Chapter 54: The Journey to the Flower Field

As we caught our breath on the small hill, Sarah expressed her gratitude. "Thank you."

"Don't mind it," I replied, feeling slightly awkward. I didn't think my actions warranted such gratitude from her. It was my duty to assist her in this place, after all.

We didn't have time to dwell on it, though. Our primary goal was to find the target location within three days or risk being transported out, regardless of whether we succeeded or not. Sarah had informed me of this time constraint when the entrance to the Emperor's Garden closed behind us.

I decided to get straight to the point. "Do you know where we need to go?"

Sarah nodded and took out an old piece of paper that resembled a map, likely left behind by her ancestor. "Though there was a variance during our entrance, it seems that only the entry point is different. We are still in the same place. Based on the surroundings and comparing them with this map, I would say we need to go that way."

She pointed towards the north of our current location, and when I followed her gaze, I saw a vast flower field in the distance. It appeared to be our next destination.

Considering our time constraint, it would take us approximately one day to reach the flower field if we walked without stopping. However, running blindly through the forest would be unwise, as we could encounter unexpected monster attacks. We needed to be prepared to defend ourselves.

As I pondered our next move, it struck me why this place was called the Emperor's Garden despite being a forest. Looking at our current location, I realized that the Emperor's Garden was divided into four distinct areas. The area we were in now was the forest, but I could also see a region consisting of rocks and sand, as well as another covered in snow and ice.

Emperor Alexander had created a garden that combined four different environments into one place. It was a testament to his audacity and power. While such creations were possible in the modern day, creating a garden of this magnitude and complexity was truly remarkable.

Pushing aside my thoughts, I stood up and walked towards Sarah. "Shall we go now?"

"Okay," Sarah replied with a nod. She didn't seem tired at all, while I was the one who had been carrying her.

Confirming the direction, I took the lead. My shield and sword were securely strapped to my back as we moved cautiously, ensuring no monsters were lying in wait. Only after making sure the path was clear did I signal for Sarah to follow me.

"William, you don't have to be so protective. Even though I am weaker than you right now, I can still protect myself," Sarah voiced her concern.

I turned to face her and offered a reassuring smile. "Just let me do it. My skin is thicker than yours. If I ever need your help, it won't be too late for you to lend me a hand."

She paused for a moment, contemplating my words, before nodding in understanding. With that settled, Sarah and I descended from the hill and made our way towards the flower field area, our next destination.

We walked at a steady pace, ensuring we remained vigilant for any signs of danger. The forest whispered with the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds. The air carried a refreshing scent, a mix of earth and blooming flowers. It was a peaceful atmosphere, but we couldn't afford to let our guard down.

As we continued our journey, Sarah began to open up about her family history and the significance of the Emperor's Garden. She shared tales of her ancestors' connection to Emperor Alexander, their devotion to preserving his legacy, and their quest to uncover the secrets hidden within this extraordinary garden.

Listening intently, I realized the weight of responsibility that rested on Sarah's shoulders. She wasn't just fulfilling a personal goal; she was carrying the hopes and dreams of her family's lineage. It made me even more determined to support her in any way I could.

The hours passed by, and the sun began its descent in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue across the landscape. We were making good progress, and the flower field was drawing closer with each step.

However, as we approached a particularly dense patch of trees, our senses tingled with a foreboding presence. Something was amiss. I signaled Sarah to halt, and we both crouched down, scanning our surroundings.

In the distance, we caught a glimpse of movement—a flicker of shadow and an eerie growl. I silently cursed under my breath. We weren't out of danger yet. Ahead of us lurked another challenge, one we would have to overcome to continue our journey through the Emperor's Garden.