Power Reconnaissance (1)
The northwestern highway from Prosek Castle was the largest road in the fortress, like a lifeline.
It wasn't paved, but it was well-packed enough for carriages to pass.
Bridges spanned every river and stream.
In this world, having stone bridges along the way was no exaggeration compared to the highways back home.
Given it was such an important road, one might think regular scouting and patrols were a given.
"This is practically the frontier, so patrols aren't feasible.
We don't have enough troops to station outposts along the entire length, and even when we do, they're frequently devoured by wandering monsters or ambushed. We gave up on it.
That's why we conduct regular reconnaissance with adventurers like this.
This time, due to some military circumstances, we had to recruit scouting personnel more urgently than usual."
Before heading to the assigned scouting sector, Kerry explained the details of this commission.
"Wouldn't it be better for a few seasoned soldiers to handle reconnaissance?"
"I agree, but training scouts as capable as me isn't as easy as it sounds. Haha.
Plus, if one scout leads around four adventurers like this, you can cover more ground with fewer troops.
It gives the adventurers experience, and the scouts get good practice too.
Win-win for everyone.
But..."
Kerry pointed at Rada, Suu, and Lirisa trailing behind.
Suu was huffing and puffing under a backpack she wasn't used to carrying.
Lirisa was staggering like she might collapse, even though she'd handed her pack to Rada.
Rada seemed the least affected, but she had no gear or supplies of her own. No money, she said.
"When you end up with greenhorns like that, it's a nuisance for everyone.
They should be somewhat green but with experience—not total kids like this."
I, on the other hand, was seasoned at mountain marches from hauling game during hunts.
"Uncle Kirgil, you've got stamina.
Huff... huff... Let's rest a bit.
Look, Lirisa's about to drop."
Suu at least complained, but Lirisa was too exhausted to speak.
Rada had been quiet since the start, probably feeling guilty for not preparing anything.
"Kerry, let's take a break."
"This is insane. How are we supposed to complete the mission with them?
Kirgil, if push comes to shove, we ditch them and go just the two of us."
"I'll consider it.
But let's at least reach the road junction first.
We can decide there whether to bring them along or send them back."
Our scouting sector's edge met the highway, about two days away at normal pace—but with them, it'd take an extra day or two.
By then, some might give up on their own.
They'd all chosen to be adventurers and this was their first job, so if they recognized their limits, stepping back would be right.
Veterans should guide newbies like this, but I was barely one myself.
Still, I should help a little.
"Don't chug the water—sip it slowly. The next stream for refills is farther ahead.
And these are wild berries we passed earlier. Munch on them while walking; it'll help with the fatigue."
Even without tripping, people unused to marches easily hurt themselves in other ways.
I approached Lirisa, who had flopped onto the ground, and removed her shoes.
"Ugh, Master... suddenly.
Ow! It hurts! It stings so much!!"
Sure enough, her heels were bleeding, so I applied Agnes's special salve and bandaged them.
It was only the first day. Neglect even small wounds like this, and they could pile up into serious illness.
"Um... will you, teach me again today?"
Hmm.
Was her reason for pushing this hard pure thirst for knowledge?
I told her not to overdo it and focus on catching her breath for now.
While we had time, I'd checked everyone's Status Window.
Shield soldier and scout Kerry's popped up.
Suu's did too, for some reason.
But not Lirisa's or Rada's.
I wasn't ignoring exhausted Suu out of spite—her status showed she was tougher than she looked.
Lirisa felt like she should have one, but no dice.
I hoped this commission would reveal the mystery of my Status Window ability.
After cresting and descending about three mountains, the sun began to set.
Our group set up camp a short distance from the stream.
Such perfect timing with the stream was thanks to Kerry, the scout, pre-planning routes and spots like this.
The three young ones were utterly spent from the unfamiliar mountain trek.
"Hey! This isn't the time to sprawl out!
Get the camp ready, quick!!"
Kerry kicked at sprawled-out Rada and Suu in frustration.
Gathering firewood, starting the campfire, fetching drinking water—there was much to do before full dark.
"Lirisa, you... haa. Just rest."
Lirisa lacked stamina but gritted her teeth, leaning on her staff to avoid falling behind.
Even Kerry had to acknowledge her willpower and let her lie there spread-eagled.
I approached to check on Lirisa and asked,
"Lirisa, tomorrow will be tougher. Think you can handle it?"
"......Kuuh."
She'd fallen asleep. Young folks recover fast in sleep, huh.
No choice—I moved her to a sleeping bag by the fire.
It wasn't fancy: just a half-folded cloak used as a poncho.
Once the fire was going and we'd eaten a simple dinner, Rada and Suu crashed too.
Camping wasn't just lighting a fire and sleeping; we had night watches and prep for tomorrow.
Kerry and I watched the sleeping trio, feeling not anger but a strange sense of déjà vu.
"Feels like watching kids at home."
"Like minding nieces and nephews."
We chuckled and prepared for tomorrow.
Kerry checked key points spotted from the hill and confirmed the next route.
I boiled and cooled water, prepping drinking supply for five tomorrow, lacing each canteen with a splash of liquor.
Liquor was essential in times like this—not to get drunk.
We chatted while working.
"Kirgil, our squad from that fight before—we made a bet.
Guess what?"
"What bet?"
"Whether you're 'Prosek's newly appointed Hero' or 'not.'
Heh heh, I bet you are."
Some soldiers already knew. Plenty of leaks: guards at the palace, maybe Liard or Ferio.
"You win."
"Yes!! Knew it!
That's why I took these greenhorns today—figured it'd pay off.
Had to be you."
Kerry said word of the demon incursion at Agnes Village had spread among the troops.
Soldiers lived with death in war; news traveled fast.
They said the one who bought time for the villagers to escape became the Hero.
Some soldiers, including Kerry, were convinced it was me.
"Any other talk?"
"Heard Agnes Village repelled the demons with minimal damage. Good news.
Oh, right—tell the chief thanks for the salve.
Buddies want to bulk-buy. They wanna smear it in annoying officers' eyes or asses while they sleep."
We laughed again, recalling the salve's sting.
I'd expected mention of Katona's death, but nothing. Prosek's count family must be suppressing it intentionally.
I'll ask Liard later.
Night watch rotated in three shifts.
Kerry took sunset, woke Rada at moonrise, and I handled predawn.
Strongest stamina first on day one.
I prepped simple breakfast—boiled grains and dried meat—so we could eat and go at first light.
Better than sitting dazed; it woke you up.
Movement rustled nearby.
"...Huh?"
Lirisa had woken. Early to bed, early to rise—kid stuff.
Disoriented, she wriggled and looked around.
Then...
She cried.
"Sniff... Master... it hurts. Hic... sob."
Waking march-weary folks early could sour the whole day with complaints.
I quickly covered her mouth, shushing her.
Haa, really feels like minding a kid.
First march meant first brutal muscle pain for her.
No choice—I spent time stretching and massaging her legs until she could move.
Mouth covered the whole time, of course. Anyone seeing would think assault.
Haa, total kid-minding vibe.
Once alert, sniffling Lirisa sat beside me, sipping warm soup.
"Now eat, then grab your book.
I'll read a page before waking the others."
"Reaaally~?"
"Shh!"
"Shh... got it."
"In return, follow my instructions.
You're pushing too hard. If it hurts or you can't walk, say so immediately.
Sip water slowly, don't gulp like yesterday.
Munch berries or dried fruit steadily on the march.
On steep spots, don't force it—grab a hand or ask for a push."
Lirisa nodded eagerly at each point, eyes shining. Listening well?
"And now, stretch out like this, fold, twist—copy me.
Pain or not, do it."
She followed the warm-up perfectly, though groaning "Krrrk~ " now and then.
"M-Master, my body's easing up."
Eyes shining again. Youthful recovery, indeed.
She followed so well, reacting to everything—made teaching fun.
"Good. Now fetch the book."
Fatigue gone, she scampered off.
"Listen, Lirisa.
Your master here knows ancient tongue well, as you guessed.
But don't tell anyone.
Or I won't be your master anymore."
"Yes, I'll keep it secret, Master!"
"Shh!"
"Shh..."
This kid's a riot.
Others might see her as dead weight.
But she'll make this commission fun.
Feeling good, I translated her book, corrected her ancient script attempts.
She teared up in awe; I hugged her with a dad smile.
Anyway, fun times.
Oh? What's this?
Lirisa's Status Window popped up today.
Hmm, starting to get the condition.
Thanks to Lirisa.
One more compliment deserved.