Chapter Seventy: The Road to Return

Standing in Gale City, Zhao Xu once again experienced the familiar atmosphere of a bustling commercial town untouched by the traces of magic. This was much more like the world inhabited by the common folk of Arthur.

Gale City served as the northern hub beyond the Sky Sever Mountains. According to legend, this city had once been destroyed by a legendary mage’s storm spell, yet after nearly a century of reconstruction, it had become more prosperous than ever. Every day, countless caravans set out or returned here, transferring goods for dozens of towns under the jurisdiction of the “Northern Sky Trade Alliance.”

However, after that brief sense of familiarity, Zhao Xu glanced at the map of the entire Sky Sever Mountains region in his hand and felt a headache coming on.

The task given to him by Antinoya was simple: She had tossed Zhao Xu from Mystra, south of the mountains, all the way to Gale City in the north. Now, as a level 1 character, he had to return to the magical capital Mystra without using any teleportation.

The distance between the two great cities, even as the crow flies, was over a hundred miles—not to mention the immense risks of crossing the Sky Sever Mountains. Even the formidable Northern Sky Trade Alliance had yet to establish a safe route through.

Zhao Xu estimated that by the time he spent half a month making his way back to Mystra, he would probably have advanced to level 2 as a mage, and could even start progressing as a Scholar of Scrolls on another career path.

In his previous life, during the last six years, Zhao Xu had participated in countless wilderness expeditions, so he had no worries about his experience. The only issue was his hit points—his margin for error was still too low.

After advancing to Monk-Priest, his hit dice had become a d6, not as good as the traditional priest’s d8, but far superior to the mage’s d4. He now had 8 hit points—a significant increase of 2—which made him stand a little taller.

A legendary mage could stride arrogantly across Arthur with just 1 HP, because they had the means to be immune to all sorts of damage. But with 8 hit points, Zhao Xu could be sent to the Temple of Creation by just a stray blast, let alone a focused attack in the wild.

Still, death was another way to complete his task, since he’d simply resurrect in Mystra. The problem was that doing so would likely earn him no reward, and would severely delay his advancement.

After some thought, Zhao Xu slung his Howard’s Handy Satchel over his shoulder and headed for the Secret Alley in the north of the city.

At that moment, his character sheet displayed a new entry:

[Adventurer Midsummer makes a Monk-Priest ‘Lore’ check. Result: 1 (Priest) + 3 (Intelligence) + d20 = 1 + 3 + 8 = 12, which is above the DC 10. Received: ‘General widespread rumors and legends.’ Details as follows…]

Compared to traditional priests, Monk-Priests were weaker in martial prowess, but stronger in culture and learning. “Lore” was a unique ability for Monk-Priests, similar to a bard’s “Bardic Knowledge.” Unfortunately, Zhao Xu’s skill rank in this was low, and focused on specific questions.

For learning local legends directly, “Lore” was much more convenient. Through these common rumors, Zhao Xu quickly figured out the most convenient place he needed to go.

The Secret Alley in the north of the city was tucked away in a remote location, with buildings packed tightly together, little sunlight, and damp pavement underfoot. A few rough-looking men stood chatting at the street corner. After glancing at Zhao Xu’s attire, they paid him no further heed.

But Zhao Xu’s target was precisely them. He strode over and quietly asked, “I need a ticket to the ‘Southern Capital.’”

In Gale City, “Southern Capital” referred to Mystra, the city of magic. Mystra’s reputation was so great that common folk dared not utter its true name.

One of the men, tall and thin in a linen shirt, eyed Zhao Xu’s robes with disdain. “What makes you think you can afford it?”

“Spellcaster. Take me to your boss,” Zhao Xu replied coolly.

The men’s previously dismissive attitudes instantly stiffened. The leader lowered his gaze and said, “This way, sir. Please follow me.”

Zhao Xu said nothing more and followed. Back in the towns of ordinary folk, his experience from his previous life became useful again. No longer facing someone like Antinoya, before whom he was just a student, here he was in his element.

He could see at a glance from their builds that these men had had no professional training—they were mere level-one commoners, not even up to the standard of a level-one fighter.

Fighters were already a watered-down version of warriors. Those unable to become warriors often settled for the lower requirements of a fighter—such was the life of most commoners in Arthur.

After some ten minutes, Zhao Xu arrived at a lively tavern—the headquarters of the Secret Alley’s underground boss, Caesar.

As he climbed the stairs, Zhao Xu sized up his surroundings; the place was well-guarded, both openly and covertly. Still, when entering unfamiliar territory, his first instinct was always to plan his escape route.

He had three trump cards in his satchel, given to him by Antinoya—each one used would cost him a reward. But if things truly went awry, he wouldn’t hesitate.

Caesar, who had been chatting with his men in a corner, straightened a bit when he heard the report and sized Zhao Xu up. “So you’re the one who wants to go to the Southern Capital?”

Zhao Xu nodded.

“Earth player?” Caesar could tell at a glance.

After a month of exposure, the natives of Arthur had grown used to calling these Earth adventurers “players.” Still, something in Zhao Xu’s bearing made Caesar hesitate, almost thinking him a local.

“That’s right,” Zhao Xu replied.

Players had not yet involved themselves with many factions, and many groups liked to use them as hired muscle—daring, fearless, and affordable.

“Heh, as an Earth player, you should know what the situation is with the Sky South Mountains right now, shouldn’t you?”

“I know. The two towns at the northern foothills are trying to break away from the trade alliance, so most legitimate caravans have abandoned any plans to cross the Sky South Mountains for the time being. That’s exactly why I’m here.”

At present, only the smuggling teams of these underground factions dared to risk crossing the Sky Sever Mountains. Only they were fearless enough to accept outsiders.

“So you’ve done your homework. Spellcaster, how much are you willing to pay for such a ticket?” Caesar asked after a moment’s thought.

In his previous life, as a sheriff, Zhao Xu had taken down more than one of these underground hideouts, executing at least three leaders on the spot. Now, with his trump cards in his bag, his confidence was even greater. If it came down to haggling, he could even charge them an escort fee.

But those were secondary; what mattered most was reaching Mystra.

“If there’s a fight, I’ll join in and provide spell support. But if things go south, I’ll withdraw from the battle on my own.”

Hearing his answer, Caesar relaxed—this was exactly his bottom line. If things truly went bad, taking down a spellcaster like this wasn’t hard, but the trouble afterward wasn’t worth it.

Just a few days ago, a thief from a rival faction stole a wallet from an Earth player. When discovered, the thief’s boss rallied his men and drove the players off. That very night, the female adventurer summoned dozens of adventurers of various classes to besiege the thieves’ den in a fight to the death. Since then, the Secret Alley’s denizens almost turned pale at the mention of players.

They were in business to make money, not to invite disaster.

“There are a few Earth adventurers downstairs who are also heading to the Southern Capital. I suspect you’re the same as them. Later, you’ll join their squad and travel together.”