NOVEL NEXT Chapter 163 The Rumors About The North's Dangers
---The day before Lyan crossed Astellia Kingdom's northern borders---
As Lyan and his companions arrived in the northern city, they were immediately struck by the chill in the air. The half-halfling girl, Tesha, wrapped her cloak tightly around her small frame, shivering despite the warmth of the horse-drawn wagon they had traveled in.
"I can't believe how cold it is up here," she said, her voice quivering.
"It's only going to get colder the further north we go," Lyan replied, his eyes scanning the bustling city streets. "We need to find a place to rest and stock up on supplies before we continue our journey."
He guided the wagon through the crowded streets, searching for a suitable inn or store. The black horse pulling the wagon seemed to sense their need for rest and quickened its pace, as if eager to find shelter from the biting wind.
After a few minutes of searching, Lyan spotted a sign for a shop called "The Northern Trader." It seemed to specialize in supplies for travelers venturing into the colder regions of the kingdom.
He guided the wagon to a stop outside the shop and helped Tesha down from the back.
"Stay here with the horse," he told her. "I'll go in and see if they have what we need."
Tesha nodded, huddling close to the horse for warmth as Lyan made his way into the shop.
The interior was warm and cozy, filled with the smell of spices and dried meats. Lyan approached the counter, where a stout man with a bushy beard was busy stocking shelves.
"Can I help you?" the man asked, looking up as Lyan approached.
"Yes, I'm looking to stock up on supplies for a journey north," Lyan replied. "I've heard there are winter cabins we can use for rest, but I want to be prepared in case we have to brave the elements."
The man nodded, his beard bobbing up and down. "A wise decision. The north can be a harsh and unforgiving place, especially in the winter. You'll want warm clothing, sturdy boots, and plenty of nonperishable food."
Lyan nodded, listening intently as the man gave him a list of items to purchase. He was grateful for the man's expertise, knowing that he himself was not fully prepared for the harshness of the north.
After making his purchases and loading them into the wagon, Lyan returned to the counter to pay. As he counted out the coins, he couldn't help but ask the man a question that had been weighing on his mind.
"I've also heard rumors of dangers in the north, like winter wolves and other magical beasts. Is there any truth to these tales?"
The man's face grew serious, his eyes narrowing. "There is truth to those tales, my friend. The north is home to many dangers, both natural and supernatural. But with caution and preparation, you can survive even the harshest of conditions."
Lyan nodded, taking the man's words to heart. He knew that he would have to be careful if they were to reach their destination safely.
After thanking the man and bidding him farewell, Lyan returned to the wagon, where Tesha was waiting patiently.
"Did you find everything we need?" she asked as he climbed aboard.
"I think so," Lyan replied, pulling the reins to guide the horse back onto the road. "But we'll have to be careful. The man in the shop warned me of the dangers in the north. He mentioned about how there are lots of horror occurrences in the winter cabins in the north,"
"Horror, huh?" Tesha responded indifferently, seeming uninterested.
Looking at the little girl, Lyan chuckled, "Aren't you afraid?" Asked him.
"The chilling cold might kill me first before those horrible things could do anything," Tesha uttered as she hugs herself while shivering slightly.
Letting out another chuckle, Lyan replied in agreement, "You're right,"
As the both of them continued their path, Lyan saw how The city was bustling with activity, as merchants and travelers rushed to and fro, going about their business. Lyan and Tesha, accompanied by the black horse that pulled their wagon, made their way through the crowds, searching for a place to rest and gather information about their journey north.
They soon came upon a certain crowdy inn, a warm and welcoming place that seem to be quite famous. Looking at the friendly proprietor, Lyan hoped to find some answers to his questions about the north. He led Tesha and the horse inside, seeking refuge from the cold.
The inn was bustling with activity, as travelers from all corners of the kingdom gathered to rest and share stories. Lyan and Tesha made their way to the bar, where the proprietor greeted them warmly. "Welcome, traveler," he said, recognizing that the man before him is a traveler in a single glance. "What brings you to our humble inn?"
Lyan explained that he was on a journey to the north, hoping to witness the impressive and magical things described in a book he had read at the inn during his last visit. The proprietor nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. "The north is a treacherous place, traveler," he said. "There are many dangers there, from winter wolves and magical beasts to the harsh elements themselves. Are you sure you want to undertake such a journey?"
Lyan nodded firmly, determined to see the wonders of the north for himself. "I am determined to reach the north and see these wonders for myself," he said. "But I need to gather information about the journey and the dangers that await us. Can you help me?"
The proprietor hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Very well," he said. "I can give you some maps and directions to the winter cabins, which will provide you with shelter along the way. But be warned, there are terrifying rumors about these cabins and the dangers they pose. Proceed with caution."
Lyan thanked the proprietor and set about gathering supplies and provisions for the journey. He and Tesha spent the next few days in the city, preparing for the journey ahead and seeking out any information they could find about the north. As they made their final preparations, Lyan couldn't shake the strange feeling that had settled over him. He knew that the journey ahead might be difficult and perilous, but he was determined to see it through to the end. With Tesha by his side and the black horse pulling their wagon, he set out towards the north, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead.
"With master and your magic beasts, I don't think those kinds of danger mentioned would even endanger us, though," Tesha uttered innocently.
"You're right," Lyan said, grinning at Tesha's words. "But we'll have to be careful regardless. I don't want to risk our lives unnecessarily."
As they continued on their journey, Lyan couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with trepidation. He knew that the north was a dangerous place, filled with magical beasts and other dangers. But he was determined to see the wonders that awaited him there, no matter what obstacles lay in his path.
After a few hours of travel, they reached the northern border of the Astellia Kingdom. The landscape here was stark and barren, with snow-covered mountains rising in the distance. Lyan knew that they would have to cross these mountains if they were to reach the far north.
He stopped the wagon, turning to Tesha with a serious expression. "We're about to enter the most dangerous part of our journey," he said. "Are you sure you want to continue?"
Tesha nodded without hesitation. "I trust you, Lyan," she said. "I know you'll keep us safe."
Lyan smiled at her words, his heart filled with gratitude for her loyalty and trust. "Then let's go," he said, urging the horse forward.
As they crossed the border, Lyan couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the vastness of the land before them. The mountains seemed to stretch on forever, their peaks lost in the clouds. He knew that they had a long and difficult journey ahead, but he was determined to see it through to the end. A certain image went through Lyan's mind as he wondered about the scenery he would be seeing in the far north, rising his excitement and expectancy of the far north.
"Dwarves and modern technologies..." (Lyan)
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Name: Lyan Arkanium Evocatore
Occupation: Mythril-ranked Mercenary
Money: 3,797,710,950 Elnes / 3797 gold 71 big silver 9 big coppers 5 coppers
Weapon: Magic Glaive, 1 (Decent) One-handed Sword, 2 (Good-Quality) One-handed swords, 1 (Decent) bow
Equipment: Black leather cloak, Leather Armor, Breastplate, 2 Health Potions, 2 Poison Vials
Grimoire's Companions: 8 High Spirits, 3 Valkyrie, Shadow Goblin Lord (Lv. 5), Papilio Slime (Lv. 45), Galewing Butterfly (Lv. 45), Rock Golem (Lv. 50), Deadlight (Lv. 63), Moonlight Butterfly (Lv. 45), Ice Golem (Lv. 50), Acid Ant Queen (Lv. 9), Magma Bear (Lv. 1), Fey Mammoth (Lv. 1), Arcane Retriever (Lv. 1), Winter Wolf Alpha (Lv. 12)
Grimoire's Army: 6 Shadow Servants, 800 Skeleton Army