Chapter 141: Act 74 – The Mysterious Flow
The Power of Mountains and Rivers is a set of arm armor.
In fact, arm armor is a special weapon in the “Amber Sword.” Although soldiers, mercenaries, and monks use it, it is less common among the soldier and mercenary groups compared to the latter two.
However, this does not stop Brendel from being interested in the Power of Mountains and Rivers.
When mentioning the divine envoy “Eckmen,” what players should first think of is the Power of Mountains and Rivers, which ranks at the top of the drop list, or the “Thunder Cleaver,” which drops from the complete form. Of course, Brendel would not dare hope for the Thunder Cleaver; as a level sixty-seven divine envoy, he must possess the corresponding elemental power, and defeating their group would simply be a matter of lifting a finger.
Although the future great swordsman Bud is currently infused with elements, humans and divine-blooded beings are naturally at varying levels of advantage; unless the body is perfected later on and gains the golden bloodline, humans, being a lower race, are bound to be at a disadvantage.
However, even without mentioning the level sixty-two mythic weapon, the Thunder Cleaver, the Power of Mountains and Rivers on its own is enough to make someone eager.
As a top-tier level forty-five fantasy weapon, Brendel is unsure how strong the Power of Mountains and Rivers arm armor is; in fact, he has only seen it briefly in a video. However, one thing he knows for sure is that in terms of damage amplification alone, a level forty-five fantasy weapon can easily exceed the “Piercer of Radiance” by seventeen or eighteen times, or even more.
Just based on that, it is sufficient to drive any player mad.
Brendel has previously witnessed players who obtained mythic or fantasy weapons unsuitable for their professions and reset their characters. After all, while one can choose their profession, not everyone can acquire weapons of fantasy quality or above, as it depends purely on luck.
Of course, he cannot do that now, but he is more than willing to redesign his leveling plan for a divine weapon. After all, it’s a wise investment. Just like the Lionheart Sword; Erluin and the countless kings searching for it for nearly seven centuries have found nothing in the end.
The Lionheart Sword is merely a fantasy weapon, a level seventy fantasy longsword.
Although he currently also has leads on the Lionheart Sword, Brendel, with his rich gaming experience, understands that having leads and completing quests are entirely two different matters; it is too abstract. If he could first acquire the Power of Mountains and Rivers, then his professional design would definitely prioritize the first fantasy weapon.
Then he slapped his forehead to remind himself that both the Lionheart Sword and the Power of Mountains and Rivers are merely illusions at this moment. Not to mention that the “Gray Wolf” Mercenary Group has yet to encounter the Tree Shepherds, while their agent, the “Card” Mercenary Group, is nowhere to be seen. In fact, the notion that Bud and Makarolo can take down a divine envoy is merely a wishful assumption on his part.
In summary, safety is the top priority, and it is only prudent to see if there’s an opportunity to profit later. Once Brendel gets into the right mindset, he naturally applies the in-game principles to himself; only then do the concepts of Madara, Lizardmen, divine envoys, and Tree Shepherds become insignificant opponents to him.
Divine envoys are formidable opponents, but only just so. Brendel himself has faced three of the twelve High Priests of the Tree Shepherds, having defeated two of them. Although he is no longer at his past level of one hundred thirty, his perspective and experience remain at that lofty height.
Divine envoys are not without vulnerabilities.
“Power of Mountains and Rivers?” Antinna’s eyes, like black gemstones, flickered with doubt as she asked, “What is the Power of Mountains and Rivers?”
“Uh… I just recalled a famous treasure in this area. Legend has it that it lies within the ruins of the Silver Elves, but no one has ever seen it,” Brendel had to find an appropriate excuse for his slip of the tongue. He couldn’t very well say that the Power of Mountains and Rivers is, in fact, a fantasy weapon marked with a golden label, which a divine envoy named “Eckmen” would be bringing over shortly.
He didn’t want to make a bad impression in Antinna’s mind.
Even so, his words still displeased the noble lady. Antinna shot him an accusing glance and sighed, “My lord, isn’t this the wrong time for such thoughts?”
“Of course,” Brendel could only smile wryly and nod, “I was just distracted for a moment.”
But he knew this would only fool himself. Antinna was far too clever and perceptive. She glanced at him with suspicion. In the young girl’s mind, this astute and cautious young knight would never lose focus over trivial matters—Brendel seemed to be scheming something at all times, and while every action appeared unrelated, it eventually proved to be meticulously planned.
Antinna was puzzled as to how someone could reach this level; plans are just plans, yet Brendel seemed to know that certain things would inevitably happen, patiently waiting for the right moment.
Such a person is either extremely self-confident or has foresight, able to see the direction a situation will develop.
Of course, she never considered the possibility that someone could know the future.
Even the court stars belonging to the royal family merely predict major events through the strings and cards manipulated by the twins of fate. No one can foresee every detail of the future; in her view, only the deities could accomplish such a feat, but since this era began, even the gods have vanished. She clearly hadn’t thought that Brendel wasn’t from this world at all.
“A moment of distraction?” Antinna furrowed her brows slightly, showing mild displeasure. “My lord, if there are things you do not want to share with me, I will not ask—”
Brendel felt more wronged than Dou E at this point. Although he had some secrets he couldn’t share, it was not done out of choice. With Martha above him, could he really speak about these things to outsiders? Even if he did, no one would believe him, leaving him with nothing more than the title of a madman. He wouldn’t make such a losing trade.
He could only explain patiently, “That’s not it, Miss Antinna…”
But before he could finish, Romaine suddenly returned from wherever her mind had wandered off to, eagerly assuring him, “About Brendel’s secret, I won’t ask! I promise, Romaine!”
Brendel shot her a fierce glare. If there was anyone in this world who excelled at appearing to stir up trouble, it was certainly this business lady.
In the end, he sighed and waved his hand, saying, “Forget it; let’s get to the point. Set up your tents a little closer to me tonight. Do not shed your outer leather armor, and do not sleep too deeply, understand?”
Antinna immediately looked around cautiously, “What’s going on?”
“We’ll talk about it later,” he turned around to see the business lady nodding her head vigorously, yet her expression clearly conveyed ‘I don’t care at all.’ Brendel’s eyes narrowed; he knew the temperament of this lady well. “Especially you—my Lady Romaine, stay awake for me; don’t think I don’t know you’ll turn into a little pig once you fall asleep. If Lady Martha doesn’t come, no one will wake you.”
“But Auntie said that women who don’t go to bed early age very quickly.”
“I haven’t seen you age a day after days without sleep in Buche.”
“But if I sleep during that time, I’d be caught by Madara!”
“Same goes for now,” Brendel replied irritably.
…
His hands were filled with the scent of spices—
Aike discerned the familiar scent of fennel from the Silver Sands Harbor and the cinnamon from Golan-Elsen. He had practiced his olfactory abilities in toxicology, and distinguishing spices was just one of them. However, the rich fragrance in the air still stimulated the young man’s nostrils, making him want to sneeze violently. At this moment, Aike would rather his heart stop beating altogether, but unfortunately, it was not to be; his heart continued to thump vigorously in his chest.
He tightly closed his mouth, trying hard not to make a sound. Even though he desperately wanted to take deep breaths, his chest felt painfully constricted, and his mind was being attacked by waves of dizziness. But he could only endure, letting the sweat on his forehead drip down onto the white burlap sack, forming a dark spot.
“Who are you?”
“What are you doing here?”
He could not see the speaker, but Aike recognized the voice belonging to Captain Kaber of the second squad and his familiar comrades. “Don’t come over—” he thought, “Don’t speak, everyone, turn away from here. Those guys, do not let them suspect anything.” He widened his eyes, keenly staring at the shadows on the opposite wall, fearing he would miss a single detail.
However, he occasionally closed his eyes, praying earnestly to Lady Martha, hoping that Kaber and the others would leave soon.
But he knew that was impossible.
Unless a miracle occurred—
So he prayed for a miracle—
He had always known that his adoptive father, Makarolo, had left people in town just to keep an eye on him. Although “keeping an eye” was more like “looking after.” Kaber was the one in the mercenary group who took care of him the most after Bud and his adoptive father; he was also his first swordsmanship teacher. He also knew that the man known as “Maned Wolf,” Makarolo, had always known he was hiding in town. Even when he quietly returned to the inn, they should have known that too.
Everyone was just tacitly aware of it.
They still treated him like a child, as if Aike was forever a little boy needing care from others.
But this time was different. Those guys, those guys could never be members of the “Card” Mercenary Group. What is the “Card” Mercenary Group? Did Aike fear a long-time rival that put up a facade but cowered beneath it? Why hadn’t his adoptive father considered that? He couldn’t help but rub his forehead, but as he was halfway through, he felt an icy chill and let his hand drop.
“Don’t let those guys find out.”
“But Kaber and the others are still outside; they’re no match for those guys.”
“Those guys are demons who kill without a blink.”
Aike struggled to get up. He nearly wanted to jump out and warn Kaber, shouting for them to turn back immediately. Even though he knew that doing so wouldn’t help at all, the feelings of camaraderie towards Kaber, who was both a mentor and a friend, urged him to fulfill this duty. This was his obligation, but he understood he had an even more important responsibility.
He couldn’t let those guys succeed.
“What about the young man you are chasing?” Kaber spoke up again.
Aike’s heart jumped.
“Hand over Aike quickly; we saw everything!” This was another, younger voice, sounding even more impatient.
Chris, you impulsive idiot!
Aike cursed inwardly, his hands tightening around his sword, his entire body trembling uncontrollably. Then he heard that familiar laugh, cold as ice needles stabbing his spine.
“Hehe, so you really are with him—”
…
(PS. Suddenly remembered I haven’t maintained perfect attendance on this, but still making solid updates!
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By the way, for those who are doing DT, could you please slow down? Don’t publish just fifteen minutes after an update. It’s already struggling…) (To be continued; for more details, please log in. More chapters available, support the author, support legitimate reading!)
