Exhausting journey

The decision to forgo horses was made due to the predominantly mountainous terrain and the absence of built roads. It was clear that on this rugged journey, horses would become more of a hindrance than a help. Thus, the group embarked on foot, moving swiftly despite the challenging conditions. Their pace was brisk, the warriors running with a stamina and endurance that highlighted their elite training. Surprisingly, no one lagged behind; the assembled group was uniformly capable, each member proving their mettle as one of the best of the best.

As the first day of travel drew to a close, the relentless pace and the demanding terrain began to take their toll. Most of the warriors, though seasoned and sturdy, showed signs of exhaustion as they finally stopped to make camp for the night. Tents were pitched with practiced efficiency, meals were quickly prepared and eaten, and the campsite soon settled into a quiet as the warriors sought to maximize their brief period for rest.

However, not everyone was eager to surrender to sleep just yet. Amukelo, driven by a relentless desire to master the mana control technique Nakatashi had introduced, chose to use this time to further his training. He sat outside his tent under the faint light of the stars, trying to find the delicate balance of accumulating just enough mana within himself to maintain control, yet pushing his limits to maximize the technique's potential power.

Noticing Amukelo's dedication, Eliss felt a surge of motivation. Joining him outside, she too began to practice, her determination fueled by a desire not to be a burden during the upcoming challenges. Amukelo glanced over at her, concern etched on his face. "I think you should get back to sleep, you will bet too tired to continue." he said, wary of her exerting herself too much.

Eliss responded with a firm resolve in her voice, "If I don't get stronger, I'll just be a burden to you, something you'll have to take care of." Her words were a mix of self-awareness and a strong desire to contribute equally to their mission.

Amukelo disagreed with her view of being a burden but understood her determination. Seeing her resolve, he relented, though not without setting a condition. "Promise me that the last night before we arrive, you will rest. We need to be as well-rested as possible," he insisted, his tone serious. "We don't know what we'll encounter."

Eliss nodded in agreement, her expression solemn but understanding the wisdom in his words. They both continued their practice, focusing intently on their mana manipulation techniques. Despite their best efforts, the progress was slow, and the hour grew late. Realizing the need for rest, especially after a day of hard travel and with more to come, they finally decided to call it a night.

They retreated to their respective tents, and as they lay down, the exhaustion of the day, coupled with their intense mental exertions, quickly overtook them. Sleep came swiftly and deeply, their bodies and minds yielding to the tiredness that enveloped them. In the quiet of the night, the camp lay still, save for the soft sound of breathing from the tents of two determined warriors, resting now but ready for the challenges that awaited them with the dawn.

The second day of the journey proved even more grueling than the first. The relentless pace, combined with the rugged mountain terrain, sapped the strength of even the most seasoned warriors. Yet, as the sun dipped below the horizon and they made camp for the second night, there was a palpable resolve among Amukelo and his friends—they were determined to master the technique taught by Nakatashi, no matter the physical toll.

Despite their exhaustion, Amukelo and Eliss, along with a few others, decided to use what little time they had at night to continue their training. They understood that the opportunity to perfect this technique might not come again, and the urgency of their mission pressed heavily upon them. Yosue's team, observing their dedication, watched with a mixture of awe and respect. Inspired by their commitment, Yosue himself rose from his resting place to join in the training. Although he could already perform the technique, he struggled with sustaining it and maximizing the mana flow, which reduced its effectiveness in combat.

As they practiced under the stars, the air thick with the sounds of concentrated effort and the occasional clashing of swords, Ida approached them the next morning. His tone was pragmatic, yet it carried an undercurrent of admiration. "That's cool that you all have spirit," he said, his voice firm, "but if you slow us down, we'll just leave you behind." The group simply nodded in understanding, their faces set in grim determination, knowing full well the stakes of their endeavor.

The physical toll was evident as they resumed their march. While the first day had been challenging, they were now genuinely struggling to keep pace. Eliss, in particular, felt the strain acutely. As a mage, her physical conditioning was different from that of the warriors, and the relentless pace pushed her to her limits. Observing her struggle, Amukelo offered to carry her, a gesture born out of concern and camaraderie. However, Eliss refused, her voice tinged with resolve. "I need to do this on my own," she insisted, pushing herself to match the pace of the group.

Despite her fatigue, Eliss managed to keep up, her determination burning bright. By the end of the third day, however, even she had to acknowledge her limits. Completely spent, she chose not to join the evening's training session. Amukelo, while still intent on practicing, opted for a shorter session than usual, acutely aware that the next day could bring unforeseen challenges that would demand all their strength and focus.