Preparations and Departure

The morning sun filtered through the curtains of their room, casting soft golden light across the floor. Roy and Kevin were already awake, their eyes focused on the tokens they had received from the city lord the previous day. The tokens felt heavier than they appeared, imbued with meaning and responsibility. Their shimmering, rune-covered surfaces seemed to pulse faintly in their hands.

"Kevin, let's do this," Roy said, his voice filled with a mixture of anticipation and determination. He carefully tucked the token away into his bag, glancing over at Kevin, who was still gently tracing his own token with his fingers.

"It feels surreal," Kevin replied, his voice thoughtful. The blindfold across his eyes hid his expression, but there was no mistaking the emotion in his voice. 

Roy nodded, adjusting his bag across his shoulder. "Yeah. But it's the next step, isn't it? Plus, I hear the sect has pretty decent food. I've had enough of tasteless food. Ever since I escaped the Demonic Blood Sect, it's been nothing but unseasoned meat and bland stew. Honestly, the only good food I've had was in the last week." Kevin wasn't exactly a great cook either, which meant that Roy's culinary experiences had been far from memorable. He reached over and clasped Kevin's shoulder, adding with a smirk, "Just try not to get us kicked out on the first day, okay?" 

Kevin smiled faintly, tilting his head in Roy's direction. "Yeah, and let's try not to get kicked out because of you doing something weird. Remember those times during our six months of training when you dragged me to fight beasts that no one else would dare to, just because you thought it would be 'fun'?"

Roy chuckled, shrugging casually. "Come on, Kevin, those were amazing experiences. Besides, we both made it out alive, didn't we? And admit it, you had fun... at least a little."

Kevin rolled his *eyes*, smiling faintly. "Yeah, yeah." 

They made their way to the main hall of the city lord's residence, where the city lord was already waiting. He was dressed in his official attire, a long flowing robe that matched the grandeur of his residence. He looked up as the two young warriors entered, a smile spreading across his face.

"Roy, Kevin," the city lord greeted warmly. "I see you are ready."

Roy nodded. "We are, City Lord. We want to leave soon. The journey is long, and the sooner we start, the better."

The city lord stepped forward, holding a small satchel, which he handed to Roy. "These are some provisions for your journey. Dried fruits, herbs for healing, and some coins to help you along the way. It's not much, but it's the least we can do for you."

Roy took the satchel, a sincere expression on his face. "Thank you, City Lord. You've already done more than enough."

The city lord shook his head. "Nonsense. After all you've done for us, this is but a small gesture." He paused, his gaze growing serious. "The path to the Heavenly Star Sect will not be easy. You will travel far, cross through wildlands, and encounter dangers that will test you. But I have faith that you both will persevere. You are not just strong—you have heart and loyalty, qualities that will take you far in this world."

Kevin stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Thank you for everything. We won't forget the kindness you've shown us."

The city lord returned the bow slightly, a rare gesture of respect for the two. "The people of this city will remember your names, and you will always have a place here. Now go, and may the stars guide your path."

With those words, Roy and Kevin left the residence, their hearts heavy with the weight of farewells but also lightened by the hope of a new beginning. The city streets were quiet at this early hour, with only a few vendors setting up their stalls. As they walked, some of the townspeople who had risen early waved to them, offering words of encouragement and thanks. A young girl ran up to Kevin, pressing a small, handmade bracelet into his hand.

"For luck," she said with a shy smile before darting away, her laughter echoing down the street.

Kevin turned the bracelet over in his hand, a smile tugging at his lips. "It looks like the whole city is wishing us well," he said softly.

Roy grinned. "Then let's not disappoint them."

They reached the city gates, where a few guards stood watch. Recognizing Roy and Kevin, they saluted, opening the gates wide. The path beyond stretched toward the horizon, bathed in the warm glow of morning sunlight. It was a path filled with unknowns, but it was also the path they had chosen.

Together, they stepped out of the city, the gates closing slowly behind them. Each step took them farther from the familiar comfort of the city and into the unknown. They walked side by side, their determination unwavering, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

After a few minutes, Kevin paused, his head tilting slightly to the left. "Uh, Roy... which way are we supposed to go again?"

Roy glanced at Kevin, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "That way," he said, pointing to the right.

Kevin turned, taking a confident step in that direction before Roy burst into laughter. "No, no, no! I was joking! It's the other way!"

Kevin sighed, shaking his head. "One of these days, Roy, your sense of humor is going to get us into real trouble."

Roy just grinned wider. "Life-building experience, Kevin. It's all life-building experience."

After a few more minutes of walking, Roy glanced around to make sure no one was nearby. He then turned to Kevin, nodding slightly. "Alright, let's get rid of the extra weight." With that, Roy took off his bags and every other item they had except their weapons and placed them into the storage ring on his neck. He hadn't done this before because he didn't want anyone to know about the ring. It was a rare item, something Roy had never seen in anyone else's possession, and he wasn't keen on disclosing its existence. Kevin watched, a hint of surprise crossing his face. "You've been carrying that thing around this whole time?" he asked, shaking his head. "You really do like to keep secrets."

Roy smirked. "Just keeping things interesting."

With their load lightened, not that it mattered, Roy and Kevin began to travel at an incredible speed, moving without rest for three straight days. Roy used a liquid he had obtained from the legacy cave, giving some to Kevin to keep them both nourished and energized. Kevin was shocked once again at how Roy seemed to always have something extraordinary up his sleeve. During their six months of training, Roy had frequently dragged Kevin into situations that no one else would consider sane, like fighting beasts far beyond their level just for 'fun'. This liquid was just another addition to the growing list of surprises from Roy. 

After three days, they had covered an impressive distance of 1000 kilometers. However, the path ahead was becoming increasingly difficult as mountain ranges began to emerge in the distance. The once flat terrain turned rocky and steep, forcing them to slow down.

As they navigated the narrow trails along the base of the mountains, a group of ragged-looking bandits emerged from behind the rocks, blocking their way. The leader of the bandits, a tall man with an intimidating presence, his eyes cold and calculating, grinned wickedly at them. "Well, well, what do we have here? Two travelers far from home, carrying treasures, perhaps?"

Roy raised an eyebrow, glancing at Kevin. "Bandits? Really? I thought we left this kind of cliché behind us a few hundred kilometers ago."

Kevin sighed, his hand already reaching for his weapon. "Looks like it's time to teach them a lesson."

The bandit leader's grin faltered slightly at their nonchalant attitude. "Enough talk! Hand over everything you've got, or we'll take it by force!"

Roy shrugged, stepping forward. "Guess we're doing this the hard way, then." His tone was casual, but his eyes were sharp, ready for whatever came next.

Kevin moved into position beside Roy, his posture relaxed but his senses heightened. "Let's make this quick," he muttered. "We've got mountains to cross."

Without further hesitation, Roy lunged forward, his dagger slicing through the air as he moved with precision. The first bandit barely had time to react before Roy disarmed him, sending the man stumbling backward. Kevin, meanwhile, had drawn his sword, moving fluidly to intercept another bandit charging at them. A swift parry and a well-placed strike sent the bandit sprawling to the ground.

The remaining bandits hesitated, their confidence wavering as they watched their comrades fall. "Come on, is that all you've got?" Roy taunted, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and determination.

Kevin side-stepped a blow, bringing the hilt of his sword down on his attacker's head, knocking him out cold. "They really should pick an easier target," he said, glancing over at Roy.

Roy grinned, ducking under a wild swing from the bandit leader. "I guess they just don't know who they're dealing with." With a quick motion, Roy swept the leader's legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground.

In a matter of moments, the fight was over. The bandits lay scattered around them, groaning in pain or unconscious. Roy sheathed his dagger, dusting off his hands. "Well, that was a nice little warm-up. Ready to keep moving?"

Kevin nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, let's go. The mountains aren't getting any smaller."

Before they continued, Roy and Kevin gathered the bandits and left them tied up near the nearest city gates, ensuring they wouldn't cause trouble for anyone else soon. Once the task was done, they turned their attention back to the path ahead.