Chapter 37: Division of Investigation
Chapter 37: Division of Investigation
Chapter 37: Division of Investigation
"I don't think it's likely to be wolf-type magical beasts. Wolf-type magical beasts generally live in groups, but it's obvious that in this attack, only one magical beast was attacking humans, and there were no signs of multiple magical beasts in activity," William analyzed.
He had also hunted many wolf-type magical beasts in his previous life, so he was very familiar with them. Wolf-type magical beasts usually occupy a territory in the wilderness as a group, and it's rare for individual wolf-type magical beasts to live independently and wander around.
"William and Elena make sense." Jason also agreed with this view and then said, "Moreover, according to the previous situation, this magical beast should be of silver-level strength. If it were a golden-level magical beast, the previous mercenaries would not have just one casualty."
After a brief discussion within the team, Jason spread out a simple map brought by the steward on the table and pointed to an area east of the castle.
"This is the area where the previous attacks and the killing of the silver-level mercenary occurred. And each appearance happened at night, so tonight, let's do a simple patrol first to see if we can find traces of this magical beast."
After saying that, Jason gestured on the map, "I'll be responsible for this area, and the other half is for you, Nichole."
Nichole nodded conscientiously. She just needed to follow the arrangements, without worrying because she was a young girl. If they really encountered that magical beast, the one who should worry would be the magical beast itself.
"Elena, I need you to go to the farther areas of the vineyard to inspect and see if you can find any clues about the magical beast."
Elena had no objections either. Wilderness exploration and tracking were the specialties of an elven ranger like her.
"Lumbro and William, both of you stay in the castle. Tonight, the safety of the castle and the town residents will be entrusted to you two. Also, pay attention to signals. If you see one, provide timely support."
"Regardless of who encounters this magical beast, prioritize your own safety, send signals immediately, and others should support without delay."
After assigning tasks to everyone for tonight, Jason thought for a moment and emphasized to Nichole again, feeling somewhat worried:
"Nichole, don't chase after the magical beast even if you encounter it. Even if you're strong enough, getting lost at night would be troublesome."
Elena also looked over, and Nichole, who was somewhat unhappy, obediently nodded again, looking so sincere that she was almost swearing to the Lord of Dawn.
It seemed that Nichole had done quite a few reckless things before.
William chuckled and thought, noting all these things in his mind. This was valuable material for the future Valkyrie. The book could be titled "A Few Things About Me and the Young Valkyrie!"
What stood out was a case of misleading marketing.
"William, it's your first time going on a mission with us. Make sure to stay safe and stick with Lumbro the whole time," Jason said to William right after mentioning Nichole.
William nodded earnestly. Suddenly, he felt that Jason wasn't easy either. He was practically the full-time nanny of Nichole's Adventure Team!
And as for himself, he didn't need any special care. After getting the strength attribute adjustment from the Arcane profession specialty, his health points were not lower than those of warriors at the same level. Plus, with a bunch of magical shields and martial skill effects, William felt quite durable now.
But indeed, for now, he couldn't compare to Jason and the others, who were silver-level strongmen. Moreover, they were mostly melee professions, with most of their attribute point bonuses in strength and resilience.
Then, with Nichole, Jason, and Elena all geared up, they headed toward the outskirts of the town under the darkening night.
Meanwhile, William accompanied Lumbro to the highest point of the castle, making it convenient to observe the surrounding area of the town, so they could promptly respond to signals for rescue.
As the night deepened, the silver-white moon hung in the western sky, and the town beneath their feet fell into the silent darkness. Only a few flickering lights moved not far away, likely the baron's guards patrolling diligently.
Lumbro and William stood on the top of the castle's watchtower, silently observing their surroundings.
With the keen eyesight of two professionals, even the faint moonlight allowed them to see everything around them clearly.
After a moment of silence, it was William who broke the silence, saying, "I heard Baron Tony's wine is quite famous in Canlight City. After we deal with that magical beast, we can enjoy it."
Lumbro, clad in heavy armor, thought for a moment before gruffly replying, "Forget it. I can't stomach wine. Ale is strong enough for me."
Indeed, for dwarves, a large mug of ale that they could drink heartily was more to their taste than wine.
Then, while keeping an eye on their surroundings, William and Lunbos chatted casually, covering topics from fine wine to gourmet food, from goblins to dragons. They seemed to have endless topics to discuss, as if they had known each other for ages, chatting about anything and everything.
"William, you're not bad!" Lumbro patted William's shoulder and said, "Apart from that lad Jason, you're the most different noble I've ever met. When we get back, I'll help you get a full-body armor forged at the dwarven workshop in Canlight City. Consider it a welcome gift, and it'll definitely be better than what you're using now."
It seemed that he had some connection with the dwarven workshop in Canlight City. William remembered that it was called the Iron Hammer Workshop, and it truly embodied the dwarven style.
Indeed, forging weapons and equipment was a specialty of the dwarves. From mining ore to smelting metal and forging equipment, dwarves had their unique techniques. Dwarven-made weapons and equipment were highly sought after by other races, so dwarven equipment workshops were almost ubiquitous in the major cities of the continent.
"Well, thank you very much. I'll trouble you when I need it," William replied politely. He wouldn't let go of any opportunity to benefit himself without causing harm. He could always repay Lumbro by sending him some good ale in the future.
Lumbro waved his hand indifferently. It was nothing to him, just taking up some of his drinking time. He could always ask a few fellow dwarves to help out and treat them to a drink at the tavern, killing two birds with one stone.
Just as the two were chatting, a streak of light suddenly shot into the sky from a mountain in the east of the castle, emitting a conspicuous light. It should be a signal from someone in the adventure team.
"Here we go, let's move!" Lunbos said, lifting his warhammer and jumping directly from the castle wall about thirty meters high. He landed steadily on the ground, raising a cloud of dust. The robust and resilient dwarf body allowed him to easily withstand the fierce impact.
William, however, couldn't do the same. With his current physical strength, jumping down like that would result in either death or a broken bone.
But for a mage, there were always more solutions than difficulties.
Third-circle spell "Flight!"
William also floated down directly from the castle, landing on the ground and following Lunbos towards the location where the signal was sent.
Don't ask why he could fly and still had to walk over. It was just that the speed of the third-ring spell "Flight" was too slow, equivalent to the walking speed of an ordinary person.
Before mastering the sixth-ring spell "Agile Flight," mages didn't have the ability to engage in aerial combat. Flying up would just make them sitting ducks, a lesson learned from the bloody experiences of mage predecessors.