The camp of the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group was set up to a very high standard. It was obvious that they were a group of people who were used to sleeping in the open air and camping in the wild.
This low-lying terrain effectively provides a certain degree of wind protection, and the two high slopes next to it are very defensive. If an accident occurs, as long as the gap in the middle can be effectively guarded, the safety of the camp can be guaranteed.
Duwei and Dardaniel followed Captain Beinrich into the camp, so they were greeted by the surprised looks of many mercenaries.
The camp was large. According to Du Wei's visual inspection, there were about a hundred people. Different from the private armies of nobles or the local garrison of the empire that Du Wei had seen, these mercenaries did not have uniform armor or equipment. They were large.
Most people dress in very personalized ways. Some wear leather jackets, some wear leather robes, and some wear leather armor.
However, most people choose white for the purpose of providing cover in the snowy forest.
As for the weapons they used, it was even stranger. Some used swords, some used scimitars, some used axes, some used short spears... Du Wei even saw a guy with a weapon like a mace.
Moreover, these people, without exception, each had a fierce and unruly aura on their faces. When Du Wei walked into the camp, there were some guys who were polishing their weapons and looked at Du Wei and Da coldly.
Daniel, these two outsiders.
Someone even shouted loudly: "Hey! Captain, why did you bring a child in! Hahahaha, is this guy a new recruit you recruited? He looks like he hasn't been weaned yet!"
As soon as these words came out, the people around him immediately burst into laughter.
Beinrich's face darkened and he shouted: "Don't talk nonsense! Just do your own thing! Be polite to me, this is our distinguished guest!"
It seems that this group leader is very authoritative. As soon as these words came out, although some people disagreed, everyone kept their mouths shut.
"Okay, Mr. Magician, these are rude men who don't know how to be polite." Beinrich then wanted to invite Du Wei to live in his tent, but Du Wei politely declined, so the leader asked someone to stay in his tent.
An open space was made in the middle of the camp, and Duwei and Dardaniel pitched a small tent.
After a while, the group leader asked his subordinates to deliver two thick blankets.
"These guys don't seem to be very friendly to us." Du Wei watched the mercenary who delivered the tent leave with an indifferent expression, then turned back and smiled at Dardaniel.
"It's normal." Dardaniel curled his lips: "In this kind of team, it is usually difficult for newcomers to be accepted immediately. They are more willing to trust their old companions who have been through life and death together... This is the case even in the regular army.
"
At night, the mercenaries built several large fires in the middle of the camp, and the mercenaries sat around the fires waiting for dinner.
Beinrich personally invited Duwei to dine with him, and they huddled together in front of a fire.
The mercenaries' attitude towards Du Wei has been much better. It seems that the leader has already announced Du Wei's identity as a magician. However, there are still some people who look at Du Wei with suspicion... After all, he looks too young.
Not only the mercenaries, but even Beinrich had some doubts.
Sitting in front of the fire and taking off the thick leather hat that covered one-third of his face, Duwei looked even smaller... Beinrich couldn't help but feel a little suspicious: Such a small person
Is the child really a magician?
Or... even if he is a magician, at such a young age... he is probably just a magic apprentice, right? Or, just a first-level magician?
Although magicians are rare, if you are just a magic apprentice or a first-level magician...then there is no value in recruiting.
The mercenaries in front of the campfire nearby were doing their own thing as if no one else was watching: they used several large iron pots to melt the snow and boil it into hot water, and then two strong men carried out some strange-looking large pots from the tent.
The carcasses of animals of all sizes... Duwei took a closer look and couldn't tell whether it was a cow or a sheep. Dardaniel recognized it, he frowned and whispered: "This is... God,
A snow camel monster...oh, this is a ground-burrowing cow...ah, and an ice and snow demon wolf! God, is this all you eat at night?"
Beinrich laughed and said: "No, it's us! We, and you, all eat these at night."
"The corpse of the monster." Dardaniel sighed.
"Yes, Warcraft." Beinrich curled his lips and smiled: "In my opinion, these things are not much different from ordinary beasts...at least the taste in the mouth is not much different, except that they are alive
He will use some magic when he is alive, and after he dies, he becomes our food."
Du Wei didn't say anything. He watched as the two men pulled out sharp knives and deftly broke down the corpses of several monsters into pieces, then threw them all into a large iron pot to cook.
The skins of these monsters had long been peeled off. Du Wei watched the two big men go back and take out more monsters from the tent. He couldn't help but whistle. He looked at Beinrich: "Your Excellency, Captain
, it seems that you have gained a lot from this trip."
Beinrich said lightly: "It's not easy to make a living. It's hard to live in this kind of life. But you are right, the harvest this time is not bad. We have been in this forest for five days and hunted a total of twenty
There are many monsters, but I also lost seven or eight of my men. Three people died, and three others were permanently disabled." The mercenary leader sighed: "The skins of these monsters can be sold at a good price in the south, and
Their magic cores... all you magicians are willing to pay a high price for."
Du Wei couldn't help but take a second look at the corpses of the monsters...
Du Wei recognized the ice and snow wolf that these mercenaries brought out. He had seen the ice and snow wolf in the illusion last time when he was played by the scary monster in Banjiao City.
However, the body of the demon wolf that these mercenaries brought out was obviously smaller than the one that was conjured up in the last illusion.
The water in the pot gradually boiled, and the aroma of meat overflowed. Many mercenaries couldn't help but sniff their noses.
The regiment leader asked someone to bring out several large wine bottles from his tent. The mercenaries immediately cheered, and then several wine bottles were passed around, and each mercenary took a sip of wine.
In this hellish weather that can chill people's noses, having a sip of wine to warm up is really the best enjoyment.
Beinrich did not forget to entertain Du Wei. He took out a silver bottle from his arms and said with a smile: "This is my private collection, the best wine in the north... Mr. Magician, do you want to try it?"
"
Du Wei smiled and took the bottle and took a sip, but almost choked to death!
"Ahem! What kind of wine is this..." Du Wei coughed uncomfortably, his voice became hoarse, and he felt like a fire was burning in his mouth!
In a hurry, Du Wei could only grab the snow from the ground and stuff it into his mouth! After swallowing three large handfuls of snow in one breath, he felt that the burning feeling in his throat had eased a little.
Beinrich laughed loudly and said: "Mr. Magician, this is good stuff! I soaked this wine with the magic core of the Flame Rhino! When I drink it, it's like stuffing a handful into my throat.
Fire! It’s definitely powerful! Especially in this crazy weather, a small sip can make your whole body hot! Your body will be hot all night long!”
Du Wei pinched his nose: "Thanks! I can't stand this kind of thing."
Beinrich laughed and took a sip. Then his face immediately showed an expression of pain and happiness. He shivered violently a few times, then took a big breath and shouted at the same time: "It feels good!"
He handed the bottle to Dardanelle again: "Friend, take a sip!"
Dardaniel tasted it hesitantly, but his endurance was much stronger than Duwei's. After taking a sip, like Beinrich, his whole body shivered a few times, but he showed a happy expression and praised: "
Good stuff! Sure enough, my body feels much warmer! Damn it, it’s like there’s an extra fire in my belly!”
Next, Du Wei tasted some cooked meat of the monsters. The meat of the ice and snow monsters was a bit old and had a sour taste. Du Wei was not used to eating it. But in a place like this, surrounded by ice and snow,
It is already a great enjoyment to have a hot mouthful of meat.
At least last night when he followed the old magician, Du Wei was able to eat solid food.
Well, I wonder if that old guy is watching me around now... Young Master, I am sitting here drinking wine and eating meat, while the old guy is drinking wind. It feels really good.
Du Wei ate something and felt much better. He tried to drink two sips of Beinrich's special wine. This time he was fully prepared and it was not as uncomfortable as last time. Moreover, this wine was indeed
Good stuff, after drinking it, it seems like a ball of fire immediately burns through the internal organs, the whole body is instantly hot, and the coldness all over the body is completely driven away!
"Mr. Magician, you came to this forest to find some kind of magical beast, right?" Beinrich smiled and said: "The magicians who come here are all for these purposes. If this is the case, maybe we can
We can help each other, and maybe I have the magic beast you need."
Dardaniel and Du Wei looked at each other, Du Wei nodded, and Dardaniel replied: "Mr. Leader, have you ever heard of the Golden-Eyed Python?"
A hint of surprise appeared on Beinrich's face: "Golden-eyed python? That's a very powerful guy. When I was young, I saw a magician catch it here, but we ourselves have never caught that kind of thing...
…and……"
He hesitated for a moment and then said slowly: "This is still just the outskirts of the frozen forest. High-level monsters like the golden-eyed python have to go deeper into the forest. Powerful monsters are active in the center of the forest.
There is such a thing. However, the further you go in, the more dangers there will be."
"Heartland?" Du Wei smiled: "Please forgive my presumption. This is my first time coming to the Frozen Forest. You see, I am a young magician and I am not familiar with this place. You said
The central area... We have been walking in the woods for two days. Is this still just the outer area?"
"Of course." Beinrich shook his head: "The frozen forest is too big... It can even be said that no one has ever really measured how big this forest is. I heard that it was done twenty years ago
A powerful magician led several knights from the temple and walked deep into the forest for a month, but they could not reach the other end of the forest. Who knows where the other side of this forest is, maybe it is the end of the world.
Maybe. Moreover, the only records that can be investigated so far are the time twenty years ago. That time, a great magician from the magic union went in with several high-ranking holy knights from the temple. It's a pity to hear that
Said... In the end, only the magician came out alive. In the heart of the frozen forest, I heard that there are many high-level monsters there. Even a powerful magician cannot deal with the siege of several high-level monsters at the same time. As for us
These mercenaries, our Snow Wolf Mercenary Group, have always only been active in the outer areas, and the farthest distance we have traveled was nine days... and that was also a few years ago."
Du Wei was a little surprised...
A magician and a few high-level holy knights walked for a month without reaching the end?
Is this forest that big?
Dardaniel's face also looked a little ugly... In this case, where can the golden-eyed python be found?
"I would like to advise you two." Beinrich's expression was very serious: "Our Snow Wolf Mercenary Group has been hunting Warcraft in this forest for many years. I have also encountered some people who came in looking for Warcraft.
Magicians. But even some magicians don’t dare to go too far... At most, no one dares to go further than the Great Round Lake. You two... I know you are a magician.
Master, I also respect the ability of magicians. But I still advise you, if it is not necessary, give up your plan..."
Dardaniel's face looked ugly. He thought for a moment and suddenly said: "Your Excellency, Captain, thank you for your kindness, but I must find the golden-eyed python. Well... and..." Suddenly a look appeared on his face.
A strange expression: "I know that the people in your group specialize in hunting Warcraft. If possible, I am willing to pay a high price to hire you to help me find..."
"Sorry, no." Beinrich refused simply: "Although we rely on this to make money, and I also know that the greater the risk, the greater the profit. However, if you know that you are going to die and still do it,
Then it is not a risk, but an idiotic behavior. Our Snow Wolf Mercenary Group does not have the ability to enter the heart of the frozen forest. No matter how high the price you offer, I am afraid there is nothing we can do."
Dardanelle sighed. He knew that Beinrich was telling the truth, so he said no more and took a dull sip of wine.
Beinrich's attention returned to Du Wei. He thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Magician, I am very curious about you. In my impression, very few people at your age can achieve this."
I have the qualifications of a magician. I have lived forty years, including twenty years of adventure. I have met quite a few magicians, but I have never seen a genius like you."
Du Wei smiled bitterly...
Genius? That’s because you haven’t seen it before.
Du Wei's current strength is only about that of a third-level magician. He is considered a genius compared to ordinary people... But... compared with the other two female geniuses Du Wei met, Du Wei really has nothing to be proud of.
Qualified as an eighth-level magician at the age of fifteen or sixteen! That's called a genius! And Du Wei met two of them at once.
Seeing that Du Wei didn't speak, Beinrich was silent for a while and slowly took out a roll of paper from his arms.
"Your Majesty the Magician, I want to make a deal with you. I wonder if you are interested?"
Du Wei's eyes lit up: "What deal?"
"It's like this. I know that magicians are very rich, so if I give you any treasures, you will definitely not take it seriously... So..." Beinrich smiled and said: "Me and
My people will continue walking north for about four or five days. We will reach the Great Round Lake and then turn around and go back. I think you and your companions are going all the way north anyway, so
In the next few days, you might as well follow us on the road. My people and I can act as your guides and take you all the way to Great Round Lake. In such a large forest, without a guide, I'm afraid it's easy to get lost.
. What do you think?"
Beinrich unfolded the paper in his hand: "This is a map of the frozen forest! Such a map is absolutely nowhere to be found on the market! Even if you spend 10,000 gold coins, you can get it.
You can never buy it! Because this is what I, Beinrich, drew based on my memory of nearly 20 years of adventuring in this forest and more than forty times! I guarantee that the entire empire will not be able to find it.
This is the second such detailed map.”
Du Wei's heart moved!
He took the map and unfolded it...
There is a vast forest icon drawn on the drawing. At the southern end are several entrance passages leading to the forest. The drawing also marks several small towns in the south of the frozen forest, as well as some checkpoints set by the Northern Storm Legion patrol.
Du Wei took a few glances and found the path he took into the forest with the old magician the night before.
On the drawing, the area of the entire forest was unknown, but after Beinrich pointed a little, Du Wei had an idea.
"Here, this is approximately where we are now." Beinrich poked a point on the map with his finger.
From the map, this location was very, very close to the entrance to the southern edge of the forest. Du Wei couldn't help but feel a little discouraged... After walking hard for two days, he only managed to reach such a small place on the map.
Beinrich smiled, and then pointed at a point inside the forest on the map: "Here is the destination of my trip and my people, the Great Round Lake."
A lake is marked on the map by a slightly flatter circle.
Beinrich gave a brief introduction. This lake is located inside the forest. It is a lake in the forest. However, the area is quite large.
"The lake is about five or six miles wide...at least that wide. Although I have been there several times, I have never measured it specifically. In fact, I have never been to the other side of the lake. The Great Round Lake is considered frozen.
The dividing line for some adventurous groups in the forest was reached."
"How do you say it?" Du Wei was curious about everything in this frozen forest.
"The dividing line of strength." Beinrich said with a smile: "Basically, in the south of the lake, everything is not too dangerous, and mercenary groups like us can still move. But... in the north of the lake,
Very few people dare to go. Those who dare to cross the lake and continue walking north, according to what I know, are those strong men with names all over the continent... At least I, Beinrich, am not that kind of person. I will take my
"People have been to Great Round Lake several times, but never once have they dared to go around the lake and continue north."
After a pause, there was a weird smile on his face: "By the way, if it were summer, I would not take people to the Great Round Lake. You know, anywhere there is a water source, there is usually danger.
Wild beasts come and go... The same goes for Warcraft. Warcraft also needs water, and Warcraft also likes to take a bath. In the summer, although the weather here is also very cold, it is not as freezing as it is now. It is just early spring, and the lake is still
There is no thaw, the lake is covered with ice, and no monsters will come to the lake. But it is different in summer. In summer, that place is simply a gathering place for monsters! Hell... I once heard that there are several mercenary groups, hundreds of them.
Hundreds of people were attacked by monsters on the edge of that lake! The whole team died there! So, because of the current season, I dare to go there. If it were summer, I would definitely stay far away from there."
After saying all this, Beinrich glanced at Duwei: "How about it, Mr. Magician? My deal is very simple: I and my people will take you to the lake, and I will give you this map."
You... Although I have never been to the north of the lake, I have collected a lot of information over the years. They are all news spread by some strong people who have been to the north of the lake. However, it cost me a lot of money to collect the information!
The markings on the map, even if you cross Great Round Lake and continue north, at least the terrain for the next two or three days is marked on the map."
Du Wei glanced at Beinrich: "Dear Mr. Leader... I'm curious, since you don't plan to go to the north of the lake, why do you want to collect information on the north of the lake?"
There was a hint of emotion in Beinrich's eyes, and the expression on his face was sincere and serious: "Your Excellency, Magician, please remember that I am an adventurer!"
When he said this, his expression even looked pious.
"I am an adventurer! Although... I am now working as a mercenary, and I have made some profits by taking risks in the frozen forest... But I am not a businessman full of copper odor! My
In my bones, the blood of an adventurer flows!" Beinrich said solemnly: "I have been adventuring in this place for half my life. Ever since I was young, listening to those legends, I have always longed for the frozen lake north of the lake.
What will the forest look like... Although I know that my strength is far from being the top powerhouse in the mainland. Moreover, I have a large group of people following me now, and I have to shoulder their responsibilities! But,
I also have my own dream! My dream is... In the future, when I am old and retire, I will no longer be the leader of this group, and all my people will be handed over to their new leaders. Then, when I am alone
, when I don’t have any responsibilities, I will prepare to cross the lake and go to the north to see! I have been wandering around this place all my life! In the future, if I die without ever seeing what the north is like, then I will definitely die with my eyes open.
Yes! I collected this information just to make plans for the future! I plan to go on the road alone after I am ready. I am even prepared that I will die on the north side of Great Round Lake in the future! Even if I die, at least I will
I can also take a look at what the legendary North Shore looks like before I die... By dying there, I have fulfilled my destiny as an adventurer!"
Having said this, Beinrich said something that made Duwei awe-inspiring:
"As an adventurer, it would be a shame to die in bed! As a true adventurer, you should choose to die on the most exciting journey!"
Du Wei took a deep breath, and his tone couldn't help but become more respectful: "Dear Sir, you promised to be our guide and give us this map... So what do you need me to do for you?
Woolen cloth?"
"It's very simple." Beinrich smiled: "I only have two conditions. First, during our journey together, if we encounter any trouble, such as being attacked by others or monsters, you, the magician,
Your Excellency, please stand on our side. When the time comes, we will need the help of magicians."
"No problem." Du Wei immediately replied: "Since we are on the road together, we are companions. This is natural."
"Thank you. My second condition is...if you can go back after completing this adventure...I'm sorry for using such unlucky words. But I still advise you for the last time, the north is very dangerous.
!" Seeing that Du Wei did not accept his suggestion, the leader sighed: "Then... if you can come back, I think you are the only powerful magician I have ever seen in my life... You are so young! Apart from geniuses,
Besides, I have no other words to describe it. I believe that in the future, you will become a well-known strong man in the mainland. If one day comes, I hope you can remember the name of our Snow Wolf Mercenary Group... I take the liberty
I ask you to remember that the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group once helped you in the frozen forest. As for this favor, it is enough to help us people when it is appropriate and convenient for you.
"
Very smart leader!
Du Wei has more respect for this group leader!
If the "adventurer's fate" words he just said made him look like an idealist... then the following transaction conditions will show that this group leader has a long-term vision!
This matter actually cost them nothing... They originally planned to go to Great Round Lake, a team of more than 100 people, and it didn't cost anything to bring two more people with them. On the contrary, there was one more person on the way.
Magician companion.
In addition, as for the map... the leader made the map himself. Although he gave it to Du Wei, he could draw another one at any time. For him, there was no loss.
But these were exchanged for the favor of a magician!
In Roland Continent, magicians are more precious than gold, especially those powerful magicians. This group leader's calculation is very smart. Du Wei became a magician at such a young age, and his future will definitely be bright...as long as he can live.
Going back means that the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group has forged a friendship with a future great magician at no cost!
You can count on getting help from a great magician at some point in the future!
An idealist, but also cunning in reality.
This is Du Wei’s evaluation of Captain Beinrich.
•;
This night was speechless.
Early the next morning, when Du Wei got out of the tent, the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group was already preparing to set off. Some warriors who were not afraid of the cold were scrubbing their bodies with snow, and some were shaving carefully with daggers. These warriors who were accustomed to an adventurous life
Guys, everyone has a strong temperament, and finally calls his companions on the road with a powerful shout.
Dardanelle's mood was a little low.
After Captain Beinrich introduced the situation of the Frozen Forest last night, Dardaniel knew very well that the possibility of finding the Golden-Eyed Python on his own was probably very small. Even with the addition of the little Harry Potter
Mr. Magician, I'm afraid that's not enough either.
Du Wei comforted the loyal warrior of the Liszt family for a few words, and then set off on the road with the Snow Wolf mercenary group.
The Snow Wolf mercenary group was full of people, and two small teams were scattered around to search. In the afternoon, Du Wei witnessed with his own eyes the process of people from the mercenary group hunting monsters.
The search team found a cave of monsters. The roots of a towering tree were hollowed out, and a giant snow-white bear hibernated inside.
This is a "Roaring Snow Bear". This monster is almost twice the size of an ordinary bear. It looks very similar to the polar bear Du Wei knew in his previous life, but this roaring snow bear can emit a kind of
Magic attack: Its roar can whip up a small tornado!
The Snow Wolf mercenary group seems to have developed a very skilled way to deal with this kind of monster. A dozen strong warriors tied themselves and their companions together with ropes, and first threw burning pine branches into the bear.
He forced the bear out of the cave and attacked it with bows and arrows from a distance.
The roar of the giant bear stirred up a small whirlwind, blowing the two big men into the air on the spot! Fortunately, they were tied together with their companions. Although they fell a little miserably, the snow was very thick, so they were not seriously injured.
It was just an unlucky guy who fell on his butt on a snow-covered rock and sprained his waist.
The mercenaries covered the bear with a huge gun, and then divided it into four directions. On each side, there were more than a dozen big men pulling hard.
Finally, Captain Beinrich held a giant ax and stood about fifteen steps away from the giant bear. His fighting spirit shone as he quickly threw the ax!
In the midst of the silver fighting spirit, the leader chopped the giant bear's head in half with an axe!
Du Wei couldn't help but be secretly surprised when he saw it.
The martial arts of Captain Beinrich are indeed quite powerful! He is one of the top three mercenaries in the north, and he really has real abilities!
Du Wei secretly compared him with the martial arts masters he had seen, and found that neither Knight Robert nor his father's captain of the bodyguard, Alpha Swordsman, were probably as good as this Beinrich.
The only thing that can be compared is probably Joanna's martial arts.
Amidst the cheers of the soldiers of the mercenary group, everyone went up and took back the body of the giant bear. A captain skillfully cut open the bear's belly with a dagger, first took out the bear's bile, and then cut out the magic core from the bear's head.
, put it away.
The remaining three soldiers quickly skinned off a whole bear skin. As for the bear meat, they divided it into several pieces for the soldiers to share on their backs, and then continued on the road.
Over the course of the day, Du Wei saw similar scenes four or five times. The Snow Wolf Mercenary Group hunted two more Ice and Snow Demonic Wolves, but unfortunately, while hunting the second Demonic Wolf, a mercenary
The soldier was so miserable that his stomach was scratched by the demon wolf's claws, and his intestines even flowed out on the spot!
"This is the life of an adventurer. Every day when you take risks, someone may die." Dardaniel whispered to Duwei: "I also lived this kind of life back then, but later, I chose to quit."
The mercenaries only expressed their condolences for their dead companions, then buried their corpses and continued on their way...
In the evening, everyone had a feast of deviled wolf meat, but while taking turns drinking to warm up, Du Wei carefully noticed one detail.
The dozen or so mercenaries sitting outside the campfire never touched the wine bag being passed around.
"Those are the people keeping watch tonight." The leader looked at Du Wei's confused eyes and said calmly: "The people keeping watch, I ask them to stay 100% alert and calm and rational all night long! Because in a place like this
, if the night watchers are even the slightest bit negligent, the entire team may be ruined! Therefore, the night watchers are absolutely not allowed to drink a drop of wine! But as a reward, these night watchers will be allowed to drink a drop of wine the next night.
After the substitution, they can get a double portion of wine. They can also get an extra portion of the loot they get the next day when they return."
When the group leader said this, he added in a low voice: "Of course, if they can still go back alive by then."
After hearing this, Du Wei looked at the vigil soldiers who looked calmly at their companions cheering and drinking... There was a hint of respect in his eyes -