I was completely spent after the fight with the Vampire so, while I was able to drag myself all the way to Lord Ravenscall's house, I could not stay awake after that. As a result, I did not participate in the report. Still, Alexius managed to pull through and convince the lord that we would not be needed anymore, so we left Ravensguard the next day. Good. What a stupid, unpleasant and miserable little town. Nothing good happened to us while there. Well, I suppose meeting that Arlendir fellow was not terrible, but he was really strange person... so, I suppose it wouldn't be bad if we never met him again, I think.

Anytway, we would finally be able to continue our journey, which had been sidetracked by Alexius' uncle's small request. To the south of Meridia lies the region of Nemiria, which consisted of many city-states, most of which are republics. The majority of their population consist of gnomes and they are by far the biggest concentration of gnomes in the world.

I would be lying if I said I never wanted to visit these cities. Gnomes are renowned for their intellect and are responsible for some works of craftsmanship that could rival even a dwarf's. Although I suppose they are too methodical about it, and some say gnomes have a rather different way of seeing things. I'm sure that if I had the the help of a competent gnome scholar, making my magic-armor-construct into a reference for the whole world would not be a dream.

That fact that most of the more prosperous of these cities are ports and are involved in intense trade with the continent of Asren is also very important. While Alexius has not told me yet that he intends to cross the sea to go to Asren, I think I can be fairly certain that this is his plan. A journey across the world, spanning multiple continents, can't say I am dissatisfied with that kind of thing.

Still, before all of this, we have to first cross the very mountainous region that marks the border between the kingdom of Meridia and the region of Nemiria. They are treacherous and prone to sliding from what I have heard. Also, due to the very complicated terrain, it is very difficult for both Meridia and the city-states on the other side to keep a very tight control of it. As a result, robberies are quite common there and very few people cross it without at least several guards, especially merchants. Well, fortunately, it's not like we are exactly helpless, but if possible I would really prefer not having to deal with bandits, though some might say that's all a part of the adventure.

I suppose those who can't take the heat shouldn't go anywhere near a forge. With this thought in mind, I prepared myself once we had entered one of the passes that would allow us to cross into Nemiria. Even if I'd rather not deal with bandits, if we did encounter some, I guess we would just take care of them. As I was still not completely recovered from the events in Ravensguard, I tested out a more “slim” version of my armor, that included only gauntlets, boots, greaves and breastplate. It did use much less mana, though I have to wonder about its efficacy in battle, compared to the full armor.

“To think that on the other side of these mountains there is a completely different country, which itself will give us access to an entire new continent! This is so great!”

I guess Alexius is the kind of guy that prefers to look at things from a positive perspective.

“Hmm, so you two really do intend to go to Asren for your journey.”

I guess the two didn't realize that they never told me, because they looked kind of surprised at my affirmation.

“Oh, uh, yeas, I suppose we do plan to cross the ocean and go to Asren. I hope you will come with us. From the things that Alexius told me about it, going with just two people might be a bit too harsh.”

Huh, now Helena was actually saying that she would prefer for me to go with them. Hah! I knew I would eventually be completely accepted by the two of them! Praise the Maker! Right now, I feel like I wouldn't mind accompanying them to the ends of the world, really. I'm sure our journey will be spoken of centuries in the future, as we become legends. Well, one step at a time I suppose. First, let's cross this mountain pass.

The first obstacle came quite early. Soon after entering one of the passes that would take us to the other side of the mountains, the way was completely blocked by a great amount of rocks. How strange, it's one of the more widely marked passes, supposedly used all the time. How can it be so thoroughly blocked right now?

“Huh, that's strange. Oh well, I guess we will just have to waste a few days backtracking and taking another route. More days sleeping outside, that's just great...”

Alexius quickly gave up and wanted to turn around. I suppose he is just not all that familiar with a dwarf's ability in dealing with the ground and rocks. I stopped him and tried my best not to make too smug an expression as I walked towards the pile of rocks blocking our way.

“Alexius, my friend, this thing here that you are looking at is no problem for even a mediocre dwarf. Manipulating rocks and the like is well within our power. Getting these rocks out of the way is but a simple trick.”

I then touched the rocks and, flowing my mana through them, was able to manipulate them into becoming a small open gate, through which we could easily pass through. Oof, I did say it was within even a mediocre dwarf's ability, but it was actually quite taxing. So much that I soon would have to take a break. The two of them didn't mind.

“Hah, fine, of course you can take a break. Your 'simple trick' saved us a few days, you know?”

I am always glad to be useful!