They stopped at the market before departing.
The journey into the northern highlands would take several hours, and neither intended to waste time searching for supplies once they reached the wilderness.
Alex purchased dried meat, bread, fruit, and several energy-rich provisions. He also acquired a few mana-restoration potions, although he expected to need them only if the mission proved more demanding than anticipated.
Saeko checked their equipment.
She inspected her katana, adjusted the straps securing her travel gear, and ensured that the supplies were distributed sensibly.
Alex, meanwhile, examined the mission map.
The route passed through a narrow canyon before climbing into the highlands. According to the report, the abandoned mining settlement had once supplied rare minerals to nearby cities. Operations ceased after a series of unexplained collapses, leaving several tunnels and excavation sites scattered across the region.
