Chapter 386 - 370: Wuzhe Pass

Chapter 386: Chapter 370: Wuzhe Pass

Wuzhe Pass.

It stood at the border between the Golden Valley Kingdom and the northern edge of the River Domain, facing the Dwarf-ruled Rock Kingdom from afar.

As the conflict between the two kingdoms subsided, this land, once shrouded in the smoke of war, was now gradually awakening with a different kind of vitality amidst the biting cold of deep winter.

Under a leaden-gray sky, dense snowflakes fell silently, blanketing the continuous mountain range and the sturdy fortress in a thick layer of silver-white.

The bone-chilling north wind howled through the gorge, whipping up fine flurries of snow that ceaselessly battered the heavy cloaks of travelers.

Although the heavy snow had not let up, the pass remained bustling with activity both inside and out.

In the passage of the pass, horse-drawn carts laden with goods carved deep ruts into the snow. A thin layer of frost coated the Armor of the caravan guards, who, while blowing warmth onto their frozen fingers, still marched forward with the convoy in high spirits.

The market outside the pass remained bustling in the snow.

Finely forged weapons brought by the Dwarves from the north glinted coldly in the reflection of the snow, while rare ores imbued with Magic Power appeared even more mysterious against the backdrop of pure white drifts.

Human Merchants displayed textiles from the south. Wool and velvet, all the more precious in the severe cold, were carefully placed under snow-proof tarps alongside crystalline blocks of salt and spices sealed in wooden crates.

Here, the heavy snow did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm for trade.

Coins passed quickly between fingers of different skin tones, their crisp clinking an endless sound. Everything seemed lively and full of life.

"This damn weather..."

Avril sniffled, her nose red from the cold. After muttering a quiet complaint, she turned to look at the calm and composed black-haired young man standing in the wind.

"Roland, there’s only one inn in the pass. I’ve already settled Mr. Bronson in there."

"Those two blundering fools, Hobbit and Freddy, are looking after him, so nothing should go wrong."

The Elf Maiden met Roland’s gentle gaze, a trace of reluctance in her eyes.

"We... won’t be going in. The Eternal Song Forest is far to the west, but..."

She quickly pulled herself together, her tone becoming cheerful.

"You don’t need to worry. Once Galvis and I are done, we can take a ship to Roaring Harbor to meet you. It won’t take long."

"I understand. Thank you, Avril."

Roland nodded slightly, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

He then took a ring set with a Muddy Crystal Stone from his finger and held it out to the Elf Maiden.

"You should recognize this. It’s the spoils we got from hunting the Bear Goblins. It has a First Ring Spell, the [Shield Skill], sealed inside..."

With his [Dragon Scale Armor], this kind of Low Tier Protective Spell was of little use to Roland anymore.

Although Avril didn’t say so outright, Roland could sense from her few words that her journey back to the Eternal Song Forest would not be a peaceful one.

Even though the [Shield Skill] was just a basic spell, it might come in handy in a crisis.

And with an Elf’s natural affinity for Magic Elements, controlling such a crudely made Magic Item shouldn’t be a problem.

As for Teresa...

Thinking of the companion who had left without a word, Roland could only shake his head helplessly.

"I won’t say no, then!"

Avril cheerfully took the ring and put it on, forgoing any polite refusals or sentimental farewells.

She simply gave a little wave, then grabbed a shivering Galvis and turned to leave.

A moment later, their figures vanished into the curtain of swirling snow.

Roland let out a gentle puff of white mist, brushed the falling snow from his shoulders, straightened his wind-tousled robes, and strode toward the main gate of Wuzhe Pass.

After a routine inspection by the guards, he was just about to ask someone for the specific location of the inn when a loud, familiar voice called out from behind him.

"I was watching from the wall just now and thought you looked familiar. It really is you, kid!"

Roland turned at the sound of the voice and saw a burly figure in a thick traveling cloak striding toward him.

The newcomer threw back his hood, revealing a face that was weathered but full of vigor.

"Dean Graham?"

Seeing who it was, Roland couldn’t help but feel a little surprised.

Although Wuzhe Pass was a strategic location, nominally co-governed by the Golden Valley Kingdom and the River Domain, it was quite remote. And since diplomatic relations with the Dwarf Rock Kingdom were decent, only ordinary officers were typically stationed there.

’Why would the renowned dean of the Knight Academy, a famous figure throughout the River Domain, be here in person?’

Graham clearly saw the confusion in his eyes but just gave a hearty wave of his hand, not intending to explain. Then, his booming voice filled with undisguised admiration.

"I heard all about what you did in the Golden Valley Kingdom! Good kid, you’ve really brought honor to our Knight Academy!"

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Graham asked with concern about the destination of Roland’s journey.

Facing this elder he had always respected, Roland answered frankly, revealing his plan to travel to the Aiselon Continent.

"Aiselon..."

Graham thoughtfully stroked the stubble on his chin, repeating the name under his breath.

"I feel like I’ve heard that name somewhere before..."

After a moment of contemplation, he clapped Roland firmly on the shoulder.

"A young man should get out there and see the world! I’m sure that ancient continent holds opportunities for you."

"Oh, right..."

He added, as if suddenly remembering something.

"That fellow Colin specifically asked me to pass a message to you."

"He said that even though you’ve left the River Domain, the Merchant Bank Card he gave you is still valid. You can withdraw money from any of the branches."

As he spoke, Graham leaned in and lowered his voice.

"When he heard you were wanted, Colin rushed from Distant Harbor to the Royal Capital to argue your case, but in the end... well, it seems the fellow angered Derek and got stripped of his position, haha..."

That last laugh was filled with a bitter taste.

Roland had no reason to doubt Graham’s words.

Thinking of the Merchant he had only met a few times, a warmth spread through his heart.

He knew full well that the card’s reach only extended to the areas surrounding the River Domain. Once he set foot on Aiselon, it would be useless.

However, this unwavering friendship and support felt exceptionally precious.

"Then please trouble yourself to tell Mr. Colin..."

Roland said solemnly.

"If he ever needs help in the future, as long as it’s within my power, I will do everything I can."

Hearing Roland’s words, Graham let out a hearty laugh and slapped him on the back.

"Alright, enough with the sentimentality. You’re here to find your companions, right? The inn is just ahead. Turn right at the intersection—it’s the one with the sign of a wild boar frozen solid."

He turned as if to leave, but then seemed to remember something, and turned back to say in a low voice.

"I have to warn you about something. I don’t have the details, but things haven’t been peaceful in the Rock Kingdom lately. Be careful on your journey."

With that, he waved to Roland and walked back toward the guard post on the city wall with a steady stride.

Watching his retreating figure, Roland couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow.

Just like with Morne, he could clearly feel the aging dean’s aura growing fainter by the day.

It wasn’t a decline in Power, but rather like a candle about to burn out, signaling that a powerful Extraordinary Professional had reached the twilight of his life.

This realization filled Roland with a strange sense of loss, as if he were personally witnessing the slow end of an era.

He sighed softly, pushing these complicated thoughts aside for the moment, and turned to walk in the direction Graham had pointed.

The inn was even more rustic than he had imagined.

Its low, wooden structure was particularly inconspicuous in the snowstorm.

Pushing open the creaking wooden door, he was hit by a mixed smell of ale, stew, and damp wood.

A few travelers were scattered around the main hall, drinking to keep warm. The fire in the hearth crackled, bringing a bit of warmth to the cold winter night.

After a brief question to the innkeeper, Roland headed straight up the squeaking staircase.

Before he even reached the door to the room, he heard a clamorous din from inside, interspersed with a voice on the verge of a breakdown.

"Freddy! I said drinking could warm you up, not that you should chug the whole barrel of ale!"

"Miss Tress! Please stop flying around the room! The dust from the ceiling is about to fall into our dinner!"

"Mr. Bronson! Please don’t read while you eat! Your spoon is about to go up your nose!"

"And Qiao! Stop stuffing your face with bread! Look how fat you’ve gotten! If Mr. Roland saw you... Oh, heavens! Mr. Roland! When on earth are you going to get here...?"