I Was a Loner, but My Class Got Summoned to Another World…-Chapter 297: The Desert Trek

The warp portal had brought them near a large castle, where the streets bustled with activity. Armed knights patrolled the area, their watchful eyes scanning the merchants who moved through the gates, preparing for their journeys beyond the city.

Upon spotting Logan's beasts, the knights stiffened, their hands shifting toward their weapons as if preparing to strike. But then recognition flashed through their ranks, and instead of aggression, they bowed.

One knight, a stern yet imposing general, stepped forward. His white sideburns framed a face hardened by years of battle, his presence commanding respect. Logan didn't recognize him, but the man spoke with a tinge of joy.

"I can't forget your face, hero. Forgive my soldiers' reaction—we are on high alert due to the constant demon attacks."

He said while standing up straight, his posture rigid.

"As you have arrived, it is my duty to ask—will you be entering the castle to visit our highness?"

"Sorry, but we need to leave immediately—we're heading to fight the hydra. The ongoing battles with the demons make time a luxury we can't afford." Logan's reply was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

Without hesitation, he mounted Luna, who displayed her power by shifting into her three-meter form. The sheer size of the fox stirred excitement among the onlookers.

"I understand, I hope you can visit us later then hero, king of Highrule."

Silvia took her place atop Wyver, the creature thriving in the dry, heated air. Meanwhile, Freya was forced onto Zephyr, who didn't seem inclined to make her ride easy—his sharp gaze made it clear that he'd peck her if she didn't settle properly. As for Emary, he accepted things as they came, just waiting to leave on his raptor, his rodent perched over the raptors head.

Their departure didn't go unnoticed. As Logan's team exited the capital, the crowd paused, watching in awe. Some murmured in admiration, others cheered—hope flickering in their eyes as they gazed upon the formidable creatures that carried their hero forward.

Within seconds, they were beyond the city's walls.

Logan, seated atop Luna, boosted her speed with spells, ensuring she could keep pace with the airborne creatures. He couldn't help but notice Freya's struggles—Zephyr was in a mischievous mood, letting the wind buffet her harshly while occasionally canceling his protective spells, forcing her to adjust mid-flight.

Using Rejuvenating Growth, the Mana Mycelium Sentinel's ability, Logan cultivated large mushrooms on Luna's back, maintaining her stamina throughout their run. After an hour at their breakneck pace, the group paused briefly to reassess their strategy.

Midway through the journey, Logan proposed a new method—Luna began coating the ground with ice, sliding effortlessly across the terrain. This tactic allowed her brief respites from constant sprinting, ensuring she remained swift and efficient. Her speed easily ranged between 120-150 km/h (75-93 mph).

Above, the flying creatures soared ahead, their own unmatched speed making the trek seem effortless.

Fortunately, with the barren desert stretching before them, there were no obstacles—just a vast, empty expanse ripe for their rapid advance.

During part of their journey, where the terrain became truly difficult to navigate due to deep canyons, Logan had to call upon Stormwing, his thunderbird and its companion to carry Emary. Luna was sent back to rest while the group pressed on without stopping, determined to reach the volcano by the end of the day and enter the following morning.

It was a little past eight at night when they finally arrived. The massive mountain loomed before them, its peak violently spewing flames into the sky, while the thick scent of sulfur clung to the air. The heat was intense, a searing wave pressing against them even from a distance.

Without wasting time, they quickly set up a teleportation array to return to the capital. Logan, exhausted from the relentless journey, noticed Freya nodding off nearby, too worn out to stay alert.

"We are done here. We should be able to come back prepared tomorrow," Silvia said with a satisfied smile. "I bet Scorch and his family would love to visit this place."

She wrapped her arms around Logan, the closeness between them having grown since their trip to find the ent. Logan kissed her hair, the size difference between them making her pout in protest. Chuckling, he hunched down slightly, giving her a proper kiss before turning his attention back to the creatures and Emary who slouched from the long journey.

One by one, his beasts and the boy entered the portal, ensuring they wouldn't attract unwanted attention. Even through the shifting heatwaves, Logan could feel the presence of the fire temple, its energy radiating outward. He knew it would forge powerful fire creatures within its domain.

"Well then, I guess it's our turn. Freya, go and rest—you're free for the night. Take a shower if you need, Ruri will show you around."

Logan watched as Freya reluctantly stepped through the portal, disappearing from sight. He had already informed Ruri through her terminal to keep an eye on the girl, ensuring she wouldn't slip away unnoticed.

Silvia remained at his side, her expression pensive. "Do you really think she's that dangerous?"

Logan hesitated, recalling the unsettling sensation he had felt when he tamed Freya. "I don't know," he admitted. "But there was something off—like an external influence. She could have been swayed toward the demons, then had something placed on her to amplify that pull. Maybe a contract?"

The memory still lingered, a faint unease settling in his mind.

Silvia sighed, nodding slowly. "Well, we'll keep an eye on her. Let's go rest—we've got a tough fight ahead tomorrow."

Though reluctant, she finally let go of Logan. He held her hand a moment longer before stepping into the portal with her, leaving behind the fiery battlefield they would soon return to.