Chapter 14

From the village to the kingdom, it takes three days by carriage.

If one were to walk normally, it would take nearly twice as long, but Ruisa now has a qigong technique to enhance her physical abilities. She could also use a magic spell to strengthen her body, but using magic to boost physical abilities can put a strain on the body, sometimes causing injuries or muscle pain. This is a natural side effect of forcibly moving muscles with magic.

However, qigong techniques strengthen the body itself, so there is no such worry.

"Qigong Walking Technique... Courier!"

This technique involves concentrating qi in the feet to make the body as light as if it had wings, allowing for swift movement.

Using this power, Ruisa dashes across the land in one go.

(Amazing! Just a light run and the scenery passes by in an instant! I only used it in the white, endless prison before, so it was boring, but using it outside feels so good!!)

As Ruisa runs toward the kingdom, trees, lakes, animals, and colorful nature appear and pass by.

"Kiiii—soooooo good—!!"

Birds and animals watch in surprise as Ruisa runs at high speed while shouting loudly.

Before training, she would get tired after a short run, so she never knew running could be so enjoyable. Ruisa ran, jumped, and rolled, forgetting the time.

Before she knew it, she had arrived in front of the kingdom, even though it was still bright outside.

"Haa, haa, I got a bit carried away."

She had planned to camp out for the night, but she had already arrived. It had only been about two hours, and it was still midday.

Since she had arrived early, Ruisa decided to enter the kingdom.

She headed toward the large gate that surrounded the kingdom, which was likely the entrance.

As she approached, she saw about ten people lined up.

One person was dressed in leather armor with a sword at their waist, while another was loading many items onto a carriage.

Judging from their appearances, they were probably adventurers and merchants. It seemed that various people were entering and leaving the kingdom.

"Next person, come in!"

A middle-aged man in metal armor with a spear called out to the people in line. He was likely the gatekeeper, and it seemed that each person had to undergo a proper entry inspection to enter the kingdom.

"Present your entry permit."

When the gatekeeper said this, the person who seemed to be an adventurer took a piece of paper from their pocket and handed it to the gatekeeper. After confirming it, the gatekeeper said, "Alright, you may pass!" and called the next person.

Seeing this, Ruisa panicked.

Huh? Do I need that paper to enter the kingdom? I didn't hear about that! Testa didn't mention it either!

"What, what, what should I do?"

It was probably a new rule that was established while Testarossa was sealed. If that was the case, it made sense that the knowledgeable Testarossa didn't know about it.

"Next person!"

However, the line kept moving forward while she was panicking.

What would happen if she was found without an entry permit? She might be caught. Ruisa could probably escape by force, but doing so might make her a wanted person.

She definitely didn't want to become a criminal at her age.

"In that case, I should steal someone else's entry permit... No, no, that's not right."

"Next person!"

"A, ah, yes!"

Before she knew it, it was Ruisa's turn.

What should I do! I haven't thought of anything yet!

As she nervously approached the gatekeeper, he suddenly started staring at her intently.

Ruisa tensed up, wondering if she had done something strange. Then the gatekeeper said something unexpected.

"Huh!? Are you, by any chance, a hopeful for the magic academy!?"

"…Huh?"

Magic academy? What's that? I've never heard of it.

A question mark appeared in Ruisa's mind.

"Um, well..."

"What are you doing here!? The exam is about to start!! Hurry up and get inside!!"

The gatekeeper said this and tried to push Ruisa into the kingdom.

"Huh!? I can go in!?"

"Of course! Hurry to the exam venue! It's straight ahead from here!"

"Ah!"

Before she knew what was happening, Ruisa was pushed through the gate and into the kingdom.

"Good luck, kid! I hope you pass!"

The gatekeeper smiled and gave Ruisa a thumbs up. Though she didn't understand what was happening, Ruisa managed to enter the kingdom safely.