John knew how to survive in the wild as well, as his mentor had taught him that many warriors died more by hunger, thirst, or disease, rather than by the enemy. However, he also had to know Kanda knew these lands better than he did, and with their purpose being protecting Mercury, he understood his purpose.

By her order, he moves to the rear. He assumed Kanda would be up front since he was the guide, with Mercury close behind. With the way these lands went on and on, the last thing the group would need is an ambush.

Lifting his shield, he takes one look at the back, waiting for Cortana and Mercury to take their places in line, before he marches on. Plates of armor painted in a jade colour, and a chainmail painted black to protect it from the rust it could face from the extended march.

He hoped this journey would go on peacefully. But if it were to be easy, neither him nor Cortana would have been taken for this job.