CHAPTER 513: TRAVEL AND NON-TRAVEL TRAVEL CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE CAPTURE (PART 1)_2

"That’s better, at least it lets us start our journey with a light heart." Lynch leaned against the carriage and asked, "How much do you know about the Green Dragon Valley ahead?"

"No, I’m not very familiar. It’s also my first time hearing this name." Knight Macken replied, "Wood and the others have always suggested we head towards Yaoye City to the west, where there are strong fortresses and brave warriors. However, I don’t think we need to change direction because of the Beastman threat."

"You’re right, Knight!" Morgan shouted, "Let’s cut a path of victory over the bodies of those beasts!"

"Actually, I have a suggestion for getting to the Ridge Mountains faster, though I don’t know what you young folks want to do there." Knight Macken pondered for a while, then said, "Our carriage can’t go straight north as there are several large Beastman settlements ahead, so a detour is unavoidable. I think the best way is to head northeast first, then circle east around the central high hill, and then make a beeline to the enemy’s flank from the ferry of the Holy Lurt River, slipping past under their noses."

"Isn’t that too dangerous?" Zilvra countered, "Won’t the Beastmen find out? I don’t want to get covered in their disgusting stench again!"

"No, those Beastmen won’t enter the valley between the two tributaries of the Holy Lurt River, they detest that river." Macken said, "They don’t have the guts to enter the golden Dormant Forest either, where the sacred hero Pate is buried, blessed by powerful benevolent forces."

"Even though I don’t quite understand whether the benevolent force you’re talking about really exists, it does seem to be an option." Lynch asked, "If we take this route, how much time will it save us on the journey?"

"Following the Holy Lurt River northward avoids the difficulty of resupplying, it should allow us to reach the foot of the Ridge Mountains before winter arrives." Macken calculated, "This way, we won’t have to worry about the impact of the first big snow of winter on us."

"Alright then, since you suggest this, let’s head in the northeast direction." Lynch shrank into a corner of the carriage, no longer speaking. They pushed on for another afternoon, only to find that evening came particularly early. The sun had not yet vanished into the western clouds but had already ceased to give off warmth. A prematurely rising cool breeze swept across the barren hills, carrying a faint scent of Beastmen. The land, already dry, now seemed desolate. No carriages passed them, nor could the laughter of children playing in the fields be heard. Besides a few crows squawking incessantly and causing Morgan irritation, no other sounds were heard.

Soka lay on Zilvra’s lap, idly playing with the fur of her pet tiger. Over the past few days, this little white creature had grown significantly. The axle of the carriage creaked and groaned, inducing sleepiness. The little angel couldn’t help but begin to reminisce about the happy times spent in the Elf Forest.

When the night was completely dark, they arrived beside a small stream. Although now it was covered with some foul impurities (all the work of the Beastmen), it was still meltwater from the Ridge Mountains. Before being polluted, farmers used this water to irrigate the land, growing golden corn and oats. They could fill the bellies of humans and horses alike. But now, only with Lynch’s spell assistance could it become a drinkable water source—expecting this situation, the mage had already prepared in advance.

The moon appeared very late and looked dim, perhaps obscured by clouds drifting high above, the only source of light at night was hidden. A glimmer of light was barely visible in the distance to the west, perhaps it was the Green Dragon Valley. The group finished their simple dinner in silence, even the usually talkative dwarf melted into the quiet of the night. They decided to let Zilvra and Morgan keep watch since both had the ability to see things in the dark. Lynch, not at ease, kept the "mischief-maker" on high alert before drifting into a deep sleep.

Thankfully, the night passed without incident, and early the next morning, they set off again. With just one night’s time, the air temperature dropped considerably, as this autumn’s first frost fell. Though not heavy, it served as a reminder for Lynch and his companions to accelerate their progress. The sky was a pale blue, yet it made everyone feel refreshed. However, when Lynch looked southward, he noticed a mass of black shadows rapidly approaching.