Chapter 59: The Adventurer's Fate
The camp of Snow Wolf Mercenary Group is quite standard. It can be seen that they are a group of people who are used to camping in the wild and sleeping under the stars.
This low-lying terrain effectively serves as a certain windbreak, and the two high slopes on either side have a strong defensive effect. If an unexpected situation arises, as long as the middle pass can be effectively defended, the safety of the camp can be guaranteed.
Duvie and Dandanil followed Captain Bainerich into the camp, where they were greeted by the mercenaries' astonished gazes.
This camp is not small, with nearly a hundred people. Unlike the private armies of nobles or the local garrison troops that Du Wei has seen before, these mercenaries do not have uniform armor or equipment. Most of them are dressed in extremely personalized attire. Some wear leather jackets, some wear leather robes, and others wear leather armor.
However, in order to blend in with the snowy woods, most people chose white.
As for the weapons they used, it was even stranger, some used swords, some used curved knives, and some used axes, short spears... Du Wei even saw a guy holding a wolf-toothed club-like weapon.
Moreover, every single one of these people had an air of ferocity and arrogance on their faces. When Du Wei walked into the camp, there were still some guys polishing their weapons who looked at Du Wei and Dada Nie with cold eyes.
"Hey! Captain, how did you bring a kid in here? Haha, is this guy your new recruit? He looks like he hasn't even been weaned yet!"
As soon as this was said, it immediately triggered a burst of laughter from the people around.
Bayerich's face sank, and he shouted: "No one is allowed to talk nonsense! Do your own thing quietly! Be polite, this is our honored guest!"
It seems that this captain is extremely authoritative. As soon as he spoke, although some people still had their doubts, everyone shut their mouths.
"Alright, your lordship, these are rough men who don't know manners." Bainreich then invited Duwei to his own tent, but Duwei politely declined. The commander had a piece of empty land cleared out for them in the middle of the camp, and Duwei and Dandan set up their own small tent.
In a short while, the captain had his men bring over two thick woolen blankets.
"These guys don't seem too friendly to us, huh." Du Wei watched the mercenary who had delivered the tent leave with a cold face, then turned back to smile at Dada.
"It's very normal." Dadao curled his lips: "In this kind of team, newcomers are generally hard to be accepted immediately. They would rather trust old comrades who have been through life and death together... even in regular armies it's the same."
At night, the mercenaries lit several large bonfires in the middle of the camp, and they sat around the fires waiting for dinner.
Byron invited Duve to dine with him and they squeezed together in front of a fire.
The mercenaries' attitude towards Du Wei has improved a lot, probably because the captain has already announced Du Wei's identity as a magician. However, there are still some people who look at Du Wei with suspicious eyes... after all, he looks too young.
Not just those mercenaries, even Bainerich himself had a few doubts.
Sitting in front of the bonfire, after taking off the thick fur hat that covered a third of his face, Du Wei's appearance looked even smaller... Bayers couldn't help but feel some doubt: Is this little kid really a magician?
Or... even if he is a magician, at such a young age... I'm afraid he's probably just a magic apprentice? Or, just a first-level magician?
Although a magician is rare, if it's just an apprentice or a first-level magician... then there's no value in recruiting them.
Next to the bonfire, the mercenaries were doing their own thing as if no one was around: they used a few large iron pots to melt the snow and boil hot water. Then two sturdy men carried out some strange-looking animal carcasses of various sizes from the tent... Du Wei looked carefully for a moment but couldn't tell whether it was beef or mutton. It was Dada Nile who recognized them, frowning and whispering: "This is... heaven, a snow camel monster...... oh, this is a burrowing cow...... ah, and an ice wolf! Heaven, are you eating these at night?"
Bayinrichi burst out laughing and said: "No, it's us! We, as well as you, eat these at night."
"The corpse of a monster." Dathanil sighed.
"Yes, the beast." Bainerich curled up his lips and smiled: "In my opinion, these things are not much different from ordinary beasts... at least the taste in the mouth is not much worse, they just use some magic when they are alive, and after they die, they become our food."
Du Wei didn't say a word, he watched as the two men swiftly pulled out their sharp knives and dismembered the corpses of several magical beasts into blocks, then threw them all into the large iron pot to cook.
The hides of these demonic beasts had long been stripped, and Du Wei watched as the two burly men went back to fetch more from the tent. He couldn't help but whistle in surprise, looking at Baining Rich: "Commander, it seems that your gains this time are not small."
"Making a living isn't easy," Bayinrich said calmly. "These days are also spent fighting for our lives. However, what you said is correct, this time's harvest is pretty good. We've been circling around this forest for five days and have hunted over 20 magical beasts. But I've also lost seven or eight subordinates. Three people died, and three more were permanently disabled." The mercenary captain sighed: "The hides of these magical beasts can be sold at a high price in the south, and their magic cores... you mages are all willing to pay a high price for them."
Du Wei couldn't help but take another look at the corpses of those few magical beasts...
Those mercenaries brought out the ice and snow demon wolf, Du Wei recognized it, last time in Half Moon City when he was teased by that terrible monster, he had seen the ice and snow demon wolf in the illusion.
However, the corpse of the demonic wolf that these mercenaries brought out was apparently smaller than the one that appeared in the illusion last time.
The water in the pot was gradually boiling, and the meat fragrance was overflowing. Many mercenaries couldn't help but sniff their noses heavily.
The squad leader had several large leather bags of wine brought out from his own tent, and the mercenaries immediately cheered up. Then several bags were passed down, and each mercenary took a swig of wine. In this ghostly weather that could freeze people's noses off, taking a swig of wine to warm oneself up was truly the best pleasure.
Bayerinrich didn't forget to entertain Du Wei, he took out a silver bottle from his bosom and smiled: "This is my private collection, the best wine in the North... would you like to try some, magician?"
Du Wei smiled and took over the wine bottle, taking a sip, but almost choked to death!
"Cough...cough! What kind of wine is this..." Du Wei's painful coughing started, his voice was hoarse, and he felt like a ball of flames burning in his mouth!
In his haste, Du Wei could only grab a handful of snow from the ground and stuff it into his mouth. After swallowing three large handfuls of snow in one breath, he finally felt the burning sensation in his throat subside somewhat.
"Ahahahaha! Oh, Master Magician, this is the good stuff! This wine has been brewed with the magical core of a Flame Rhinoceros! When you drink it, it's like putting a flame down your throat! It's absolutely invigorating! Especially on a gloomy day like today, just one sip will make your whole body feel warm and toasty all night long!"
Du Wei pinched his nose: "Thanks! I can't stand this stuff."
Bayernrich burst out laughing, took a sip himself, and immediately showed a painful yet pleasant expression on his face. He shuddered violently several times, then gasped heavily, shouting: "Refreshing!"
He handed the bottle over to Dandanil: "Friend, have a drink!"
Dadanier hesitated for a moment before taking a sip, but his tolerance was much stronger than Duwei's. After drinking a mouthful, he shuddered all over like Bayinrichi, but then revealed a delighted expression and exclaimed: "Good stuff! Indeed, my body feels warmer now! Damn it, it's as if I have an extra fire pit in my belly!"
Next, Du Wei tasted some cooked meat of the magical beast. The meat of the Ice Snow Wolf was a bit old and had a slightly sour taste, which Du Wei wasn't used to eating. However, in this kind of place, where it was icy and snowy, being able to have a hot meal was already a great enjoyment.
At least last night when following the old magician, Du Wei was eating dry rations.
"Hmm, I don't know if that old guy is watching me from around here... Young master me sitting drinking wine eating meat, the old guy drinks wind, this feeling is quite good."
Du Wei ate something and felt much better, then tried to drink two mouthfuls of Bayern's special wine. This time he was fully prepared and didn't feel as uncomfortable as last time. Moreover, this wine really was good stuff - after drinking it, a flame seemed to instantly spread throughout his five viscera and six bowels, his whole body suddenly feeling hot all over, all the cold air in his body being driven out completely!
"Magician, you've come to this forest, surely also in search of some magical beast?" Bainerich smiled and said: "All the magicians who come here are for this purpose. If that's the case, perhaps we can help each other out. Maybe I have the very magical beast you need right here."
Dadanier and Duwei exchanged a glance, Duwei nodded, and Dadanier replied: "Captain, have you heard of the Golden-eyed Python?"
Bayerin's face showed a hint of surprise: "Golden-eyed python? That's a formidable creature, I saw some magicians catch one here when I was young, but we ourselves have never caught such a thing... and besides..."
He hesitated for a moment, then said slowly: "This is just the periphery of the Ice Seal Forest. To find high-level magical beasts like Golden-eyed Pythons, we need to go deeper into the forest. The more powerful magical beasts are active in the central area of the forest, and it's unlikely to find such things on the outskirts. However, the further we go in, the greater the danger will be."
"Central area?" Du Wei smiled: "Please forgive my rudeness. I myself am coming to the Ice Forest for the first time, you see, I'm a young magician, and I'm not familiar with this place. You said central area... we've been walking in the woods for two days already. Is this still just the outer area?"
"Of course." Bairenrich shook his head: "The Ice-Sealed Forest is too big... In fact, no one has ever truly measured its size. I heard that twenty years ago, a powerful magician and several knights from the temple ventured deep into the forest for a month but still couldn't reach the other side. Who knows what's on the other side of the forest? Maybe it's the end of the world. The only recorded expedition was twenty years ago, when a great magician from the Magic Guild led several high-ranking holy knights in. Unfortunately... only the magician came out alive. The central area of the Ice-Sealed Forest is said to be inhabited by many high-level magical beasts. Even powerful magicians can't handle multiple attacks from these beasts at once. As for us mercenaries, Snow Wolf Mercenary Group, we've always operated on the periphery. Our farthest route was nine days... and that was several years ago."
Du Wei was somewhat surprised...
A magician plus a few high-ranking holy knights can't even walk for a month and still haven't reached their destination?
Is this forest so big?
Dadanier's face also looked a bit ugly... In that case, where can the golden-eyed python be found?
"I advise you both on one thing." Bainingrich's expression was very serious: "Our Snow Wolf Mercenary Group has been hunting magical beasts in this forest for many years, and I have also encountered some magicians who came to find magical beasts. However, even some magicians do not dare to go too far... At most, they will only go near the 'Great Round Lake', and absolutely no one dares to venture further. You two... I know you are a magician, and I respect the abilities of magicians. But I still advise you on one thing: if it's not necessary, please give up your plan..."
Dadanier's face looked unwell, he thought for a moment, and suddenly said: "Commander, thank you for your kindness, but I must find the Golden Eyed Python. Hmm...and..." He suddenly showed a strange expression on his face: "I know that your team is specialized in hunting magical beasts, if possible, I am willing to offer a high price to hire you to help me search..."
"Sorry, no can do." Baine Reich curtly refused. "Although we make a living from this and I know that the greater the risk, the greater the profit. However, if one knowingly goes to their death and still insists on doing it, then it's not risk-taking but foolish behavior. Our Snow Wolf Mercenary Corps doesn't have what it takes to enter the central area of the Icebound Forest. No matter how high a price you offer, I'm afraid we're powerless."
Dadanier sighed, knowing that Bayinrich was telling the truth, and didn't say anything more, silently taking a sip of wine.
Bayerin's attention returned to Du Wei, he thought for a moment and said: "Magister, I'm very curious about you. In my impression, it's rare for someone of your age to have obtained the qualification of a magician. I've lived for 40 years, with 20 years of adventure career, and I haven't met many magicians, but I've never seen a genius like you."
Du Wei let out a bitter laugh...
Genius? That's because you haven't seen one before.
Du Wei's current strength is only around that of a third-class magician. Compared to ordinary people, he can be considered a genius... but... compared to the other two female geniuses Du Wei has met, Du Wei really doesn't have anything to be proud of.
At the age of fifteen or sixteen, he obtained the qualification of an eighth-level magician! That's what you call a genius! Moreover, Du Wei encountered two at once.
As Du Wei remained silent, Bayersrich fell silent for a moment, then slowly pulled out a scroll from his bosom.
"Your Excellency Magician, I'd like to make a deal with you, are you interested?"
"What deal?"
"It's like this, I know magicians are all very wealthy, so if I were to give you some kind of treasure, you probably wouldn't even notice it... So..." Bainerich smiled and said: "My people and I will continue heading north for about four or five more days, we'll reach the Great Round Lake and then head back. I think, since you and your companions are also headed north, why don't you just follow us for the next few days? My people and I can serve as your guides, taking you all the way to the Great Round Lake. This vast forest is easy to get lost in without a guide. What do you say?"
"This is a map of the Ice Forest! Such a map, on the market, is absolutely impossible to find! Even if you spend 10,000 gold coins, it's absolutely impossible to buy! Because this is a map drawn by me, Bainrich, based on my nearly twenty years of adventure in this forest, and more than forty experiences, relying on my memory! I guarantee that the entire empire probably can't find a second copy of such a detailed map!"
Du Wei's heart skipped a beat!
He took over this map and unfolded it...
A large expanse of forest icons is drawn on the map, with several entrance channels leading to the forest at the southern end. The map also marks several small towns south of the frozen forest and some checkpoints set up by the Northern Storm Legion patrol team.
Du Wei glanced around slightly and found the road he had entered the forest with the old magician two nights ago.
On the drawing paper, the entire forest area was also unknown how big it was, but Beyerinck slightly pointed to it, and Du Wei roughly had a concept.
"Here, here is approximately our current position." Beyerinck's finger poked at a point on the map.
Looking at the map, this location is extremely close to the southern edge of the forest entrance. Du Wei couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed... After walking for two days, they had only walked out such a small distance on the map.
Bayerinrich smiled and pointed again at a location deep in the forest on the map: "Here, this is where my people and I are headed, Dahu Lake."
A slightly flattened circle marked a body of water on the map.
Bynerich briefly introduced that this lake is located inside the forest and is a forest lake. However, its area is quite large.
"That lake is about five or six miles wide... at least, I think it is. I've been there a few times, but I've never actually measured it. In fact, I've never even been to the other side of the lake. The Great Round Lake marks the boundary beyond which some adventure teams from the Icebound Forest have ventured."
"What's going on?" Du Wei was curious about everything in this frozen forest.
"The dividing line of strength." Bainingrich smiled and said, "Generally speaking, in the south of the lake, it's not too dangerous yet, and mercenary groups like ours can still operate. But...the north of the lake is a different story. Very few people dare to go there. Those who dare to cross the lake and continue north are, from what I know, those powerful individuals with a reputation across the entire continent...at least I, Bainingrich, am not that kind of person. I've taken my men to Lake Dahu several times, but never once dared to circle around the lake and head further north."
He paused for a moment, with a strange smile on his face: "By the way, if it were summer, I wouldn't bring people to Dahu Lake either. You know, wherever there's water, there are usually dangerous beasts lurking around... magical beasts are no exception, they also need to drink water and take baths. In the summer, although the weather here is still very cold, it's not as freezing as it is now. Now that it's just early spring, the lake water hasn't thawed yet, the surface is icy, and there aren't many magical beasts active around the lake. But in the summer, it's a completely different story! That place is literally a gathering spot for magical beasts! It's terrifying... I've heard that several mercenary groups, hundreds of people strong, were attacked by magical beasts on the shores of that lake! Entire teams were wiped out there! So, because of the current season, I dare to venture there, but if it were summer, I would definitely stay far, far away from that place."
Bayerinrich finished speaking, looked at Du Wei and said: "How about it? Magician sir? My deal is simple: I'll take you and your people to that lake, and I'll give you this map... Although I haven't been to the north side of the lake myself, but over the years, I've collected a lot of information from strong people who have been there. It cost me a lot of money to collect this intelligence! The markings on the map, even if you cross the big circular lake and continue north, at least it marks out the terrain for the next two or three days."
Duvie looked at Bainreich and asked, "Respected Captain... I'm curious, since you don't plan to go to the north side of the lake, why are you collecting data on the north side?"
A hint of emotion flickered in Bairnrich's eyes, his expression sincere and serious: "Magician sir, please remember that I am an adventurer!"
When he said this sentence, his expression even had a pious flavor.
"I am an adventurer! Although... I'm currently doing mercenary work, making a profit from adventuring in the Icebound Forest... but I'm not some merchant reeking of copper! In my bones, I have the blood of an adventurer flowing through me!" Bainrich said in a low voice: "I've been adventuring in this place for half my life. Since I was young, hearing those legends, I've always yearned to see what the Icebound Forest north of the lake is like... although I know my abilities are far from being one of the strongest on the continent. Moreover, I have a large group of people following me now, and I need to take responsibility for them! But I also have my own dreams! My dream is... in the future, when I'm old and retired, no longer leading this group, having handed over my people to their new leader... at that time, when I'm alone, without any responsibilities, I'll prepare to cross that lake and take a look at the north! I've been stuck in this place all my life! In the future, if I die of old age without seeing what the north is like, I will definitely die with regret! I'm collecting these materials for future plans! I plan to set out alone when I'm fully prepared... I've even prepared myself to die on the northern shore of the Great Lake! Even if I die, at least I'll be able to see what the legendary northern shore looks like before I die... dying there would mean I've fulfilled an adventurer's destiny!"
At this point, Bayard said something that made Duve rise in reverence:
"As an adventurer, to die in bed would be a shame! As a true adventurer, one should choose to die on the most thrilling journey!"
Du Wei took a deep breath, and his tone also became several degrees more respectful: "Respected Captain, you have agreed to be our guide and given us this map... so what do you need me to do for you?"
"It's very simple." Bainingrich smiled: "I only have two conditions. Firstly, during our journey together, if we encounter any trouble, such as being attacked by others or monsters, you, the magician, please stand on our side and provide help when needed."
"No problem." Du Wei replied immediately: "Since we're on the road together, that makes us companions, it's only natural."
"Thank you. My second condition is... if, after completing this adventure, you can still return... please forgive me for using such inauspicious words. But I'm offering my final advice to you, the north is very dangerous!
Looking at Du Wei's unyielding expression, the captain sighed: "So... if you're able to come back, I think you'll be the most formidable magician I've ever seen in my life... and you're so young! Besides genius, I have no other words to describe you. I believe that in the future, you will definitely become a renowned strongman on the continent. If there's such a day, I hope you can remember the name of our Snow Wolf Mercenary Corps... I'm presumptuously asking you to remember that Snow Wolf Mercenary Corps once provided assistance to you in the Icebound Forest. As for this favor, when the time is right and it's convenient for you, just lend us a hand, and that will be enough."
Very clever captain!
Du Wei had even more respect for this squad leader!
If the previous "adventurer's fate" speech made him look like an idealist... then this trading condition makes the captain seem very far-sighted!
This matter, for them, actually didn't cost anything... They were originally planning to go to the Great Round Lake anyway, a team of over 100 people, and it wasn't a big deal to bring two more along. On the contrary, they even gained an additional magician companion on the way.
In addition, as for that map... the map was made by the captain himself. Although he gave it to Du Wei, he can draw another one at any time. For him, there is no loss.
But in return, he gained the favor of a magician!
On the Roland continent, magicians are more precious than gold, especially those powerful ones. The captain's calculation is very clever, Du Wei became a magician at such a young age, his future must be bright... As long as he can return alive, it will be equivalent to Snow Wolf Mercenary Corps forming a friendship with a future great magician without any cost!
It can be expected that at some point in the future, help from a great magician will be obtained!
An idealist, but by no means lacking in worldly cunning.
This is Du Wei's evaluation of Captain Bainingli.
This night is wordless.
The next morning, when Du Wei emerged from his tent, the Snow Wolf Mercenary Corps was already preparing to depart. Some brave warriors who were not afraid of the cold were washing their bodies with snow, while others were carefully shaving their beards with daggers. These guys, who were accustomed to an adventurous life, all had a fierce and bold air about them, and finally set off on the road with a loud and energetic shout.
Dadaniel's mood was somewhat down.
After Bainrich introduced the situation in Ice Forest last night, Dandanier was very clear that relying on himself to find Golden Eyed Boa's possibility was probably very small. Even if adding that Mr. Haripo Little Magician, it was probably not enough.
Du Wei comforted Li's loyal warrior a few words before leaving with the Snow Wolf Mercenary Corps.
The Snow Wolf Mercenary Corps marched in full swing, with two small teams scouting ahead. That afternoon, Du Wei personally witnessed the mercenaries hunting magical beasts.
The search party found a monster's den, the roots of a giant tree were hollowed out, and a pure white giant bear was hibernating inside.
This is a "Roaring Snow Bear", this magical beast's body volume is almost twice that of an ordinary bear, its appearance is very similar to the polar bears Du Wei knew in his previous life. However, this Roaring Snow Bear can launch a magical attack: its roar can stir up a small tornado!
The Snow Wolf Mercenaries seemed to have a very familiar method of dealing with this magical beast, a dozen or so sturdy warriors tied themselves and their companions together with ropes, first using burning pine branches to throw into the bear's den, forcing it out, then attacking it from a distance with bows and arrows.
The giant bear's roar stirred up a small whirlwind, which immediately swept two big men into the air! Fortunately, they were tied together with their companions, and although they fell badly, the thick snow didn't cause serious injury. Only one unlucky guy landed his butt on a stone covered in white snow, spraining his waist.
The mercenaries used a huge net to cover the bear and then divided into four directions, with over ten strong men pulling hard on each side.
Finally, Bainrich, the captain of the team, stood about fifteen steps away from the giant bear, holding a huge axe in his hand. His fighting spirit shone brightly as he swiftly threw out the axe!
In that silver-white aura, the captain swung his axe and split the giant bear's head in two!
Du Wei couldn't help but feel secretly astonished.
This Bayin Richi's martial arts skills are indeed formidable! One of the Northern Mercenaries' Three Elite, indeed has real skills!
Du Wei compared him to the skilled martial artists he had seen before, and found that neither Robert Knight nor his father's guard captain Alfa Swordsman could compare to this Bain Riche.
The only thing that can be compared is probably Joanna's martial arts skills.
In the cheers of the mercenaries, everyone went to retrieve the giant bear's corpse. A captain skillfully cut open the bear's belly with a dagger, first taking out the bear gallbladder, then cutting out the magic core from the bear's head and collecting it.
The remaining three soldiers quickly stripped off the whole bear skin, and as for the bear meat, it was divided into several pieces and let the soldiers carry them on their backs, then continued on their way.
This day, similar scenes, Du Wei saw four or five times. The Snow Wolf Mercenary Corps hunted two more ice and snow demon wolves, but unfortunately, when hunting the second demon wolf, a mercenary was badly scratched by the demon wolf's claws, and his intestines flowed out on the spot!
"This is the life of an adventurer. Every day, there may be sacrifices to be made." Dandanier said in a low voice to Duwei: "I've been through those days too, but later I chose to quit."
Those mercenaries only slightly expressed their condolences for the deceased companion, then buried the body of their companion and continued on their way...
At night, everyone had a full meal of wolf meat, but when it was their turn to drink and warm up, Du Wei carefully noticed a detail.
A dozen or so mercenaries sat around the bonfire, but none of them dared to touch the wine pouch that was being passed around.
"Those are the night watchmen for tonight." The captain looked at Du Wei's puzzled eyes and said calmly, "The night watchmen, I require them to maintain 100% vigilance and calm rationality throughout the night! Because in a place like this, if the night watchmen make even the slightest mistake, it could mean the end of the entire team! So, the night watchmen are absolutely not allowed to drink a single drop of wine! However, as a reward, these night watchmen will get double rations of wine after they're relieved the next evening. They'll also get an extra share of the spoils from the battle the next day when they return."
The captain added in a low voice at this point: "Of course, if they can still make it back alive at that time."
After hearing this, Du Wei looked at the night watch soldiers who were calmly watching their comrades cheer and drink... his eyes had a hint of respect.
