--- Sir Gareth's POV ---
As we progressed along the path to Lunaria, my mind wandered. King Cedric had entrusted me with the task of finding and training the most promising among the newcomers. Although my outward demeanor was professional, I internally felt trapped in a babysitting role that had nothing to do with the mission I truly desired: the Dungeon of the Lost Echoes. Instead of facing that challenge, here I was, guiding a group of novices to the village of Lunaria. Sometimes, I wondered if fate was playing a cruel joke on me.
"Perfect, Gareth. How can you forget the speech for the newbies?" I scolded myself in my mind. I decided to improvise. "Upon awakening in this place," I began with a firm voice, trying to project authority, "your body and soul are here. This means that any harm you suffer, or even death, will reflect in your real world. So, stay cautious."
The group advanced over the rocky terrain for several hours. My patience was tested with each step, especially when one of the novices, clearly exhausted, asked me how much farther we had to go. "How much longer? I'm dying, I can't take it anymore," he said, panting.
"We're almost there," I responded in a tone that tried to be calm, though internally I questioned whether I was really doing a good job. "I'm taking you to the nearest village. They'll take good care of you there."
Finally, after about 20 more minutes of walking, we arrived in Lunaria. The rustic charm of the village lifted my spirits a bit. Although I still wished to be in the Dungeon of the Lost Echoes, at least there was something interesting here.
When the young man with disheveled blonde hair asked about magic, my response was impulsive and somewhat careless. "Of course, did you expect us to face monsters without magic?"
At that moment, my mind screamed: "What have I done?! King Cedric hasn't given his speech about the monsters yet! This could ruin everything." I tried to amend my mistake with a firmness I didn't quite feel. "Don't worry, you can live your life peacefully because the knights are here to defend you." Internally, I laughed nervously: "I hope they didn't notice my slip-up. Why couldn't I just stick to being a babysitter and not an impromptu spokesperson?"
--- Alex's POV ---
The path took us through an abrupt transition in the landscape. The greenery of the forest faded, giving way to a vast region of desert canyons. The rocky formations and orange sands created an impressive contrast with the green we had left behind. Despite the altitude, the environment remained surprisingly comfortable.
Sir Gareth, with his imposing presence and a voice that projected seriousness, began to explain the nature of the place. "Upon awakening in this place, your body and soul are here," he said, with a tone of firmness. "This means that any harm you suffer, or even death, will reflect in your real world. So, stay cautious."
As we progressed, the sense of disorientation and the change in surroundings affected the newcomers. A young man with long hair tied in a ponytail, clearly exhausted, approached Sir Gareth with an urgent question. "How much longer? I'm dying, I can't take it anymore."
Sir Gareth, despite his serene and professional exterior, responded with measured calm. "We're almost there. I'm taking you to the nearest village. They'll take good care of you there."
When we finally arrived in Lunaria, the village unfolded before us with a fascinating blend of rusticity and magical technology, seemingly integrated organically into the landscape. The streets were lined with floating lanterns that, suspended in the air without visible cables or supports, glowed with a warm, soft light that seemed to dance with the breeze. Announcements and directions manifested in the air as floating texts, emitting a gentle luminosity that made navigating the village easier without the need for boards or physical signs.
As I observed, a guy with disheveled blonde hair couldn't contain his curiosity. "Is there magic here?" he asked with contagious enthusiasm.
Sir Gareth, despite his outward serious and controlled demeanor, responded impulsively. "Of course, did you expect us to face monsters without magic?"
The mention of "monsters" quickly silenced the murmurs in the group. The fear of facing real dangers in a world they hoped was just a dream caused some to show signs of nervousness and a desire to retreat. Sir Gareth, noticing the unease, addressed us with a mix of authority and calm, trying to reassure us. "Don't worry, you can live your life peacefully because the knights are here to defend you."
Finally, upon reaching the fountain in the center of the village, Sir Gareth gave us the final instructions. "We have arrived at the center of the village. Take some time to acclimate yourselves. For those interested in becoming knights, follow me. The rest, register here in 20 minutes. The King will give you directions and assignments so you can serve and help the village."
As the newcomers began to disperse to explore and register, I noticed how Sir Gareth made his way toward me. His presence was imposing, each step resonating with a mix of authority and determination that didn't go unnoticed. Despite the distance, his firm and clear voice cut through the bustle of the village:
"You, the one who remained calm the whole way, come here for a moment!"