Chapter 192: Crossing the Border

From the mission board, not much information could be learned.

Asna approached a window, handing over two silver coins.

Behind the window sat a skinny man who swiftly pocketed the coins.

He chuckled, “What do you want to know this time?”

“The mission from the kingdom’s army, about the missing patrol. I’d like the details,” Asna replied.

She was familiar with this man, often buying information from him.

The Adventurer’s Guild insiders had reliable information channels, providing Asna with valuable intel.

Information was paramount, planning before action.

The skinny man grinned, “Oh, that mission. I don’t know much, but the commander sent over a hundred men to search for a month without finding them.”

“Were there any casualties during the search?” Asna asked.

“None, at least none I’ve heard of. A hundred men searched for a month and then returned,” he answered.

Asna pondered, then inquired, “What was the missing patrol’s strength?”

“I wouldn’t know, but typical patrols have two to three knight-level members.”

Asna gathered more details about the patrol’s disappearance, gaining a clearer picture of the mission.

“Asna, what did you find out?” Sadi asked as Asna returned.

Asna considered, “We can take it, but it might be risky.”

“Risky?” Sadi questioned the extent of the danger.

Asna explained, “A patrol vanished in those mountains, and a hundred troops couldn’t find them.”

“I’m thinking, what could make a patrol disappear completely? I suspect they encountered a spellcaster.”

“Only a spellcaster could make a patrol with knights vanish. That’s likely why the army posted the mission, hoping adventurers might find clues.”

“If a hundred couldn’t find them, special means might be needed to see traces.”

“If we only search for clues, it shouldn’t be too dangerous, as long as we avoid any spellcasters.”

Sadi leaned on Asna’s shoulder, “Then let’s go. The reward is a hundred gold coins!”

Finding clues alone could earn a hundred gold coins.

For Asna’s group, it was irresistible.

Their last mission, a month-long escort, earned thirty gold coins.

Asna took the largest share, ten gold coins, while the others split twenty.

Even that escort mission was well-paid.

Hundred-gold missions were rare and quickly taken.

The army’s mission had no team size limit, only requiring valuable clues.

It was a timed mission, rewarding the first to complete it.

“Asna, let’s hurry before someone else takes it,” Sadi urged, eager to depart.

A hundred gold coins!

Time was of the essence before others claimed it.

Asna nodded, planning to buy supplies before leaving.

After registering the mission at the guild, they bought water and food in town, then crossed the border.

Asna noticed many adventurers also preparing to leave.

Border missions were scarce; most were likely after the same mission.

Among them were strong individuals, adding pressure and urgency for Asna.

She felt confident in the mission but quickened her pace seeing the competition.

Asna had a natural talent for sensing magic, life force, and bloodline power.

With a glance, she could gauge others’ strength.

This ability helped Asna navigate dangers in her adventuring career.

It was why she’d come so far.

At the border, Asna noticed several spellcasters stronger than herself, nearing novice level.

Riding her horse, Asna gazed at the distant mountains, gripping the reins.

***

Base 27.

After the Norn Kingdom’s search team left, Base 27 resumed normal operations.

Parker predicted they’d return, sending more people.

Helag’s group continued their patrol duties, joined by over ten others around Base 27.

They hid in the forest, using various methods to stay alert.

Helag sat under a tree, meditating with closed eyes.

Deep Blue’s environmental scan kept watch.

David and Reese stood nearby, appearing to guard Helag.

Four months in the Elven Plane, they’d faced no danger yet.

But Helag’s group remained vigilant.

They knew it was because Base 27 was still hidden.

Once exposed, they’d face a swift and severe response.

The elves harbored deep hatred for the invading wizards.

Base 27 wasn’t fully fortified; discovery would lead to overwhelming elf attacks.

“Someone’s coming,” Helag suddenly stood, looking into the distance.

There, adventurers with swords and horses approached, followed by scattered figures.

David and Reese peered carefully, finally seeing the distant figures.

They could only discern humans by sight, unlike Helag with Deep Blue, who saw their weapons.

Helag observed further, noticing spellcasters among them.

Their magic aura was akin to third-level wizard apprentices.

No formal wizards were detected yet.

Helag frowned; if spellcasters arrived, Base 27 risked exposure.