The Road to the Desert

Two or three days had passed since we left the empire, heading toward the desert nation of Puetoji.

Eryn, Gram, and I were traveling south across the continent, riding on a magic tricycle.

The snow that had quietly accumulated had vanished, and the temperature kept rising steadily.

The magic tricycle pulls a rudimentary cargo platform. This platform carries travel supplies and personnel for long journeys. The current magic tricycle is an improved model crafted by Emma. While the supply of magical stones still requires manual effort, its output and efficiency have increased significantly. It also features a robust, durable frame capable of withstanding heavy use.

"Still, this is an incredible vehicle. I had no idea something like this existed... With this, we could reach the desert region in just a few days."

"A desert... I've never been there before. What's it like?"

"It's just a barren place. Not much rain, and little to grow. Moving around is tough because the sand swirls and traps your feet. I wonder why anyone would live there?"

I have no idea, even if you say that.

Well, my hometown has a lot of earthquakes too, but I've lived here all my life—maybe that's just how it is.

Thinking about things with no answers.

There's nothing else to do, so I can't help but dwell on them. No beasts appear, and the journey is peaceful.

As expected, the two of them are doing excellent work in close combat. Honestly, I'm almost unnecessary—just the two of them might have made it back fine on their own.

Gram was enjoying the ride on the magic trike while keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. Elrin sat with a distant gaze, seemingly lost in thought, often curling up on the cargo platform behind the trike once combat ended, hugging their knees.

Since leaving the empire, I've been answering only what's necessary, nothing more.

Once combat begins, they always fight fiercely, displaying elegant movements.

That night, after eating at the campsite, Elin went to bed first. When camping outdoors, we took turns keeping watch. Since I always asked Elin to take the early morning shift, there was no question about her going to sleep first.

I thought this was my chance, and asked Gram whether Elin was always like that.

"Gram, is Elin always this quiet?"

"Ah... well, Tarou-sama. Elin lost her lover in the previous dungeon."

"I see... I'm sorry."

"It's alright. It was bound to come out eventually. He was around our age, and there weren't many people our age in the village besides us, so we always played together as a trio. It's only natural she'd have feelings for him."

"So, you left the village with those three and became adventurers in the empire?"

"Yes, more precisely, since we were new, we teamed up with two senior adventurers who took a liking to us. We adventured together for several years. But then, on a dungeon we tried after a long break..."

"I see... I'm sorry I made you relive something tough."

"No, it's alright. I'm actually glad I could talk to you about it. It's embarrassing, but I'd been wondering how to explain to our companions and the families of those who didn't make it. Just talking about it has eased my mind a bit."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Night deepened.

A few days later, we arrived at a nameless village just before the desert.

This place serves as a preparation point before entering the desert.

A place that gradually became a village as merchants and blacksmiths began setting up shop in the area where travelers stopped. We temporarily stayed here to gather current desert information and replenish our supplies.

There's no guild, but there is an inn.

There are people here known as information brokers. Pay them a reward, and they'll sell you information.

And before that, I went to a market-like place and bought supplies. Since we're moving across sand, I figure our movement speed will inevitably slow down, so it's better to stock up on long-lasting food...

After some time, I noticed dried meat for sale. I'll take that.

"Sir, I'd like to buy all of your dried meat."

"Sure thing, but tell me, why do you need so much of it?"

"I'm heading to the Pruetzi Republic across the desert, so I wanted to prepare some food accordingly."

"Wait, the desert!? That's impossible. The desert can't be crossed right now. Are you from the capital city or somewhere nearby?"

"Uh... I do operate near the capital, but why exactly can't the desert be crossed right now?"

"I could explain it verbally, but you'll understand better if you just take a look for yourself. Go up to that small hill over there and observe the desert."

I received a vague response.

After restocking supplies and with some time to spare, I did as instructed and climbed the hill to observe the desert.

Using a fairly high-end telescope, I scanned the remote areas of the desert and discovered a spot where sand was steadily rising up in thick clouds.

What is that thing?

Staring intently, the sandy plain suddenly exploded. An eruption!?

When the dust cleared, there was a tube-like object of an indescribable earthy color. Yet it was writhing and undulating, its tip wide open, revealing a mouth and sharp fangs.

Is it a living creature!?

"What is that!? Some kind of monster?"

"It's not a demon beast. That's a sandworm. I've heard it uses sound to detect prey."

Behind him stood Gram.

"A sandworm? I've never heard of that. What exactly is it?"

"We don't know much about it in detail. But right now it's in its breeding season, and it's extremely agitated. Sandworms attack and devour anything—plants, animals, even people—without discrimination. That's why no one travels through the desert during this time."

What an ordeal. For the first time, I've encountered a creature unique to this world.

But that's not the real issue. It attacks anything and everything? Wait—so that's why...

"That's why you came to me with the request. You figured my exploration magic could get us through this, didn't you?"

Gram's face twisted.

I'm truly sorry it turned out this way, but we really wanted to get back home soon—for our friend's sake... I know I'm being selfish, but could you possibly make an exception?

Gram continued lowering his head before finishing his words. My answer had already been decided.

I was surprised, but I had to move forward anyway. Let's keep in touch from now on. Tell me what you know about the Sandworm.

Thank you. Really thank you.

Gram lowered his head without pause. Drops of water fell from his face.

He must have been struggling deeply—something far too heavy for me to comprehend.

He failed, and I succeeded. That was all there was to it in words. Yet, understanding me was beyond him.

I said nothing, simply waiting for him to calm down.

Looking at him, I felt a desire to grow stronger. At the very least, to never lose a comrade again... I truly meant it.