Chapter 20: The Demonic Beast Incident of Crescent Moon City

  Solstice's laboratory is in the south because his own research direction is biased towards fire magic.

  In the scorching south, it's obvious that the natural world contains a richer fire element. Otherwise, running to the icy north to study fire magic isn't impossible, but that would be somewhat absurd.

  Du Wei made up his mind and acted quickly.

  Solskaya was immediately released from the dungeon, his wizard's robe and equipment were returned to him, along with those bottles of powder, magical crystals, and sheepskin papers with spells.

  Of course, the wizard's robe is newly made.

  For this young master, he was able to recruit a magician as his subordinate, the old butler of the castle was very surprised at first. However, when he learned that Soluskya was only a level one magician, the old butler let out a sigh of relief... So that's how it is.

  Du Wei proposed to go on a trip, and such a request was something that the old steward could not refuse. Moreover, he had also mentioned in the morning that it would be better for Du Wei to visit some of the family's estates in the territory, take a look around, and get a feel for things, rather than staying in the castle looking at dull account books.

  Soon, the carriage, horses, and luggage were all ready. Unlike the humble procession when leaving the Imperial Capital to the south, this time the old steward arranged a much more impressive one. After all, if the young master of the Rolin family traveled too humbly within his own territory, it would be somewhat embarrassing.

  Still as Madeleine's attendant butler, this time Madeleine has ten more servants from the castle to take care of Young Master along the way.

  In the castle guard, two cavalry squads were dispatched to escort Duwei. Moreover, the deputy captain of the castle guard, a regular knight with quite impressive martial skills, would also accompany him in person. This deputy captain named Robert was a genuine knight! He was a certified fourth-level knight badge holder recognized by the Knights Association!

  Two cavalry squads followed, one of which was Robert's own squad, and the other was a group of people Du Weiqin had brought from the Imperial Capital.

  This fourth-level knight named Robert looked tall and powerful, with broad shoulders, a sturdy physique, a square face, and an honest appearance. To Du Wei, this knight was quite respectful in his attitude, seemingly a simple warrior. Du Wei had a good impression of him.

  Apart from these people, there was also a female knight among the entourage, naturally Du Wei's first direct subordinate under his command, Yu Rong.

  As they left the castle and headed south, Robert diligently fulfilled his duties on the road. He meticulously arranged for people to scout ahead and set up guards when they stopped. Occasionally, when Duvivier suddenly became enthusiastic, he suggested camping outside at night, but Robert didn't raise any objections and silently nodded in agreement. After setting up camp, he would also carefully arrange the night watch and guards.

  A very typical soldier.

  This is Du Wei's evaluation of Robert. Apparently, this guy must have been in the army before. As a vassal of the martial family Rolin Family, many knights in the family have experience in the military.

  Compared with that old butler who made Du Wei somewhat disgusted, this loyal and dedicated knight was undoubtedly much more pleasing to the eye.

  Seven days.

  After walking and looking around for seven whole days, Du Wei and his party finally arrived at a town in the southernmost part of Kotor Province. If they went any further south, they would have left the territory of the Rolin family.

  Overall, Du Wei was very satisfied with the situation of the Rowling family's territory. On this Romaine Plain with its superior geographical conditions, he saw large tracts of farmland, rich farmhouses and leisurely farmers everywhere he went. Even when occasionally passing through one or two slightly larger towns, it could be seen that people here lived quite well.

  Their convoy, as it traveled along the road, would often pass by one or two farmhouses, and there would be some farmers standing by the roadside. As soon as they saw these knights bearing the Rollin family flag, the farmers would also wave their hats in respect from a distance.

  It seems that here, the Luo Lin family is still very popular.

  Robert also saw that this young master was not out inspecting any family property at all. He simply brought people out to have fun and play.

  But that's not surprising. Given the young master's age, Robert also thinks that a thirteen-year-old boy can't really manage any family business, can he? And these are not things he should worry about, he just needs to complete his duties and be a good guardian.

  When they arrived at this small town on the southernmost edge of the Rowling family's territory, Du Wei suddenly suggested continuing south. Robert felt a bit strange about this request, but he didn't object.

  Anyway, it's also a trip, since the young master has the interest, then just follow him and continue south.

  Moreover, south of Corté Province is the Imperial Province of Lirien. The Governor of Lirien Province is very friendly and respectful to the Rolland family. If the young master of the Rolland family comes to visit Lirien Province, he will definitely receive some care, so there's no need to worry.

  Du Wei soon took a liking to this obedient knight. He also saw that this Robert Knight was very popular among these cavalrymen. Often during camping, some young cavalrymen would ask him for martial arts guidance.

  Robert's martial skills were quite impressive - in Du Wei's eyes, at least. This knight could wield a massive broadsword with astonishing strength! When instructing those young soldiers, seven or eight of them couldn't even get close to his side.

  Even Yolyn's escort, the barbarian warrior, was quite impressed with Robert. Because in a bout, Robert knocked down the barbarian warrior with just one hand holding his sword.

  A fourth-level knight, his martial skills were indeed not bad.

  In this case, Duwei also couldn't help but feel a little itchy in his heart and proposed to ask Robert to teach him some martial skills. Robert felt somewhat unexpected at the young master's request. Because, according to the family's management, if someone like Duwei, the son of the family head, wanted to learn martial skills, they would definitely find the knights with the highest martial skills in the family as their teacher, and it wouldn't be him, a small cavalry captain.

  Robert readily agreed, after all, he was practicing the martial arts taught in the Imperial Army. It wasn't a particularly impressive secret. However, just like the evaluation made by the captain of the guard who served under Count Raymond back then, Robert had to tell Duwei after a brief period of instruction that he really didn't have any talent for martial arts.

  Du Wei's current body has been weak since childhood and had a serious illness, congenitally deficient.

  Du Wei didn't have much disappointment, he didn't expect himself to become a master, but he felt it was necessary to exercise his body a bit. Even if he couldn't become a master, being able to make his body strong and healthy was not bad either!

  Under Robert's guidance, Du Wei began to learn some of the most basic martial skills, mainly methods for tempering his body. This situation also caused the group's southward journey to slow down a bit.

  On the ninth day of their journey southward, they arrived at a small town in the northeastern part of Lyle Province, Empire's southern region... Half Moon City.

  This is a strange name because the city lies next to a mountain valley in the shape of a half-moon.

  This small town is located on an important route for merchant caravans in the northeastern part of Lille Province, so it's quite prosperous. Even in this small town, Du Wei and his party saw a group of about twenty mercenaries! These mercenaries were escorting a merchant caravan northward. Coincidentally, they checked into the same inn as Du Wei and his party.

  Riel Province was not a noble domain, but an imperial province directly under the empire. In such a small city, there were no high-ranking officials, and Du Wei didn't want to deal with those local officials either. Staying in an inn also gave them more freedom. So their arrival did not alert the local officials.

  At noon, Du Wei and others were in the lobby of the inn, while the other merchant group was on the other side of the lobby. Suddenly, outside the hotel came the sound of urgent horseshoes, followed by a burst of noise, and the door was pushed open, three knights wearing local guard armor walked in.

  The first one, with a knight medal hanging on his chest, represents that he is also a person with a fourth-level knight identity. The armor and military emblem on his body show that his identity is a high-ranking officer of the local defense army.

  The man strode in, surrounded by several subordinates, and first came to the side of those merchant teams. He loudly declared: "Everyone! I am Sir Spahn, the captain of the Second Cavalry Regiment of the Half Moon City Local Defense Corps! Now, according to the Empire's 'Local Military Equipment Law', I represent the Half Moon City Local Defense Army to formally requisition your escort team! Because our current military strength is insufficient, we need your escort team to assist us in completing a task outside the city in the Half Moon Valley. According to imperial law, you are not allowed to refuse."

  His voice was loud and his attitude was resolute, then he glanced at the guards of those merchant teams: "I know you are all mercenaries. I am now requisitioning you to join my team to carry out tasks. After that, the imperial military will pay your wages. You have half an hour to sort out your equipment and horses! Half an hour later, I need everyone to gather at the door of the inn."

  Those mercenaries who served as the caravan's escort were somewhat reluctant, but imperial law was like a mountain, and they couldn't refuse this kind of thing either. Anyway, they would get paid for it.

  It was that merchant group, seeing the guards they had hired with their own money being requisitioned away, couldn't help but feel anxious, and immediately a clever-looking person came over, trying to persuade the military officer...

  "No way!" The knight refused bluntly: "I'm very sorry, your journey will be delayed, but I guarantee it won't take too long. At the latest by this time tomorrow, your escort personnel will return. You can choose to stay in this city for one more day, and the military will bear the accommodation costs of this extra day at this inn! Please don't say anything else, this is a military mission, I cannot compromise, and please take back your gold coins, bribing military officers is a serious crime!"

  Having said that, the knight turned away from the leader of the merchant group and walked towards Du Wei and his party.

  He was about to announce the mobilization of Du Wei's followers, but he took two steps forward and suddenly saw the attire of several followers beside Du Wei, as well as Du Wei's own dress... More importantly, he saw Robert and others behind Du Wei!

  The armor Robert wore was clearly not a standard issue of the Imperial Army, but rather something like the equipment of a noble private army.

  To mobilize private armies of other nobles, such power is not something that a small local garrison cavalry captain can have!

  Sir Spence looked at Duve a few times, hesitated for a moment, but since he didn't have any other men available and the task was urgent, he finally gritted his teeth and walked towards Duve with large strides. He bowed first, following the knight's etiquette, then said in a deep voice: "Respected sir, I..."

  Spahn's voice suddenly choked up at this point. Because he hadn't noticed earlier, but now he saw clearly!

  Behind Du Wei, several guard cavalrymen had the emblem of the Luo Lin family on their light armor!

  He originally wanted to use some means to borrow the opponent's guards, but Ha Ha, a famous imperial martial arts family, is not someone he can borrow from just by asking!

  What the...! A person from the Luo Lin family?! How could someone from the Luo Lin family come to Ban Jiao City? Without any news at all......

  Spencer sighed helplessly in his heart.

  "Please, continue, Mr. Knight." Du Wei smiled and raised his wine glass, taking a light sip. This pale ale was still quite good, with a taste similar to the rice wine he used to drink in his past life.

  "This... esteemed sir. Forgive my impertinence, but are you from the great Rolen family?" Spren's voice was even more respectful, and he unconsciously bowed his head slightly.

  "Not bad. We are from the Rolling Plains." This time it was Robert who spoke, taking a step forward, his robust body half a head taller than this Spaniard knight: "This is my master, the eldest son of Count Raymond of the Rollin family, young Master Duve."

  Spahn immediately re-greeted, as the son of the head of the Roline family, such an identity, even when facing the Governor, is also on an equal footing.

  "Mr. Knight, have you encountered some trouble?" Du Wei asked with a smile.

  "Yes...” Spurne hesitated for a moment before speaking the truth: “I just received an urgent mission that requires about one hundred soldiers. However, it's currently spring training season and most of the defending soldiers in Half Angle City have been taken to the south two hundred miles away for spring training exercises. I only have less than twenty people left under my command. Therefore, according to the Imperial Local Military Equipment Ordinance, I can only temporarily recruit warriors from the city as temporary military personnel."

  Du Wei nodded: "Oh, so you're also planning to requisition my guards?"

  "No, no, I don't dare!" Spahn jumped in fright. He had indeed meant to do so, but after seeing the other's identity, how could he still dare?

  What kind of person is Count Raymond? He's the second most important figure in the Imperial Military! To summon his son's guard? If something unexpected happens to this young master due to a lack of guards, even if I cut off my own head a hundred times, it won't be enough to atone for that sin.

  "So, what exactly happened?" Du Wei was somewhat curious: "After all, we're also here now. If something happens here, please tell me so that we can be prepared too."

  Spencer Knight thought for a moment, then spoke out, his expression somewhat helpless and worried: "This matter is also strange to say, the half-angle mountain outside the Half-Angle City has always been calm and peaceful. The mountain is not high, the forest is not deep, and even in the past, there were no large wild beasts, let alone now, our local garrison troops go up the mountain to hunt every three or five days, and they have all been hunted away! But just yesterday, suddenly, I don't know where a... demon beast appeared!"

  Du Wei's eyes lit up!

  Monster?

  "Yes, although it's still unclear what kind of demon beast it is, one thing is certain: this is a big deal, because the hunters in the mountains have seen the footprints of the demon beast with their own eyes. This is beyond doubt. What's puzzling is that demon beasts usually don't live near human settlements, and even if they do, they should be in the desolate forests on the southern border of the empire. Moreover, there hasn't been any news of demon beasts appearing in the entire Lir Province for decades. Who knows where this thing came from?" Spahn smiled wryly: "My men and I have been ordered to go into the mountains to hunt down this guy, but based on my estimates, a big deal like this... if we want to kill it, we'll probably need at least twenty soldiers. And with Half Moon Mountain being so large, if we're going to surround it in the mountains, less than a hundred people won't be enough."

  The monster... seems like it's going to be interesting.

  Du Wei couldn't help but feel moved.

  In fact, since he found a glimmer of hope that he could learn magic, he has recently become extremely interested in everything related to magic!

  In the southern region of this empire's hinterland, a rare magical beast has actually appeared! How can one not go and join in on the excitement?

  "Very well! I have brought forty guards, each one of the finest cavalrymen of the Rorin family. And this, my captain, is a fourth-level knight. I am willing to let them accompany you to Half Angle Mountain to carry out this task. After all, it would be against my moral principles to sit idly by while a demonic beast runs amok." Du Wei said with great righteousness.

  Spencer was taken aback: "You're saying... You're willing to lend me all of your guards..."

  "Master, this won't do." Robert spoke up in opposition for the first time: "You can't possibly go without someone to protect you. If you must go, I'll take twenty men with me."

  Robert was more than willing to help, after all, he was also a regular knight who believed in the spirit of chivalry.

  "Don't worry, I don't have any guards with me." Du Wei smiled: "Because I'll be going with you. I think being by your side is the safest place to be, isn't it?"

  Now both Robert and Spahn are going to oppose it.

  Especially Spahn! He began to regret why he told this young master of the Rollin family about this matter!

  Take him along? It's a small matter whether or not to catch the monster! But if this young master encounters even a little unexpected situation after going up the mountain, then he'll really be out of luck!

  "You don't have to oppose it anymore." Du Wei made a decisive decision: "Don't worry about my safety, don't forget that I still have an exceptionally powerful magician by my side!"

  He pushed Solzhenitsyn out.

  Sorcerya felt a bit helpless. However, although he couldn't be considered to have outstanding abilities, his identity as a magician was genuine.

  Spencer's eyes lit up!

  A magician? If we had a powerful magician's assistance, this mission should be no problem!

  It's just...the safety of this young master...

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  I read every review from you all carefully every day, and many book friends' reviews are of high standard, making me blush. Also, some enthusiastic book friends have found materials for me, and I'd like to express my gratitude here.

  In addition, I think that for anything YY, the so-called "rationality" doesn't have to be too demanding. It's only necessary to make it roughly reasonable, and if every detail has to be strictly realistic and rational, then it would really be difficult for me. If you must talk about rationality, then first of all, this kind of time-travel is the biggest irrationality. In that case, this book wouldn't have any reason to exist, right? After all, this is just online, not some kind of academic report. Hehe...

  Still the same words, thank you all for your support, Xiao Wu will definitely work hard to write this book well.

  Finally, don't forget to cast your vote!