After several hours of nonstop dashing through dirt roads and plains, the trio finally arrived at the border gate of the Armand Region.
The guards stationed at the gate, even in the quiet of the night, instantly recognized the figures approaching.
Especially one.
That orange, overly energetic Pekko.
"Oh no… that one again…" one of the gatekeepers muttered, eyes narrowing at the familiar sight.
The large, proud mount stomped excitedly, tail feathers puffed, beak twitching like it was already preparing to raid a market stall.
"Buddy's back," another guard sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "At night, thank the heavens…"
Had it been daytime, the town's fruit stalls would've been under siege again. But now? Silent streets. Shops closed. Merchants asleep. Disaster averted.
Still, they knew the drill.