CHAPTER 64: CHAPTER 64: RAINY NIGHT IN THE FOREST

Herag took his bow and arrow into the forest, and soon he discovered a wild rabbit.

He bent his bow and nocked an arrow, aiming at the rabbit, and in the next second, the rabbit’s head was pierced through.

Now, he no longer needed Shenlan’s assistance to easily hit such small animals.

Herag picked up the wild rabbit and found a small stream, where he took out a dagger and skillfully skinned and gutted it, quickly preparing a piece of juicy rabbit meat.

At night, a dense white mist arose in the forest, and the rain intensified.

Herag pulled out a rain tarp from his Space Ring and set up a makeshift shelter under a tree, also collecting some dry wood, wild vegetables, and mushrooms nearby.

He stacked the dry wood he picked up, snapped his fingers, and the pile of wood caught fire. This was a simple use of Fire Elemental Energy Particles.

Since advancing to a Second-Class Wizard Apprentice, Herag could manipulate these various types of Energy Particles to perform some basic magic.

The most commonly used was igniting with Fire Elemental Energy Particles.

This simple absorption of a bit of Fire Elemental Energy Particles naturally wouldn’t have any destructive power, but it was just right for everyday life.

Besides that, there were Plant Energy Particles, which could accelerate wound recovery, and these Plant Energy Particles were ubiquitous in the forest.

Herag took out a wooden stick, skewered the rabbit, and roasted it over the fire, taking oil and spices from his bag.

He used a brush to coat the rabbit meat layer by layer with oil, slowly grilling it, as the aroma gradually emerged, dispersing in the forest.

Raindrops drummed on the shelter, making a ticking sound, and occasional small crackles came from the campfire.

Herag closed his eyes slightly, occasionally turning the rabbit. Everything seemed so peaceful and serene.

The tranquil rainy night in the forest made Herag feel sleepy.

But now he couldn’t sleep because there were unexpected visitors.

Far away, two people were approaching, and Herag listened to their footsteps drawing nearer.

When the two came closer, the yellow firelight illuminated their faces.

One was a middle-aged man with a Big Beard, wearing armor and holding a Longsword in his hand, which still bore bloodstains. He looked at Herag with a solemn expression.

Beside the middle-aged Knight was a teenager about sixteen or seventeen years old, with golden hair and luxurious clothes, clearly a noble.

"Hello traveler, I am Kieran Banks from the Tasoni Territory, and this is Josh Banks, the second son of the Banks Family. We wonder if we could borrow some fire, as my young master is cold." The middle-aged Knight Kieran spoke sincerely, even with a hint of supplication.

Herag squinted slightly at them: "There’s space, have a seat."

"Kieran Banks: Power 4.2, Agility 3.2, Constitution 3.9, full of unknown energy."

"Another Great Knight," Herag thought of Baron Buck, oddly nostalgic.

Kieran and his young master cautiously approached, their movements restrained, seemingly afraid of being misunderstood by Herag.

After they sat down by the fire, Josh shivered near the flames, looking as though he’d been cold for a long time.

"Sizzle..."

The rabbit was almost done, sizzling with oil, causing sparks to fly as it dripped into the fire.

Herag sat up, grasped a rabbit leg in one hand, and pulled out a dagger with the other, beginning to carve the leg.

"Hiss~" Herag felt the heat, struggled a bit to tear off the rabbit leg, then took a big bite.

The rabbit meat was juicy and melted in the mouth, with a unique roasted aroma, leaving an endless aftertaste.

Herag swallowed the piece of meat with satisfaction, feeling very warm.

A pot hung beside the rabbit, simmering wild vegetable and mushroom soup. These wild vegetables and mushrooms were confirmed safe by Shenlan’s database.

After finishing the rabbit leg in a few bites, Herag lifted the lid off the pot, releasing a burst of white steam and fragrance.

He took a bowl and spoon out of his Space Ring, served himself a bowl of soup, and blew on it, but it was still too hot to drink.

Kieran’s expression became more serious upon seeing him retrieve items out of thin air, looking at Herag with increased reverence.

"Grumble..."

The sound of a stomach growling interrupted, and Herag looked up, seeing it was the young noble Josh.

He chuckled, ignored him, and continued blowing on his hot soup.

"Sir, might we purchase some food from you? We’re willing to pay." Kieran requested.

Recognizing Herag as a Wizard, Kieran was cautious with his words and actions, fearing to offend him.

Herag looked up and said, "A rabbit is not enough for me alone, so I’m not going to sell it to you. Aren’t you, a Great Knight, capable of hunting?"

Kieran saw that Herag accurately discerned his strength and showed no fear, confirming Herag’s identity even more.

He said somewhat ashamedly, "I hadn’t considered it. Too focused on fleeing, I forgot to catch some game. Now it’s raining, and I can’t take my master hunting at night in the rain."

"Uncle Kieran, it’s not your fault. You’ve done well protecting me. Skipping a meal or two is fine. We’ll find food tomorrow morning." Josh tried to comfort Kieran.

"Here, Ten Gold Coins, do you want it?" Herag pulled out a thick biscuit from his Space Ring.

"Ten Gold Coins?" Josh looked at the ordinary biscuit, then back at Herag, and immediately replied, "No, I’ll give you Ten Thousand Gold Coins."

Herag laughed, "Ten Thousand Gold Coins? Can you carry that much?"

Josh explained, "Once I return to the Tasoni Territory, I’ll present Ten Thousand Gold Coins to you without missing a penny."

Reading Kieran’s expression and actions, Josh quickly realized this person was unusual, prompting him to think of recruiting him.

"I give you biscuits, and you give me promises?" Herag laughed.

Unexpectedly, Josh grew a bit emotional, kneeling on one knee in the muddy ground, with his right hand over his heart, "I swear on the Banks Family’s honor, if we return to Markfield City in the Tasoni Territory, I’ll award Ten Thousand Gold Coins to you."

"My name is Herag Merlin. Ten Thousand Gold Coins probably isn’t just for biscuits; you want me to help solve the trouble behind you? Sorry, I don’t like trouble." Herag shook his head, uninterested in meddling in noble power struggles.

"Mr. Herag, there’s a misunderstanding. I have no intention of using you. You only need to ensure our safe arrival at Markfield City." Josh sincerely pleaded.

"Markfield City? It so happens it’s on my way. If Ten Thousand Gold Coins is just for escorting you, there’s no reason not to earn it. You can lead the way tomorrow."

Herag recalled the map, realizing he was headed there anyway, and with these two, perhaps some matters might even become more convenient.