Goblin Dependency-Chapter 691 - 347: Wealthy Merchant
Regarding this long journey, to be safe, Xia Nan made thorough and detailed preparations before the official departure, even drafting a plan for wilderness survival in case of the most extreme situations where all equipment supplies are lost. ๐ฏ๐ง๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ฃ๐ค๐๐ฎ๐ต.๐๐ค๐ข
Itโs not entirely foolproof, but at least Xia Nan is mentally prepared, having plans for various potential emergencies.
From the border of the Kingdom to the southern coast, the journey takes nearly fifty days.
The commerce of the Sevia Kingdom is quite developed. "River Valley Town" and "Suo Yu Bay" are large human settlements with branches of the adventurer association, so there is naturally traffic between them.
Perhaps there are sections in Xia Nanโs planned route where packhorses and vehicles might not conveniently pass, but that was intentionally designed by him to save time.
For the most part, the journey has clear and distinct route guidance.
With multiple references, there are ample choices for towns and villages to stop and rest along the way.
Xia Nan doesnโt need to blaze new trails and take risks like the pioneers of this continent; just follow the map.
Of course, since itโs the first time traveling so far after coming to this world, no matter how detailed the preparations, thereโs always a bit of uncertainty.
So, he thought about whether he could take a little shortcut and find some shortcuts.
It would be ideal if there was a caravan that could take him along the way.
This would not only provide mutual care during the journey but also allow experienced individuals to handle situations, making it more convenient.
Unlike those low-level adventurers who struggle with even a few goblins, as a "veteran expert" who has obtained a Professional Level, if Xia Nan doesnโt demand a gold coin reward, just hitching a ride and helping the caravan solve some minor road troubles along the way,
he is quite sought-after in the market of the inn.
After all, which caravan leader would not appreciate such a professional who is well-known in the town, willing to act as a temporary guard without needing payment?
The only concern is whether the other partyโs intent is not just to give a ride but perhaps harbors other motives.
And this only influencing factor ceased to exist yesterday when Xia Nan met those two acquaintances in the tavern, who were also preparing to set out, with a destination in a small town on his planned route.
"Are you all ready?"
Seeing from a distance, a young man with black hair on the road ahead.
A spirited woman with her hair tied in a dark golden braid, along with a dwarf beside her, approached proactively.
Xia Nan, carrying a backpack, nodded while approaching swiftly, glancing over at the two figures ahead.
โโOathkeeper Blackwood Squad:
Leader "Margaret," Level 4 [Swordsman], with a fighting style leaning towards offense and burst attacks; a seasoned professional with many years of adventuring experience, a steady and calm human woman;
"Soldin," Level 4 [Shield Warrior], is the front-line in the squad, responsible for drawing enemy attacks to create output space for teammates, also experienced, a dwarf fitting the stereotypical appearance and demeanor of the race.
Xia Nanโs initial interaction with Oathkeeper Blackwood Squad was through the [Iron Stomach Flail], now sent to a distant nephew of the dwarf.
Back then, it was the squad who purchased this weapon from him, allowing him to slightly recuperate the depleted bank balance from forging the [Ash Fall] straight sword.
Later, during a goblin cleansing mission deep in the Mist Forest, they unexpectedly met and teamed up to fight against a Purgatory Devil possessing Abiโs body.
It was in that battle that Xia Nan fully initiated [Embers Resonance], gaining the ability to advance to the second stage.
Oathkeeper Blackwood Squad also lost two teammates due to the devilโs overwhelming power.
It was a novice mage and a sharp-tongued wanderer, if I remember correctly?
Xia Nanโs dealings with this adventurer team ended when they completed the task and returned to River Valley Town, signing the commission reward-sharing agreement.
He assumed there would be no further interactions thereafter.
But unexpectedly, just yesterday, at the White Sparrow Tavern, Xia Nan happened to meet the two members.
Through casual conversation, he learned that after their significant losses last time, Oathkeeper Blackwood Squad hadnโt made much progress in recruiting new members, and with two fewer members, their overall strength was much diminished.
However, life must go on. They couldnโt be disheartened by a single setback, so they took on a relatively low-difficulty escort mission as a two-person team.
Xia Nan initially didnโt think much of it.
Until he learned from the two about the escort caravanโs destination, discovering it was right on his planned route.
Then, for Xia Nan, who was contemplating hitching a ride... the development that followed naturally fell into place.
With the recommendation and guarantee of these two veteran professionals, any potential concerns from the caravan disappeared.
As a temporary guard, Xia Nan became a member of the caravan.
Compared to the relatively steady personality of Margaret, who only shook hands with him, Dwarf Solting was especially welcoming of Xia Nanโs inclusion.
The copper rings adorning his beard swung and clinked against the front of his light plate armor with a crisp sound due to his gait.
The dwarf, standing just over five feet tall, stretched his sinewy arms and gave Xia Nan a hearty hug with laughter.
