CHAPTER 40: THE CAMP

"M-Mira—Aunt Mira... Maybe after the meeting? After we see Alayne?"

His voice cracked, just slightly—desperate to preserve what little stamina he had left. The dread of being milked dry before noon was very real in his eyes.

"After your surgery?" Mira murmured, lowering her head. Her mood shifted—disappointed, just a little—as she spoke, voice softer than before."Alright. But..."

She lifted her gaze, locking eyes with him. Her cheeks were flushed, tinged red with embarrassment, but something new—something playful, bold—brewed in her expression.

"But promise me... you’ll do what I ask."

Eren exhaled weakly, resigned and breathless, but sincere.

"Alright. Anything you say."

"Mm." Mira just mumbled her acknowledgement as she turned toward the kitchen—probably to help Velira. Moments later, sounds of their chatter reached Eren’s ears from down the hall.

"Haa..." Eren sighed, staring blankly at the air. He rubbed his forehead, muttering:

"System."

At once, a translucent panel flickered into existence before him.

[ System Interface ]

Host: Eren Voss (Adopted), 18 years old

Current Arts:Lesser Wyvern Sword Arts — Mastery: First Technique

Assignment: In Progress — Learn 2 or more techniques to unlock Inventory

Next Technique:Martial General Body Technique (Selected)

Reward for Learning Second Technique:

Inventory (2m x 2m)(Rewarded upon successfully replicating First Technique of Martial Gneral Body)

Eloquent Dungeon Map

"Any info for the Dungeon Map? Where is it?" Eren asked curiously.

The System window expanded with a faint hum.

[ Eloquent Dungeon Map ]

The first Dungeon granted by the System to its bearer. No further information available.

"Mm..." Eren rubbed his temple, sinking into thought. "What about the inventory, then?"

Another panel slid into view.

[ Inventory ]

A lower-dimensional space measuring 2m x 2m, designed exclusively for the bearer’s storage.

Note: The available space of the new dimension may decrease and layer atop last as higher-dimensional inventory is unlocked.

"Eh?" Eren suddenly straightened in his chair. His voice was rushed."What? Expand Inventory!"

[ Inventory ]

A lower dimension of 2M × 2M — specifically designed for the bearer for storage purposes.

The available space of the new dimension may decrease and layer atop last as higher-dimensional inventory is unlocked.

The space provided will be based on the bearer’s prior martial arts foundation when unlocking new Arts.

Current Proportion Change (Lesser Wyvern Arts - Level 1):

[ 1in × 1in × 1in ]

"Wait—what!?" Eren jolted, his chair scraping the floor.

From the kitchen, Mira peeked out mid-conversation."Everything alright, Eren?"

Eren just offered an awkward half-smile and waved it off. "Yeah, all good."

He sat back down, eyes fixed on the screen.

"Less than one inch storage?" Eren expanded the screen again.

"Anything else? I get a 2D space for my second technique?"

[ Inventory ]

The space — unfixed before learning the next technique — can be increased in proportion to the efficiency and mastery of the previously acquired technique.

Current Conversion Proportion after Lesser Wyvern’s Art Second stage: 2M X 2M

"Mm... So, two dimensions for two techniques, three dimensions for three techniques... and four techniques would mean...?"

He asked under his breath, testing the System. For a moment, silence—then the message flickered. This time no sound, only a pale flash across the panel.

[ Inventory ⇒ 4D ]

No Information Available.

"No info, huh?" Eren muttered, leaning back in the chair. A grin pulled at the corner of his lips."This is turning out interesting..."

His gaze roamed the now-expanded System screen, carefully reading every line.

[ Host Information ]

Host: Eren Voss (Adopted), 18 years old

Current Arts: Lesser Wyvern Sword Arts — Mastery: First Technique

Assignment (In Progress):

Learn 2 or more techniques to unlock Inventory.

Next Technique Selected:Martial General Body Technique

Reward for Learning Second Technique:

Inventory: 2M × 2M (Rewarded upon successfully replicating First Technique of Martial Gneral Body)

Eloquent Dungeon Map

[ Eloquent Dungeon Map ]

The first dungeon provided by the System to the bearer.No further information available.

[ Inventory ]

A lower dimension of 2M × 2M — specifically designed for the bearer for storage purposes.

A new dimension will be layered atop it with drastically reduced space depending on the bearer’s previous martial arts stage when new techniques are unlocked.

Current Proportion (based on 1st level of Lesser Wyvern Arts):

[ 1 in × 1 in × 1 in ]

No information available beyond 3D.

Eren exhaled slowly, leaning back against the chair, gaze thoughtful.

"So that’s how it scales.." lips quirking despite the tension in his chest. "But what would I even store in a 4D storage?"

A chuckle slipped out—half anxious, half amused. The thought alone was absurd... yet the unknown always carried amusement.

"Looks like things are only going to get weirder from here."

"Haa..." Eren let out a long sigh as he closed the System screen. The pale light faded, retreating into the back of his mind.

"A system that doesn’t reveal much... dungeons, inventory..." he muttered, another breath escaping his chest.

From the kitchen, the sound of chatter and giggles spilled out as the two finally stepped through the door, shutting it behind them.

"Time to go, Eren?" Velira came closer, asking with a calm smile, her eyes steady on him.

Eren exhaled again, pressing his foot against the floor as he rose from the chair. His shoulders straightened, though his sigh lingered.

"Alright... it’ll be some time before we come back to this tavern." He paused, glancing at Mira. "Did she explain it to you?"

Mira touched a hand to her chest, her expression soft."Well... I can’t bring myself to stay away from this tavern." She hesitated, then looked back at him. "But if it’s you... and if they truly need you, as Velira says... then I might as well go with you."

Velira chuckled warmly, setting a hand on Mira’s shoulder. "Was too hard to convince her, but a job well done." She shot Eren a wink. "I’ll be waiting for a reward."

Eren answered with a small, reassuring gesture of his hand. "Alright, alright."

Together they stepped out of the tavern, locking the door from the outside. The latch was hardly enough to keep a thief out—but then, there was nothing left worth stealing inside.

The morning was still young, the air thick with dew as they walked toward the forest path. Velira carried both her own and Mira’s bags, while Eren traveled light—only a single change of clothes tucked inside Velira’s pack.

The three followed a narrow trail carved between the trees, weaving past jagged rocks and undergrowth, the forest path leading them deeper into the wild.

The path cut deep through the forest—broad and winding. The party pressed on, the trail leading them into the mountain pass. Step by step, they climbed toward the tallest peak.

At last, the trees thinned. From the summit, the land opened into a vast field sprawled beyond the passage. Tents—large and small—dotted the expanse in every direction, their colors painting the ground until the grass beneath was nearly hidden. Smoke curled faintly into the air, the camp alive with distant movement.

"That’s where it is," Velira said, pointing ahead.

Eren and Mira followed her gaze. The sheer scale of the encampment stretched across the horizon, an entire battalion gathered at the vast field sprawled beyond the passage.

"Let’s go." Velira lunged forward, excitement brimming in her voice. She had once thought of cutting herself off from her company, ready to abandon them when she met Eren. Yet now, with the chance to command again and Eren beside her, she rushed ahead.

Behind her, Eren walked at a slower pace. Mira followed close, her hand tucking onto his sleeve.

"Are you alright?" Eren asked softly.

"Of course." Mira gave a faint smile. "I even asked Velira to let me carry something, but she wouldn’t hear of it."

Eren smirked, then turned forward again as they began their descent toward the valley of tents.

Eren kept his gaze forward as the three of them moved through the narrowing path. Between the occasional hearty laughs and snippets of catching-up from Velira, they soon reached the sprawling field below.

To their surprise, what had looked like a chaotic patchwork of tents from above turned out to be meticulously organized.

The outer rings housed the regular soldiers, each tent neatly aligned. Deeper in, the higher ranks were stationed—officers, captains, and beyond—each position marked by distinct banners or elevated platforms.

And at the very center stood the largest, most fortified structure of all: The tent of the Battalion Commander, Bavrik.

He stood outside with arms folded, overseeing the flow of personnel—but as Velira approached with Mira and Eren, his gaze shifted.

A slow smile crept up his face as he moved forward.

His eyes lingered curiously on Eren as he drifted toward him.

"Heard a lot about you from Commander Velira," Bavrik said, sliding closer. He offered his hand, though his tone carried a faint edge. "Not sure, however, if Miss Alayne shares the same impression."

He scratched at his chin, half-smiling.

"Miss Alayne?" Eren’s brows furrowed as he took the hand. His voice lowered, searching. "Did something happen to her?"

There was a pause.

"Well..." Bavrik rubbed the back of his neck. "She’s not been well since this morning. And..." his eyes shifted toward Eren, "she hasn’t been too positive whenever your name—or the tavern—comes up." His words trailed into an awkward silence.

Eren held his breath, though only faintly, behind his calm face. He clasped Bavrik’s hand firmly, then glanced around the camp."Where might Miss Alayne’s tent be?" he asked.

Bavrik hesitated, giving him a questioning look before answering. "She moved it last night. From the center lines to the side of the camp after she came back from the tavern after checking up on you, but... we still don’t know why."

"Alright. Thanks." Eren bowed lightly.

Bavrik gestured toward the row of tents. "That way," he said—then added with a grin, voice raised, "And be sure she doesn’t eat you."

Eren, half-turned back to toss his reply over his shoulder, though the last part fell quiet.

"Will do... try to."