⭐️⭐️⭐️

“The border area of Hellane has returned to its original state. Fortunately,” Hazen said, looking at the dense forest after getting off the carriage. Not long ago, this place was a habitat for monsters, consisting of gray sky and ground. It used to be a stifling place, but now, with the fresh scent of grass, a clear sky peeked through the trees, and birds flying around portrayed a scene no different from any other forest.

“Seems like most of the monsters are cleared now,” Mitchell remarked, surveying the surroundings. Even after Duke Kuran’s death, monsters that invaded the village did not disappear and continued to harass the citizens. Therefore, the group had been clearing monsters at all borderlines and villages before heading to Hellane.

Now, where they stood was the last unexplored location, and once they crossed this forest, they could immediately enter Hellane. Kite approached fearlessly and, smiling, looked down at a squirrel that was watching them beneath his feet.

“It seems there are no monsters here for sure. So, even small animals can roam around peacefully.”

“Then let’s get going now. Since we can’t teleport to the Royal Capital of Hellane, it will take a few days even if we hurry,” prompted Raphael, and the group boarded the carriage again.

“I see a guard post up ahead.”
The road that had once been traveled by numerous people was so deserted that not even a single ant could be seen, as the border had been closed for a long time. Along the path that had been devoid of human presence for 15 years, carriages were approaching, causing the guards to come out of their post with tense expressions, blocking the road.

Kite descended from the carriage and approached the guards. However, Joseph, with a frustrated expression, was seen rubbing his head, as if something wasn’t going well.

“The conversation seems to be dragging on. I think I need to go check it out myself,” said Hazen as he got off the carriage, with Kite following suit.

“Should we get off too? Let’s find out what’s preventing us from going,” suggested Raphael. At his words, the entire group disembarked from the carriage and headed toward the guards.

“Well, it doesn’t matter who you are or what happened to Kuran. We received orders not to let anyone pass from the enemy Kuran, and we’re just following that order. So, please go back,” stated one of the guards.

“No, he’s the Crown Prince of Hellane. He’s your master,” argued Hazen.

“While it’s true that we are citizens of Hellane, the one who issued the order to guard the border is Duke Patrick. Without his order, we cannot let anyone through,” explained the guard.

The guards hesitated, looking at each other, and added, “Moreover, we can’t be sure about his identity. We can’t just believe what we hear without solid evidence.”
In response to the stern reply of the guards, one of Kite’s eyebrows raised.

“Was border management Tamare Viscount’s responsibility originally?”

“Originally, it was under the jurisdiction of Viscount Tamare, but after his passing, Duke Patrick took over the management.”

Mitchell chuckled at the guard’s words, and said, “While we were struggling to capture Duke Kuran, it seems like another war was taking place here.”

Raphael also grumbled with a pout, “Anyway, everyone is unnecessarily diligent. If you can eat and live, you should stop being so ambitious.”

Listening silently to the conversation, Ruella turned on her screen.

Thinking about going back to Kuran, taking a boat and returning through Ellab, she tried to find the nearest teleportation point at the port.

However, the Helane Kingdom, which had been displayed as completely empty, was now appearing on the map.

Perhaps, entering the land of Helane beyond the border might have caused it to be displayed on the map.

Seeing each village marked in a swirling pattern, Ruella smiled. Similar to Kuran, there were teleportation hubs in representative villages of each region, and there was no need to designate them separately.

“Shall we stop wrestling and take the teleportation? Thanks to entering Helane’s land, the map has opened up.”

Upon Ruella’s suggestion, Hazen turned around, reflecting on her words.
“Really? Let’s go right away.”

Hazen, forgetting the anger he had just expressed, danced with excitement, swaying his shoulders.

If they were to travel by carriage from here, excluding the sleeping hours, it would take almost ten days even if they ran. However, being able to cover that distance in just 1 minute, how could they not be excited?

“Please get on the carriage. We’ll depart right away.”

The guards, after making incomprehensible sounds, watched as the people returned to the carriage.

“Uh, they disappeared.”

And shortly after, the carriages that were right in front of them disappeared like magic.

In the midst of the guards dumbfounded by the unbelievable sight, one of them shouted, “Inform the captain. Strange people from the Kuran side demanded entry and suddenly disappeared. Hurry! We must report that they claimed to be the Crown Prince of Helane and his companions.”