Act 2: Journey Across the Kingdom
Chapter 1
Scene — Guild Square
The guild bell rang out through the early morning air.
A thin layer of mist drifted lazily across the cold stone ground as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the crystal spires atop the buildings.
Seekers gradually gathered in the courtyard.
Some carried weapons over their shoulders, others carefully checked their gear with tense expressions.
In a stressful atmosphere, the Puff also has a serious look on their face as they line up to be inspected by their Seekers to assess their Physical condition and readiness. A few Puff puffed out their chests proudly to appear strong, even though the tips of their tails trembled slightly.
The mixture of excited and nervous chatter slowly faded as he stepped forward.
The Guild Master walked to the front. The familiar smile still lingered at the corner of his lips, but his expression was far more serious than it had been on the first day you met him.
Everyone—I’ll keep this brief and to the point
Right now, our front lines are facing an invasion… from the Insects
A quiet wave of whispers spread across the courtyard.
Insects…?
You muttered to yourself uncertainly.
The Insect Clans are not ordinary magical beasts
They are an ancient race with their own language, culture, and social systems. They usually live within the Darkzone, a dangerous region we have yet to fully explore
But recently… They’ve begun moving outside their territory far more frequently than before
He paused for a moment before speaking again, his voice firmer
And according to the information we have….
They are heading straight for the capital of Puff Kingdom
A stir spreads through the crowd.
Many Seekers knew how dangerous the insects were; they were on an entirely different level from the magical beasts usually encountered within Puff Kingdom.
Even the Puff, though they didn’t fully understand the situation, could sense the tension around them. Some curled up nervously, while others clung tighter to their Seekers’ arms.
And that brings us to today’s mission
We will reinforce the front lines and stop them before it’s too late.
He quickly began issuing orders.
Send word to all Seekers across Puff Kingdom. Gather immediately at the front lines—Darkzone Sector X
Till the day we find magic—good luck to you all
The Guild Master moved through the crowd, assigning roles and organizing the groups.
You—send messages through the long-distance relay
And you, take command of the medical unit
Then he stopped in front of you.
And as for you… I have an important mission
Your heart raced.
An important mission…?
You’ll escort Poki’s supply wagon
……Huh?
The words slipped out of your mouth almost instantly.
For a moment, the surrounding area fell silent. One Puff tilted its head and made a small, curious noise.
…A food… wagon?
The Guild Master let out a quiet sigh.
I know that look in your eyes really well—just like Aria’s
I know you want to go fight
But the front line needs supplies, medicine, and weapons… just as much as it needs warriors
If this wagon doesn’t arrive, then no matter how skilled the fighters are, the outcome will be the same
You still felt a little confused.
Was he just trying to reassure you because you were new?
Is that why you weren’t going with them?
Before you could say anything, he stepped forward and gently placed a hand on your shoulder.
I’ve noticed you connect with Puff better than most people
Maybe it’s just my intuition… but something about you feels different
Your abilities… will definitely be useful for this mission
The seriousness and expectation in his voice made it clear this wasn’t a task given lightly
Thank you, Guild Master… I won’t let you down
He grinned, showing his teeth in his usual style.
Heh—now that’s more like it
This mission is basically the main artery of the battlefield, you know
Suddenly, a familiar cheerful voice rang out from behind.
Whoa~ the main artery, huh?
That sounds pretty grand~♪
Poki appeared, pushing a small cart piled high with packages. Several Puff bustled around behind her, helping push and carry boxes.
Anyway, I’m counting on you, rookie~
Momo sat atop the cart, looking as indifferent as ever before, softly greeting you.
Meow~
The Guild Master looked at the scene before him and let out a quiet sigh, a mix of relief and concern.
I’m counting on you, Poki
Poki climbed onto a wooden crate and lightly thumped her chest.
Don’t worry~
I guard these supplies just like I guard my shop goods! Hehehe~
And we’ve got our talented rookie here, too. This’ll be easy!
Momo let out a long “Meoow~,” sounding almost like a sigh on behalf of the wagon.
You paused—
For a moment, it almost felt like you understood what that meow meant… maybe you were just imagining it.
You looked toward the Guild Master’s back as he walked away.
Soft sunlight and the scent of breakfast drifted through the air.
A bright morning like this…
Would it really be the beginning of our battle?
You turned back and followed Poki toward the wagon.
A massive wagon stood ready, loaded nearly to the brim.
A wagon, Poki? What’s going to pull it? There aren’t any cows or horses here
We are!
Two large white Puff bounced forward to greet you.
These are Dango and Mochi—our wagon’s pullers! They’re really amazing!
Dango and Mochi puffed out their chests proudly.
You looked at them more closely.
Their bodies were unlike normal Puffs. They look stronger and sturdier, and they walk on four legs.
They’re Behemoths. I’ll explain more along the way
Let’s go!
Momo hopped down and helped push Poki as she climbed skillfully onto the wagon.
You took a deep breath.
Okay…
Let’s make sure these supplies reach the front line safely
Poki grinned widely.
Great~!
Puff Kingdom’s Wagon of Hope is now departing~♪
Mochi scraped his feet against the ground repeatedly as red magic slowly wrapped around the feet and horns of both Puff.
Dango cast a body-expansion spell.
Their forms grew larger—until they were nearly the size of a horse.
Alright… ready, Dango?
Mochi asked with a wide smile.
Dango chuckled softly.
Been ready since before the sun was up!
Mochi continued the line as if it were a song
On the mountain, the stars feel near ~♪
Dango nodded.
In the river, the moon shines clear!
Together they sang:
Though the road ahead is long, we have no fear,
for we will always have each other here!~♪
The massive wagon began moving forward, pulled by just two Puff. Their strength was impressive, but their magic-enhanced power was even more astonishing.
So this is another way to use magic… You murmured to yourself.
Morning sunlight shone over the wagon as Dango and Mochi continued singing cheerfully.
You pulled your Puff a little closer.
And just like that—
A new journey had begun.
