Chapter 13: Beginning of the Long Journey
Chapter 13: Beginning of the Long Journey
The sound of horses' hooves striking uneven ground mixed with the rhythmic march of thousands of soldiers as the army wound its way through the rugged countryside. Jason, now fully stepping into his role as Prince Aung, rode near the front of the column. The vast expanse of the Pagan Empire stretched out before him, a patchwork of agricultural fields, dense forests, and distant mountains that seemed to pierce the clouds. Somewhere in those mountains was the True Ice Dragon—an ancient, divine-level beast that could destroy kingdoms with ease.
Jason's thoughts turned inward, his expression neutral as he processed the daunting task ahead. To most, this was a suicide mission. The soldiers behind him marched with grim resolve, knowing they were likely headed toward certain death. The generals and officers who accompanied him shared the same fate, their loyalties keeping them bound to the Crown's command.
But Jason was different.
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He glanced at the glowing blue panel that hovered before his eyes, a system that no one else in this world could see or comprehend.
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[Status - General Thmain Zeya]
- Level: 25
- HP: 300/300
- Anja: 100/100
- Attributes:
- Strength: 38
- Agility: 32
- Intelligence: 28
- Charisma: 25
Abilities:
- Sword Mastery: Peak-level swordsmanship.
- Batte Command: Enhances the effectiveness of troops under his command.
- Aura of Discipline (Passive): Bolsters morale and reduces fatigue for nearby soldiers.
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Jason nodded subtly to himself as he finished appraising General Thmain Zeya. The man's level of power was impressive for a human, his peak swordsmanship alone making him a formidable warrior. But it was the passive ability, Aura of Discipline, that truly stood out. Jason had noticed its effects already—despite the grim nature of the mission, the soldiers seemed more composed, their discipline unwavering even during grueling marches.
Thmain Zeya rode ahead of Jason, his stern face turned toward the horizon, scanning for any signs of trouble. His loyalty to the Crown was evident in every action, but Jason couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for the man. A soldier of his caliber deserved more than to be sent on what appeared to be a doomed expedition.
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Next, Jason turned his gaze to the first of the vice generals.
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[Status - Vice General Hla Mao Htet]
- Level: 18
- HP: 240240
- Anja: 350/350
- Attributes:
- Strength: 28
- Agility: 30
- Intelligence: 35
- Charisma: 27
Abilities:
- Dual Wielder: Mastery of using two weapons simultaneously.
- Elemental Swordsmaship: Infuses magic into her strikes, combining raw strength with elemental attacks.
- Combat Adaptation (Passive): Adjusts fighting style based on the opponent's weaknesses.
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Jason was impressed. Hla Mao Htet's combination of magic and swordsmanship made her a versatile and dangerous warrior. Hla Mao Htet was a force to be reckoned with. Her dual-wielding capabilities combined with her magic-infused attacks made her a versatile and unpredictable combatant. Jason admired her resolve; she carried herself with a quiet confidence, her piercing eyes constantly scanning the troops and terrain for potential threats. Her lineage as the daughter of a regional governor, the highest nobility rank after the duke, gave her an air of authority, but she was also approachable, treating her soldiers with genuine care. Jason had already noticed how her presence lifted the spirits of the troops during the grueling march.
Finally, his attention turned to the youngest and least experienced officer in the group, Vice General Ba Oo.
She rode beside Thmain Zeya, her hand resting casually on the hilts of her twin blades. Despite the apparent calm in her demeanor, Jason could see the flickers of magic in her Anja reserves, like embers waiting to ignite.
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Finally, Jason shifted his attention to the last of the vice generals, Ba Oo. His appraisal revealed a stark contrast to the others.
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[Status - Vice General Ba Oo]
- Level: 5
- HP: 100/100
- Anja:50/50
- Attributes:
- Strength: 10
- Agility: 2
- Intelligence: 40
- Charisma: 20
Abilities:
- Tactical Genius: High-level strategic thinking, particularly in logistical and battlefield planning.
- Diplomatic Maneuvering: Skilled in negotiation and persuasion.
- Analytical Insight (Passive): Rapidly assesses situations and identifies optimal courses of action.
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Ba Oo's low level stood out, but his intelligence and analytical abilities painted a clear picture. He was a strategist, not a warrior, likely sent on this mission for reasons unrelated to his own skillset. Jason couldn't help but deduce that Ba Oo's presence here was the result of palace intrigue. His older brother, feeling threatened by Ba Oo's growing influence as the son of the Minister of Justice, had likely orchestrated this assignment to remove him from the political stage.
Jason sighed quietly. The palace was a den of vipers, and even an expedition like this wasn't free from its tangled web of schemes.
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As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, Jason guided his horse closer to the commanders, striking up conversation as they rode.
"You've led many campaigns before, General Zeya," Jason began, keeping his tone light. "What do you think of our chances against the dragon?"
The general glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "Your Highness, with respect, our chances are slim. A divine-level beast is far beyond the capabilities of mortal men, no matter how skilled. But as soldiers of the crown, we fight because it is our duty."
Jason nodded, appreciating the man's honesty. "And you, Vice General Htet?" he asked, turning to her.
Hla Mao Htet hesitated before answering. "It's a daunting task, Your Highness. But if there's a chance to protect the empire and its people, we'll do everything we can."
Ba Oo, riding slightly behind them, remained silent, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. Jason didn't press him, sensing the younger man's discomfort.
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The journey toward Thazin, the first major city on their route, was grueling. The roads were poorly maintained, a testament to the kingdom's fear of invasion and its prioritization of defenses over infrastructure. The army moved slowly, navigating rough terrain and dense forests, their spirits buoyed only by the unshakable discipline enforced by Thmain Zeya.
Jason made it a point to integrate himself with the soldiers, eating the same rations, sharing their campfires, and even taking shifts on the night watch. It wasn't mere theatrics—he genuinely wanted to understand their struggles and earn their respect. At first, the men viewed him with skepticism, seeing only another pampered royal sent to play hero. But as the days passed, their attitudes began to shift.
During the journey, Jason made a point to eat with the soldiers, sharing their rations and participating in their daily routines. He even took shifts standing guard, surprising many of the troops with his humility and willingness to work alongside them. Slowly, the initial prejudice many soldiers held against him—a royal prince presumed to be spoiled and aloof—began to erode.
One evening, as the army set up camp in a clearing, Jason sat around a campfire with a group of soldiers, listening to their stories and laughter. Their camaraderie was infectious, and Jason found himself smiling more than he had in years.
"You're not like the other royals," one soldier said, his tone half-admiring, half-surprised. "You actually talk to us."
Jason chuckled. "I'm just another man on this mission. Titles don't mean much when we're all facing the same danger."
The soldier nodded, his respect for Jason evident. Across the fire, Jason noticed Hla Mao Htet watching him, a small smile playing on her lips. The rapport he was building with the troops hadn't gone unnoticed.
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One night, as the army camped in a clearing near a stream, Jason sat by a fire surrounded by a small group of soldiers. They laughed at his attempts to eat the rough field rations without grimacing, their laughter easing some of the tension that hung over the camp.
"You're not like the other royals," one soldier remarked, his voice hesitant but filled with sincerity. "Most of them wouldn't be caught dead out here with us."
Jason smiled, shrugging. "I'm no different from you. We're all in this together, and if I can make things even a little easier, I will."
The soldiers exchanged glances, nodding appreciatively. Slowly but surely, Jason was winning them over, not through grand speeches or displays of power but through genuine connection.
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After seven days of marching, the army finally approached Thazin, the first city on their journey. The agricultural hub was a patchwork of golden fields and bustling markets, its streets lined with sturdy wooden houses. The city's mayor, Mr. Hla Than, greeted the royal procession at the gates, bowing deeply as Jason dismounted his horse.
"Your Highness," Hla Than said warmly, "welcome to Thazin. It is an honor to host you and your men."
"Thank you, Mayor Hla Than," Jason replied, his tone cordial. "We appreciate your hospitality."
The mayor led them into the city, arranging for the soldiers to rest and resupply. Jason observed the man carefully, noting his neutral stance in court politics. Hla Than's loyalty was to the crown, not any particular faction, which made him a rare and valuable ally in an empire rife with intrigue.
As night fell, Jason stood on the balcony of the guest quarters provided for him, gazing out at the city's twinkling lights. The journey ahead was long, and the challenges were daunting, but he felt a growing sense of determination.
The people of this empire deserved better than the chaos that greed and ambition had brought upon them. And Jason, armed with his unique gifts and unshakable resolve, intended to be the one to deliver it.
"Tomorrow," he murmured to himself, "the real journey begins."
(Continue…)