CHAPTER 520: TRAVEL AND NON-TRAVEL TRAVEL CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN CAPTURE (PART 3)_2

"Macken?" The dwarf shakily got to his feet, adjusted his helmet, and said, "The knight has always been by my side, keeping watch with me. Uh... Where has he gone now?"

"I don’t know, Morgan. But I have a very bad feeling," Lynch said. "Quickly wake the two ladies, we need to be prepared for anything. The fact that those mysterious forces have cleared the road for us means they have achieved their goal. I don’t know why Knight Macken had to leave the camp, but if conflict arises, we must maintain swift mobility."

"Alright, alright, Lynch, don’t panic. As long as you stay calm, you can solve the current mystery," Morgan said. "With me watching over you, there’s no need to worry about anything happening."

Zilvra and Soka were woken up by the dwarf’s loud voice. They didn’t rely on long periods of sleep in the first place, so they quickly got ready. Lynch stood at the edge of the forest, constantly gazing into it, hoping in his heart that Knight Macken could return safely.

The forest exuded the aura of spring, yet it was clearly late autumn now, a contrast that made Lynch uneasy. If the Holy Mountain of the Elf Kingdom could remain evergreen due to special tree species, then there was clearly a powerful unnatural force at work in this forest. Although the gloomy atmosphere felt at first when approaching had gradually disappeared, the mage could still sense a spiritual land deep within the woods, shining with a golden light, dyeing the whole forest in its hue. The mage’s gaze was unconsciously drawn there, but when Lynch suddenly snapped out of this temptation, cold sweat broke out all over his body.

"Should we continue forward?" Lynch asked. "I really can’t see any signs that Knight Macken was abducted, there’s no evidence of a struggle. If he decided to enter that forest on his own without informing us, it’s as if he doesn’t care whether we wait for him or not."

"I have no objections, Lynch. To someone who leaves the team without permission, he should fend for himself," Zilvra said. "If he manages to survive, hopefully, he remembers this lesson."

"What kind of lesson, young lady?" Macken’s voice suddenly sounded from behind everyone, catching them all off guard. The knight looked as he did yesterday, his face rosy and full of energy. With a penetrating gaze, he surveyed everyone present. "Sorry to keep you waiting, and such an entrance wasn’t my intention. If no one has any objections, I think we should set off as soon as possible."

Lynch immediately began scrutinizing Knight Macken, needing first to understand the knight’s condition. Based on the Eye of Insight’s feedback, Macken was unharmed; on the contrary, he appeared stronger and more robust. Some elderly physical traits seemed to diminish. If there were such a thing as reversing aging in the world, Knight Macken would undoubtedly be an example.

"Before we depart, we would like to hear your story," Lynch said, stepping in front of the knight and staring into his eyes. Any memory-damaging spell could leave traces in the subject’s eyes, and a mage must be mindful of this. He said, "You left without a word yesterday, abandoning your post and leaving us at the camp; we need your explanation."

"Lynch, young mage," the knight said word by word. "For that incident, I apologize and promise it won’t happen again. If you need my explanation, I am willing to clarify: I have received a sacred mission from the very people you’ve been suspecting. If there is a task representing light and goodness in this world, it is this one. I’m sorry I can’t disclose all the details to you, but I can assure you this matter benefits the entire Anriel Continent."

Lynch found no traces of spell influence, merely saying, "Knight Macken, when did your words become so long-winded? You’re not someone who enjoys long speeches. Consequently, your current state is very concerning to us. If you want us to continue on our journey with peace of mind, allow me to conduct a thorough examination on you."