Chapter 27: 27 Entering the Mountains

Chapter 27: 27. Entering the Mountains

Departing from Lakeside Town and heading northeast along the main road leads through two territories.

The first is Horsemaster City, ruled by the Iron Hooves noble family.

Horsemaster City is renowned for breeding horses. Whether ordinary steeds or warhorses, at least half in the Black Mountain Territory originate from Horsemaster City.

The Iron Hooves family, an ancient lineage existing even before the division of the Orlant Empire, holds considerable prestige in the Black Mountain Territory.

Lord Rhonin had earlier planned to procure supplies from Horsemaster City, though that was no longer necessary.

The second territory they passed was Marsh Town, governed by Baron Ryson of the Sarn family.

The former lord had little knowledge of this family, only aware that Baron Sarn seemed to be a knight of advanced prowess.

The Sarn Territory, being the closest noble domain to Mountain Forest Town, could be considered Rhonin's neighbor. He intended to visit at some point.

Continuing north beyond the Sarn Territory, rolling hills became visible.

The mountains weren't high, perhaps only a hundred or two hundred meters, with gentle slopes. However, their numerous, undulating expanse rendered Mountain Forest Town isolated and inaccessible.

Rhonin consulted his map, which merely sketched Mountain Forest Town's location. Precise navigation with it was impossible.

Fortunately, a path worn by human passage through the woods provided direction.

"Midday. Let everyone rest here first."

Rhonin instructed Chahar to announce the break, while he stood upon this forest path.

"My lord, the mountain road appears difficult to traverse," Macken cautioned.

"That's inevitable."

Rhonin sighed, crouching beside the roadside. "Yet there are wheel tracks here, clearly indicating Mountain Forest Town has wagons coming out. Since they can exit, we can enter."

Mountain Forest Town lacked a lord, but wheel tracks on the path suggested that besides annual tax collectors from Black Mountain Fortress, its inhabitants also communicated with the outside world.

This was normal.

Mountain Forest Town lacked all necessities for human survival; some things still required external purchase.

"When we reach Mountain Forest Town, if all proceeds smoothly, I'll form a hunting party to see if we can hunt magical beasts."

"If we obtain magical beast hides, then Elron and I shall learn to craft spell scrolls."

Currently, he possessed three bottles of Pedro's leftover "ink" for crafting spell scrolls. Without magical beast hides, he and Elron hadn't begun learning scroll-making.

Forming a hunting party was Rhonin's deliberate decision.

After all, mountains sustain those who dwell by them; waters sustain those who dwell by them. Near the Magical Beast Range, one must rely on magical beasts.

Magical beast materials could be sold, while spell scrolls were a derived industry.

Of course, this depended on smooth progress, awaiting stabilization.

"Elron is willing to serve you, my lord!" The magician respectfully responded to Rhonin's proposal.

These two days, Elron was the most idle.

Unlike Macken, who could instruct in swordsmanship and combat, and unlike the guards requiring training, idle times meant refining magical energy, leaving him most bored.

Idle Elron merely flipped through books on the wagon, broadening his knowledge.

"You needn't worry about having nothing to do. Upon reaching the territory, likely none shall remain idle."

Rhonin seemed poised for significant endeavors. After all, his own territory—its mountains, waters, people—were all his. Not managing them well would truly be wasteful.

After a simple lunch, Rhonin led the group onward.

The mountain road was rugged, some areas eroded into gullies by water, making wagons arduous to traverse.

For comfort, Rhonin ceased riding within the wagon, opting for horseback.

"To prosper, first pave roads!"

This was a profound maxim. Yet gazing upon these not high but numerous rolling hills, he knew road construction was a vast undertaking.

"Constructing a smooth main road from Mountain Forest Town would be difficult short-term."

Rhonin sighed. It must proceed step by step, first ensuring wagons could pass smoothly.

"Elron, do you know any magic or combat techniques capable of cleaving mountains?"

"Certainly!"

Elron affirmed confidently. "Magicians invoke elemental forces to cast spells. The elemental forces are boundless. If a magician is sufficiently powerful, invoking enough, I'm certain the power could cleave mountains!"

"You speak sense."

Rhonin turned to inquire Macken. "You wield earth attributes. Are there combat techniques capable of cleaving mountains?"

Combat techniques utilize a knight's personal combat energy. Generally weaker than spells in potency, Macken also gave a positive answer.

"Certainly possible, though likely more challenging compared to magic."

Rhonin nodded. "Henceforth, the road from Mountain Forest Town to the outside shall rely on you for construction."

Macken: "Uh... If my lord requires it, I shall endeavor!"

"Ah~"

As the group entered the mountains, the weather grew less hot. Particularly when mountain winds blew, the coolness during rest was delightful.

Yet by late night, it became somewhat cold. Without ample bonfires, likely one would catch chill.

Fortunately here, nothing lacked except wood.

The road was arduous. Rhonin and company trekked over a day, finally glimpsing the distant town after crossing a small hill.

Rhonin glanced at the massive roadside stone ahead, clearly inscribed with red letters naming the forward town—Mountain Forest Town!

"We've finally arrived!" He exclaimed happily.

From departing on the fourth to midday on the thirteenth today, they journeyed ten days, finally nearing their destination.

Hearing Rhonin's voice, the guards also cheered.

Many among them initially doubted if they could safely reach Mountain Forest Town. Now Mountain Forest Town lay before them; they had achieved it!

For those born and largely never leaving Black Mountain City, this was a challenge and accomplishment, future tales for descendants.

"Chahar, midday rest here!"

Rhonin smilingly commanded: "Let everyone eat fully midday, rest well. Afternoon we enter the town!"

"Good, sir." Chahar promptly arranged.

Rhonin dismounted. David received the handed reins, standing aside. Since becoming a junior knight, this lad was also placed by Rhonin nearby.

"Mountain Forest Town's terrain is decent, not the mountainous town I imagined."

Rhonin stood road-center, gazing afar at the town.

From the uphill view, Mountain Forest Town lay upon plains amidst mountains. Though slopes existed within the town, they weren't high, gentler than peaks traversed earlier, typical of hilly features.

"Recall Hallhart mentioned, east and north beyond woodlands of Mountain Forest Town face sea."

The sea, also a resource. If territory could extend to coastline, that too would be a rare feat.

Averting his gaze, Luo Ning walked over to the roadside marker, the large stone by the path. He patted the stone twice—it was heavy, weighing at least several hundred pounds.

"Makken, I have a task for you."

Makken stepped forward. "My lord, please instruct."

Luo Ning pointed at the stone. "Once we've settled and have some free time, move this roadside marker for me."

"No problem!"

Makken examined the stone. If he had to move it, he would likely need a horse-drawn cart.

"My lord, where would you like me to move it?"

Luo Ning pondered briefly. "Just along this road, about fifty miles south."

"Oh, and if moving it proves difficult, you can simply smash this stone and erect a new marker fifty miles away."

Upon hearing this, Elron beside him chuckled. "Congratulations, my lord! Your territory has expanded once again!"

"Hah, you're the one who grasps my intentions immediately!"

Looking back at the route they had traveled, there were still many undeveloped lands around. Who knew if Count Wiggins might appoint a pioneering knight to compete with him for territory?

First, move the territorial landmark farther away. If anyone else comes later, they'll have to negotiate with Luo Ning first.

"Makken, Elron, David—you are all superhumans. Your observational skills are sharper than ordinary people's. During our rest, pay extra attention to the surroundings. Report any situation immediately."

Although they had arrived at his territory, having experienced an assassination attempt by guards before, Luo Ning did not relax his vigilance.

He couldn't be sure whether those awaiting him would be his subjects or his enemies.

(End of chapter)