Reincarnated As A Peasant

Chapter 40: Portal Shenanigans

Week Two, Sixthday

Sakura

We were quickly assigned to a group of lightly armored mounted knights as we emerged onto the open courtyard of the school. Their horses were impressive looking, and their leader Sir Walden was a powerful man. Easily into the noble realm. He was a Knight in truth, not just by title.

Im not sure I can keep up with you all on foot. He said after introductions were made.

Do not fear, baron strongarm. Our mission is not one that will require us to move swiftly. Walden pulled out a map and a three dimensional illusion of the map appeared in the air over it, larger and easier for us to see. We are to hold a small ravine that will act as a tertiary path for civilians should any battle turn ill.

An orange line appeared on the map along a set of hills as far north from the elvish jungle as possible. The primary and secondary routes are here, and here. A blue and green line appeared, each on far easier terrain but closer to the dangers of the jungle. The most likely thing we are to encounter are some low level tribesmen that live in the area.

They wont bother us, as long as we dont get too close to their settlements. I pointed at the map towards a small offshoot in the ravine. They like to make camp in places like this, where they can hide from hungry elvish eagles and hawk riders.

I was just repeating what uncle Raif had told me just a few months ago. But Sir Walden gave me a second appraising look. Thank you for the insight Lady Gamera. I was going to have us patrolling along the ridge lines that mirror the revine, but now I'm thinking our first priority will be to ensure these slot canyons are made safe first. He looked around to his men, and my team. Any thoughts or concerns?

Youre asking us? Regi asked, incredulous. His temperment had grown more and more sour over the last few days, and the odd interaction between hsi mana and mine had only grown more frequent.

Honestly, if it hadn't been for how well I got along with his siblings I probably would have asked him to move on to another team and replaced him with someone else. We worked well together, sure. But His attitude had soured. And there was only so much a cat could take having its fur rubbed the wrong way, and that went double for a cultivator feeling at odds with those he or she was supposed to trust with their life.

Even if his attitude had changed for the better, and it most certainly had not, I would still be considering it.

But his brother and sister? They were people I had grown to trust. Even if that trust was still in somewhat of an infancy. It came easily to me with them, as they bantered back and forth, and shared a special bond among each other, I never once felt excluded or unimportant to them. I was growing fond of the triplets. Despite having my proverbial fur ruffled every time my aura clashed with Regis.

Indeed young lord. It would be remiss of me as a leader to not take the advice from anyone under my command who might offer it.

So youre weak.

Regi! his sister scolded.

Be kind brother. We are here to learn from them. Modgi hissed through clenched teeth. My apologies for my brother. We are . . . unused to leaders asking for input from even knew subordinates.

I moved behind the trio, and stood next to Regi. I understand. I come from the southern duchy originally. A knight captain, much like a ships captain would be unwise not to at least hear the voice of those under his command. Regi scoffed again, even as his brother and sister bowed respectfully towards the higher ranking and more powerful knight commander.

I gripped Regis elbow and I felt him tense under my superior High Gold strength grip.

He was peak silver, and with his siblings' support he could approximate mid gold in terms of his total power. But in the realm of pure strength, I was far superior. He knew that if I had the mind, I could crush his elbow, and he could tell from how hard I was holding him that I was not pleased.

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There had been several times when Regi had stepped over me to act as a de facto leader of our team. Originally, I had been glad of his behavior. He was, after all, the natural leader of his sibling group. But in that moment, I started to see his actions in a new light. Perhaps he had seen me in the same light as he saw this knight captain. Perhaps all his help and in fact, been an attempt to usurp me as leader of the group.

And perhaps I had not only willingly, but gratefully allowed it. Social situations had always been Genjis weakness, and my years in the sect school had only been effective at reinforcing that image of myself.

My anger at his disrespect towards the knight commander grew, and I knew it was at least partially fueled by my own disappointment in myself. In my lack of leadership, and betrayal of those who should have been able to call on me.

I leaned in and whispered into his ear.

You will show respect. He tried to pull away but I squeezed a little harder and he stopped. You will be obedient to his command as if it were my own, or my fathers own. The only other option you have is to remain here. If you show an inkling of disrespect or disobedience while on this mission, and anyone gets injured from your rebelliousness? I will break you, and send you back through the portal and allow the dukes justice to deal with you. Do you understand?

He locked eyes with me, and for a moment I thought he might try something. Violence radiated off him, and the knights surrounding us all gripped the hilts of their swords. He took a bracing breath, nodded, and allowed the tension in his body to ease.

You are right, Sakura. I apologize.

Thank you. Now please, to the captain.

He turned as I released him, and bowed low to the captain. I apologize sir. I have . . . recently acquired a new form of mana, and am still mastering it. Please forgive my willfulness.

Walden smiled broadly, a naturally gregarious man if there ever was one. No sweat off my brow boy. Dont worry about it. I know how, how did you put it? Willful. I like that word. I know how willful I got when I started messing around with Wind magic as a teen. My mother and father wanted to drown me every day! Im lucky I made it to majority alive. Now, let's go over everyone's strengths, and see if we can come up with a proper plan for clearing out these little canyons.

It didnt take long for us to come up with a simple plan of attack. We would split into five groups. Each group would have one of the students with them, and two knights. One group would enter the canyon, while the others circled it and prepared an ambush should anyone inside prove hostile.

We were discussing potential diplomatic solutions when Edna called for our attention, and informed us that the portals to our mission areas would be open shortly.

One last thing before I send you all off into the real world for the first time. Edna floated above us all on her broom and glared down with a disapproving glare. You will all within support range of other mission areas. Should one of the groups get overwhelmed or encounter unexpected resistance and need support, the knight captain with you will release a flare into the air. We have reserve units that will then move to assist that largely consist of much swifter moving warriors from our easterner allies. However! If you see a second flare from a group to your immediate north or south, and you are not actively engaged with the enemy or with supporting the evacuation of civilians? You will be required to render aid. Understood?

A general Yes Teacher rose from the students, while the knights all said various forms of Yes Lady Edna! The noise was nearly deafening.

Good! Now, good hunting and know, I will be watching. I felt the cloth around my arm under the leather band tingle slightly as a wave of magic washed over us all.

She reinforced her spell. Interesting.

I didnt have long to muse on it as a giant swirling purple disk appeared and one by one each team along with their complement of high ranking knights were swiftly moved through it.

We were last, just like last time.

You all ready? I asked, turning to my team. It was about time I started taking a true leadership role, and that I tried to make up with Regi. Were all ready, and triple checked. Thanks to you Regi.

He gave a curt nod, and a strained smile. Happy to help.

I smiled and I felt the mood of the group lighten a bit. Then let's get to it!

Yeah, no more standing around, let's go do something! Tedgi said, her enthusiasm was infectious and all of us had a bit of a bounce in our step. I didnt know if it was a Chie Style she was using, or just her natural charisma, but I could practically see the weight and concern on the group's shoulders ease slightly.

Commander, if you please. I motioned for the knights to go first. As they were more crucial to the actual work, and would each be heavier magically on the portal spell. If the spell were to fail while we used it, it would be better if the knights were out there, and us stuck here, rather than the reverse.

He gave me a quick solute with his sword, and then trotted through the portal his knights quickly in toe.

Looks like were up! As I ran towards the portal, my daggers drawn just in case we came across something dangerous on the other side, I felt that odd feeling I had felt before. That wrongness of my wood and life attuned mana brushing up against Regis Umbra magic.

My stomach churned. And just before I hit the spinning portal of raw mana, I could have sworn I saw a flicker of sickly green and black mana flash across its surface. I couldnt stop myself. There was not enough space, or time, before I was through to halt my momentum.

I gripped my daggers tighter. Whatever was about to happen, I would face it with my friends, allies, and my own sharpened claws.