Reborn as the General's Useless Daughter-Chapter 294: Reaching the Destination

Zora studied the drawn mountains and rivers, along with a clearly marked route in red. There was no doubt about it. This was a map.

However, it only showed the starting point. The destination was missing entirely, cut off as though the rest had been torn away.

Judging from the terrain at the edges, Zora was certain this was only a fragment.

"This should be just one part of a larger map," she whispered softly under her breath. "As for where the remaining pieces are... that’s anyone’s guess."

As Zora finished speaking, faint disappointment flickered across the faces of the three beasts.

"I thought it was going to be a complete treasure map," Black muttered, clearly dissatisfied. "Who knew it would be like this?" 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

It snorted softly as its mood sank. "Even if this really is part of a treasure map, finding the other pieces will be ridiculously hard."

That much was obvious.

The map fragment had been hidden so carefully, layered and disguised with such precision, that whatever it pointed to was certainly no ordinary prize.

And yet, the fact that they had obtained even this single fragment already felt like a coincidence bordering on a miracle. The Holy Mystic Continent was vast beyond imagination. Who knew where the remaining pieces had scattered to, or whether they even still existed?

Would they ever encounter another fragment in their lifetime?

Seeing Black’s sulky expression, Zora reached out and gently patted its head.

"Don’t be so upset," she said lightly. "No matter what, this thing is better in my hands than lying forgotten somewhere else. It didn’t cost us much to obtain it either."

Her gaze was calm, unhurried as she further added. "If we’re destined to find the remaining parts in the future, then we will. If not, then we’ll treat it as an interesting experience. Either way, we don’t lose."

More importantly, the parchment had proven her instincts right. There really had been something hidden inside. That alone made the discovery worthwhile.

*

Early the next morning, Zora and the others gathered outside the inn. A full night’s rest had swept away their fatigue, leaving everyone refreshed and ready to continue the journey.

Before departing, Zora returned the inn to the shopkeeper. However, to her surprise, the shopkeeper pushed the Black Gold coin back into her hand.

She paused, her brows knitting slightly. "Shopkeeper, what are you doing?"

The man smiled warmly. "Miss, you gave far too much. Forget renting my inn for a day; that amount would be enough to buy several inns outright. I truly can’t accept it."

Zora waved her hand dismissively. "I already said I was buying it for the day. Since I said it, I’ll follow through. Please take it."

The shopkeeper shook his head firmly. "Miss, I know very well that you were forced into that situation yesterday. You helped me out of trouble, and I’m already grateful for that. However, this money, my conscience wouldn’t let me take it."

His expression grew resolute. "If you insist on leaving it behind, then I’ll have no choice but to shut down this inn. This place means too much to me."

At those words, everyone present exchanged glances, surprise flashing in their eyes.

A shopkeeper who refused easy money? That was rare indeed.

Without realizing it, their impression of the man rose sharply. In a world where most merchants squeezed every coin they could, someone like him was almost unheard of.

"Zora," Reesa said softly, "since the shopkeeper insists this much, you should accept it."

Zora studied the shopkeeper for a moment, then finally nodded. "Alright. Thank you, shopkeeper."

The man waved his hands repeatedly, smiling. "No need, no need. This is only right. Safe travels to you all."

With that, Zora and her group set off once more.

After watching them disappear into the distance, the shopkeeper returned to the counter. Only then did he notice something gleaming atop it.

A single Black Gold coin.

He stared at it for a long moment before breaking into a helpless laugh, warmth filling his chest.

"Such a young age," he murmured, "yet such character. That girl... she’ll be someone extraordinary in the future."

Not long after Zora’s departure, the students of Lunar Academy also left the inn, continuing on the same long road toward the exit.

And since Zora’s group was moving at a slower pace, Lunar Academy students caught up at some point but they didn’t pass them and instead just followed behind.

When enemies cross paths, jealousy comes as naturally as breathing.

Drusilla’s gaze burned as it swept over Zora and her group, sharp enough to draw blood. Being humiliated twice in one day had left a knot in her chest that refused to loosen. Yesterday’s defeat was still fresh, and to make matters worse, she had been thoroughly scolded by her mentor afterward. The grievance pressed down on her heart until it ached.

If she could, she would have rushed forward and torn Zora and Reesa apart on the spot. Unfortunately, reason told her what pride refused to admit. She didn’t have the strength. At least, not yet. So she swallowed the rage, bit by bit, until it settled into something dark and poisonous.

Ophelia and the others weren’t much better. The chill in their eyes was unmistakable, hatred clinging to their stares like frost. But the warning from their mentor still rang in their ears. No conflicts. Not now. If they wanted to compete, truly compete, they would do so openly at Thunderclap Academy.

No one dared disobey.

So they endured. They bottled everything up, waiting for the day it could finally explode.

Reesa noticed the strange restraint and couldn’t help feeling puzzled. Drusilla hadn’t charged forward with her usual sharp tongue, which felt completely out of character. Still, watching the other side swallow their anger was oddly satisfying.

Zora merely glanced at the Lunar Academy group with calm indifference before leading her companions forward, continuing toward the exit.

From beginning to end, it had never been they who stirred up trouble. The Lunar Academy students were the ones who came knocking and were taught a lesson.

Once both groups stepped out of Ironspire City, the Lunar Academy students deliberately switched to another route, not intending to just continue following them, all the way to Tempest City.

"The Lunar Academy people actually took a detour," Reesa muttered, disbelief clear in her voice, watching the people take another direction, which is longer. "That really doesn’t match their style."

Raphael’s eyes curved with a knowing smile. "I think they’ve been reprimanded by their mentors."

Everyone understood immediately. Even if the mentors hadn’t shown themselves, they were never far. Everything that happened yesterday must have been seen clearly. Student conflicts were one thing. Tutor confrontations were another matter entirely.

Tiffany brightened. "That makes sense. No wonder they suddenly learned how to behave."

Reesa nodded vigorously. "Exactly. If it were normal, Drusilla would’ve rushed over ages ago."

Zora’s lips curved slightly, her smile faint and unreadable. "We’ll meet again sooner or later. Let’s go."

Some grudges didn’t need to be rushed. Fate was patient.

*

Half a month later, Zora and her group finally arrived at the Imperial City of the Leon Empire, aka Tempest City.

As befit a great nation, the city was vast beyond imagination. Wide avenues stretched endlessly ahead, and towering buildings rose in majestic rows, each one radiating history and power. The sheer scale alone spoke volumes about the Leon Empire’s deep foundation.

The streets were crowded with people, far livelier than any city they had passed through. Vendors shouted, Spirit Warriors bargained, and rare items they had never seen before appeared one after another, dazzling the eye.

Even someone as composed as Zora couldn’t help feeling a flicker of amazement.

"Wow!" Reesa exclaimed, eyes sparkling as she looked around. "The Imperial City of Leon Empire is incredible! This place is ridiculously prosperous!"

Her gaze darted from stall to stall, excitement barely contained.

Tiffany frowned slightly, still staring ahead. "Thunderclap Academy is really located in the Imperial City?"