Capítulo 54: Frozen Forest, the Monster World
The thing that made Duwei confused was that the old magician spent Duwei's money to buy all the things. When Duwei was caught, in his pouch there was more than a hundred gold coins.
Duwei wore a fur coat, a sheepskin hat that covered his ears, and he also put on some snow boots with a broadsword hanging on his waist…Duwei looked like an adventurer, who had always gone to the Frozen Forest.
When they left the hotel, there was a small sleigh outside, and four grey dogs were lying on the floor.
The sleigh was really small, Duwei could only squeeze in with the old magician, and the magician was still wearing the white gown….he seemed to not be scared of the cold. When Duwei was sitting next to him, he found out the secret. This old man had used magic. When Duwei was sitting next to him, he felt like he was sitting near a heater. The old magician was emitting warmness from his body.
"Huh, knowing magic is not such a big deal." Duwei hummed.
But he was curious, as there was no driver for this sleigh.
This old magician was really a "Genius", he even knew how to drive a sleigh; he didn't even need to yell, he just sat in the sleigh and said, "Let's go!".
And then the dogs started running! The old magician didn't need to control the direction, the malamutes would know the way and they kept running. On the white snow, there was a very long track formed from the sleigh. They were heading towards the north.
Even though Duwei had worn the coat and the hat, he still felt the biting pain when the freezing wind blew on his face. He couldn't even open his eyes. He could just sit closer to the warm old magician to get some comfort.
The wind in the North was like a sharp knife…Duwei had lived in the southern area even in his previous life, and he never went to the north before. He had just experienced this freezing climate a few times before.
On the way, he had to stay with this evil old magician and this god damn climate!
It was still sunny, but there was no warmth. Duwei was frozen like an ice cube. If he had rubbed himself a bit, his skin would burn. Duwei was in so much pain that he thought that he might die.
The Frozen Forest was located to the north…where people said it was at the most northern part of the continent.
There, was also the official "Borderline" of the Roland Empire. Normally, the citizens of the Empire were not allowed to head to the north.
As they went further to the north, there was not only the freezing snow storm in the Frozen Forest, nor the unlimited forest area…but the most important thing was that it was one of the two places where there was magic monsters living on the continent.
The Empire had troops stationed to the south of the Frozen Forest. Northern "Storm Troopers" of the Empire were spreading along the borderline at the south of the Frozen Forest, and there were checkpoints along all the roads to the Frozen Forest.
Of course, these were only the observable ones.
But secretly, there were many mercenaries, and also some small-scale adventure groups, which headed to the Frozen Forest every year…and these people were all talented. There were terrible magic monsters inside the frozen forest, but in their eyes, these were shining gold coins!
If they sold the monster's fur, or the different monster cores of the monsters in the south, much more money could be earned.
This "Smuggling" was almost an open secret. The Empire actually acquiesced.
The troops stationed at the Southern boundary of the Frozen Forest were used to blocking normal people from entering this dangerous area; but for those adventurers with great skill such as magicians, or senior knights, they could hide silently from the patrols of the troops. For those large scale teams, they even fought with the troops because of the benefits gained from the smuggling.
People in the Roland Region loved fighting much, and although there were only a few magicians, there were many knights. But due to the benefit gained from adventures, many people had still tried to fight for that.
Duwei and the old magician were heading to the north from that town, and after a half day, they arrived at the checkpoint. When the Empire soldiers saw the white gown…These soldiers were obviously stronger than Duwei. There were a few senior knights only wearing a leather corset, with their hairy chests were exposed. They were standing at the checkpoints, whilst grabbing some snow and rubbing themselves. They sang very loudly while they were rubbing.
This checkpoint was built on the continent without using stones…The frozen soil in the North was much harder than the stone. Every summer, when it was warm, they would just grab some softer soil and build it up, water it, and after the freezing night, a wall would be built.
Looking at those soldier with a thick white gown, leather hat with icicles, Duwei didn't know if he should feel shocked or what, so he just huddled tightly.
The old magician whistled, and the four Malamutes stopped just before crossing.
There were almost a hundred soldiers at this checkpoint. When they saw a little sleigh stopped in front of them in this snowy place, they immediately gathered around it. These soldiers were intentionally touching their broadsword. The leader stopped showering with the snow and also grabbed a spear whilst he rushed to there.
On the snow, this knight's running speed was very fast. He just ran a bit and then he stood in front of Duwei. By looking at his appearance, he could be called a "barbarian", as the long beard almost obscured one-third of his face, which made him look very rough, but therefore his martial should be very great by looking at him and how he ran on the snow.
These soldiers blocked the road, and when there was a person who wanted to speak, he glanced at the outfit of the old magician, and he shut his mouth immediately!
The soldiers in the North knew many things, such as every year, there were magicians who liked to come to this place, and catch some rare magic monster in the forest since the magic cores were their favourite magic ingredient.
They looked at the outfit of the old magician and they knew his identity…Although this old magician didn't have any badge on the gown.
It was normal to have this thing happen in the Frozen Forest…the magicians that came to this place knew the prohibition of the Empire. Although the status of magicians were prestiged, to avoid provoking the Empire, they hid their identity by not showing their magic level badge. So, they could show their identity of being a magician to threaten the soldiers while the could hide their real name and identity.
Since there were only a few magicians on the continent, if they hanged the badge, other people would know their level. If people wanted to give them trouble, they could go to the Magic union and check. Based on the level, the appearance of the magicians could be found out.
So, in the Frozen Forest, the magician would only wear the gown without the badge. This was not a secret habit…It was so called "Doing a bad thing anonymously."
Duwei was staring and looked a bit excited. In his point of view, it is impossible for this small troop to block their way. Although Duwei didn't know how powerful the old magician was…by virtue that he could have trained a magic genius like Vivian, and that he could give a dragon to his apprentice as a gift … the strength of this guy should not be weak.
If they really got a fight, Duwei bet that the magician could defeat these hundreds of soldiers in a few seconds.
But Duwei was disappointed.
The magician stopped the sleigh quietly and got a Parchment from his pocket – in the Magic Union, they didn't like using the normal paper, all the things were recorded on parchment.
"Sir, here is the official document from the Magic Union." The old magician gave the parchment to the Barbarian Knight, "The Magic union give me the authority to enter this Frozen Forest."
By looking at this calm old magician, the leader of the knight's was shocked a bit.
Although he looked rough, he actually was a detailed person. In the past few years, he was ordered to be stationed at the checkpoint of the Frozen Forest, and he knew many things. This was not the first time for him to meet a magician.
But most of the magicians were arrogant. They could actually use magic and fly over the checkpoint, or act like the wind to enter the forest directly; most of the soldier didn't even know that.
But most of them liked to show off their magic to the soldiers and walked through the checkpoint.
Since this was the habit they all knew, if a magician really wanted to insist forcing his way through, no one could block him.
So, it was very rare that such a kind magician could bring out the legal document politely and looked like wanting to negotiate.
With suspicion, the knight leader received the parchment.
The parchment looked old, the words on it were blurred, there was even some scrap. The leader put it on his hand carefully as he was afraid of destroying that.
As he read the words on the parchment…the leader felt shocked!
"The person with this letter can enter the Frozen Forest without condition, any Empire Arm Force or local authority cannot stop him or her! The validity of this letter is for…one hundred years!"
What the f*** was that? One hundred years validity?
...
This old man was not joking? The leader could not stop to think about this and that. He did meet some liars before….
Everybody knew that in this place, the army generally didn't dare to stop the magician, but there were some liars wearing the magicians gown to cheat the army.
But, by reading the signature on the document…
"King of the Roland Empire, Austin V, and the Leader of the Roland Continent Magic Union, Julidia."
The King of the Empire and the Leader of the Magic Union countersigned on the document?
The most unbelievable thing was…
The King of the Empire Austin V had been dead for 60 years already! The Leader of Roland Continent Magic union had been changed too! The Leader who signed this letter died 40 years ago when he was 119 years old.
Signatures from the former king and former leader of the Magic union?
Who the hell was he?
The leader could recognize the Authenticity of this document surely! The signature could be fake, but the stamp on it could not be fake! The stamp of the King of the Empire and the Leader of the Magic Union both got the magic security marking!
When he received the document on hand, the two stamps gradually appeared on the parchment, then faded out…
The leader immediately showed serious respect!
This old magician in front of him must be at an extremely advanced level! At least he was an old man who was living in the period of the former Empire King and the former President of the Magician Party!
This kind of person, the little leader could not take the responsibility of infringing!
The leader even could not stop thinking…100 years validity…so how old was this old man now?
He rolled up the parchment respectfully, gave it back to the magician with both hands politely and said, "Dear sir, welcome to the Frozen Forest! 27th Patrol Unit of the White Wolf of the Regiment of the North Imperial Storm Legion welcomes you! Should you have any requirement, we will try our best to help you! "
The old magician replied politely, "No, please just get out of the way."
In short, soldiers in front moved away, even swept out the snow at the gate immediately, and then lined up to farewell the old magician's sleigh.
They left until they could not see the gate, Duwei could not stop to ask, "Is the document real?"
"Yes…"The old magician replied, "But, today is the last day of the validity."
Duwei said, "Last day?"
He looked at the side of the old magician and asked, "How…old…are you?"
"Little kid, has the Roland family teacher degenerated to such an extent? You should use an Honorific when asking the age of the senior." The old magician laughed and said, "Hm….my age…"
At this moment, the old magician's eyes flashed a trace of melancholy and said, "I forgot it."
Capítulo 55: Frozen Forest, The Monster World II
The sky was getting dark, and the sleigh was moving towards the Frozen forest slowly. In the boundary area of the forest, where trees were scattered, it was hard for the sleigh to go through the gaps in the trees.
Duwei was surprised that the magic the old magician had used on the malamutes was so amazing! He didn't use the whip or slogan like other trainers. He normally just gave some simple orders such as telling them to run or to stop. But sometimes he just whistled or used a simple gesture! The malamutes seemed to understand the human language and the gestures, following every order from the old magician as if they did.
"You… can also use magic on the dogs like using magic on me?" Duwei curiously asked. In these past few days, Duwei liked to ask questions even though he could not get any answers from the old magician for most of them. He knew that as long as he didn't try to escape, and didn't make this old man angry, he'd be fine.
"What do you think?" The Magician replied teasingly, "These dogs are more obedient than you!"
The sleigh started decreasing in speed; as the forest in front became narrower, it was harder for the sleigh to move further.
The magician stopped the sleigh and kicked Duwei gently, "Get off the sleigh, kid, don't just stay here without moving. Has no one ever taught you before that in freezing snow, if you don't keep moving, you will be more likely to die because of the cold?"
After Duwei had stood up, the old magician looked around and said, "Tonight, we'll stay here."
"Stay here?" Duwei couldn't help but mutter, "You…it's better to stay in the town, but you insist on living in this forest…I was thinking you planned to travel through the night without stopping! If you don't have any plan, why didn't we just stay in the town?"
"Because I like it, does that satisfy your curiosity?" The old magician laughed and answered. He looked at Duwei with kindness, "Now, there is a tent in the baggage under your butt, and if you still won't stand up, I can guarantee your face will hurt again."
A painful face…this old man wanted to order him to slap himself again! Duwei couldn't stop muttering. Although, Duwei was very smart, while facing this old man…this old man was much stronger than him… thousands of times over… so he didn't have any alternatives.
Duwei was pissed off, so he stood up slowly and opened the baggage, then started barring the tent.
Duwei was very used to barring the tent these days.
The old magician this time didn't just stop and look at Duwei, he also got busy.
Duwei secretly glanced at the old magician to see what he was doing. The old man brought out a little bottle from his gown, then spread out some green powder evenly.
He spread the powder around and formed a big circle; the tent, the sleigh and both of them were in this circle.
Duwei didn't know what this powder was, but after it was spread on the floor, the snow immediately melted, and there was some greenish light released from the darkness…like some sort of ghostly fire.
Then Duwei noticed that those Malamutes were scared of the unnatural powder! The calm malamutes became scared. Their bodies hunched, and they kept shaking. They were also making some creepy sounds.
The magician completed this and felt satisfied. He looked at the green circle, then went to comfort the dogs. He just used his thick palm to pet the malamutes, then whispered happily, "It's fine…don't worry…."
The dogs then lied down again.
After the tent was done, Duwei went to him and asked, "What is it?"
"Something to avoid trouble." The Old Magician took the bottle back. He just had a thin gown, so Duwei really didn't know how he could carry so many bottles. When he just wanted to use one, immediately he could get it out .
"Trouble…?"
The old magician laughed, "Kid, this is the Frozen Forest! There aren't only plenty of trees, but also numerous Magic Beasts! Most of them you haven't heard of or seen before. Especially during the night, the magic Beasts love to attack those whose don't have any defense, and are asleep. There are many adventures who become the dinner for Magic Beasts, when they are sleeping…then become feces the next day."
"But you are such a great magician, are you really scared of those magic Beasts?" Duwei teased.
"I am not scared." The magician shook his head, "But just the two of us are like two meat bags being thrown to a group of flies! Do you understand? This will definitely attract many things out there, but those things aren't a big deal. But if more and more 'flies' come, it will become a great disaster. And, as I said…before we arrive at our destination, I cannot use much of my magic power. So, light the fire when we are ready to sleep…but remember before you sleep to do the exercise which I taught you before. Otherwise, you will become a popsicle by midnight, and I won't be able to take care of you."
Duwei was speechless…he didn't want him to be a robot that was controlled by others, so he just did it himself.
Although this kind of stretch was painful, Duwei knew that it was good for him, therefore he had to complete the whole set of exercises, even if it felt painful.
The old magician looked at Duwei, who was doing the exercises, and once he was satisfied, he brought out a scroll and gently opened it.
This was the wind magic scroll that the old magician had used to form the boundary; suddenly he pointed at the tent, "Okay, now it's time to sleep."
" I still want to ask…what is the green powder?"
"Are you curious? I worry that if you know this, you won't fall asleep." The old magician maliciously smiled.
"…Please tell me." Duwei said, "I am very curious, if you don't tell me, I can't fall asleep."
"Ok! That is…the poop of a dragon." The old magician shrugged his shoulders, "You don't mind sleeping around the poop?"
Duwei, "…"
Dragon's poop?
That explained it…Most of the animals relied on smell and taste of feces and piss to determine the others' boundaries. Dragons, undoubtedly were the strongest creatures in nature.
By spreading the dragon poop here, other Beasts would think that there was a dragon!
Which magic Beast dared to cause trouble for a dragon?
Although this method was good…Duwei shook his head. Luckily, the poop was not smelly.
In the middle of the night, Duwei woke up because of the cold.
Inside the tent, the old magician had his eyes closed, slept gently, and breathed evenly. There was a crystal ball hanging inside the tent. The old magician was kind enough that he used the Fire Magic Scroll and turned this crystal ball into a heater, so it was getting warmer inside the tent.
But in the middle of the night, the heat of the crystal ball had been used up, and Duwei was freezing and got out of the tent to exercise once again.
After completing the whole set of the exercises, he felt warm again, and sighed,
"If you would have met me earlier and did this exercise twice every year, you would have been stronger." In the tent, the old man suddenly said while his eyes remained shut.
Duwei was not surprised…this old man could seem fast asleep, but could still hear all the things around him! For this point, Duwei had confirmed a few days ago when he tried to escape.
"Never thought that…The family of Proud Knights, the next generation of the Roland family, could have such a weak kid." Old Magician finished his words and then continued sleeping.
Duwei sighed, he was standing in the snow and looking at the sky…
The moon was in the sky, the moonlight shined on the forest and on the snow; it was actually quite pretty.
In the forest, it seemed there were something howling further away, didn't know which kind of magic Beast was howling. But those Malamutes were sleeping well. Duwei tiptoed to the side.
In the midnight, he wanted to pee, so he found a big trunk inside the circle of the dragon poop, dressed off his trousers and pee, and shuddered fiercely.
People said that if heading further to the north, the weather would be even colder, and it was dangerous to even pee! Under such cold weather conditions, no one dared to pee in the outside, as their little penis would be frozen!
Duwei sighed and looked back to the tent…When would this end?
This old man kidnapped Duwei and then didn't answer anything, Duwei had lots of questions already. He didn't even know where he was going to.
Revenge for his apprentice? To be honest, Duwei treated Vivian very good except cheating her for some magic tools. When they suffered on the isolated island, he took care of that little lady.
Even he wanted to get back on this old magician. Duwei had suffered lots in the journey, thus the old man should feel much better.
So, did he want to blackmail the Roland Family by kidnapping Duwei?
Duwei laughed…This old man should have a very great background, and even though the Roland Family was powerful, he might not care, so what else did he want?
So….was it because of the prisoner Chris? But this old man should know more than Duwei! It was meaningless to kidnap him.
Duwei kept thinking for a while, but still didn't get any idea, then as he was ready to go back to sleep…
Suddenly, in the dark forest, there was a sound that shocked him!
Chup!
Duwei shook! His spiritual power was very good now, and he was very sensitive to the surrounding! He stayed at the barracks near the castle for many days, and from that sound…that was the sound of archery!
Then, there were some people screaming far away!
Among the screams, there was something howling, then more people screamed…
The location should be on the Northeast side. Duwei saw that there was a red light flashing in the darkness! It was just like something was on fire!
Then, there was a roaring sound, followed by the sound of people running…the sound seemed very desperate, like they were escaping…
Duwei frowned, then crouched down and listened…
1…2…3…Seems there were five to six people, they were breathing shortly, and running in panic. They were approaching Duwei now!
Among the howling…seems like there were some animals howling, then there were people screaming again, seems the animal had caught a person…
The stepping sound was less than before, one more person should've been killed…
After just a few seconds, the stepping sound was nearby. Duwei saw there were four people running out from the forest, they were dressed in leather coats, with a corset and a knife…but the knife was cut in half!
The last one was the poorest one. Half of his body was in red, and Duwei couldn't figure out if that was his blood or the others. He was carrying a bow, running and screaming, "Faster! Faster! It's nearby! It's close! It killed the leader! Run!!!!!"
The man at the front had already run through some trees, and when he looked at Duwei he yelled, "Someone's here!"
Duwei still didn't respond, while the four Malamutes had already woke up and started barking at those people…
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