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The 59th chapter "Adventurer's Fate"
The Snow Wolf Mercenary Group's campsite was very good. It could be seen that this was a group of people who were used to camping in the wild.
This low-lying terrain was effective in blocking the wind to a certain extent. The two high slopes on the side were also good for defense. If there was an accident, as long as they could effectively guard the gap in the middle, they could ensure the safety of the campsite.
Du Wei and Dadaneier followed Captain Beinrich into the campsite, so they were greeted by the surprised looks of the mercenaries.
This campsite was not big. Du Wei estimated that there were about a hundred people in the campsite. They were different from the private army of the nobles or the local garrison army of the Empire that Du Wei had seen before. These mercenaries didn't have uniform armor or equipment. Most of them were dressed in a very personalized way. Some of them wore leather jackets, some wore leather robes, and some wore leather armor.
However, due to the fact that they were hiding in the snow forest, most of them chose to wear white.
As for the weapons they used, they were even weirder. Some of them used swords, some used machetes, some used axes, some used short spears … Du Wei even saw a guy who was holding a weapon like a mace.
Moreover, these people, without exception, all of them had a tough and arrogant look on their faces. When Du Wei walked into the campsite, some of the guys who were sharpening their weapons coldly looked at Du Wei and Dadaneier, these two outsiders.
Someone even shouted, "Hey! Captain, why did you bring a kid in! Hahahaha, is this guy a newbie that you recruited? He looks like he hasn't been weaned yet! "
When this was said, it immediately caused the surrounding people to laugh.
Beinrich's face darkened and shouted, "Don't talk nonsense! Be good and do your own thing! Be more courteous, this is our esteemed guest! "
It seemed that this captain was very prestigious. When he said this, although there were some people who didn't agree, but everyone shut their mouth.
"Okay, Mr. Magician, these are all rude men, they don't know how to be polite." Beinrich then wanted to invite Du Wei to stay in his tent, but Du Wei politely declined. So the captain asked people to clear out a space in the middle of the campsite for Du Wei and Dadaneier to set up a small tent.
After a while, the captain asked his men to send two thick blankets.
"These guys don't seem to be friendly to us." Du Wei looked at the mercenary who sent the tent coldly left and turned back to smile at Dadaneier.
"It's normal." Dadaneier twitched his mouth, "In this kind of team, it's usually hard to accept a newbie. They are more willing to trust their old companions who have gone through life and death with them … even in the regular army. "
At night, the mercenaries made a few large bonfires in the middle of the camp. The mercenaries sat in front of the bonfires and waited for dinner.
Beinrich personally invited Du Wei to have dinner together and sat in front of the fire with him.
The attitude of the mercenaries towards Du Wei was much better. It seemed that the captain had already announced Du Wei's identity as a magician. But there were still some people who looked at Du Wei with suspicion … after all, he looked too young.
Not only the mercenaries, even Beinrich also had some doubts.
Sitting in front of the fire and taking off the thick leather hat that covered one-third of his face, Du Wei looked even younger … Beinrich couldn't help but doubt, "Such a young kid, is he really a magician?
Or … even if he is a magician, but at such a young age … I am afraid he is only a magic apprentice. Or, he is only a level one magician?
Although a magician is rare, but if he is only a magic apprentice or a level one magician … then there is no value in recruiting him. "
The mercenaries in front of the fire were doing their own things as if no one was there. They used a few big iron pots to melt the snow and boil it into hot water. Then two strong men carried out some strange looking animal corpses … Du Wei looked at them carefully, but he couldn't tell if it was a cow or a sheep. But Dadaneier recognized it. He frowned and whispered, "This is … my god, a snow camel … oh, this is a burrowing bull … ah, and a snow magic wolf! My god, are you going to eat these for dinner? "
Beinrich laughed and said, "No, it is us! We, and you, are going to eat these for dinner. "
"Corpses of magic beasts." Dadaneier sighed.
"Yes, magic beasts." Bein twitched his mouth and laughed, "From what I see, these things are not much different from normal beasts … At least, the taste is not much different when you eat them. It's just that when they are alive, they can use some magic. After they die, they become our food."
Du Wei didn't say anything. He watched the two men pull out their sharp knives and deftly dissect the corpses of the magic beasts into pieces. Then they threw them all into the big iron pot to cook.
The skin of these magic beasts were already peeled off. Du Wei saw the two men went back to the tent and carried out more magic beasts. He couldn't help but whistle. He looked at Beinrich and said, "Mr. Commander, it seems that you have gained a lot from this trip."
Beinrich said calmly, "It is not easy to make a living. We are risking our lives to live these days. But you are right. This trip is not bad. We have been in this forest for five days and have hunted more than twenty magic beasts. But I have lost seven or eight men. Three of them died, and three of them are permanently disabled. " The mercenary leader sighed, "The skin of these magic beasts can be sold for a good price in the south, and their magic nuclei … You magicians are willing to pay a high price for them."
Du Wei couldn't help but look at the corpses of the magic beasts …
Du Wei recognized the Ice Magic Wolf that the mercenaries carried out. Last time when he was fooled by the Dinodemon in the Half Horn City, he had seen the Ice Magic Wolf in the illusion.
However, the corpses of the demonic wolves that the mercenaries carried out were clearly smaller than the ones that appeared in the illusion.
The water in the pot was boiling, and the smell of the meat filled the air. Many mercenaries couldn't help but sniff.
The commander asked his men to take out a few leather bags of wine from his tent. The mercenaries immediately cheered and passed the leather bags down. Every mercenary took a sip of the wine. In this kind of frigid weather, drinking a mouthful of wine to warm up one's body was really the best enjoyment.
Bein didn't forget to treat Du Wei. He took out a silver bottle and smiled, "This is my personal collection, the best wine in the north … Mr. Magician, do you want to try it?"
Du Wei smiled and took a sip of the wine, but he almost choked to death!
"Cough cough! What kind of wine is this … "Du Wei coughed uncomfortably. His voice was hoarse, and he felt like there was a fire burning in his mouth!
In a hurry, Du Wei could only grab some snow from the ground and stuff it into his mouth! After swallowing three handfuls of snow in one breath, he felt the burning sensation in his throat ease a little.
Heinrich laughed out loud and said, "Mr. Magician, this is good stuff! I soaked this wine with the magic nucleus of the Fire Rhino! When you drink it, it feels like you have a fire in your throat! It is definitely strong! Especially in this kind of weather, just a sip can make your whole body hot! Your body will be warm for the whole night! "
Du Wei pinched his nose, "Thanks! I can't stand this kind of thing. "
Bein laughed and drank a sip himself. Then his face showed a painful but happy expression. He shivered a few times and gasped for breath. At the same time, he shouted, "Good!"
He passed the bottle to Dadaneier, "My friend, have a sip!"
Dadaneier hesitated and tasted it. But his tolerance was much stronger than Du Wei. After drinking a sip, he shivered a few times like Bein Bein. But he showed a happy expression and praised, "Good stuff! My body is much warmer! Damn, it feels like there is a fire in my stomach! "
Then, Du Wei tasted some cooked Magic Beast meat. The Ice Magic Wolf meat was a bit old and had a sour taste. Du Wei wasn't used to it. But in this kind of place where it was cold and snowy, to be able to eat a mouthful of hot meat was already very enjoyable.
At least last night when he was with the Old Magician, Du Wei ate some dry food.
Hmm, I wonder if the old man is watching me now … I'm sitting here drinking and eating meat while the old man is drinking the wind. This feeling is not bad.
Du Wei ate some food and felt much better. He tried to drink two sips of Bein Bein's special wine. This time, he was well prepared, so he didn't feel as uncomfortable as last time. Also, this wine was really good stuff. After drinking it, it felt like there was a fire burning in his organs. Instantly, his whole body felt hot and all the coldness in his body was gone!
"Mr. Magician, since you came to this forest, you must be looking for some Magic Beast right?" Bein Bein smiled and said, "All the magicians here are here for this purpose. If this is the case, maybe we can help each other. Maybe, I have the Magic Beast that you need. "
Dadaneier and Du Wei looked at each other. Du Wei nodded and Dadaneier replied, "Mr. Leader, have you heard of the Golden Eye Python?"
Bein Bein Bein was surprised, "Golden Eye Python? That's a very powerful thing. When I was young, I saw some magicians catch it here. But we have never caught it … and … "
He hesitated and said slowly, "This is only the outer part of the Frozen Forest. The Golden Eye Python is a high-level Magic Beast. You have to go deeper into the forest. The powerful Magic Beasts are active in the center of the forest. There won't be such a thing in the outer part of the forest. But, the deeper you go, the more dangerous it is. "
"The center?" Du Wei smiled and said, "Please forgive me. This is the first time I came to the Frozen Forest. You see, I am a young magician. I am not familiar with this place. You said the center … We have been walking in the forest for two days. Is this still the outer part of the forest? "
"Of course." Bein Bein Bein Bein shook his head and said, "The Frozen Forest is too big … It can even be said that no one has measured how big this forest is. I heard that twenty years ago, there was a powerful magician who took a few Knight of the Shrines and walked into the forest for a month. But they still couldn't reach the other side of the forest. Who knows what is on the other side of the forest. Maybe it is the end of the world. Moreover, the only record that could be traced back to twenty years ago was the one that was recorded. That time, a great magician from the Magician's Guild took a few Paladin of the Shrines and went into the forest. Unfortunately, it was said that in the end, only that mage came out alive. It was said that there were many high-level magic beasts roaming in the center of the frozen forest. Even a powerful magician couldn't deal with the siege of several high-level magic beasts at the same time. As for us mercenaries, we, the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group, have always been active in the outer regions. The furthest we have traveled was nine days … and that was a few years ago. "
Du Wei was a little surprised …
Paladin, a magician and several high-level gods, had walked for a month and still hadn't reached the end?
Was this forest that big?
Dadaneier's face was also a little ugly … If this was the case, where could he find the Golden Eye Python?
"Let me give you two a piece of advice." Heinrich's expression was very serious. "We, the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group, have been hunting magic beasts in this forest for many years. I have also met some mages who came in looking for magic beasts. However, even some mages didn't dare to go too far. At most, they would go near the Great Circle Lake, and no one would dare to go any further. You two … I know you are a magician, and I respect the ability of a magician. But let me give you a piece of advice. If it's not necessary, you should give up your plan … "
Dadaneier's face was very ugly. He thought for a while and suddenly said, "Mr. Leader, thank you for your kindness, but I have to find the Golden Eye Python. Hmm … and … "He suddenly showed a strange expression," I know that your group specializes in hunting magic beasts. If it's possible, I would like to hire you at a high price to help me find the Golden Eye Python … "
"Sorry, I can't." Heinrich refused directly, "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 insist on doing it, then it's not a risk, but an idiot's behavior. We, the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group, don't have the ability to enter the center of the frozen forest. No matter how high the price is, I'm afraid that we can't do anything. "
Dadaneier sighed. He knew that Heinrich was telling the truth, so he didn't say anything more. He just drank a mouthful of wine.
Heinrich's attention went back to Du Wei. He thought for a while and said, "Mr. Magician, I'm very curious about you. In my impression, there are very few people who can get the qualification of a magician at your age. I've lived for 40 years, and I've been adventuring for 20 years. I've met quite a number of magicians, but I've never met a genius like you. "
Du Wei smiled bitterly …
Genius? That's because you haven't seen it before.
Du Wei's strength was only about level 3 magician. He was considered a genius compared to normal people … but … compared to the other two geniuses that Du Wei met, Du Wei really didn't have anything to be proud of.
Getting the qualification of a level 8 magician at the age of 15 or 16! That's what a genius is! And Du Wei met two of them at the same time.
Seeing that Du Wei didn't say anything, Heinrich was silent for a while. Then he slowly took out a roll of paper from his chest.
"Mr. Magician, I want to make a deal with you. I don't know if you're interested?"
Du Wei's eyes lit up, "What kind of deal?"
"It's like this. I know that magicians are very rich, so if I give you any treasures, you definitely won't care about it … so …" Heinrich smiled, "My people and I will continue to walk north for another 4 to 5 days. We'll reach the Big Circle Lake and then we'll turn back. In my opinion, since you and your companions are heading north, why don't you follow us for the next few days? My people and I can be your guide and bring you all the way to the Big Circle Lake. In such a big forest, if you don't have a guide, it's very easy to get lost. What do you think? "
Heinrich opened the roll of paper in his hand, "This is a map of the Frozen Forest! You can't find such a map in the market! Even if you spend 10,000 gold coins, you won't be able to buy it! Because I, Heinrich, used my 20 years of adventuring in this forest, more than 40 experiences, and my memory to draw this map! I guarantee that you won't be able to find another map as detailed as this one in the entire Empire. "
Du Wei's heart skipped a beat!
He took the map and opened it …
On the map, there was a large forest. At the south, there were a few entrances to the forest. On the map, there were also a few small towns in the south and some checkpoints set up by the Tempest Legion in the north.
Du Wei glanced at it and found the path that he and the Old Magician entered the forest two nights ago.
On the map, Duwei didn't know how big the forest was, but Bein pointed out a little and Duwei had a rough idea of it.
"Here, this is our current location." Heinrich pointed at a point on the map.
From the map, this location was very close to the entrance of the southern edge of the forest. Du Wei couldn't help but feel discouraged … After walking for two days, they only walked a little bit on the map.
Heinrich smiled and then pointed at a point in the forest, "Here, this is the destination of me and my people, the Big Circle Lake."
On the map, a slightly flat circle was used to mark the lake.
Heinrich briefly introduced that the lake was located in the forest, it was a lake in the forest. But the area was quite big.
"The lake is about five or six miles wide … at least that wide. Although I have been there a few times, but I didn't measure it. In fact, I haven't been to the other side of the lake. The Big Circle Lake is the dividing line for some adventuring teams in the Frozen Forest. "
"What do you mean?" Du Wei was curious about everything in the Frozen Forest.
"The dividing line of strength." Heinrich smiled, "Basically, in the south of the lake, everything is not too dangerous. Mercenary groups like us can still move around. But … very few people dare to go to the north of the lake. As far as I know, those who dare to cross the lake and continue to go north are the famous strong men … at least I, Heinrich, am not that kind of person. I have brought my people to the Big Circle Lake a few times, but they never dared to go around the lake and continue to the north. "
After a pause, he had a weird smile on his face, "By the way, if it is summer, I won't bring my people to the Big Circle Lake either. You know, wherever there is water, there are usually dangerous beasts … Demon beasts are the same. Demon beasts also need to drink water and they like to take baths. In the summer, although the weather here was very cold, it wasn't as cold as it was now. Now it is just the beginning of spring, the lake hasn't thawed yet. The surface of the lake is still ice, so there are no demon beasts around the lake. But in summer, it is different. In summer, that place is a gathering place for demon beasts! Damn it … I have heard that a few mercenary groups, hundreds of people were attacked by demon beasts at the lake! The entire team had died there! So, because of the season now, I dare to go there. If it is summer, I will definitely stay far away from that place. "
After Heinrich finished, he looked at Du Wei and said, "How about it? Mr. Magician? My deal is very simple. My men and I will take you to the lake, and I will give you this map … Although I have never been to the north side of the lake, I have collected a lot of information over the years. It is all information spread by some experts who have been to the north side of the lake. It cost me a lot of money to collect this information! Even if you go past the Big Circle Lake and continue to the north, at least the map will show the terrain for the next two to three days. "
Du Wei looked at Heinrich and said, "Honorable Mr. Captain … I am very curious. Since you don't plan to go to the north of the lake, why do you want to collect information about the north of the lake?"
Heinrich's eyes showed a trace of emotion. His face was very sincere and very serious, "Mr. Magician, please remember, I am an adventurer!"
When he said this, his expression even showed some sincerity.
"I am an adventurer! Although … I am now doing the work of a mercenary, and I have gained some benefits by adventuring in the Frozen Forest … But, I am not a businessman who stinks of money! In my bones, there is the blood of an adventurer! " Heinrich said in a deep voice, "I have been adventuring in this place for half of my life. Since I was young, I have heard those legends, and I have always been looking forward to the Frozen Forest at the north of the lake. I want to see what it is like … Although I know that my strength is far from being the strongest in the continent. And now, I have a bunch of people following me, 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 captain, and my people will be handed over to their new leader. Then, when I am alone and have no responsibilities, I will prepare to cross the lake and go to the north to see what it is like! I have been wandering around this place for my whole life! In the future, if I die of old age without seeing what the north looks like, then I will not be able to rest in peace! I am collecting all this information to make plans for the future! I plan to go on the journey alone after I have made my preparations. I am even prepared to die in the north of the Big Circle Lake! Even if I die, at least I can see what the north of the lake looks like in the legends … If I die there, I will have completed my destiny as an adventurer! "
Speaking up to here, Beinrich said something that made Du-Wei feel deep respect for him.
"As an adventurer, if I die of old age in bed, it is a shame! As a real adventurer, I should choose to die in the most exciting journey! "
Duwei took a deep breath, and his tone couldn't help but become more respectful, "Honorable Captain, you promised to be our guide, and gave us this map … So what do you need me to do for you?"
"It is very simple." Heinrich smiled, "I only have two conditions. First, during our journey, if we encounter any trouble, such as being attacked by other people or magic beasts, you, Mr. Magician, please stand on our side. When the time is right, we need the help of a magician. "
"No problem." Du Wei immediately replied, "Since we are going on the journey together, then we are companions. This is a matter of course."
"Thank you. My second condition is … If, after you finish this adventure, you can still go back … I am sorry for using such unlucky words. But I will advise you for the last time, the north is very dangerous! " Seeing that Du Wei did not accept his suggestion, the captain sighed, "Then … If you can come back, I think, you will be the most powerful magician I have ever seen in my life … You are so young! Other than genius, I have no other words to describe you. I believe, in the future, you will become a famous master in the continent. If there is such a day, I hope you can remember the name of our Snow Wolf Mercenary Group … I am presumptuous to ask you to remember, once in the Frozen Forest, the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group helped you. As for this favor, when the time is right, when it is convenient for you to help us, that will be enough. "
What a smart captain!
Duwei's respect for this commander increased by several points!
If the words of "adventurer's destiny" made him look like an idealist … Then the conditions of the deal showed that this captain had a long term vision!
This matter, to them, actually, did not cost them anything … They originally planned to go to the Big Circle Lake. A team of more than a hundred people, bringing two more people was not a big deal. On the contrary, there was an additional magician companion on the road.
In addition, as for the map … The map was made by the captain himself. Although he gave it to Du Wei, he could draw another one at any time. For him, there was no loss.
But all this in exchange for a magician's favor!
In the Roland Continent, magicians were more precious than gold, especially those powerful magicians. This captain's calculation was very smart. Du Wei became a magician at such a young age, his future must be bright … As long as he could come back alive, it meant that the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group did not have to pay any price to become friends with a future great magician!
They could count on the help of a great magician in the future!
An idealist, but not lacking in cunning.
This was Du Wei's evaluation of Captain Beinrich.
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It was a quiet night.
The next morning, when Du Wei got out of the tent, the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group was ready to set off. Some of the warriors who were not afraid of the cold used the snow to wash their bodies, and some were carefully shaving their beards with a dagger. These guys who were used to adventuring, each of them had a strong temperament. At last, they called their companions to set off.
Dadaneier's mood was a bit low.
After Captain Beinrich introduced the situation of the Frozen Forest last night, Dadaneier knew that the possibility of finding the Golden Eye Python by himself was very small. Even with the help of the little magician Harry Potter, he was afraid that it would not be enough.
Du Wei comforted the loyal warrior of the Lister Family, and then set off with the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group.
The Snow Wolf Mercenary Group was very full, and there were two small teams scattered around to search. In the afternoon, Du Wei witnessed the process of the mercenaries hunting the Demon Beast.
The search team found a Demon Beast's cave. The roots of a towering tree were hollowed out, and a snow-white giant bear was hibernating inside.
This was a "Roaring Snow Bear". This Demon Beast was almost twice as big as a normal bear. Its appearance was very similar to the polar bear that Du Wei knew in his previous life. However, this Roaring Snow Bear could use a magic attack: its roar could create a small tornado!
The Snow Wolf Mercenary Group seemed to have a very skillful way to deal with this Demon Beast. More than ten strong warriors tied themselves and their companions together with ropes. First, they threw burning pine branches into the bear's cave to force the bear out. Then, they attacked it with arrows from afar.
The roar of the giant bear created a small whirlwind, blowing the two burly men into the air! Luckily, they were tied together with their companions. Although they fell a bit miserably, the snow was thick, so they were not seriously injured. It was just an unlucky guy who fell on a snow-covered rock and sprained his waist.
The mercenaries used a huge net to cover the bear, and then divided into four directions. Each direction had more than ten big men pulling it.
Finally, Captain Beinrich held a giant axe and stood about fifteen steps away from the giant bear. His Dou Qi flashed, and he quickly threw the axe!
In the midst of the silver Dou Qi, the captain chopped the giant bear's head in half with one swing of the axe!
Du Wei saw this and couldn't help but be secretly surprised.
This Captain Beinrich's Dou Qi was indeed very powerful! As one of the three heroes of the Northern Mercenary Group, he was indeed very capable!
Du Wei secretly compared him with the Dou Qi masters that he had seen before. He realized that no matter if it was Robert Knight or his father's bodyguard, Alpha Swordsman, they were not as good as Beinrich.
The only thing that could be compared to him was Joanna's Dou Qi.
As the mercenaries cheered, everyone went up to retrieve the giant bear's body. A captain skillfully used a dagger to cut open the bear's stomach. He first took out the bear's gallbladder, then cut out the magic core from the bear's head and kept it.
As for the rest, the three soldiers quickly peeled off the bear's skin. As for the bear's meat, it was divided into a few pieces for the soldiers to carry, and then they continued their journey.
On this day, Du Wei saw a similar scene four to five times. The Snow Wolf Mercenary Group hunted another two Ice Demon Wolves. But unfortunately, when they were hunting the second Ice Demon Wolf, a mercenary's stomach was scratched by the Ice Demon Wolf's claws, and even his intestines flowed out on the spot!
"This is the life of an adventurer. Every day when you are adventuring, someone might be sacrificed. " Dadaneier said to Du Wei in a low voice, "That year, I also had this kind of life, but later, I chose to quit."
Those mercenaries only expressed their condolences to their dead companions for a while, then they buried their companions' bodies and continued their journey with their heads held high …
At night, everyone had a full meal of Ice Demon Wolf meat. But when they were taking turns to drink wine to warm up, Du Wei noticed a detail carefully.
The dozens of mercenaries who were sitting around the bonfire didn't touch the wine bag that was being passed around.
"Those are the people who are keeping watch tonight." The captain looked at Du Wei's doubtful eyes and said lightly, "The people who are keeping watch, I want them to be 100% alert and calm the whole night! Because in this kind of place, if the people who are keeping watch are even a little bit careless, the whole team will be finished! So, the people who are keeping watch are not allowed to drink even a drop of wine! But as a reward, the people who are keeping watch can get double the amount of wine when the next person is changed. They can also get an extra share of the spoils of war they get the next day when they go back. "
When the captain said this, he added in a low voice, "Of course, if at that time, they can still go back alive."
After hearing this, Du Wei looked at those soldiers who were calmly watching their companions drinking and cheering … His eyes had a trace of respect.
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