msmithbooks Chapter 36 Departure, Maple Leaf City
Chapter 36 Departure, Maple Leaf City
"This mantis blade is truly sharp. With the added enhancement of my four breathing techniques, it's a weapon that even ghosts would fear with a single strike."
Lin Wei had witnessed the Mantis Knight's combat strength before, and it was completely incomparable to his own.
"As for this new sense, with the help of the Rubik's Cube, I can faintly detect the sound of people walking in the basement. You should know that this basement is specially made, twenty meters above the ground, and the floor tiles are also thick enough."
"Over the past year, the pressure on the Duke of Rose has increased significantly, and Drake has handed in far fewer gold coins. Fortunately, I have forged two more batches of weapons and earned a considerable amount of money, which has covered the resources needed for cultivation."
Lin Wei left the basement as usual and went to the small castle to meet Celia and the others.
Celia, now more mature than ever, was busy calculating in the ledger when she smiled and said, "Lord Lin Wei, you've emerged from seclusion? Thanks to your forging income these past few days, we've even made a profit at the end of the year."
"I've made a fortune off the war. The forging orders can't keep up with demand. I only take on the most profitable ones. The Nightingale Knight has some business acumen; he even knows how to hype things up." Lin Wei rubbed his nose and asked, "How's Drake's health?"
Drake recently encountered several band of bandit knights while collecting money in the lower territories and nearly didn't make it back. Duke Rose was furious and personally led a force to suppress the bandits, but they had already fled.
"He came over a couple of days ago and said he was fine and that you could rest assured, but it would delay his progress in practicing the breathing techniques."
"That's good. These days, even a duke's son can be robbed within his own territory." Lin Wei frowned and added, "Have Black send some werewolves to keep an eye on things secretly."
"no problem."
As Lin Wei's confidante, Celia could vaguely guess the relationship between Lin Wei and the two men. Both Black and the Duke's son Drake were too obedient to Lin Wei.
She didn't ask any more questions, but was even more grateful for her decision to follow him.
Lin Wei asked curiously, "Where are the commanders like Ham and Roth?"
"Ham runs a winery, while Rotty leads a group of men to join a mercenary band and hunt down bandits in the wild."
"Rotty is also being protected by werewolves sent by Black. These old guys really can't stay idle. They were supposed to retire peacefully in the little castle."
Nine years have passed since Lin Wei transmigrated. Apart from Celia and Ham, who are still young, the commanders who originally followed the old count have all aged, and some are even crippled. These people have made great contributions to Lin Wei's early development.
"I'm leaving."
Two years have passed, and Lin Wei needs to go with the Lark Knight and the Carp Knight to get the Focus Potion.
"Lord Lin Wei, wait a moment." Drake rushed over and stuffed a pair of boots into Lin Wei's hands.
"What's this? It looks familiar."
"These boots that my father bought at a high price at an auction a few years ago are the work of a wizard. They can increase movement speed by 10%. They're called Gargamel's Trick Boots. My father is worried about collecting military expenses for the territory, so he didn't have time for these. I just brought them over."
"Good brother." Lin Wei patted Drake on the shoulder, signaling him to go back.
After changing into his boots, Lin Wei tried to gather his extraordinary power in his feet. Suddenly, a clear stream flowed into his body from the soles of his feet, and he felt lighter.
"The wizard's work is truly amazing; now we're much more confident about the hunt."
Not long after, Lin Wei met his two teammates in the Knights Hall. There were even more knights in the hall, most of whom were unfamiliar faces.
Knights flocked to explore in groups, most of them newbies practicing their skills.
"Senior Red Horse said she has something to attend to and will come again next time," said Nightingale Knight, who was the most well-informed.
"Let's go, let's say it another way."
The group found a private room, and the Carp Knight spoke first: "Gentlemen, all the clues to the Rose Forest have been lost. Too many knights have gone out to explore, and they are all lone knights who have emerged in recent years."
"I can see that. It seems that the nobles are going bankrupt one after another, and the number of Breathing Techniques scattered outside is increasing. There are always lucky ones who become knights, which is commonly known as 'rolling up'." Lin Wei smiled bitterly. He was somewhat familiar with this scene.
"That's right, prices for knights have been rising steadily over the years," the Nightingale Knight nodded.
"Fortunately, I got a clue about the Crimson Swallow from my father, hehe." The Carp Knight took out a message, "But if we don't get our hands on the Crimson Swallow, we might not have any Focused Potions left."
Lin Wei and the Nightingale Knight exchanged a glance, both revealing joy. They had thought they wouldn't have any Focus Potions to use this year.
Lin Wei smiled and said, "It's great to have a great knight as a father. We are determined to get the Crimson Swallow."
"Yes, the Lion Knight has already declared that he will definitely be able to take down the Crimson Swallow."
"Stop, I didn't make any promises."
Lin Wei has had quite a few interactions with the nightingale over the past year, and their relationship has reached a point where they can joke around freely.
The Carp Knight glanced at the two of them and continued, "The clue to the Crimson Swallow lies in the Maple Forest, one of the three primeval forests of the Duchy. There are strongholds of the nearby princes there."
"For example, the Swan Prince, the Blood Frog Prince, the Maple Leaf Prince, the Dragonfly Prince, etc... The outposts are mainly responsible for entering the forest to find the resources they need."
"Prince Swan." Lin Wei clenched his fist.
"Won't there be any danger? Your breathing technique can't be exposed," the Nightingale Knight asked.
Lin Wei shook his head and said, "It's alright, I have my own way. My disguise technique is sufficient."
He didn't want to reveal the fact that he had other breathing techniques for the time being.
Lin Wei simply smeared some makeup on his face, completely transforming himself into an ordinary passerby, which amazed the two of them.
"The clue is a rarely traveled route; we shouldn't encounter anyone else," the Carp Knight reassured him.
"Haha, let's set off immediately. The three of us work well together, and I hope we'll achieve something."
The three of them bumped fists, packed their things, and set off.
……
Half a month later, the three arrived at Maple Leaf City. This was a city filled with maple trees, bustling with people, and knights were a common sight, including many standard-bearers. It was several times larger than Rose City. The soldiers guarding the city were well-equipped, their weapons no less impressive than those personally crafted by Lin Wei.
The three of them began to wander aimlessly, as a way to relax.
"There are so many knights here, although most of them are training knights, several times more than in Rose City," Lin Wei exclaimed, feeling as if he had entered a city.
"Of course, this is Maple Leaf City, the city of Prince Maple Leaf. Even my father greatly admires Prince Maple Leaf; he is a highly respected knight," the Carp Knight explained.
"That's great. It's good to check it out in advance. Maybe we'll have a chance to move here in the future," Lin Wei said with a smile.
"It's difficult. Maple Leaf City, with its advantageous location in the Maple Leaf Forest, is beloved by knights. Even travelers come here to gather inspiration, so the rent is extremely expensive, let alone long-term stays. I couldn't afford it even if I staked my entire fortune," the Nightingale Knight whispered temptingly in Lin Wei's ear. "Unless you become a craftsman."