"The lieutenant's team is back! Do you see that?! They finally returned with the elk! It looks so beautiful..."

"He actually managed to do it... no way." One of the onlookers stared at the scene in shock and amazement. He'd been one of the few present in the tavern when Moon had approached the Lieutenant with his bold claim.

He'd been convinced Moon was digging his own grave, that the newcomer's confidence was nothing but arrogance that would get him killed or humiliated. But the newcomer had somehow managed to do exactly what he'd promised.

The crowd parted as the group made their way through the base, the captured elk walking docilely behind them. Whispers followed in their wake, spreading news of the successful capture through the settlement like wildfire.

Moon entered the same building he'd watched the veterans disappear into days before, following Nathaniel through corridors until they reached a private office.

Inside, away from prying eyes and listening ears, Nathaniel finally spoke directly. "You've done me a great favour, Moon. As promised, I will reward you with what you please. Tell me, what is it that you want?

If it's status, then I can speak to the Base Lord and make you my colleague, a lieutenant in charge of your own group of veterans, or is it wealth? I will split the commission I will gain from the Elk with you."

Moon smiled slightly at the barrage of generous compensations from Nathaniel. "Thank you, Lieutenant, but I don't want any of those things. I want one thing: I want you to introduce me to someone trustworthy. Someone who can help me reach the more powerful base that this settlement has connections with."

Nathaniel nodded slowly, understanding crossing his face. "I knew someone like you wouldn't want to stay here. You're too ambitious for a place like this. Well, as promised, I won't disappoint you. When do you want to depart?"

"Now, if possible or later today."

Nathaniel smiled. "Alright. I'll arrange it for you personally. You don't have to worry about the costs, I'll cover the transportation fees. I'll also make sure you're given a proper map of the destination base when you arrive, including information about good hunting grounds in the surrounding area and safe routes."

"That would be excellent," Moon responded.

Although he could have searched for a transportation provider himself, it would have been difficult to find one that is fast and reliable. Even though he had strength, he didn't have connections or knowledge of which guides were reliable and which were scammers looking to rob naive travellers.

Even if he wasn't afraid of being messed with, he still didn't want to waste his time going through that. Besides, the travel itself could be incredibly dangerous if the wrong route were chosen. After the encounter he had with Jonathan, Moon knew that he was nowhere near invincible in this sanctuary, at least not yet.

Nathaniel's recommendation would carry weight and ensure safe passage.

"You can rest for now," Nathaniel said, moving toward the door.

"I need to meet with the Lord of the base. The elk was his mission for us, and he'll want a full report." He paused at the threshold. "There's a waiting room down the hall. Make yourself comfortable. I'll return within the hour with everything arranged."

Moon nodded and made his way to the indicated room.

The waiting area was modest but comfortable, with chairs, a table with refreshments, and windows overlooking the base's training grounds where awakeners practised combat techniques.

Moon sat, allowing himself to relax slightly. The mission was complete. His objectives were being met. Within hours, he'd be on his way to a more powerful base where the real challenges would begin.

The First Sanctuary still held stronger beasts, better resources, and awakeners far more capable than those in this starter settlement.

That was where he needed to be.

Where he could truly test himself and continue growing stronger.

Moon pulled out one of the silver leaves from his spatial ring, examining it in the natural light. Even without the blue bioluminescence of the cave, it maintained its metallic sheen, its surface reflecting light in unusual patterns.

Whatever that tree was, these leaves were valuable. He'd have them appraised at the new base, see what they could be used for.

The door opened. Nathaniel returned, looking satisfied.

"It's arranged," he said. "There's a caravan departing in two hours, heading to Ironpeak Base. The journey takes four days, but they have proper security and supplies. I've spoken to the caravan master personally. He knows you're coming and will treat you well."

Nathaniel handed Moon a sealed letter.

"Give this to him when you board. It's my personal recommendation. And here, this shows Ironpeak's layout, nearby hunting zones, and important locations. The base is significantly larger than this one, so you'll want to familiarise yourself before arriving." Nathaniel produced a detailed map.

Moon accepted both items. "Thank you, Lieutenant Nathaniel."

"Just survive and get stronger," Nathaniel replied. "And if you ever make it to the Second Sanctuary, let's meet again. I plan to ascend within two years."

They clasped forearms in the awakener's traditional gesture of respect. Then Moon left to prepare for departure, his path forward now clear.

The Ironpeak Base awaited, and with it, new challenges, new opportunities, and new dangers, exactly what Moon wanted.

♢♢♢♢

Moon arrived at the departure location five minutes early. The caravan was already assembled with three large wagons pulled by sturdy horses, surrounded by armed guards checking equipment and supplies.

A dozen or so other passengers milled about, most looking like experienced awakeners preparing for the multi-day journey.

Spotting the caravan master near the lead wagon, Moon approached and presented Nathaniel's sealed letter.

The caravan master was a middle-aged man with a merchant's smile. He broke the seal and read through the letter quickly, his eyebrows rising slightly as he processed the contents.

After finishing, he looked up at Moon with newfound respect and patted him on the shoulder. "You're in good hands, young man. The Lieutenant has specifically told me to take care of you. You must be someone special."

Moon gave a slight smile. "Not at all."

"Modest too," the caravan master chuckled. "I like that. Name's Garen. I've been running this route for eight years now. Never lost a passenger, never been successfully raided. You picked the right caravan."

He gestured toward the second wagon. "You'll ride in the middle wagon. More comfortable than the first, and safer positioning than the rear. We depart in five minutes."

Moon nodded his thanks and made his way to the indicated wagon. Inside, he found padded benches along the sides and storage compartments built into the structure. Two other passengers were already seated, a woman in light armour sharpening a dagger, and an older man reading what appeared to be a bestiary.

Neither looked up as Moon entered and took a seat near the window, positioning himself where he could observe their surroundings during the journey.

Within minutes, Garen's voice rang out. "All aboard! We're moving out!"

The caravan lurched into motion, wheels creaking as the horses pulled them forward. Moon watched as the base slowly disappeared behind them, replaced by the wilderness of the First Sanctuary.

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