A NEW ECHO of The NORTH

Days passed in a familiar rhythm. Morning turned to night, and night gave way to a new dawn. It had been two weeks—perhaps even a month—since I arrived in this world. Much had happened in that time.

According to the children, Elrik began working on potion crafting right after that dinner. He stayed up, working day and night for three consecutive days. I had even provided him with enough materials for ten attempts. After failing nine times, he succeeded on the fourth day—only to immediately collapse from exhaustion. When he finally woke, Rania scolded him relentlessly for neglecting his rest.

Once the kingdom discovered his success, they wasted no time. The royal court gathered their alchemists, and within a week, they too had learned to replicate the potion.

Since I had rescued that mischievous boy, he had started tailing me everywhere. At first, he merely observed the house from the forest, but later he followed me to the capital. He never caused trouble—just watched—so I let him be.

Two days after submitting my request, a group of adventurers managed to deliver a small bundle of herb leaves. A week later, more adventurers joined in, and supplies from the merchant guild began to flow.

Potion crafting spread like wildfire. Within three months, the capital was filled with self-taught alchemists. Within a year, it had reached other nations and become a common commodity. But that’s a story for another time. As for me...

[Three Days Earlier]

Just as I stepped out of the adventurers' guild, someone called out to me.

“Lady Luna!”

“Ekin! How are you?” I called back.

“I’m well, my lady. I heard about an adventurer named Luna who made a breakthrough in potion crafting. At first, I thought it was a coincidence. But it turns out you’re not just talented—you’re also a noble, and Lady Rima’s sister,” he said with a light laugh.

“Hehe, sorry for hiding that.”

“It’s no trouble. Honestly, I was shocked. And we may have been a little impolite before... please forgive us.”

“No need to apologize. Just treat me like you always have—not as a noble.”

“If that’s what you wish.”

“So, did you need something from me?”

“Well, I came to ask for your help... but I hesitated after finding out who you were.”

“What kind of help?”

“I’m heading to Bhorneo in the north in three days. The Black Iron Spear group also asked me to recruit you. They said with you around, they wouldn’t have to worry about meals or injuries.”

Bhorneo, in the north... Didn’t the tower guardian mention sensing something from that direction? This could be my chance to find another tower.

“Alright. I’ll go with you.”

“But I can’t pay you much.”

“No problem. I’m just an E-rank adventurer. My rates are modest.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

“Then let’s meet at the north gate at the eighth bell, three days from now.”

[Present Day]

A new day, a new beginning. After a long talk, Lusserina decided to stay behind and manage the Illusion Shop. The shop was now stocked with potions, swords, armor, and other goods. Of course, I wasn’t selling anything too rare or dangerous. Most of the inventory consisted of so-called “junk” from the game—but surprisingly, much of it proved useful here.

In the game, weapons were categorized into six tiers: Common, Ordinary, Uncommon, Rare, Mythical, and Legendary. Common weapons had no extra attributes. Ordinary had one, Uncommon two, and so on—Legendary gear had up to five powerful traits.

After some discussion, we decided to only sell Common and Ordinary items. Anything stronger was too risky—it could shift the balance of power or even start a war.

This time, I was more prepared than on any previous journey. I packed enough supplies, food, and clothing. The trip to Bhorneo was expected to take ten to twelve days.

We arrived at the north gate just as the eighth bell rang.

“Lady Luna!” several voices called out.

Tarma and the Black Iron Spear group waved cheerfully.

“Good morning, Lady Luna,” said Tarma.

“Good morning, everyone. Looks like your numbers have increased?”

“Four members who were injured have recovered. We’re back to a full party of eleven!” Tarma said proudly.

“Mother!” Rania cried, running toward me.

“Don’t go! We just reunited!”

“Don’t exaggerate. I’ll only be gone for a while,” I replied flatly.

“Hehe, just don’t take too long, okay?”

“You’re all here to see me off?”

“Of course, Mom,” Bartasz answered. “Sis wants to give you something too. Sis!”

“Here, Mom. Please give this letter to someone,” Rania said, smiling suspiciously.

“To whom?”

“Rama of Lemurian. Just... a friend, I guess.”

Her smile was far too suspicious.

“Where’s your brother?”

“He wanted to come but thought it would be improper for a High Priest to escort an E-rank adventurer.”

“I see...”

“Lady Luna, are you ready?”

“Yes. I’ll be off then.”

“Bye, Mom! Be safe!”

And so, our journey began.

[The Journey]

The rhythmic sound of hooves and wagon wheels accompanied our departure from the capital. Ekin had brought four wagons, and with the Black Iron Spear group fully assembled, the atmosphere was lively.

I sat with Ekin in the rear wagon.

“So, which route are we taking? The northern path is infested with bandits, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but there’s a mountain pass we can take instead. It’s steeper but safer.”

“Any monsters?”

“There might be, but I believe we can handle it.”

The first three days passed uneventfully. We camped in wide-open fields, shared hearty meals, and traded stories. I handled the cooking, which helped lift everyone's spirits.

On the third day, we reached a fork in the road. Most travelers would head east to avoid the mountains, but we pressed straight north.

We camped at the mountain’s base that evening. The next morning, we began our ascent. The trail was narrow, flanked by cliffs, and the air turned cold. Fortunately, no monsters crossed our path—only silence and wind.

By midday, we reached a collapsed bridge—a yawning chasm stood before us.

“Oh no! The bridge is gone!” Tarma exclaimed.

“If we go around, it’ll take days... and the detour runs straight through bandit territory,” Ekin said grimly.

I stepped forward and examined the gorge. Then I said, “I have a solution.”

All eyes turned to me.

Without another word, I activated wind magic. A green glow enveloped me. I walked to the edge and stepped out—into the air.

“Lady Luna!” everyone screamed.

But I didn’t fall. A shimmering platform appeared under my foot—like stepping on water.

“This isn’t flight magic,” I explained. “It’s support magic. Every step consumes 1% of your mana. After a hundred steps, if your mana is gone, you’ll fall. The spell ends once you touch the ground again.”

“I want to try it!” Tarma volunteered.

I nodded and cast the spell on him. He stepped forward hesitantly. When he realized he wasn’t falling, his face lit up like a child.

“Don’t jump around! You’ll burn through your mana!” I warned.

Everyone chuckled.

One by one, we crossed the gap. Everything went smoothly—until the last wagon.

The final horse grew restless and collapsed just before the edge. The coachman tried to restrain it, but was pulled down with it.

I quickly cast levitation. Wrapped in glowing green light, the horse and driver floated across and landed safely.

“Thank you, Lady Luna,” Ekin said with a bow.

“No need to thank me. What matters is that everyone’s safe.”

We descended the mountain and found a clearing to set up camp before dusk. Everyone was exhausted, but there was still the matter of night watch.

To give them rest, I summoned elemental sentinels—wooden guardians born from nature magic. They looked like twisted trees with moss-covered limbs and hollow eyes, each slightly different in shape. I instructed them to guard the perimeter.

Tarma looked uneasy. “No offense, but... can we trust them?”

“Don’t judge them by their looks. They’re about as strong as you. Maybe stronger,” I said with a sly smile.

That night passed without incident.

The following morning, the world was enveloped in mist. Dew clung to each leaf, and the cool air refreshed us as we stepped out of our tents.

After a simple breakfast, we continued our journey downhill. A few hours later, we reached a fork that led back to the main road.

“That path... where does it lead?” I asked.

“It should lead to the old outpost and the public road—before it was overrun by bandits,” Ekin replied.

“I hope we don’t run into them.”

But fate, it seemed, had other plans. Barely five hundred meters ahead, armed men stepped onto the path, blocking our way.

“Leave your valuables—and the women—if you want to live.”