Chapter 757: Dark Demon and the Adventurers
A mile away, amidst the rubble.
Daniel led his team cautiously forward, unaware that they had already fallen into a labyrinth.
The pressure from the five flying dragons that had just flown overhead still lingered in his mind, making him feel both fearful and excited.
He was no longer a novice, but like most adventurers, he harbored a deep respect for dragons, even if they were merely flying dragons.
Adventurers often feared the power of dragon breeds while simultaneously dreaming of riding them.
Daniel was just one of the countless ordinary people.
However, his pursuit of the flying dragons now wasn’t driven by any dream, but rather a need for protection.
Night was approaching.
The night and day on the Black Soil Plain were two different worlds.
Once night fell, the deserted Black Soil Plain would be consumed by terror.
Powerful dragon knights could help them endure this inevitably difficult night.
“Daniel, how much further?”
Seeing the sky grow darker, Congreve ran from behind to the front and whispered.
“What if we can’t catch up? Should we camp here?” Monica also expressed her concern.
A regular adventuring team usually consisted of three to five people. Daniel, Congreve, and Monica were all team leaders.
The three leaders formed a temporary twelve-person team near the border town of Blackstone to escort a merchant caravan to the Free City.
Although Daniel’s team only consisted of three members, they were the strongest among the three teams, thus becoming the leaders of the temporary team.
However, the goods carried by the merchant caravan were far heavier than expected, severely slowing down their progress. Coupled with some unexpected encounters along the way, they failed to leave the Black Soil Plain by the end of the day!
Daniel turned back to look at Monica, whose rough skin was attractive despite its texture, and said firmly, “I’m sure those five flying dragons showed signs of landing; they must be nearby. If we can gain the protection of a dragon knight…”
Congreve’s eyes darkened, and he frowned. “The Black Soil Plain is so vast; who knows where they might land? Even if we find them, can we really get protection? They might become a bigger threat than monsters.”
Daniel said with a hint of longing, “How could they? Those are dragon knights! Flying dragons and griffins are regulated mounts, only the Kingdom’s Knight Corps can be equipped with them. The holy coins they drop are worth more than our entire team combined, so they wouldn’t covet us.”
Congreve countered, “What if they’re in a bad mood?”
Monica couldn’t stand it anymore and interjected, “Congreve, you’re being unreasonable.”
Daniel said, “It’s fine, Congreve is just too anxious. So am I. But the night in the Black Soil Plain is truly dangerous. Once those monsters spot us, we might escape, but what about the merchant caravan…”
Congreve protested, “I think there’s something wrong with that merchant caravan. What are they transporting?”
“Maybe contraband!” Monica couldn’t help looking back, her tone displeased.
Finding a common enemy lightened the atmosphere.
Ahead, the path suddenly opened up.
…
Professor Pavar Jones deactivated the field magic card—Invisible Labyrinth—watching the approaching adventurer group from afar.
She had noticed them as she flew overhead and deliberately left traces, choosing a closer campsite to guide them over.
The dangers of the Black Soil Plain at night were everywhere. Her small act of kindness could potentially save lives.
Professor Shylph did not intervene because this was an opportunity for her three accompanying students to experience true adventurers.
Under the twilight, Shylph casually flicked a light ball to serve as a temporary light source.
Imps fluttered back from all directions, each carrying a few twigs, quickly forming a large pile of firewood in the center of the camp.
Professor Lily stood proudly, surveying the camp from above.
Professor Jones used a道具卡—Camp Set—summoning three large tents that could last twelve hours and several sleeping bags, while others set up the tents.
Setting up tents was essential for camping outdoors. Dark, Aurora, and Wit took charge of one tent each under Professor Shylph’s instruction.
The professors and maids provided guidance and assistance.
When the three huge tents were finally erected, the campfire’s flames lit up.
The feeling of outdoor adventure washed over everyone.
Dark sat by the campfire, curious about the adventurers.
Among the three team leaders, Daniel had thick eyebrows and a square face, weather-beaten yet full of spirit. Congreve wore iron armor and carried a large shield, rugged and muscular, with a scar on his face indicating his fierce demeanor.
Another female adventurer, Monica, had slightly rough and dark skin. Though not unattractive, her shoulder-length hair was messy and greasy.
These three, in an adventure novel, might be described as “dashing warriors,” “reliable shield bearers,” and “charismatic beauties.”
But reality was different. Dust and sweat had long erased any possible charm.
Only the merchant leader, who had descended from the carriage, stubbornly maintained a feminine grace.
Dark smiled. Actually, these three adventurers were quite good-looking among their peers, while the other nine were truly ragged.
He handed a glass filled with juice to the seated Goddess of Heartful Eyes and continued to tend to the campfire.
As night approached and temperatures dropped, the warmth from the campfire became especially precious.
Next to him, Aurora was boiling water, saying she would cook noodles in the wilderness.
Aurora grew up in the Free City and was accustomed to the real appearance of adventurers, so she remained unfazed.
Wit seemed distracted, feeling disillusioned.
Unnoticed, the professors had also gathered around the campfire, forming a half-circle, leaving the other half for the adventurers and merchants.
After detailed exchanges with Professor Jones, the adventurers gradually approached.
The closer they got to the firelight, the more exhausted their faces became.
But the presence of the five flying dragons brought a sense of security to their brows.
Of course, it also eradicated any potential ill intentions in their hearts.
Even though this team, mistakenly believed to be the dragon knight corps, mostly consisted of seemingly gentle females, they dared not underestimate them.
Adventurers weren’t necessarily good people, but this chance encounter with them suggested they valued their lives.
…
The merchant caravan consisted of only six people: the leader, maids, guards, and three part-time drivers.
Together with the adventurers, they totaled eighteen people.
Once seated, they naturally divided into four groups, with each leader standing out prominently.
Professor Jones sat last, raising an eyebrow towards the adventurers.
Daniel immediately mustered enthusiasm and introduced himself: “Thank you for allowing us to travel with you. I’m Daniel, a common warrior who has been on the battlefield, participating in three campaigns, all victorious.”
“How many demons did you kill?” Congreve suddenly interjected.
Daniel’s face flushed with embarrassment, scratching his head. “None.”
“Three battles on the battlefield, and not a single demon killed?” Wit exclaimed, almost inscribing “deserter” on his forehead.
Ophelia Brad pressed his hand, saying helplessly, “Killing enemies on the battlefield isn’t that simple. If it’s a crushing victory, the rear troops might not even reach the front lines before the war ends. Daniel survived three battles, which is already fortunate.”
Daniel didn’t seem bothered and smiled, “Indeed, it was a great victory. Reflecting now, I owe my survival to the sacrifice of the Hero Bret, who sealed the Demon King, allowing humans to take control of the war. Later, having no achievements, I retired from the military and became an adventurer. It’s been nearly ten years. They call me Lucky Daniel.”
When Daniel finished, Monica took over: “It’s my turn. I’m Monica, known as the ‘Black Beauty.’ Of course, I’m just average, fortunately without scars like some sisters. At least I’m not worse off. Right, Scar Boy?”
Scar Boy Congreve glared at her and said, “Congreve, known as the ‘Impregnable Fortress,’ a shield warrior!”
…
The adventurers’ self-introductions eased the atmosphere.
Dark looked strangely at Monica, thinking she actually called herself ‘Black Beauty,’ though Scar Boy Congreve’s nickname was more impressive.
Hehe, Impregnable Fortress!
If he ever became an adventurer, he’d definitely choose a nickname like that!
He couldn’t let someone give him a nickname like “Dark Cat.”
…
After the adventurers had their turn, the merchants finally spoke.
Marly had been observing this team since they met on the Black Soil Plain.
From their occasional conversations, she quickly realized they were from the academy.
Among them were professors, students… and maids!
Though they rode three dragons, they certainly weren’t from the Knight Academy but likely from the Magic Academy.
Everyone here emitted mana fluctuations.
Especially the beautiful elf lady, who must be a powerful high mage.
This made her increasingly vigilant.
Still, she followed Professor Jones’ lead and introduced herself with a false name.
“I’m Mary, the leader of this merchant caravan. It’s truly lucky to receive the protection of the dragon knights tonight. When Monica said we couldn’t make it out of the Black Soil Plain before nightfall, I was truly scared. Upon reaching the Free City, our guild will provide you with satisfactory compensation.”
“Hmm.”
Professor Jones responded indifferently, “You’re from the Black Sand Guild, right?”
Marylin tensed up, instinctively wanting to deny it, but ultimately gritted her teeth and said, “Yes.”
Suddenly, the adventurers grabbed their weapons, and over a dozen pairs of eyes fixed on her.
Her guards immediately reacted, swords drawn.
The once-relaxed camp instantly tightened.
In the distance, the sound of rolling earth entered their ears, and a ferocious black sandstorm surged into view, carving a straight path to their location.
Something was coming!
“It’s a Salamander!” Congreve shouted fiercely.
Marylin hurriedly said, “Not us!”
The five flying dragons suddenly rose, spreading their aura.
Professor Jones slightly frowned, looking at the three students in the field.
“I’ll go.” Dark sighed.
…
…
