Puetji-2

"Coil! It's been days. I'm currently on another mission with you, working together from Luna Village. How about you? Any chance you'll finally make your mark?"

"No clue at all. Honestly, there's so much I don't understand about liquid crystals—no one knows how to handle them properly. And yet, for reasons I can't fathom, whether it's greed or just not wanting to see something rare taken, the nobles in this country have started fighting over locations. It's completely out of our hands now."

Coil spoke casually, gazing into the distance, clearly worn down by the ordeal.

"What do we do next?"

I'm stepping away from this matter. When the time comes to cross the desert, I'll get back into the info-gathering trade. Until then, I might as well sightsee this town I've come all this way to visit.

"Are you sure about that?"

"It's fine, just means we weren't meant to be. There are plenty of things in life that no amount of personal effort can change. If you stress over every little thing, you won't be able to enjoy tomorrow. I'll be hanging around here drinking for a bit, so come by if you feel like it. See you later."

"He's quick to move on, isn't he? So straightforward and easygoing."

Elin wore an expression of slight surprise.

"Yeah, he's decisive. Let's wrap up early and prepare for tomorrow."

"Indeed."

"It's unfair that you two understand each other so well! Teach me too!"

Riruka flailed her legs, complaining.

She seems to be quite indulged when with Elin. She calls her "Elin-senpai," and the two get along very well.

Afterward, they quickly finished a light meal and went to bed.

The next day, the sky was unusually dark. The sun was out, but something was blocking it.

A massive sandstorm raged, the swirling sand pounding against the thick hood pulled tightly over her head.

The storm was so intense that visibility was reduced to just a few meters, and without the hood pulled down tightly, sand would have entered her eyes. Yet the locals seemed accustomed to it, showing no concern as they hurried past.

While operating my magic tri-wheel, I followed the backs of the two women ahead of me toward the merchant they usually dealt with. The transaction itself seemed familiar, so they left it to me to handle.

Since it was their usual order, I was told to wait a while. But despite saying that, they didn't return right away. When I peeked toward the trading post, it looked like there was some kind of dispute going on.

Upon closer inspection, I saw Elin arguing while Rilka watched from behind. I approached Rilka and asked.

"What's going on?"

"I'm not sure, but she says the usual number of magic stones isn't available."

"Why not?"

"Because they're being taken to the mine."

Elin returned after finishing the trade. Yet the reason was quite troubling.

This country's hottest spot right now. Delivering goods there is only natural...

We haven't reached the planned amount. It looks like we'll have to go to the actual mining site and buy the rest from a middleman...

There's no help for it; let's go to a place that sells them.

We were headed to the liquid gemstone mine, but there was a fierce sandstorm.

I had thought I'd have to wait until the sandstorm calmed down, since I didn't even know the location of the mine, but it seems an enormous influx of people is happening even within this sandstorm.

There are people moving through the sandstorm, part of a group on the move. The path was easy to follow, thanks to the many feet that had already packed down the sand.

"There's no need to go today, is there? With this storm, the village won't be reachable for several days anyway."

"Taro, we don't have time. We must make the most of every moment—while you're here, we need to train someone capable of mastering that special technique."

Taro, are you scared?

Following a group moving through a sandstorm, compelled by Erine's serious expression and Rilka's teasing one.

Moving forward through blurred vision. The sound of sand hitting my body reaches my ears. Unusually cool, unlike the usual thick desert.

The magic triwheel had descended, its steam engine running at a minimal level to mimic the effect of a hand-pushed breeze, matching the pace of the surrounding movement. The direction was opposite that of the ruins, and if they continued straight ahead, they would eventually reach the sea.

But how on earth did you find a quarry like this? I’m simply overwhelmed with gratitude toward the first person to discover it.

It's said that under good weather conditions, one could reach the quarry in a day or less, but I have a feeling it might take nearly a full day at this pace.

We've already prepared the camp setup, and with so many people here, we should be able to manage watch duties somehow.

As I was lost in thought, Rilka fell behind the group. She had always lived peacefully in the village, and clearly wasn't used to long-distance travel in such strong winds.

"Rilka, would you like to ride on the cargo platform?"

"No, it's okay. I'll walk on my own."

Something I've come to realize lately by spending time with her is that she becomes remarkably bold when traveling or embarking on adventures. I don't know exactly what fuels this change, but one thing is certain—something has definitely shifted since she left the village.

I was feeling this warm sense of her growth, when suddenly a scream and loud noise shattered the moment.

Looking toward the source of the sound, I saw a horse pulling another group's wagon suddenly leap into the air.

"Wormsand!";

By the time someone shouted it, my body was already moving. I drew my crossbow from my waist and fired off a specialized bolt.