novelraw Chapter 477 - 467: Borrowing the Sword
Chapter 477 - 467: Borrowing the Sword
On the east side of the Scarecrow Abyss, where the Dwarf Mountains meet the Elf Forest, a new settlement is being developed along ancient roads.
In the past, the Scarecrow Abyss was known for its bizarre mechanisms, and its danger exceeded that of typical Underground Cities.
In other Underground Cities, adventurers could attempt to return the way they came if injured.
But here, once injured and slowed down, they often can’t reach the boundary to retreat to the upper layer before tumbling into the overlapping spaces, ultimately disappearing forever.
The monotonous yield within the Abyss is nowhere near worth such high risks.
Therefore, unless receiving specific assignments or lured by high bounties, few adventurers choose to stay here long-term.
With few human traces, it naturally cannot foster a town like the old Dumb Wind Town that served adventurers.
For a long time, only an elf patrol and a dwarf garrison army stood watch here, defending against the Demon Tide while regularly clearing away curses escaping from the Abyss.
However, times have changed.
Nowadays, groups of humans are crossing the Scarecrow Abyss to escape the war.
Although the Elves still strictly guard their boundaries and do not accept outsiders, the Dwarf Mountains do not reject these human refugees.
And every team successfully crossing the Abyss invariably carries at least one Puki as their protective talisman through that perilous land.
As more people flow in, this originally shared territory by the two races naturally begins to sprout new life.
Simple wooden inns rise from the ground, providing rest for travelers exhausted from several days of continuous journeying.
Fresh ingredients transported from afar are labeled at high prices and sold to evacuees who’ve gnawed on dry rations for days.
And certainly, the most crucial industry is Puki rental and recycling!
This once desolate land is being revitalized in a rough yet vibrant manner.
The tavern is suffused with the mixed smell of ale and tobacco smoke.
Though not all tables are filled, the chatter, clinking of cups, and occasional laughter weave together, creating a lively atmosphere.
People gather in small groups, and conversations always revolve around two things: the intensifying war in the north, and the other being...
"Have you heard? Another group fell into the Abyss." A rugged man with a weathered face took a swig of beer and set down his wooden cup heavily.
The slender companion beside him whispered, "Indeed, seven people in total! The team behind watched with their own eyes as they just vanished not far ahead of them. It’s been days now, not a word of news—afraid it’s..."
The rugged man shook his head and sighed, "Without preparations for falling into the Deep Area, how could they climb out? Now there’s a bunch of cursed Slimes down there, even more dangerous than before!"
"How did they suddenly fall down? Didn’t they carry a Puki?" A slightly naive young man at a nearby table couldn’t help but interject, confusion etched on his face.
The rugged man snorted, "For what reason? Naturally, they bought a fake Puki! Taking advantage of those refugees who can’t discern a real Underground City Puki, they catch ordinary Pukis nearby, pass them off as the real deal, saying they’re from the Underground City."
Though new settlements exist on both sides of the Scarecrow Abyss, being formed on their own, no official forces have intervened to manage them, leaving them relatively chaotic without anyone to handle such malicious events.
"Just to save some freight cost?" The young man widened his eyes, "This is a matter of life and death!"
Listening to the young man’s words, the few people exchanged glances and immediately burst into laughter: "Kid, first time wandering the world? Forget fifty silver coins’ freight cost, in times like these, some people dare disregard lives for just two silver coins!"
Amid the uproarious laughter, the tavern’s creaking wooden door was suddenly pushed open.
A ragged swordsman stood at the doorway, the setting sun outlining his weary yet tall figure.
Strangely, as he entered, the tavern’s noise gradually quieted, turning into whispers.
The young man looked around in confusion and leaned closer to the rugged man, whispering, "What’s happening? Why did everyone suddenly..."
"Fool!" The rugged man lowered his voice as well: "See the corrosion on his armor? It’s not just Leather Armor, even the metal parts are so eroded... this is one tough guy from the Deep Area!"
The young man gasped sharply, instantly too scared to speak.
The swordsman walked heavily to the counter and slapped two silver coins onto the wood: "A room, and food."
The owner stared at those silver coins, opened his mouth to say it’s not enough to stay here; however, seeing the marks on the stranger, he cautiously chose to remain silent.
This destitute swordsman was none other than Sword Saint Elvyn’s direct disciple, Shi Wu.
His appearance was due to buying a fake Puki too!
How was he to know the intricacies? In a hurry on his journey, he heard of the Puki’s usefulness and thought it so convenient?
Immediately went to buy one, little knowing there was a real and fake division to Puki!
The result was plunging all the way to the bottom of the Scarecrow Abyss, relying purely on his Longsword to fight his way out!
Despite his mission, the exhausted Shi Wu indeed needed rest.
Wolfing down the food, the utterly fatigued Shi Wu collapsed onto the bed in the guest room and nearly instantly fell into a deep sleep.
At dawn the next day, before the first ray of light penetrated the mist, he was already dressed and set off.
Against the flow heading towards the Dwarf Mountains, his destination was the Elf Forest!
Early when Sword Saint Elvyn was ambushed and severely injured, the army retreated to the Three Mountains City as the Demon Race had not yet completed their encirclement, Shi Wu had been ordered to break through.
This journey carries a crucial mission: to procure an article from the Elf Race for his master!
On the Elf Forest’s outskirts, Shi Wu didn’t deliberately conceal himself and was soon spotted by the Forest Patrol.
Two Feathered Arrows struck the soil at his toes, a traditional elf warning.
Yet Shi Wu didn’t retreat; instead, he stepped forward, attempting to express his intent.
This act angered the Forest Patrol hidden in the woods, ignoring Shi Wu’s explanation, intending to teach him a lesson—every intruder found always has similar rhetoric!
Shi Wu had no choice but to draw his sword, and within a few breaths, he had subdued the patrol team to the ground.
He deliberately controlled his power, only rendering them temporarily immobile, but the noise of the skirmish had alerted more of the Forest Patrol.
Things were on the brink of escalating when a familiar figure emerged from the depths of the woods.
Eco, the former Captain of the Guard now turned leader of the Forest Patrol, upon recognizing Shi Wu’s face, raised his hand to stop his subordinates about to release arrows.
Back then, he had sparred with the Sword Saint once, thus could certainly recognize Shi Wu, the apprentice.
Though he had some dissatisfaction with the Sword Saint’s sarcastic tongue, Eco would not trouble the junior.
Learning that Shi Wu wished to seek the Elf Royal Court, Eco decided to personally escort him to the Royal City. With him, the Forest Patrol leader accompanying, there was no fear of Shi Wu harboring other intentions.
Along the way, Shi Wu’s gaze inadvertently drifted to Eco’s head, where a Puki sat and bobbed with Eco’s steps.
Shi Wu wanted very much to ask but felt it inappropriate given their acquaintance, holding back his curiosity painfully.
On reaching the winding tree path of Ishildorin, Shi Wu was even more surprised to find the Elf King City now filled with Puki sightings everywhere, vastly different from his last visit.
Looking at the seemingly sudden emergence of Pukis, Shi Wu couldn’t shake the strange feeling but had no time to dwell on it.
Within the palace’s innermost chamber, he finally met Galadriel Dusk Song, temporarily handling royal affairs. Galadriel sat on a throne woven from Moonlight Vine, exuding a cool aura.
Shi Wu knelt on one knee, solemnly stating his purpose: "Honorable Lady Dusk Song, I come at the behest of Master Elvyn, requesting to borrow the Lunar Moonblade!"
Upon these words, all elves present instinctively turned their gaze towards the same direction: the sword leaning casually in the moonlight beside the throne.