Chapter 65
Chapter 65
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 65
Chapter Title: Azgal Rock
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Tired people tend to be on edge. I was no different. Without so much as a wink of sleep, I was piloting the boat. My frayed nerves colored everything around me in a negative light.
Of course, I didn't let these feelings show to my two disciples. I knew better than anyone that dumping negativity on others just because I was in a foul mood was hardly mature.
Instead, I vented my emotions at the terrain blocking our path. I unleashed hundreds of magic missiles at a massive boulder jutting up ahead. Individually, they weren't all that destructive, but in such numbers—with their power focused in one spot—it was a different story.
Boom-boom-boom-boom-!
Kaboom-! The boulder finally shattered into pieces that scattered everywhere. In that instant, our slender hull slipped swiftly through the gap. Watching something solid break apart so cleanly eased the frustration building in my chest.
"M-Master?"
"What."
"Is something wrong?"
"Just training a bit."
"Ah...!"
My disciples gazed at me with eyes full of admiration. How could I tell them I was just blowing off steam? I spun a vague but plausible excuse, and they nodded, visibly moved.
-To cast multiple spells at once... I heard only archmages could pull that off...
-Master can do anything.
-Of course...!
The disciples' hushed whispers scattered on the wind.
The sleek hull didn't just glide along the long river stretch. It slid smoothly over waterlogged sand flats too, occasionally launching into the air.
Facing the cool rushing wind, I thought to myself that our speed was a touch slow.
It made sense. The boat weighed far more than an airboard. At this pace, it'd take another day or two to cross the desert.
I unfolded the map from my bag. Next to the vast red desert sprawled rugged mountains. Unlike typical ranges, green markings were scarce. Most of it was barren rock, without a blade of grass in sight.
'Azgal Rock.'
Beyond knowing it was dwarf territory, I had zero info. I turned to Durel, who was chatting with Simo.
"Durel."
"Yes!"
"Do dwarves use magic?"
"Yes, they do wield it. Though they're so few they don't form their own groups."
"Hmm..."
"You've taken an interest?"
"A little. Curious what kind of magic they use."
"They use 'engraving magic.' It's a technique for imprinting spells onto everyday tools. Not certain, but the Warden Stick you received was likely infused with dwarf craftsmanship."
"Oh..."
Fascinating stuff. If I could learn engraving magic, I could craft all sorts of magical tools. The Gentle Wind reacted to my excitement, roughly shaking the taut anchor line.
"Heading to Azgal Rock?"
"Dwarves don't hate humans like the Drakain do, right?"
"Quite the opposite—they're friendly. As long as you're not wanted on a national level, crossing the border should be fine."
I glanced at Simo. Our eyes met, and he frantically shook his head.
"I'm not some bad guy...!"
"Just looking."
"Okay..."
Our destination for this leg: Azgal Rock.
We had to ditch the boat upon leaving the desert. Since it didn't truly fly, the hull's underside smashed against the rocky terrain. The airboard was out for the same reason.
Gliding solo might've worked, but with Durel and Simo in tow, that option was scrapped. Wagons would've been ideal, but the floods had swept away most villages—no intact ones left.
In the end, I opted for a golem as transport. Existing golems weren't ideal for it, so I reshaped one first.
'Turtle shape for the base. Prioritize stability over speed, so more legs... No need for combat prowess, just enlarge the body and widen the shell for...
Not bad at all.'
I'd done this before. Redesigning the internals went quickly.
Once the core crystal was adjusted, I hurled it forward. The flying core sucked in nearby mana, rocks, and dirt indiscriminately.
Rumble-rumble-rumble-!
As the new golem took shape, Simo, watching from the side, asked in bewilderment.
"Wait, that golem... it was definitely humanoid...? You reshaped it on the spot? Without any tools?"
"Yeah."
"That's... possible...?"
"Master can do anything."
Durel's casual remark quelled Simo's shock. The dazed Simo blinked as realization dawned, nodding slowly.
"Right... Master can do anything..."
While they chatted, the massive turtle golem finished forming. I hopped up to check the shell's interior—flat stone floor, spacious as planned.
"Everyone, hop on."
The two nodded and climbed aboard swiftly.
Thud- thud- thud-
The turtle golem wasn't fast. But the stability from its six legs was incomparable. Minimal shaking—this level of vibration wouldn't disrupt sleep.
Long-term issues would need testing, but for now, it climbed mountains effortlessly.
The turtle ignored paths. With its sturdy body and steady six legs, it roamed rugged terrain far from traveler trails. Perhaps that's why we reached the border far sooner than expected.
The border was ringed by rock spires stabbing the sky like a screen. Wind howling through canyons shrieked like metal, and sunlight couldn't crest the peaks, casting shadows everywhere.
Scattered stone towers and watchtowers made a striking impression. The three of us poked our heads out to take it all in.
"What a stunning view..."
"Majestic. Feels like home."
The six-legged turtle drew all eyes. Its sheer size scared folks off—no one approached—but the sidelong glances numbered beyond counting.
"Everyone's amazed by Master's golem."
Durel puffed up proudly.
I steered toward the entry line. Armed dwarf soldiers approached cautiously. Their iron armor clanged heavily with each step.
"A few questions! Any mages in your party?"
"Problem?"
"No issue. Just—mages have a separate fast-track inspection, no need to queue."
Even across nations and races, a mage's privileges held firm.
"We're all mages."
"Follow us, then."
I guided the golem after them.
Thud- thud-
Glance-
Dwarves occasionally looked back, faint tension on their faces. Like staring at a bomb that might go off any second.
We underwent a simple inspection. Party size, number of mages, names, purpose—basic questions flew.
The clerk filling forms tilted his head at Simo.
"Drakain...?"
"Issue?"
"No. Just... haven't seen one in ages. All clear."
Inspection done, entry granted. The six-legged turtle thudded past massive stone gates.
Beyond lay a straight, broad avenue carved through rock. Along sections of massive interlocking slabs, faint green patinas of age peeked through.
Then, a huge shadow swept overhead. I leaned out and looked up. Even from afar, the enormous winged form flapping away was unmistakable.
It bore a faint mana signature.
"A wyvern! Maybe we can ride one. I remember a childhood storybook mentioning dwarves taming them..."
Durel leaned over beside me. Two pairs of eyes gazing skyward sparkled with faint anticipation. Lost in nostalgia, his voice trailed off.