The convoy was quite large. There were several carriages, each pulled by two horses, and martial artists on horseback riding in every direction to protect the merchandise.
Around fifty people made up the convoy: about twenty martial artists, ten merchants, and twenty mundane individuals who had paid for the journey toward Jade City.
Sirius was welcomed warmly by those who didn't believe in fate. But others wore strange expressions, doing their best to keep away from him, as if entering the five-meter radius around him would bring them misfortune.
As for the convoy's strength, Marn was the only one at the Completion realm. The twenty others were all at the Self Vision realm, Marn didn't take novices.
There were:
Three Peak stage,
Five Late stage,
Seven Mid stage,
and Five Early stage Self Vision martial artists.
It was a rather strong convoy, though not comparable to an imperial one, where several Crimson Step martial artists would be providing protection.
Sirius was stationed in a wagon near the center of the convoy. His task was to guard the ten merchants. Another Self Vision martial artist had the same duty, while the others spread out around the convoy.
She was quite young, perhaps in her early twenties. At first glance, Sirius thought she was around his age. But Marn, Darin, and even Aurelius had told him: reaching the Self Vision realm before twenty was incredibly rare—except for the monsters of the imperial city.
She had long blonde hair resting on her shoulders, sapphire eyes, and a radiant smile. She stood around 165 or 170 centimeters tall and wore a flowing hanfu of green and blue.
She was truly beautiful.
In fact, Sirius had never seen a woman so beautiful in his life.
He didn't fall in love at first sight, but her presence was striking. He couldn't take his eyes off her.
Marn had told him she was also a mid-stage practitioner. One had to be at least at that level to qualify as a guard, since it was the stage where inner energy began enhancing one's physical strength in combat.
The merchants they were guarding were mostly old and unattractive—except for two: a young man and a young woman who seemed to be siblings. They had the same dark hair, the same composed expression, and similar noble bearing.
The young woman wore a golden zān in her silky black hair. Both had deep brown eyes and elegant clothes.
They looked like young nobles—probably Sirius's age, around eighteen at most. Their appearance was dignified, majestic even. It was clear they were the ones to protect above all else.
The young woman, too, was overwhelmingly beautiful to Sirius. He had to look away, worried that if he stared too long, he would never be able to look at another woman again. At first, he thought the blonde guard was the most stunning person he'd ever seen—but she was nothing compared to her.
The convoy finally began moving. Everyone was ready. Supplies had been packed for the long journey to Jade City.
Jade City was six months away. Sephoria, by contrast, was only a month's journey. Sirius would leave the convoy before they reached the main destination.
He was lost in thought when the young blonde woman beside him asked a question.
"Why... did Marn accept you? And for free, no less. Aren't red-haired people supposed to bring death wherever they go?"
"You're someone who believes in fate, aren't you?" Sirius replied. "You must know that not everyone does. People who don't believe in fate don't care about such rumors. My hair color means nothing to them."
He added, softly, "And… it's quite unpleasant, being treated like a walking omen of death. I've never killed anyone in my life."
"Oh really? That's rare for a martial artist. How old are you?"
"Fifteen."
She blinked. "Makes sense... Wait. What? You're only fifteen?!"
Sirius nodded. "Indeed."
"Mid-stage Self Vision at fifteen… Maybe it's because of your hair," she murmured.
Sirius didn't respond. He was tired of hearing about his hair. He just looked away.
"Excuse me, sir."
Sirius turned his head and saw the young nobleman. He seemed eager to talk.
"May I ask your name, sir?"
"My name is Sirius Altharys."
"May I call you Sirius? It's rare to see a guard around our age. I'd be glad to become your friend, if you allow it."
Sirius was slightly confused. Was friendship really that simple? But why not? He had no reason to refuse.
"Yes, you can. And you, sir?"
"My name is Caelan Virelys, and my shy sister here is Aurelia Virelys. I'm happy to meet you, Sirius."
Aurelia tugged on her brother's sleeve, clearly embarrassed.
Caelan laughed heartily, clearly enjoying teasing his sister.
Sirius smiled. They were happy. They didn't believe in any of the rumors. They were kind, noble… and his age. They had every reason to become his friends.
He didn't really care anymore about the blonde woman beside him—after all, they hadn't shared more than a few strained words. There was no point in trying to befriend someone he couldn't speak to freely.
"How old are you, Caelan?"
"I'm seventeen, and my sister is sixteen."
Caelan leaned in slightly. "How many years have you been training, Sirius? To reach mid-stage at fifteen, you must've trained a lot, right?"
"Indeed. It's been three years. Every day. No pause."
"No pause at all?"
I
It was the blonde guard again.
Sirius shook his head. "Not a single day of rest. Today is the first. After all, I can't train and protect at the same time."
The conversation went on. It was still morning, and the three young people were laughing together. Sometimes, the blonde woman seemed interested in joining in—but none of the three youths invited her.
Aurelia had been very shy at first, but after a few hours, she grew more comfortable around Sirius and joined in the banter.
It was the first time Sirius had ever been friends with a girl. And she wasn't just any girl—she was truly breathtaking. Every time Caelan teased the two of them, Sirius could only blush in silence, mortified by how easily his emotions betrayed him.
But really… what could he do?
She was literally an angel.
The convoy stopped for a midday meal. As a guard, Sirius had fewer rations than the merchants and his newfound friends.
Yet, they shared their food with him gladly. They had longed for a friend who could protect them—after too many bad experiences on the road.
So someone their age, kind, strong, and even funny?
It was a dream come true.
Even at the back of the convoy, one could hear the laughter of three young people—as if, for a moment, life were perfect, and no danger lurked ahead.