Chapter 534: Across the Cold Desert

After discussing their plans, Adam and Azrynn decided to visit the ancient temple near the Kingdom of Ferrund as soon as possible. Fortunately, they wouldn’t have to travel all the way there on foot or by carriage. Queen Proserpine offered to open a portal that would take them to a location near the kingdom, saving them a considerable amount of time.

"I also consider this a form of compensation," Proserpine explained with a faint smile. "My fellow spirits have treated your people unfairly for a very long time, and Sylphy’s behavior toward you earlier certainly didn’t help matters. Although I cannot undo the past, I can at least help you uncover the truth."

Azrynn expressed her gratitude, while Adam accepted the offer without hesitation. Having the queen’s assistance would make their investigation considerably easier.

Before departing, however, Adam contacted his companions to inform them that he and Azrynn would be handling something separately and that the others should continue ahead without them.

Their responses were immediate. Alice complained about who was supposed to drive the carriage in his absence, while Lilith made a few teasing remarks about him wandering off again. As for Isolde, the prospect of managing these troublemakers alone was stressing her out.

Adam patiently addressed their complaints and reassured them that they would manage just fine. After a little more grumbling, the others finally agreed, telling him not to worry about them and to take care of his own business.

With that settled, Adam turned his attention back to the queen.

Proserpine then summoned Sylphy and instructed her to guide Adam and Azrynn to the portal.

Sylphy’s cheerful expression vanished instantly.

"WHAT?! Why do I have to go with them?!"

"Because you know the way, and I believe this will be a good opportunity for you to learn something," Proserpine replied calmly.

"But I don’t want to! There are plenty of other spirits who can do it!"

"I’m sure there are. However, I have chosen you."

Sylphy immediately began protesting again, insisting that she had far more important things to do and that accompanying a dark elf was practically asking for trouble. Unfortunately for her, Proserpine remained unmoved by every excuse she came up with.

After several minutes of futile resistance, Sylphy finally realized that her queen had no intention of changing her mind.

Defeated, the little spirit crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks.

"Fine! But if anything happens, that’s on you, not me."

"Of course," Adam replied with an innocent smile.

Sylphy narrowed her eyes at him, apparently sensing that his promise was not entirely reassuring.

With their reluctant guide finally on board, Proserpine led them to a suitable location. Sylphy reluctantly raised her hands and began weaving mana into the air. The space before them shimmered, gradually forming a circular portal whose surface rippled with light.

Beyond it, Adam could make out a distant landscape near the Kingdom of Ferrund.

"There’s your destination," Sylphy grumbled. "Now hurry up and go!"

Adam glanced at Azrynn, who nodded in response. Together, they stepped toward the portal.

The moment Adam and Azrynn stepped through the portal, a biting chill greeted them.

A cold desert stretched beneath the night sky, its pale sand illuminated by the faint glow of the moon. Unlike the scorching deserts Adam had encountered before, this place was frigid enough that every breath escaped as a thin cloud of mist. The wind swept across the dunes, carrying fine grains of sand that stung against exposed skin.

Adam glanced around before turning his attention toward the distance.

Beyond the rolling dunes, the lights of a kingdom shimmered against the darkness. Tall walls surrounded the settlement, while several watchtowers rose above its buildings. Even from this distance, it was clear that the kingdom was considerably larger than an ordinary desert town.

Adam looked at Sylphy, who was floating nearby with a rather satisfied expression.

"Why didn’t you open the portal closer to the kingdom?"

Sylphy immediately puffed out her chest.

"Because spirits can’t open portals directly into the settlements of other races, obviously! There are restrictions on where we can open them. Besides, the temple isn’t inside the kingdom anyway, so what’s the problem?"

Adam stared at her for a moment.

"Then why did you look so pleased with yourself when we arrived?"

"Because you looked surprised!"

"...I see."

He was beginning to understand why Proserpine had insisted that Sylphy accompany them. Perhaps the queen had simply wanted someone else to experience the little spirit’s antics.

Azrynn, meanwhile, studied the distant kingdom before looking toward the surrounding dunes.

"We can walk from here. If the temple is somewhere near Ferrund, we should be able to find it without too much trouble."

She took a few steps forward, only to pause when another gust of icy wind swept across the desert. Her shoulders stiffened, and she instinctively folded her arms across her chest.

Adam noticed immediately.

"Cold?"

"It’s nothing," Azrynn replied, trying to maintain her composure. "I can manage."

Without arguing, Adam removed his outer garment and held it out to her.

"Here. Put this on."

Azrynn blinked at the offered clothing before shaking her head.

"You don’t have to. I can use my runes to keep my clothes warm."

She traced a small rune with her fingers, and a faint glow appeared along the fabric of her own outfit. The magical markings spread briefly before settling into a steady, subtle radiance that helped ward off the cold.

"See? It’s fine."

Adam glanced at the rune, then nodded.

"That’s convenient."

"Of course. Rune Mastery has plenty of practical applications."

Before Azrynn could say anything else, a burst of laughter came from beside them.

"Pfft! Hahahaha! What was that supposed to be? A romantic gesture? You offered her your clothes, and she didn’t even need them!"

Sylphy was practically doubled over in the air, clutching her stomach as she laughed.

"Honestly, how embarrassing! You should have seen your face!"

Adam slowly turned toward her.

Sylphy’s laughter faltered when she noticed his expression, but by then, it was too late.

A small, dark projectile suddenly shot through the air.

Whoosh!

The void arrow passed close enough to Sylphy’s head to ruffle her hair before disappearing into the darkness behind her.

"KYAAAH!"

The little spirit shot backward, nearly tumbling out of the air.

"WHAT WAS THAT FOR?! ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!"

Adam casually lowered his hand.

"Sorry. My aim slipped."

"LIAR! YOU DID THAT ON PURPOSE!"

"Then why did you ask?"

Sylphy trembled with indignation, pointing an accusing finger at him.

"YOU!! I’M GOING TO TELL MY QUEEN!"

"Go ahead. I’m sure she’ll be delighted to hear how you spent the journey laughing at her guests."

Adam gave her a pleasant smile.

For several seconds, the little spirit seemed to struggle between her desire to retaliate and the unpleasant realization that he had found a rather effective way to silence her.

Azrynn pressed a hand against her mouth, unsuccessfully suppressing a laugh.

"Adam, you shouldn’t threaten her like that."

"Threaten? I merely suggested she report the incident to her queen."

"THAT’S NOT WHAT YOU MEANT!"

Adam ignored Sylphy’s furious protests and began walking toward the distant kingdom.

"Come on. We still have a temple to find, and I’d rather not spend the entire night arguing with a tiny, noisy spirit."

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING TINY?!"

Sylphy hurried after them, still grumbling under her breath.

Azrynn fell into step beside Adam, the rune on her clothing glowing softly against the darkness. As the three of them crossed the cold desert beneath the moonlight, the distant lights of Ferrund remained their only clear landmark.