Two days of travel after leaving the village.
The carriage swayed on the well-maintained stone road, unlike the dirt tracks they had used until then. Imperial roads, wide enough for three carriages side by side, marked every kilometer with stone posts engraved with symbols of the Capital.
First day, dense forests giving way to cultivated fields. Organized farms, well-made fences, workers stopping to wave when the Valtherion carriage passed.
Second morning, larger, more prosperous villages. Secondary roads converging on the main one. More traffic. More movement.
Afternoon of the second day, other carriages appearing. Merchants, nobles, adventurers. All following the same direction.
Haru on the roof of the carriage as always, but this time looking ahead with increasing attention.
```
[PROGRESS UPDATE]
◊ Prologue Arc: 80% Complete
◊ New Phase Approaching...
◊ Warning: Difficulty scaling will adjust
```
Haru read that, frowning.
