As usual, Norman and his team moved efficiently across the battlefield, clearing it of every monster corpse they could find. They worked with practiced precision, collecting anything of value without complaint or hesitation. This was their primary source of income. Not everyone was like Asher, Finch, or William, individuals who hailed from noble families and never had to worry about such things. For most frontier soldiers, monster corpses meant survival.

Besides, even if Asher, William, or Finch decided to claim the monster corpses for themselves, the Star Academy would not buy them. The Academy already possessed an excessive surplus of such materials, far beyond what these few monsters could contribute. For the frontier, however, every corpse mattered.

"We just have to cross the desert, and then we're there," Norman stated calmly once everything had been gathered. His words earned nods from everyone present. Their destination was practically right in front of them now, close enough to feel tangible.

With that, the team resumed their movement. This time, however, they didn't walk across the sand. Instead, they flew through the air using Asher's method. Floating platforms of Astra energy carried them smoothly forward, gliding silently above the desert. The Desert Centipedes were extremely sensitive to vibrations. Unless they wanted to spend the entire day slaughtering endless waves of centipedes, this was the fastest and safest way forward.

Minutes blurred together as they traveled. A few dust storms passed beneath them, swirling violently across the dunes, but none posed any real threat. Eventually, the vast openness of the desert gave way to something unexpected.

Ahead of them stood a high, rising wall.

It wasn't as tall as the massive fortifications that surrounded noble territories, but it was still imposing in its own right, standing firm against the desert winds and sands. Norman didn't speak. He simply walked forward with purpose, placing his hand against the wall.

Astra energy flowed from his palm and into the structure.

The wall trembled slightly, as though recognizing him. A moment later, its surface shifted and parted, forming a clear pathway inward. With that, the team walked through without hesitation.

The moment Asher stepped inside, his eyes immediately took in the scene before him.

It was a desert civilization.

Various types of houses were scattered across the area. Some were constructed from hardened desert sand, others from stone, and a few even from treated wood. People of different heights and builds moved through the streets, conversing amongst themselves, their expressions weary but alert.

Asher's Omni Perception remained expanded to its limits. This was unfamiliar territory, and he wasn't about to let his guard down.

About three hundred people here, he estimated silently. He hadn't counted precisely, it was merely a general assessment.

"Norman? You're back!"

A woman's voice echoed from the side. She jogged forward, her eyes fixed on him with clear relief. The moment she spoke, attention shifted rapidly. Conversations halted, and gazes turned toward Norman and the team.

"Sara, it's been a while," Norman replied with a small smile.

Sara nodded before her eyes shifted toward Asher and the others. A slight frown formed on her face when she noticed the absence of Enduron horses, or even a single carriage.

"The mission failed?" she asked. The question was almost rhetorical.

At her words, several people nearby frowned. It wasn't anger that crossed their expressions, it was worry. If the mission had failed, things would become even tighter around here.

Norman chuckled softly. "Don't panic. It didn't fail. Just let me see the Captain."

The tension immediately eased at his response. Sara's shoulders relaxed as she nodded and stepped aside, making way for him. With that, Norman continued forward, heading straight toward the residence of the frontier Captain.

Asher remained silent throughout the exchange. He simply watched, listened, and observed. There was nothing he needed to say. Staying alert was more than enough.

When they arrived at the designated building, Norman turned toward Asher and spoke quietly, "Take out the carriage and leave it here."

Asher didn't hesitate. He nodded once and waved his hand. In an instant, the familiar carriage materialized beside them. Norman gave a brief nod of approval before addressing everyone.

"Wait for me here. I'm going to speak with the Captain."

Without waiting for a response, he stepped into the building.

William, Asher, and Finch quickly grew tired of standing around. They jumped onto the carriage and sat on its roof. Not long after, Clara, Aiden, Daniel, and Samuel joined them. They had been traveling for far too long to remain on their feet any longer.

Inside the building, a man sat at a table with a report in hand. His dark hair framed sharp features, and his red eyes scanned the document with focus. A massive bow rested beside his seat, its presence unmistakable. He was the Captain of the frontier.

A knock echoed through the room.

"Come in," he intoned without lifting his head.

The door creaked open, and Norman stepped inside.

The Captain raised his gaze. "You're back," he said plainly, as though success had never been in doubt.

"I am, Captain," Norman replied. He stood straight, his back rigid, hands behind him, eyes forward. Every inch of him reflected discipline.

"Any challenges?" the Captain asked. For a mission like this, a written report was unnecessary.

"Yes, Captain," Norman replied evenly.

"Fill me in on every detail," the Captain ordered.

"Affirmative."

Norman began his explanation, recounting everything from the moment the mission began to its conclusion. He skipped over routine encounters, such as standard monster battles. Those weren't challenges, they were expected. Not encountering monsters at all would have been far more concerning.

When Norman finished, silence fell over the room.

The Captain tapped his fingers lightly against the table, deep in thought.

"So," he finally spoke, "we've got a group of noble children here. And among them… a Wargrave." His eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the implications.

"How are they?" he continued. "Character-wise. Are they arrogant? Prideful? Pompous?"

Norman answered without hesitation. "They aren't. They behave like normal children, just with the ridiculous talent typical of noble families."

The Captain fell silent once more.

After a moment, he spoke again. "Prepare accommodations for them. Get healers to tend to their injuries. Provide them with whatever they need, as long as we're capable of doing so. After that, take the collected resources to the appropriate department for immediate distribution."

He paused briefly.

"Things have been tight around here for the past few days. We can endure, but prolonged strain affects morale."

"As you order, Captain," Norman replied.

With that, he turned and exited the room, leaving the Captain alone with his thoughts.

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