It happened in a split second. Even those of us on the ground were nearly swept away by the powerful current. But everyone stood firm. After the flow stabilised, we could get a clear picture of the scene ahead of us. The slave cart was nowhere to be found. Except for Stan and the two men I was carrying, none of the other three could make it out alive.

"WHAT THE HECK!!" Hale burst into shock.

Jacob watched us from the other side as his terrified expression eased.

"It's all because of me... If only I hadn't fallen there..."

"There was nothing you could have done, Uncle. It all happened by accident. If it's anyone's fault... it's mine... for being this weak and useless. " Hale clenched his teeth and pounded his fist into the ground.

"This is not the time to reflect; we lost half of our slaves and more than a third of our group, including our scouts. Even if we were to survive, the situation is a mess. So stop yapping about what has already happened and get your asses up and move. "

We moved, making our way back into the forest. We'll be on the outskirts of town if we traverse this part of the forest. It's practically straight ahead of us. But we can't move quickly in this state. We need to set up camp for the night to recover our strength and make our way to town first thing in the morning.

We walked and walked, our speed mellow, till the night fell on us. Everyone's faces were full of doubt as to whether they were about to turn around and go home. Leaving behind the progress we've made so far.

As a captain, this is the moment to boost morale, although I don't think it'll be necessary. This is a group formed because of our common interests, not because of our strengths. I can always leave them behind, just as they are thinking of doing right now. I'm not even going to feel guilty about it... or should I?

I, who was once betrayed by those I trusted with my life, will now betray those who have trusted me with theirs. It's amusing.

The camp was set up for the night.

"What are you up to?" I inquired of Stan, who was busy gathering wood at a spot rather than assisting others.

"I'm going to start a fire."

"You need that much to start a little fire...? Don't tell me you're going to do it again? "

"This is our last night here, captain... As Hale previously stated, this would at the very least lighten everyone's mood. I know I shouldn't be doing this... But I can't just sit here and watch our people crumble. "

I'm not sure if he's empathetic or... I should stop thinking about it.

"Then go ahead," I said.

Everyone slept, so the campfire had little effect on their moods. I sat on the root of a tree near the fire. It made a burning sound now and then. It was the only sound... wait... insect noises and birds wailing… ? This is the first time I've heard sounds other than our group's.

So something-

"But only if-"

Someone's murmuring from the other side of the tree stopped my train of thought.

"How could I possibly be this-"

It was Hale.

"Did you realise your limits?" As I got closer to him, I asked.

"How can I grow stronger?" without looking at me, he inquired.

"Let's go for a walk," I said, extending my hand to him.

Because the forest is not dense here, we marvelled at the starry sky as we strolled side by side.

"If you ask me how to get stronger, I would say that training and skills can help you gain insight into things you've never seen before, but... 'EXPERIENCE MAKES ONE AN EXPERT,' My father taught me that when I was a child. When a person accumulates experience in a field, even if he is at the bottom of the skill set, he will know what decisions to make and what path to take when the time comes. And you're aware of this, right...? Only in the field can you get experience. So, Hale, consider today's disappointment in yourself to be a valuable learning experience that you can apply later. "

"T-Thank you, Uncle. That felt a little better. "

I smiled at him and patted his head. If my daughter were still living, she would be half his age. That was a period in my life I deeply regretted.

"Should we go back then?"

We wandered too far into the forest while talking, so it took a while for us to see a burning fire lighting our path.

We moved forward together before-

"Grrrrrrr-"

"W-what is that?!?" Hale became paralysed with horror.

I took a step forward, pointing my palm at the target, and sparks of flame danced between my fingertips, making their way to the sky. The surrounding air quickly lost moisture and heated up. As the mana poured from my core to my hand, the mana particles around me heeded my command to act.

I exclaimed coldly, "BLAZE!" realising that things had progressed.