.”
As Alan went to find food, a man approached Karan.
“Your carriage is ready.”
Karan nodded. “Thanks, but my friend isn’t back yet. Can you wait a bit?”
“Of course. Is this your cargo?”
“Yes, those are Ompians.”
The man chuckled. “Ah, taking them to the capital? You’ll get a great price for them there. Here, let me help.”
Together, they loaded the Ompians onto the carriage. By the time Alan returned, he grinned at the sight of the driver.
“Blake! Long time, no see.”
The driver smiled. “Alan! Still causing trouble?”
Alan laughed. “Always. Karan, meet Blake. He’s the best cart driver in town.”
Blake chuckled. “You flatter me. Shall we go?”
Alan and Karan climbed into the carriage while Blake hitched two beasts to it.
Nara eyed them. “What kind of creatures are those?”
Alan smirked. “They’re called Barno. Friendly creatures—until they unlock their ability.”
“Meaning?”
“They have a Legendary Ability called Cloud Knight. But to unlock it, they have to go through a test—puberty. If they resist temptation and don’t mate during this stage, they gain their legendary power. If they fail… well, they stay like this.”
Nara raised an eyebrow. “So it’s a patience test? If they pass, they evolve?”
“Exactly. And if they do pass, they become legendary beasts.”
“Interesting…”
As they talked, exhaustion crept in, and both Karan and Nara dozed off.

---
Morning arrived with the rhythmic sound of hooves against the road. Karan stirred, opening his eyes. Alan was already awake, watching the horizon.
“Morning, Nara,” Alan said with a grin.
“Morning… Where are we?” Karan asked groggily.
Blake called out from the front. “Almost there! Just a little further, and we’ll reach the capital.”
Alan nudged Karan. “Look outside.”
Karan peered out and saw it—a massive stone wall, standing tall and imposing, with a mountain rising behind it.
“That’s the Capital’s Boundary Wall,” Alan explained. “And beyond it, the Main Capital.”
A thrill ran through Karan. Until now, he had seen forests, towns, and villages. But now? Now, he was about to enter the heart of the kingdom—a bustling city of royalty, merchants, and adventure.
A grin spread across his face.
“Now this is going to be fun.”