Chapter 41
Chapter 41
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 41
Chapter Title: In Search of the Crows (2)
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Thanks to the goodwill of the Western Magic Tower Lord, Agni, we were able to rest for about two more days after completing our mission before departing.
We had arrived at the Western Magic Tower quickly and comfortably via portal, but leaving was a different story. Since we had to cross a harsh desert, I purchased desert carriage wheels and various supplies nearby before setting off.
Fortunately, Storm adapted quickly to the desert as well. The moment I fitted him with blinders to block the hot sand winds and a desert saddle, he took off with vigorous energy, as if he’d been waiting for this very moment—like a hook-nosed camel.
It seemed he had stored up tremendous strength while we were away in the Death Swamp.
‘We’ll arrive in Lavata faster than expected.’
Our next destination was the Ekaitz Confederation. Since we had to cross the sea, I planned to go through the port city of Lavata. There was a closer port city called Ramt, but even if it was a bit farther, passing through Lavata—where my reputation was well-known—would be more beneficial.
‘It’ll take about five days.’
Crossing the desert wasn’t just dangerous; it was an incredibly boring journey. With sunlight beating down like blades and endless sand dunes, it was no wonder most continental folk like those from Rosan would start complaining right away.
For anyone who wasn’t a mage or some high noble, traversing the desert was nothing but a string of torments.
Of course, my situation was different.
Though I wasn’t a mage or high noble, as a druid, I knew all about the plants that could make desert travel comfortable.
First off, I planted a massive parasol tree on top of the carriage. This subspecies of the umbrella tree had leaves perfectly suited for blocking sunlight like an actual parasol, making it ideal for shielding against the desert’s scorching sun.
On top of that, I planted insulating grass beneath the carriage floor, which absorbed surrounding heat, keeping the interior cool.
The cost to maintain this setup? Just two low-grade magic stones.
Insane cost-performance thanks to being a druid.
“El. Time to switch?”
I stuck my head out of the carriage and called to El, who had been driving for quite a while.
“I’m fine!”
“Three hours have passed. Let’s switch. Get down, have some ice, and rest with Ayla.”
“Ah…….”
Before El could respond, I whistled to stop Storm and swapped places with him.
“Thank you, Master. Call me anytime if you get tired.”
“Yeah. Got it, so get inside.”
The parasol tree did block the sunlight, but outside, the air was still hot unlike the carriage interior. I draped an ice pouch from my subspatial ring around my neck and whistled again to set the carriage in motion.
“…….”
How much time passed like that?
Before I knew it, the sun was setting.
Desert nights were longer, darker, and colder than one might think.
The daytime heat vanished like a lie, replaced by a chill even worse than a snowy plain.
We stopped the carriage in a suitable spot and lit a campfire. The insulating grass, which had absorbed heat all day, warmed the area around the carriage, quickly easing our shivers.
Time to prepare dinner.
El caught a few scorpions nearby, but since they weren’t edible, we let them go. With nothing to forage in the desert, we sated our hunger with the boxed meals I’d bought in advance and stored in my subspatial ring.
Ayla, who had spent the day sleeping inside the carriage exhausted from the heat, finally perked up and kept watch through the night. The endless desert darkness wouldn’t stand a chance against the eyes of a shadow wolf. Good.
Staring into the small campfire, I pondered our plans ahead.
The Origin God quest.
Stories about the Origin God were a topic for Season 2 of [Age of Envy].
In Season 1, it was just a teaser—barely a crumb of bait.
‘Damn, I hadn’t checked the Season 2 draft yet.’
That’s right.
If I hadn’t gotten into that car accident, I probably would’ve gone to work the next day and reviewed the Season 2 draft.
But instead, I died in that accident the day before.
And ended up dropped into this godforsaken world.
So, I had to solve the Origin God quest with just the tiny bait crumb I’d glimpsed in Age of Envy Season 1.
In truth, I knew absolutely nothing about the Origin God……
But who am I?
Kang Tae-oh, ace of the marketing department.
With my experience working there and playing the game!
If I rack my brains hard enough, I can squeeze out some hints.
‘Niram.’
That’s right.
The mysterious land beyond the vast eastern ocean.
In Season 1, most continental nations like the Barak Empire, Rosan, Luset, Solen, Ergin, and the Ekaitz Confederation served as the game’s stages.
But there was one place that was only ‘mentioned’ and never actually featured……
The eastern continent of Niram.
The main stage for Season 2 was likely Niram. Which meant the Origin God probably……
‘I can get hints from Niram.’
But going to Niram right now was impossible.
Hordes of deep-sea monster Krakens lurked in the eastern sea between the Ekaitz Confederation and Niram.
Some adult Krakens were as big as islands, making them impossible to face without being a professional hunter.
Even infamous pirates avoided the eastern sea, which said it all.
The only way to Niram was aboard advanced merchant ships from the Ekaitz Confederation.
Even those with elite captains, navigators, and Kraken specialists often failed to return after Kraken attacks……
Directly heading to Niram would have to wait.
‘Until the Mermaid’s Descendants appear, I have no choice but to gather info in the Ekaitz Confederation.’
That was the only answer.
Crackle, crackle……
Along with the sound of the campfire, a slow wind blew, gently erasing the plans I’d drawn in the sand.
I stood up. Above, in the dark night sky, a massive moon hung among countless stars.
In my old life, I’d never prayed once, but ever since falling here, gazing at the moon had become a habit that made me want to pray.
“O Nemeia, please bless my path ahead…….”
I clasped my hands and prayed earnestly.
It was a desert night where the moonlight shone especially bright.
* * *
“Theodore!”
Thanks to Storm’s vigorous run through the desert, we arrived in the port city of Lavata faster than expected. Greeting me warmly was a priest from the Linshaka Temple, who exuded a vibrant energy unlike before.
‘The followers of Linshaka Temple must have grown.’
With more followers and a revitalized temple, the priest couldn’t help but be joyful. I smiled and returned the greeting.
“May the blessings of Linshaka follow the Saint of Purification!”
“Long time no see. I hope you’ve been well?”
“Of course, Theodore. Thanks to you, the temple is thriving beyond belief…… Linshaka must be pleased as well.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“How long do you plan to stay in Lavata? You could take it easy and show the followers Linshaka’s miracles…….”
“I plan to leave as soon as a ship is secured.”
“Oh, but…….”
“As soon as a ship is secured.”
“Ah, I understand…….”
Had I been too firm? The priest deflated and quietly led us to the temple.
Sure enough.
Just as I’d predicted.
Unlike before, the Linshaka Temple bustled with countless followers. People quietly praying before the Linshaka statue, children singing the Song of the Forest by the fountain, and others diligently tending to the plants……
“It’s lively.”
“Thanks to you, Theodore.”
“No, it’s thanks to the goddess.”
At my humble reply, the priest looked at me with moved expression. Hmm, I can almost hear my reputation rising.
“Since I’m here, I’d like to check on the Purification Tree as well.”
“Of course. Unpack your luggage first, and I’ll guide you.”
“Thank you.”
Saved on inn fees.
Good call coming to Lavata.
We unpacked at the temple lodging. I instructed El to tend to the carriage and Storm, then headed with the priest to where the Purification Tree was.
As we neared the abandoned mine, I saw crowds gathered around it.
Most were praying before the Purification Tree.
But one person in particular caught my eye.
‘……Wait, that horse?’
Isn’t that the horse I tried to buy in Galopic?
The very one I wanted to buy along with the carriage.
The stable owner said a knight had bought it.
Was that guy the one who broke through the storm and escaped Galopic?
‘Thanks to him, I got Storm…… But still, what a jerk?’
I closely observed the knight who sat atop the horse, not dismounting, just staring silently at the Purification Tree.
‘Knight?’
Most knights were nobles, and nobles were always itching to flaunt their exalted status—through attire, horses, or attendants.
Yet this so-called ‘knight’ on horseback looked nothing like one. Shabby clothes that bordered on ragged, disheveled hair, bushy beard……
‘Rare to see someone bold enough to impersonate a knight like that.’
The man didn’t pray like the others; he just stood there, silently gazing at the Purification Tree.
What was the bounty for turning in a knight impersonator? As I mulled it over.
“Theodore.”
A familiar voice. It was the high priest of Linshaka Temple. I nodded in greeting. Glancing back at the Purification Tree area, the man was already gone.
‘……What the hell is that guy?’
Before I could spot him in the crowd, the high priest spoke to me again. Damn, he slipped away.
“To grace us with your return—Linshaka must be overjoyed!”
“You flatter me. I’m just an ordinary druid…….”
“Ordinary druid? You’re far too modest.”
“Haha…….”
The high priest grabbed my hand and led me toward the Purification Tree. The gathered crowd parted for us, occasionally letting out small gasps of awe.
Embarrassing.
‘Eh, probably just a knight impersonator.’
I pushed thoughts of the suspicious man aside and followed the high priest.
As we drew near the Purification Tree, I felt it emanating a much stronger purifying power than before.
Thanks to everyone’s prayers?
The moment I unwittingly placed my hand on it, my vision flashed.
[The Goddess of Forest and Earth, Linshaka, is watching you.]