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Chapter 333
Chapter 280: The Fortress City of Kalinxia - Three Things
There were a total of three great forts along the fortress line.
The central fort faced the Abelion Hills, and the south fort was near the Southern Sea Region. Theoretically, to reach the south fort, one would have to cross the entire fortress line.
As for Tang Zheng's party, they had followed the only route from the Kingdom to the Holy Kingdom, so their destination was the north fort.
Swoosh!
A sharp, piercing sound shot down from the City Wall.
An arrow landed just in front of the Evil Spirit Hound, forcing the entire carriage to a halt.
"Who goes there!!"
A wary shout came from atop the City Wall.
*Rustle.*
Tang Zheng pushed aside the carriage's curtain and stepped out. He looked up at the high Battlements, where the silhouettes of people were bustling about, took the adventurer badge from his belt, and held it above his head.
"I am the Captain of the Gold-rank Adventurer Team, Free Will."
A brief commotion stirred on the City Wall.
Before long, in an inconspicuous spot at the base of the City Wall, a narrow wooden door that looked hidden and only allowed one person to pass through at a time was pulled open.
A Soldier Squad emerged from within. There were a full fifteen of them, and they quickly surrounded Tang Zheng's party.
Every soldier wore a wary expression.
The Evil Spirit Hound's tall and vicious appearance immediately marked it as a powerful monster. This Adventurer Team was no simple one.
Tang Zheng looked at the soldiers who had completely surrounded them, a little surprised. They seemed overly cautious; the Evil Spirit Hound alone shouldn't have warranted this level of alarm.
"Is there a demi-human in the carriage!"
The squad's captain was a middle-aged man with a thick brown beard, his gaze fixed sternly on Tang Zheng.
*I see.*
*Is there magic on the City Wall that can identify demi-humans, or some kind of magical item?*
The thought flashed through Tang Zheng's mind. He nodded at the bearded man. "One of my companions is indeed a demi-human."
"And what's the deal with that ogre tied to the back of your carriage?" the bearded man asked again, one hand perpetually resting on the weapon at his waist.
"I am an alchemist. I can use the blood of demi-humans to create certain potions. The ogre at the back of the carriage is for that purpose."
Tang Zheng gave a helpless smile and explained again.
Upon hearing this, the bearded man was clearly surprised. Just as he was about to ask another question, a soldier from the side suddenly stepped forward and whispered something in his ear.
"Oh?"
The bearded man's surprise grew even more pronounced. "You're the one who makes the Regeneration Potion?"
"If no one else can make it, then yes, I am indeed the one who creates that potion," Tang Zheng said with a gentle smile.
"That's truly impressive, Your Excellency."
The bearded man's expression softened, and the hand that had been resting on his weapon fell to his side. He explained, "Because of the demi-human, the questions just now were standard procedure."
"I'm not sure if you're aware, but very few people take this border route. Even caravans typically use sea transport."
"In any case, we welcome you, Your Excellency."
After the brief questioning, a dedicated soldier was assigned to lead Tang Zheng's party around the north fort, guiding them further north.
The Fortress Gate of the Fortress Wall was not easily opened.
After an explanation from the guiding soldier, Tang Zheng understood that they had taken the wrong path. To actually enter the Holy Kingdom, they needed to head even further north.
The location was at the northernmost point of the Border Line; that was the true route for caravans or adventurers to enter the Holy Kingdom.
After truly entering the Holy Kingdom's territory, they traveled for another half a day before finally arriving at the city closest to the Fortress Wall, which was also the Holy Kingdom's largest fortress city—Kalinxia!
This fortress city, unlike other major cities within the Holy Kingdom, was a Directly Controlled Territory belonging to the Holy King's Family.
The Colorless Peace Inn.
This was the largest inn in Kalinxia.
Tang Zheng's party checked into this inn. Their arrival didn't cause much of a stir; instead, they received several warnings from soldiers.
Inside the spacious Room, a soft carpet covered the floor, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows made the room seem even brighter.
Tang Zheng sat on the sofa and breathed a sigh of relief. His observations along the way made it increasingly clear that the Holy Kingdom was completely different from the Kingdom and the Empire.
"The position of an adventurer in this country is really low." Tang Zheng thought of the soldiers' attitudes throughout their journey as he picked up a cup of hot water from the table and took a sip.
Due to the Holy Kingdom's conscription system, it was practically a nation of soldiers. This resulted in the position of the Adventurer's Guild being even lower than in the Baharuth Empire.
"Lord, should we take care of those insolent fellows?" Green Leaf Witch's tone was cold as she recalled the soldiers who had warned them, both overtly and covertly, after entering Kalinxia.
Enri, sitting to the side, looked up. Although she felt such an act would be wrong, she still raised her small fist in a rare display of indignation. "We didn't even do anything. How could they treat us like that?"
It was because their party included a demi-human. The soldiers who warned them had told Tang Zheng's Adventurer Team not to leave Kalinxia and enter the Depths of the Holy Kingdom.
"Don't do anything foolish."
Tang Zheng glanced at Green Leaf Witch, not particularly bothered, and said to the two of them, "The situation in the Holy Kingdom is different from the Kingdom's."
"The people here are extremely hostile towards demi-humans. For the time being, unless it's necessary, just stay in the Inn."
Actually, that was a bit of an oversimplification. For example, there was the Sea Dragon Statue that the Holy Kingdom had built at Lighthouse Cape.
In terms of diplomacy, they also had a relatively good relationship with demi-human races like the Fishmen, and they would even occasionally trade with the Sea Giants.
But overall, the populace of the Holy Kingdom was still extremely hostile towards demi-humans.
"Yes." Green Leaf Witch withdrew the coldness from her gaze and nodded respectfully.
"You've been traveling for so long. You two should get some proper rest first." Tang Zheng raised a hand to stroke the Evil Spirit Hound lying at his feet, smiling at the two of them.
"You should also rest well, Lord."
"Yes."
Enri and Green Leaf Witch left the Room one after the other.
"Awoo." The Evil Spirit Hound tilted its head, nudging gently against Tang Zheng's trouser leg.
Tang Zheng reached out, retrieved a piece of meat from his item box, and tossed it into the Evil Spirit Hound's mouth.
Watching the Evil Spirit Hound gulp it down instantly, Tang Zheng tapped its head. "You just ate, and you're hungry again? Your appetite is getting bigger and bigger."
The Evil Spirit Hound immediately put on a pitiful expression. "Awoh."
Tang Zheng wasn't fooled by its pitiful act. He raised his head and looked out the window again. "I can't leave Kalinxia, hmm? It seems they're investigating my background."
Whether or not he could leave Kalinxia and enter the Holy Kingdom's Hinterland didn't really affect him.
In the entire Holy Kingdom, there were only three things that truly caught Tang Zheng's interest:
The Four Great Holy Swords!
They corresponded perfectly with the Four Great Demonic Swords. If the abilities of the Four Great Demonic Swords were similar to the abilities of a Cursed Knight, could the Four Great Holy Swords be similar to another high-tier job class?
The national treasure of the Holy Kingdom!
Specifically, the crown worn by the Holy Queen, a magical item that contained the Grand Ritual Magic, 'Final Holy War.'
Tang Zheng didn't know the specific abilities of this magic. In the original work, the Holy Queen was captured alive before this Grand Ritual Magic could even be used.
However, Tang Zheng knew that among Tenth Tier Magic, there existed a spell called 'Final War: Good.'
If the Grand Ritual Magic stored in that crown was truly related to Tenth Tier Magic, then he had to get his hands on that national treasure to study it, no matter what.
And the last item.
Was the Sea Dragon Statue. Of course, the statue itself wasn't the point, but rather what it represented.
The Sea Dragon did indeed exist. Neia had even seen one with her own eyes. It was a creature with two arms and two legs, its wings having long since atrophied. It had a long, thick tail, an enormous body, and a level of wisdom that surpassed that of Humans.
Tang Zheng wasn't sure if this so-called "Sea Dragon" was a true dragon, some subspecies of dragon, or a special kind of monster.
In any case, it required observation.
Overall, however, Tang Zheng wasn't worried about any unexpected situations arising.
In the future, when Demiurge came to rule both the Abelion Hills and the Holy Kingdom, nothing unexpected occurred, which proved that neither of these places posed a major threat.
(end of chapter)
There were a total of three great forts along the fortress line.
The central fort faced the Abelion Hills, and the south fort was near the Southern Sea Region. Theoretically, to reach the south fort, one would have to cross the entire fortress line.
As for Tang Zheng's party, they had followed the only route from the Kingdom to the Holy Kingdom, so their destination was the north fort.
Swoosh!
A sharp, piercing sound shot down from the City Wall.
An arrow landed just in front of the Evil Spirit Hound, forcing the entire carriage to a halt.
"Who goes there!!"
A wary shout came from atop the City Wall.
*Rustle.*
Tang Zheng pushed aside the carriage's curtain and stepped out. He looked up at the high Battlements, where the silhouettes of people were bustling about, took the adventurer badge from his belt, and held it above his head.
"I am the Captain of the Gold-rank Adventurer Team, Free Will."
A brief commotion stirred on the City Wall.
Before long, in an inconspicuous spot at the base of the City Wall, a narrow wooden door that looked hidden and only allowed one person to pass through at a time was pulled open.
A Soldier Squad emerged from within. There were a full fifteen of them, and they quickly surrounded Tang Zheng's party.
Every soldier wore a wary expression.
The Evil Spirit Hound's tall and vicious appearance immediately marked it as a powerful monster. This Adventurer Team was no simple one.
Tang Zheng looked at the soldiers who had completely surrounded them, a little surprised. They seemed overly cautious; the Evil Spirit Hound alone shouldn't have warranted this level of alarm.
"Is there a demi-human in the carriage!"
The squad's captain was a middle-aged man with a thick brown beard, his gaze fixed sternly on Tang Zheng.
*I see.*
*Is there magic on the City Wall that can identify demi-humans, or some kind of magical item?*
The thought flashed through Tang Zheng's mind. He nodded at the bearded man. "One of my companions is indeed a demi-human."
"And what's the deal with that ogre tied to the back of your carriage?" the bearded man asked again, one hand perpetually resting on the weapon at his waist.
"I am an alchemist. I can use the blood of demi-humans to create certain potions. The ogre at the back of the carriage is for that purpose."
Tang Zheng gave a helpless smile and explained again.
Upon hearing this, the bearded man was clearly surprised. Just as he was about to ask another question, a soldier from the side suddenly stepped forward and whispered something in his ear.
"Oh?"
The bearded man's surprise grew even more pronounced. "You're the one who makes the Regeneration Potion?"
"If no one else can make it, then yes, I am indeed the one who creates that potion," Tang Zheng said with a gentle smile.
"That's truly impressive, Your Excellency."
The bearded man's expression softened, and the hand that had been resting on his weapon fell to his side. He explained, "Because of the demi-human, the questions just now were standard procedure."
"I'm not sure if you're aware, but very few people take this border route. Even caravans typically use sea transport."
"In any case, we welcome you, Your Excellency."
After the brief questioning, a dedicated soldier was assigned to lead Tang Zheng's party around the north fort, guiding them further north.
The Fortress Gate of the Fortress Wall was not easily opened.
After an explanation from the guiding soldier, Tang Zheng understood that they had taken the wrong path. To actually enter the Holy Kingdom, they needed to head even further north.
The location was at the northernmost point of the Border Line; that was the true route for caravans or adventurers to enter the Holy Kingdom.
After truly entering the Holy Kingdom's territory, they traveled for another half a day before finally arriving at the city closest to the Fortress Wall, which was also the Holy Kingdom's largest fortress city—Kalinxia!
This fortress city, unlike other major cities within the Holy Kingdom, was a Directly Controlled Territory belonging to the Holy King's Family.
The Colorless Peace Inn.
This was the largest inn in Kalinxia.
Tang Zheng's party checked into this inn. Their arrival didn't cause much of a stir; instead, they received several warnings from soldiers.
Inside the spacious Room, a soft carpet covered the floor, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows made the room seem even brighter.
Tang Zheng sat on the sofa and breathed a sigh of relief. His observations along the way made it increasingly clear that the Holy Kingdom was completely different from the Kingdom and the Empire.
"The position of an adventurer in this country is really low." Tang Zheng thought of the soldiers' attitudes throughout their journey as he picked up a cup of hot water from the table and took a sip.
Due to the Holy Kingdom's conscription system, it was practically a nation of soldiers. This resulted in the position of the Adventurer's Guild being even lower than in the Baharuth Empire.
"Lord, should we take care of those insolent fellows?" Green Leaf Witch's tone was cold as she recalled the soldiers who had warned them, both overtly and covertly, after entering Kalinxia.
Enri, sitting to the side, looked up. Although she felt such an act would be wrong, she still raised her small fist in a rare display of indignation. "We didn't even do anything. How could they treat us like that?"
It was because their party included a demi-human. The soldiers who warned them had told Tang Zheng's Adventurer Team not to leave Kalinxia and enter the Depths of the Holy Kingdom.
"Don't do anything foolish."
Tang Zheng glanced at Green Leaf Witch, not particularly bothered, and said to the two of them, "The situation in the Holy Kingdom is different from the Kingdom's."
"The people here are extremely hostile towards demi-humans. For the time being, unless it's necessary, just stay in the Inn."
Actually, that was a bit of an oversimplification. For example, there was the Sea Dragon Statue that the Holy Kingdom had built at Lighthouse Cape.
In terms of diplomacy, they also had a relatively good relationship with demi-human races like the Fishmen, and they would even occasionally trade with the Sea Giants.
But overall, the populace of the Holy Kingdom was still extremely hostile towards demi-humans.
"Yes." Green Leaf Witch withdrew the coldness from her gaze and nodded respectfully.
"You've been traveling for so long. You two should get some proper rest first." Tang Zheng raised a hand to stroke the Evil Spirit Hound lying at his feet, smiling at the two of them.
"You should also rest well, Lord."
"Yes."
Enri and Green Leaf Witch left the Room one after the other.
"Awoo." The Evil Spirit Hound tilted its head, nudging gently against Tang Zheng's trouser leg.
Tang Zheng reached out, retrieved a piece of meat from his item box, and tossed it into the Evil Spirit Hound's mouth.
Watching the Evil Spirit Hound gulp it down instantly, Tang Zheng tapped its head. "You just ate, and you're hungry again? Your appetite is getting bigger and bigger."
The Evil Spirit Hound immediately put on a pitiful expression. "Awoh."
Tang Zheng wasn't fooled by its pitiful act. He raised his head and looked out the window again. "I can't leave Kalinxia, hmm? It seems they're investigating my background."
Whether or not he could leave Kalinxia and enter the Holy Kingdom's Hinterland didn't really affect him.
In the entire Holy Kingdom, there were only three things that truly caught Tang Zheng's interest:
The Four Great Holy Swords!
They corresponded perfectly with the Four Great Demonic Swords. If the abilities of the Four Great Demonic Swords were similar to the abilities of a Cursed Knight, could the Four Great Holy Swords be similar to another high-tier job class?
The national treasure of the Holy Kingdom!
Specifically, the crown worn by the Holy Queen, a magical item that contained the Grand Ritual Magic, 'Final Holy War.'
Tang Zheng didn't know the specific abilities of this magic. In the original work, the Holy Queen was captured alive before this Grand Ritual Magic could even be used.
However, Tang Zheng knew that among Tenth Tier Magic, there existed a spell called 'Final War: Good.'
If the Grand Ritual Magic stored in that crown was truly related to Tenth Tier Magic, then he had to get his hands on that national treasure to study it, no matter what.
And the last item.
Was the Sea Dragon Statue. Of course, the statue itself wasn't the point, but rather what it represented.
The Sea Dragon did indeed exist. Neia had even seen one with her own eyes. It was a creature with two arms and two legs, its wings having long since atrophied. It had a long, thick tail, an enormous body, and a level of wisdom that surpassed that of Humans.
Tang Zheng wasn't sure if this so-called "Sea Dragon" was a true dragon, some subspecies of dragon, or a special kind of monster.
In any case, it required observation.
Overall, however, Tang Zheng wasn't worried about any unexpected situations arising.
In the future, when Demiurge came to rule both the Abelion Hills and the Holy Kingdom, nothing unexpected occurred, which proved that neither of these places posed a major threat.
(end of chapter)
