The Frugal Mage

The Silver Escort Unit wasted no time.

In just a few moments after Rayven arrived, two sturdy carriages rolled out of Hesa City's western gate…

Aside from the carriages, the rest of the unit rode on horseback...

The Silver Escort Unit had five with the heavy aura of First-Rate Swordsmen, while the remaining fifteen were disciplined Second-Rate Swordsmen…

At this time, Albert rode in the lead carriage. He looked worried as he couldn't help but blame himself for not sending people to meet with the Stein's group a few days ago.

Perhaps, if he spent some of his resources to meet them halfway, this wouldn't be a problem at all.

Beside him, Rayven sat quietly with his staff resting across his knees.

Though still only an Initiate Mage, his calm presence lifted the spirits of every man who saw him.

'This was the young man who had defeated an Adept Mage.' One of the first-rate swordsmen in the carriage thought to himself as he looked at Rayven's expression.

It was as if just knowing Rayven was with them strengthened their hearts.

The road was long as they passed through a forest and rocky hills.

During this time, they made sure the horses were rotated and fed as sacks of oats and buckets of water were always ready.

Although they left in a hurry, their provisions were well-stocked as well. They had bread, dried meat, and water skins enough for days if needed.

As the sun started dipping lower, Albert spoke as he thought that Rayven was also being too worried.

"Rayven, your brother… Stein, he's not weak. I'm sure he'll be fine…" He said.

"A man raised in the Holt family doesn't grow soft. Still, strength has limits, and those adventurers or bandits who attacked them might be more dangerous than we thought… If they have First-Rate Swordsmen, then even Stein, with his wits, can only hold out so long. So you have to stay calm, whatever happens."

Albert said as he wanted Rayven to prepare for the worst.

Rayven nodded slowly, with his eyes still on the road. During all this time, he had actually been recalling everything about his elder brother. After all, when he had come into mind within this body, he only had fragmented memories of Rayven's past.

It took him some time to understand

"I know my brother. He's cautious. He wouldn't have sent that falcon unless the situation was dire. For him to call for help means they are truly cornered. Still, I'm sure that he'd find a way to survive until we arrive."

Albert nodded.

"The falcon, at least, was clever. Your father trained them to always circle within reach of his heirs. It must have been following Stein all along. Without it, we might not have known until it was too late."

"I would like to have one too… Is that expensive?" Rayven suddenly asked to change the topic to a lighter one.

"Haha… It's not that expensive for a mage, you know… Aside from their food, they just need to have a dedicated carer…"

Then Albert shifted the topic. "Tell me, do you know this Terra? The First-Rate Swordsman leading Stein's escort?"

Rayven thought for a moment before nodding. "I met him once, years ago. Terra is a loyal man… If he's still alive, then Stein has at least one blade that won't break. He's the kind of man who'd sacrifice himself without hesitation to keep his master breathing."

Albert nodded as he knew this as well. "That's right… I'm sure that he'd be able to keep Stein safe."

The journey pressed on, and as night crept closer, their pace did not fade.

Torches were used to guide their carriages and riders through the dark forest roads.

They paused only briefly to water the horses and ensure no man fell behind.

At last, after what felt like endless hours, the area of the Broken Fang Ravine appeared before them...

Now, they weren't sure if Stein's pursuers had already given up or perhaps, they had already achieved their goal…

Soon, Albert raised his hand, and the unit slowed to a cautious halt.

"We're here…" he muttered…

Rayven tightened his grip on his staff and looked around. "Then let's find Stein before it's too late."

Rayven stepped down from the carriage and moved toward the canyon with the rest of the team.

"Detect Mana Source."

[ 1 Gold Coin deducted. ]

[ Current Balance: 551 Gold Coins ]

At this time, Rayven hadn't received his contribution for the mission reward and sale of the Beast Cores. That could wait for a while. Because of that, he didn't have enough money to purchase a new skill just yet.

Nonetheless, as the spell was released, a wave of mana spread out.

It only had a radius of thirty meters before fading like ripples in water.

For a moment, nothing happened. Just the lingering signatures of wild beasts that had passed through the area some time ago.

Well, he wasn't expecting much… He was only thinking of finding some slight traces he might use to search for Stein and the others.

Still, as they continued to walk around, Rayven used his Detect Mana Source repeated…

"Detect Mana Source."

…

"Detect Mana Source."

[ Current Balance: 542 Gold Coins ]

This time, he picked up fragments of some faded traces of broken magic equipment… Well, even if they were already broken, there was still some mana lingering within their parts.

He could tell someone had fought here recently. "There was a clash," Rayven muttered, pointing to the ground where faint scorch marks marred the stone…

Apparently, Rayven didn't check this area out of nowhere… The Silver Escort Units had also found traces of footprints and other marks.

Even if they don't have Detect Mana Source, they have the traditional way of finding people in the forest…

Then, as they continued moving around, the flutter of wings caught their ears.

Above them, a shadow swept down. It was the falcon.

Specifically, Stein's falcon circled once before landing on a nearby rock. It screeched sharply before flying toward a deeper area…

Rayven let out a sigh of relief.

"Good… that saves me more gold coins."