Chương 399: Chapter 372. Entering Phoenix Tail Slowly

" Finally!"" So that's what it looks like?" Luke and Lucy were both sticking their heads out of the carriage window, we've finally made it to Phoenix Tail. The seating arrangement was quite simple, 3 people could fit on a seat, due to losing rock paper scissors, Ashley was sitting to the left of Luke while Laura and Ashley sat to the right of me. I don't know why Lucy was so excited though, I mean, we've seen the city growing closer and closer since yesterday. Each city we've been to has been somewhat the same.

The architecture more or less looks like what I'd imagine Italian Renaissance architecture would look like in its prime. Everything is so pristine and symmetrical that one would think every stone used to build the castles, the walls around the cities and even the homes, were meticulously cut and shaped to fit the vision of the Architect. While the walls and buildings that Lucy and Luke were seeing drew their attention, Laura was more concerned with what we saw to the right of us, to the West of Phoenix Tail.

Ashley saw that Laura's sights were laser focused on the forest not too far from the town and couldn't help but ask her what she was doing." Laura, what are you looking at?"" Hm? Ah... I was trying to use my Fortune-telling Skill."" What was the actual name of it again?"" Search Of Fate. I wanted to see if I could learn anything from it, but all it's been telling me is just vague pangs of danger and concern. So, just like every time we raid a Dungeon or any other battle.""

So, it's saying we could die from the fight? Yeah, I could've told you that, Laura."" I suppose everyone could?"" All it really tells us is that we'll need to try our best again." I added my own comment after Laura finished answering Ashley's question. Laura shrugged her shoulders at my answer, but Ashley seemed to like it quite a bit." You're absolutely right, Jai! We need to put everything into this!" She nearly shouted out her response to my words. This brought Lucy and Luke into the conversation as well." Yeah!

This time we're not going to lose! This time, we're going to send them packing!" Luke seemed to be on the same wavelength as Ashley, Lucy, on the other hand, had a different idea about this whole situation." With this, we'll be able to make everyone around the city feel safer, we can't fail this time... No, we won't fail this time." Lucy tightened her fist in front of her face, you could easily see she was determined. With her words, everyone seemed to reaffirm why we were here.

This made the rest of the carriage ride quite quiet. The arrival past the City Gates, however, was quite loud. This no doubt had to do with the symbol on the carriage. A flame in the shape of a bird resting in the palms of cupped hands. Also known as the symbol of the Royal Phoenix Family. With that front and center on the carriage doors, the inhabitants of Phoenix Tail began to gather around as the Town Guards investigated us to see who we were.

By the time we handed over our Adventurer Identification Cards, along with the Royal Order with the King's Signature, it was too late, a crowd had formed. Unlike the crowds that formed originally when we first arrived here, this crowd had jeers as well as people cheering." YAY!" The children and some young women would cheer." Leave! You'll end up embarrassing us again!" The men and older women's voices were full of dislike as they spoke what no doubt would be our opinions if the situation was reversed.

King Roman said that he would more or less spin the story, but that quickly gave way to visits from Dwarves and Elves who've begun to give Promethians the true story. Some believe it and others deny it. Unfortunately, seeing as the Demons are attacking the area, it looks like Phoenix Tail is one of those places who believe the Dwarven and Elvish version of events. It's the truth of course, but this might make our job here a bit harder.

Thankfully, we have Jessie to help with acquiring provisions and speaking to the Guild Leader. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation." It's strange how used to it you can become. I wonder if this is how fallen celebrities feel?"" I just wish they'd give us a chance, I mean, it's not like we've spent this entire time doing nothing! We've been training!" Ashley and Luke each had their own comment to make. Meanwhile, Lucy, Laura and I were quieter about our opinions.

This was something that's begun to grow the longer we've stayed dormant, that's why we girls enjoy moving around without having anything to point at us being Members of the Hero Party. Unfortunately, this time, we need to act as exactly that. This land has lost a lot, but I do think it's worth giving us a chance. The Heroes and their Parties have handled similar problems to something like this before in the History of this Country... Granted, if those stories are true or not is another concern."

Regardless, all we can do is what we've been ordered to do. I'd like to speak to Jessie about what he plans on telling the Guild Leader, but I guess it's a bit too late to ask that... Man, I wish that our other Teachers had connections here in Phoenix Tail." Lucy decided to just move the conversation forward instead of dwelling on the crowd's opinions. Though, in some ways, she tried to ignore one problem to speak about another."

No, it should be fine, Jessie said that the Guild Leader has a good head on her shoulders, he said that it should be a "quick conversation", all things considered." Luke offered an answer that showed his absolute faith in Jessie. It makes sense since he's been spending pretty much everyday training with Jessie. To have him think that the first Teacher he respects would fail, is something he can't comprehend.

I simply wished that all of our Teachers could come, seeing as they're all S-Rank Adventurers, I'd figure their words about us would hold more weight. There's only so many S-Ranks after all... I believe the count was somewhere in the 500s last I heard. Their combined words, I feel, would hold more weight than just Jessie's, but who knows, we'll have to see. The entire reason we're going to the Guild is mostly for information in first place.

Just anything that hasn't already been shared from the Adventurers already in the reports given to the King. Besides that, seeing if any Adventurer would guide us to the forest that the Demons were spotted in. Besides that, we'll just gather the necessary supplies and then we, along with Jessie, will take off to the West." Still, I feel like having someone to back his words about us would be a good thing." I offered my thoughts, it seemed to go over fine with everyone.

One thing I can say about Luke is that he has become better about listening to us... If only he could fix that issue of him wanting to be the center of attention when the battles start. If he could, Laura might be more willing to speak to him. That being a sticking point since returning back from Diablos. I don't think I've heard Laura's voice while Luke was in the room, the only exception being when King Roman asks for her specific thoughts on a question.

I know Lucy still offers some kind of advice to Luke, since she is his sister. Ashley seems to only go along with the flow, but she treats him more as a co-worker. As for me, I don't particularly like the way he's acted in the past. It's very much a situation where he's Lucy's brother, so I'll deal with him, but not much else than that." I guess if we head to the West, East or North, that's when Bridgett, Ethel, Mark or Agnus will be able to come with us for a journey.

I know Bridgett really wanted to come this time since she couldn't come with us to Diablos." Lucy talked about the future. Though she tried to make it sound like fun, it would mean that some issue was taking place to call out the Hero Party, so I don't think that'd be a good thing. It is strange though... We didn't need an S-Rank to accompany us to Atheis when we had to clear the area of those corrupt Nobles last year. Those Mercenaries we fought were quite strong.

It's a shame that most of them escaped since we ended up needing to rescue the innocent bystanders. If only those Nobles didn't activate that Magical Device... It caused the earthquake that tore Atheis to pieces. If only we were quicker back then... No... Ethel told me not to focus on that. I mean... We couldn't have known that they would rather have sunk the city into the earth, than simply admit to their crimes and face Justice. Still... If only we were stronger...

If only I could use the Time Magic from the White Magic Spell System." No.." I shook my head to get the thoughts out of them. At first, I thought that maybe Lucy thought I meant it to her words... Thankfully, it was quiet enough that she didn't hear it. I quickly turned my head to the left. I had the left window seat after all. I tried to focus on the sights in front of me. There were many people in front of many buildings, some happy, some angry. And here we all were, trying to protect each and every one of them."

I won't fail this time..." I made a quiet vow to myself as we passed the crowd and made our way for the Adventurer's Guild in the center of Phoenix Tail.