Chương 98: Journey to the Northern Kingdoms

The wind is getting cooler.

The last leaf fell from the branch.

Winter is coming.

The monks of Guranat finally found magic in the Holy Scriptures that could purify the Bloodlust Curse.

Xia En and his team used the most basic method to roughly clean up the remaining black asphalt in the riverbed, collecting it all in a large, sealed jar. Since it couldn't be completely removed, they had no choice but to store it temporarily.

For safety, Shane wrapped the jar with layers of waterproof tarpaulin and even put it in a tin box.

It was stuffed into the deepest part of the backpack.

Of course, this manual cleaning method inevitably leaves hidden dangers, and the monks will have to continue to check and treat them afterwards.

Shane estimated that it would take about one or two years for the effects of the curse to completely dissipate.

"Are you leaving already?"

When Shane turned around, he saw Count Guranat and his wife.

"Yes, we need to cross the [Swell Mountains] before the heavy snow closes the mountain passes."

The count pondered for a moment, then reminded him, "I heard your destination is the Northern Plateau and the Demon King's Castle. The situation there is quite dire, and travel has been restricted. Moreover, you need a Level 1 Mage to accompany you to pass through."

"【Level One Mage】—What's that?"

"Doesn't Lady Frilian know? It's a magician qualification certification from the Continental Magic Association."

Frillie looked bewildered.

"Does being a mage require certification?"

Philon looked shocked.

"You—you're not an unlicensed mage, are you?"

"Don't portray it as as terrifying as unlicensed, black-market doctors—" Seeing this, Philon reluctantly took out a certificate and patiently explained to Frilian, "When we left [Holy City, Shutral], Mr. Shane accompanied me to get the certification. You see, it's a Level 3 Mage certificate."

"The Continental Magic Association is the current magic management organization, founded by Archmage Celia half a century ago. It has a high degree of authority and conducts training, management, and assessment of mages."

"That sounds like such a hassle—"

"Mr. Shane and I wanted to ask you to come with us, but we called you for a long time and you wouldn't wake up. In order not to delay the exam, I had to take it by myself."

"Then why is it level three? Can't I just take the level one exam directly?"

"Because at that time only the Level 3 exam was being held."

"I see—" The Mage Level Examination is not held every year, nor in every city. To participate in the examination, one must calculate the time and travel to the corresponding city.

Shaen stroked his chin, lost in thought: Calculating the time, the next Level 1 exam will be held in the magical city of Oisaster in two years.

Just then, Philon suddenly looked at him.

"Speaking of which, Mr. Shane, the clothes you wore when you teleported back from the [Treasure Vault] looked like the uniform of a [Level One Mage]. I remember seeing that style in the examination hall. Do you know any [Level One Mages]?"

As Philon spoke, everyone turned their attention to Shane.

If Shane knows someone who meets the requirements, they can directly hire a Level 1 Mage without having to take an additional exam.

This saves time and increases the team's combat power, achieving two goals at once.

Seeing everyone's gazes, Xia En immediately understood their thoughts and also weighed the pros and cons.

indeed.

Now, the last thing they lack is money.

After all, Count Guranat was quite generous.

"I remember Elu saying that his grandfather was conducting some kind of ancient ruins survey in the Kura region of the Northern Kingdoms —"

"【Kula Region】?"

Upon hearing the name, Frillie was lost in memories.

"I happen to have a friend there, and it's about time I went to visit him. Since it's on the way anyway, why don't we go find this [Level 1 Mage]?"

"Frilian—is your friend human?" Shane frowned slightly.

"That's a bit rude of you to ask."

"I just wanted to remind you to have some sense of time ————"

"Don't worry, he is a long-lived dwarf named [Fol]."

Grandpa Foll?

Shaen remembered that he was also a dwarf warrior, on par with Azer, and seemed to be over 400 years old.

After determining their route, the group finally prepared to leave.

Before leaving.

The Countess specially gave Shane a box. When Shane opened it, it contained the ruby necklace that had once been worn around the neck of the Count's son.

"This is a heirloom of the [Granat] family, and a symbol of the highest power in this city. I think you should accept it."

The Countess stared intently into Xia En's dark eyes, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

"My child has always loved stories of heroes and adventurers. If it weren't for protecting the family and the city, he would be like you, carrying a sword and traveling with his companions, finding friendship and joy."

"I beg you to grant a mother's small wish: to wear this necklace and see the scenery along the way for that child."

Xia En took the box.

He nodded under the Countess's sincere and gentle gaze.

"Shane, Frilian," the Count's voice rang out from the side, "Granat will never forget this kindness. Have a safe journey."

Xia En nodded.

Several people waved goodbye to the people who came to see them off.

The carriage creaked and groaned as it moved forward.

The territory of the Count of Guranat gradually faded into a small black dot on the horizon.

The roadside trees gradually withered, and the further north you went, the lower the temperature became.

Looking at the scenery along the roadside, Xia En recalled the strange scene he had witnessed earlier. He was quite certain that it wasn't his own memory. Could it be that, like when he saw Xia Er's memories before, he was seeing someone else's memories again?

The information in the image was so limited that he was quite confused.

He took a deep breath.

Forget it.

Some things are better investigated step by step.

in the carriage.

Frillie started to sway and become drowsy again.

"Why is it so much earlier than usual this time?"

Shutark looked at Frillian and complained to Shane.

Shaen looked up at the weather outside the car and chimed in with a grumble, "Do elves need to hibernate too?"

Shutark nodded.

"After all, they are a kind of cold-blooded species."

Across from her, Frillie opened her eyes, looking helpless.

"Could you two please keep your voices down when you're whispering to each other?"

"Ah, elves really do have long ears," Shane said with a double entendre.

A golden chain shot up and wrapped around Xia En's mouth several times out of thin air.

This is another application of [Restraint Magic] that Frilian recently figured out: [Physical Shut-up].

Shutark and Philen each covered their mouths, turning into quails, and lowered their heads to suppress their laughter.

Xia En looked helpless.

Just as the group was joking around...

A village gradually came into view ahead of the vehicle.

It is the hunter's village [Gri].

This is the last stop before entering the Swirl Mountains.

After passing this village, there will be no more villages to settle in the entire Svir Mountains.

The group disembarked from the carriage and prepared to take a short rest in the village.

After entering the village.

Along the way, the villagers all stared at Xia En, staring at him nakedly, and whispering among themselves.

Philon frowned and moved closer to Shane.

"Mr. Shane, why do I feel like their eyes are a little unfriendly—" Before she could finish speaking, Frilian suddenly brandished her staff.

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