After a night's rest in Sebasto, the yacht sailed upstream along the Tirne River. The bustling city was left behind, and the riverbank became colorful.
At first, there were large areas of farmland and towns, but after a day's sailing along the river, you can already see large areas of wilderness. Outside of important ferries and trading posts, you can only encounter occasional cargo ships.
The air echoed with a long sound of wind that sounded like a horn, whistling from the distant mountains, making the empty land even more monotonous. I don’t know whether it was the local vegetation that was born like this or it was caused by the weather. The river water and scenery outside the boat were so beautiful in summer.
They were also cast in a dark tone, as if they had been energized by something, and were as old as the ruins the group was about to visit.
The atmosphere of the lively travel group also became weird because of the environment. Galadia had a faint uneasiness hidden on her face, and she performed futile divination from time to time, while Sonia was in high spirits, flipping through books to figure it out.
Where does the strangely dark look of nearby vegetation come from?
The five finally arrived at Tulan Fort. The commander here had already received the notice and sent a lieutenant to greet them.
"I am Leon Narus, Lieutenant of the Border Guards, and I have been ordered to come here to serve you." The lieutenant saluted politely. "Ms. Tidwig is at the Elf Fortress in the southeast of the castle near the swamp. I will escort you there. Guides and hired workers
We are ready, but they cannot set foot in the elves' territory, and will later be sent to the ruins via the road in Qiming County to meet up with a few of them."
The group of people followed Lieutenant Lyon through and walked towards the road to the east gate. The size of this fortress is extremely large, with a solid main fort as the core, surrounded by auxiliary forts, mines, blacksmith shops, farms and markets.
has become a prosperous town.
A large number of civilians were doing their own thing in non-core areas, and from time to time there were people dressed as adventurers and mercenaries running around in a hurry. They were carrying miscellaneous equipment and weapons, and they were all in uniform when they walked down the stairs.
He jumped down, and when he gathered around military officers and civil affairs officers to accept tasks, he would jump impatiently, as if he had inexhaustible energy and unquenchable enthusiasm.
Lieutenant Lyon noticed everyone's gaze and explained with a smile:
"These adventurers travel between the swamps and Turan Castle. This castle was originally just a fortress by the river. As the situation stabilizes, the kingdom is also preparing to develop the resources here to reduce logistical pressure. Duke Meyer's Fortress
It's just north of the west bank, 70 miles away from us.
"In the past few years, we have established a market, reclaimed nearby swamps, and found a mine. Our funding and food have improved a lot, but we are starting to lack manpower.
"Fortunately, the caravans coming here have brought many immigrants and adventurers. They are now responsible for clearing out the mutated spiders in the mining area and the wild boars that steal pumpkins."
Just as he was talking, two adventurers passed by carrying a bag of spider legs and shouted to a sergeant:
"What's wrong with these legs!? What? Do you want a black-legged giant spider instead of a mutated long-legged spider? Is there any difference between the two?"
…
The carriage was already waiting for them outside Tulan Fort. Except for the necessary luggage, most of the expedition equipment was purchased locally and there was no need for the group to carry it themselves.
Before going to the ruins, everyone needs to visit the elves' territory, Tynephes, and obtain their permission for exploration and scientific research. The Bellomon ruins are being managed and purified by them.
It was once a dark and moist swamp, and the vicious and ferocious snakes, insects and beasts were the masters there. In more ancient times, trolls also established water city-states and altars there, and used all the creatures they could capture to sacrifice to their gods.
.
The scene of the swamp is not much different from that of ancient times. Although the area has shrunk a bit, it still extends towards the vast plains in the northeast until mountains and dense forests block them, or rivers lead them into the sea.
A flat road connects Tulamborg and Tynephes. The swamp was leveled here, paved with stone bricks, and built into an avenue that can accommodate six carriages. From Tynephes to the north, further north
It is the country of the elves called "Canaan".
Not long after starting from Turan Castle, you can see a pure white tower. It is the outpost of the elves, standing beside the avenue. A crystal like a morning star is placed on the top of the tower, radiating towards the road below and the swamp in the distance.
Soft waves.
A steady stream of goods flows here, but the end point of most caravans and humans will stop here.
The patrolling Elf guards stopped the carriage politely. They seemed to have been prepared and let them go after briefly checking the identity of the group.
"They are all extraordinary people." Lana whispered.
Mainly casters and rangers, there are also some demon hunters and assassins, even the most common elf sentries are sequence 9. Their vigilance seems to be lax and they are wandering around casually, but the breath and spirit of the extraordinary people
It can fluctuate but is looming. Once something is abnormal, it will immediately attract attention.
After the outpost, you can see the tall red city wall and the blue lake. The rippling blue lake surface is pure and sacred. The gray scenery that had been shrouded along the river bank suddenly disappeared, and the golden-red maple forest was out of season but extremely beautiful and lush.
Clamping the road and the lakeshore, it makes everyone feel happy.
There is the elven colony - Tynephes.
The streets made of white stones are spotless, maple leaves fall in the wind on the green grass, and clear streams flow along the roads.
Unmanned magic brooms clean the ground relentlessly, and beautiful elves dressed in gorgeous soft silks rest lazily on the grass and benches. When they are thirsty or hungry, they stand up and come to the unknown place next to them.
Just tap the bark of a fruit tree and the branches will immediately drop sweet and plump fruits.
There are six huge pure red or pure white crystals scattered in the castle, floating in the golden ring, releasing comfortable waves. The lamps on the treetops can be lit without kerosene or candles, and follow the sunlight.
to adjust the angle.
This is a completely different world.
Sonia and Fiona, who came to the elf territory for the first time, were attracted by the beautiful scenery. Even Lana lost the ability to speak.
The creatures here are quiet and elegant, and the pain, terror and sadness that are everywhere in the world do not appear on their faces at all. They smile at the passing guests, with kindness and self-respect, and declare with every gesture - I am
A big shot, I am the master of this world.
As a forward fortress, Tynyphes is headed by the ranger director. There are only a few solemn-looking guards outside her residence, but they all wear fine armor that can only be possessed by human generals. The silver plate armor and leggings are inlaid with
The dazzling gems and bursts of dazzling light allow one to imagine how powerful the offensive and defensive gains it can provide in battle.
However, the maids inside the palace were not elves, but two beautiful human women. They performed a pleasing curtsy, took everyone to the inner room, and then retreated and closed the door.
Lying on the gorgeous couch was an extremely beautiful woman. She had a graceful figure, long golden hair hanging around her waist, and her thin dress revealed her long white and tight legs, which actually reminded Griffith of her.
A picture album I bought a long time ago.
You still said no... The trainee knight turned his head and looked at Galadia, and found that she did have some similarities in appearance to the beautiful blond elf on the couch.
"Welcome to the Kingdom of God's Familiar," the elf on the couch gracefully stood up and walked over, "I am High-Level Ranger Director Tidwexi, Galadia's cousin."
"Your Excellency, Legendary Ranger, please allow us to facilitate our passage." It was Sonia who made the application. It was her words. As a member of the tribe, Galadia can go wherever she wants to go.
"Why don't you go directly through human territory?" Miss Legend Ranger asked gently.
"We hear that a terrible plague is spreading there," Sonia answered, "and that there are blood-sucking worms in the swamps and streams that are dangerous to health."
A smile flashed across Tidwigi's face: "Didn't your Knight Roland clean it up?"
"..."
All the humans present were shocked, and even Galadia looked confused.
Knight Roland? Is that brave man who has been unknown for many years nearby? Griffith exclaimed in his heart.
"It seems you really don't know, pathetic Byerland newspaper," Tidwige lightly traced her slender fingers on the armrest, looking a little bored and bored, "the Word Bearers and the extraordinary wizards are here.
Several times, large-scale purification and attack spells were mixed together, but they had no effect at all except leaving a few big holes.
"A few years ago, when your human scholars came here to explore the ruins, every one of them lamented the horror of the swamps and the dangers of disease. They wrote two articles and published them in newspapers and journals, and then they never came again.
"Aren't your countrymen living near the swamp? Over the years they have been killed by thousands of tiny pests, and Bjelan is not far away, but it doesn't matter.
"Now that Roland has finally eliminated these little pests, Bayerland's newspaper didn't even mention it. Are you still having nightmares about blood-sucking little pests?"
Sonia's face turned red and white, and she didn't know how to answer.
"We really don't know."
"Yes, the ladies and knights in the living room and ball don't know anything. You live in Byerland's mansion and Homemon Watts, and the living things outside are just ants." Tidwig smiled and looked at it.
With everyone.
Griffith listened without saying a word. He noticed that the biggest difference between the two elves was that the ranger director's hair color was golden as bright as the morning sun, while Galadia's eyebrows were softer and more delicate like autumn water.
and tranquility, without the unattainable arrogance and momentum of the legendary ranger.
Tidwig satirized everyone, and no one dared to contradict her. Finally, her eyes fell on Griffith.
Her beautiful eyes bloomed with a captivating aura, as if they were going to penetrate Griffith's body and burn his heart.
"Very average~" Tidwigi commented, looking lazily at her cousin, "My qualifications are average, and I have a lot of bad ideas. He is not a simple young man."
"Tsk, aren't you just repeating what the elders said about Roland back then?" Galadia said unceremoniously, "At least he wasn't chased by a little monster in the ruins like you.
When encountering a slightly more powerful Black Knight, he was pinned to the ground and had to rely on shouting to help."
Sonia and everyone were shocked, and Lana hurriedly put down the cookies he just picked up.
"In a few years, he will grow a beer belly, and some of his fresh looks will become old and vulgar," Tidwige shook her head. "By that time, he will even get tired of you first.
Just find some free-spirited little girl to spend the night in your smelly manor."
To be continued...