Chapter 226: Encounter on the Road

Helag took the three red crystals and nodded, “We’ll complete the mission.”

Parker patted Helag’s shoulder, “It’s up to you now. If you succeed, your assessment will be unquestionable. That’s my promise to you.”

A promise from a third-level wizard was beyond doubt.

After leaving Parker, the three were silent, feeling a bit tense.

Back at the cabin, Asna was cleaning, dressed in a maid outfit, sweeping the floor.

She wore red high heels, with thick black stockings wrapping her long legs, accentuating her alluring curves.

Asna knew Helag liked this, so she rarely wore her regular clothes.

Helag hugged her from behind, whispering, “Tomorrow, David, Reese, and I will be leaving for a while. Be careful while we’re gone. We’ll be back after we’re done.”

“How long will you be gone? Is it dangerous?” Asna asked worriedly.

Helag replied, “Not long, nothing to worry about. It’s late; we should get some rest.”

Asna blushed slightly, nodding softly, then swayed her hips against Helag.

Thinking about leaving the next day, Helag felt a surge of excitement and scooped Asna into his arms.

***

The next morning, Helag, David, and Reese traveled through the Lim Mountains.

Helag held a map, found on Severus when captured.

The map covered a vast area, including the entire Norn Kingdom and surrounding regions.

They planned to head east through the Lim Mountains, not towards Oberstein, as Strange Valley lay east of the Norn Kingdom.

“How will we enter Strange Valley, by joining a caravan?” Reese asked.

Helag pondered, “Maybe there’s another way.”

He felt the bloodline mark on his chest, knowing he could use the royal elf bloodline power within.

Helag hadn’t fully activated the royal elf bloodline yet.

Fully activating it would likely change his bloodline aura and possibly his appearance.

He glanced at Reese and David, deciding not to try it in front of them.

He’d find a chance to try it alone in a human town.

“What way?” Reese asked, leaning in.

Her low-cut outfit revealed a scar across her chest.

Helag said, “I’m still considering. Let’s keep moving.”

Traveling through the primitive Lim Mountains would take about seven to eight days.

The terrain was more challenging than around Base 27.

Though they aimed for a straight path, the varied landscape, with cliffs and rivers, made it difficult.

As wizards, natural obstacles couldn’t hinder their progress.

Traveling was dull, but the Lim Mountains’ scenery was a blessing.

The mountains were layered, with winding valleys and misty peaks.

Fog shrouded the area, with spiritual energy flowing through.

Red leaves fluttered, petals drifted, and unknown birds flitted among the trees, their calls echoing.

On sunlit slopes, lush grass grew, and wild goats grazed leisurely.

Helag and David were quiet, especially David.

He could go a whole day without speaking unless spoken to.

Reese was livelier, humming tunes while traveling.

She’d drag Helag to admire the scenery, like a tourist.

Helag thought if they had a camera, Reese would be snapping photos everywhere.

Seven days later.

The trio finally exited the Lim Mountains, reaching a wide road.

The road was muddy and rutted, with many wagon tracks.

Helag checked the map, heading north along the road.

Walking would take at least two months, even at their pace.

They’d need to find horses or join a caravan for faster travel.

After walking most of the day, they heard hoofbeats behind them.

Turning, they saw an adventurer group.

The leader rode a tall horse, appearing around thirty, with grand knight-level strength.

The group had seventeen members, five of whom were knight-level.

All were dressed as adventurers, a strong group by adventurer standards.

Helag’s group stood by the roadside as the adventurers approached and stopped.

The leader glanced at Reese, her figure and face catching his eye.

Seeing Helag as the leader, he asked, “Are you heading to Nightfall City? If so, we can give you a ride.”

The other adventurers also looked over, many men eyeing Reese with interest.

Helag’s group wore concealment rings, hiding their aura, appearing as ordinary people.

The adventurers saw them as three ordinary travelers, with Reese’s beauty sparking interest.

The leader glared at his men, who quickly composed themselves, averting their gaze from Reese.

“Sorry, we just finished a long mission. These guys are a bit restless and rude. Please don’t mind them. I’m Pierre, leader of the Wind Sword Adventurer Group, a grand knight,” Pierre said politely.

Reese feigned admiration, “Wow, a grand knight! That’s impressive.”

Pierre, pleased by the praise, remained stoic, “Thank you, but a grand knight isn’t much. I hear powerful creatures have appeared in distant Oberstein, beyond even grand knights.”

Reese replied, “Really? Is there someone stronger than a grand knight? You’re so modest.”

Pierre smiled, “Would you like to join us on our wagon?”

“Thank you. I’m Helag, this is Reese, and this is David. We’re wandering adventurers,” Helag introduced.