Chapter 115: Return

The caravan moved quickly until they reached the northern border of the Kingdom of Doris.

Helag noted that Doris’s development was impressive, especially their road maintenance.

Regular maintenance ensured smooth roads.

At the border, inspections were not stringent, mainly checking for wanted criminals. Without any, they were allowed to pass.

Beyond the border, they entered a primeval forest, where the roads were rougher, slowing the caravan.

It took a month to traverse the forest without major issues.

Wild beasts and magical creatures avoided the large caravan.

During this time, Helag stayed in his carriage, continuing his meditation and training. He had prepared enough Starry Sky Potion beforehand.

Fortunately, the potion’s side effects were minimal now, avoiding any pent-up frustrations.

“Deep Blue, divide the Great Dark Heaven spell model into modules and show me one.”

With increased mental strength, Helag could now attempt to read the Great Dark Heaven spell model.

“Great Dark Heaven spell model divided into 32 modules. Displaying module one.”

Deep Blue presented the first module.

Helag felt overwhelmed by the 300+ parameters and 27 complex formulas in just one module.

“How did ancient people master this spell?” Helag wondered.

He doubted ancient people understood such complex formulas and calculations, yet they managed to construct spell models.

Shaking his head, Helag continued studying and calculating the module.

He aimed to fully understand this first-level innate spell, simplifying its construction during his advancement to a formal wizard.

A day passed in this work.

Three months later.

The caravan passed through a red maple forest. At a crossroads, Helag said to the caravan leader, “This is my stop. Safe travels.”

The leader smiled, “Safe travels to you too! Thank you for your help.”

Helag was returning to Moonlight Forest, so he took the reins himself.

Larry had sent no messages, indicating at least a temporary ceasefire in the war.

Seeing the familiar red maple forest, Helag recalled his first departure from Moonlight Forest.

Back then, as a first-level apprentice, he had to flee from Green Hut’s third-level apprentices.

Now, as a third-level apprentice, he had some ability to protect himself.

Following his memory, Helag traveled for two days, reaching a familiar post station.

The station had changed, now covered by a giant skull.

“Show your rune stone,” a third-level apprentice at the gate said.

Seeing Helag’s apprentice robes, he asked for identification.

“Helag Merlin, student of Larry,” Helag said, presenting his rune stone.

The man checked it carefully before returning it. “You may enter.”

Helag drove into the station, noting the heavy defenses: seven third-level apprentices and two formal wizards.

Signs of past battles were evident, with scorched earth and large craters.

Helag was glad he had left early, avoiding the war.

“Larry, I’m back.”

Relieved to be back in Moonlight Forest, Helag used his rune stone to message Larry.

Larry replied, “Rest for two days, then come see me. I’ll update you on recent events.”

“Understood.”

Helag drove through the familiar Moonlight Forest.

He glanced at the forest’s depths, now covered by a barrier, likely defending against Green Hut.

Such a large, long-lasting barrier required multiple formal wizards.

Continuing north, Helag saw Hellfoot, who curiously eyed his horses but continued its duties.

Reaching the northern forest area, Helag realized the war had been fiercer than he thought.

Many houses were destroyed, likely by spells, and few people remained.

Even intact houses were mostly dark, with few signs of life.

Arriving at his house, Helag found it intact, in a deeper, less affected area.

He found two letters under the door, covered in dust, indicating they had been there a long time.

One was from Lilian, the other from Emil.

Helag tied his horses in the forest, unloading the carriage to let them rest.

Moonlight Forest had stables where he could board the horses for a fee.

Inside, the house was dusty from his long absence.

Using magic, Helag cleaned the house in about an hour.

After basic cleaning, he brewed coffee and relaxed on the sofa to read the letters.

He started with Emil’s letter, surprised it had reached him across the ocean.