Gol gol gol. It’s our turn!”
Gold Man riding on Yellowy attacked like the wind. Sculpture Lifeforms were too valuable to lose so only after the frontal assault did they join in!
Circling above in the air, the Wyverns disrupted the Kellkogs attacks.
“Dark Energy.”
“Tornado Blade!”
Van Hawk and Torido used their special attacks unsparingly!
After some time they managed to win the battle, but barely. Weed’s whole body was covered in wounds with three short spears sticking out of his back.
“It’s more doable than I thought.”
After the battle Weed had over 19,000 health left. But the Wyverns injuries were extensive and Yellowy was limping on his forelegs.
“It could be more dangerous from now on.”
It was not dangerous like the natural disasters in Jigolaths but the monster standards were definitely higher.
“If it becomes difficult I can stop Golden Bird and Silver Birds search and call in Bingryong and Phoenix as well. There is no need to stop here.”
Fortunately, right now when Yellowy and Gold Man were in danger they could escape the battle field on the Wyverns. But if they entered a dungeon in Grapass, even that option would be barred from them.
“Right now let’s just continue. Bandaging!”
With no priests to support the Lifeforms, Weed wrapped bandages on the Wyverns, Yellowy and on himself.
Acquired 2 blue gems.
Acquired 3 black gems.
Weed picked up the gems that granted magic. Hard battles equalled rewarding items! He could sell the gems to the enchanter but if he made a sculpture out of these gems, the sculpture would emanate a brilliant lustre depending on the magic held within.
*****
Watchful of any monster movements, Weed was heedful in his exploration of Grapass. Though Kellkogs were dangerous, the fight was manageable. But if even 1 escaped it would come back with a flock of over 200, 300.
To prevent such situations, he rode on the Wyverns and hunted them down till the last member. Poisonous insects and savage beasts also lunged at them in single numbers, and they could only win through combining all their strength.
“Every time, if you adapt then everything will be alright.”
Weed’s skill and level was enough to explore Grapass. Of course the Sculpture Lifeforms took most of the burdens, but they could level up as much in return. By fighting in Grapass, Weed was able to raise his proficiency in sword mastery, perseverance and resilience stats. His bandaging skill was already mastered making Weed frustrated that he could not raise it up higher.
“Keeping this course I am sure something will pop up.”
Following the course of the river, Weed searched the vicinity as he went further upstream. Golden Bird and Silver Bird were tasked with exploring deep within the dangerous forest.
At the point where the forest and the marsh blended together, was where all the top predators of Grapass were located. Compared to these monsters, Kellkogs were scavengers trying to survive near the river bed.
“Bingryong, go left and stir things up a bit.”
“Yes, master.”
Bingryong and Phoenix supported the battle in between. When too many Kellkogs bunched up Bingryong’s breath or Phoenix’s flames spewed out before they fought.
“There is a house further up, master.”
Wyvern reported his aerial surveillance.
There were three rivers flowing through Grapass. There was no definite rule that Zahab was still living in Grapass, so he had to go and check personally.
Advancing carefully ahead with his Sculpture Lifeforms, a wide lake appeared at the upper reach of the river. The lake was beautiful, with clear water reflecting the trees and the evening sun. And near the lake was a picturesque log cabin.
“Somehow, it feels like Zahab might just be there…”
Weed looked at the quality of the logs and their cuts. It was beyond normal workmanship.
“Now the standard present before visiting…”
Weed took out the gift plate prepared for him by Mapan from his backpack. Even if it was someone other than Zahab, the item could still raise intimacy! Any residents of Grapass would be beyond ordinary, so it was necessary to build favour beforehand.
Time to time, when out adventuring it was possible to meet the original inhabitants. Certain tribes could be hostile. The elves, dwarves, and barbarians were usually on the friendly side while the humans were aggressive. At that time by showing shiny marbles or a set of plates as gifts, it was enough to placate them.
“Is there anyone here?”
Weed called out loudly in front of the house and after a moment the door opened. Without a doubt, 100%, the person coming out was elderly.
“It’s the first time anyone visited my house. Yes, what is the purpose of your visit?”
Weed thinking it might be Zahab, continued.
“I came here to find a person.”
“I have been living here for some time now and I have never met any other humans. The forest over there has 1 hunter, and two sinners that ran from the law… but who did you came looking for? ”
The whiff of poverty could be felt from the eyes and below.
“I came here looking for Zahab of Rosenheim Kingdom.”
The old man stroked his beard while nodding his head.
“My name is Zahab. You found him correctly.”
Even with Golden Bird and Silver Bird, Weed felt that he would waste around 20 days searching for him. But fortunately he was able to find Zahab early.
‘This quest is not as difficult as I thought.’
His level was considerably higher since the time he received the quest from the old handmaiden and with the Sculpture Lifeforms, Zahab was conveniently found.
If Weed was alone it would have been unfathomable hardship and defeating a Kellkog would not even be possible.
‘But at least I found him now.’
Weed’s heart became restless as he finally met a Master Sculpture. With the title of a Moonlight Sculptor and distinguished as one of the central figures in early history, it was a historic meeting.
A boy and a girl.
A sculptor who kept his promise to the girl who became queen, to show her the most beautiful sculpture on earth.
Weed only needed to learn the song he sang back then.
“I came here with a request from a fellow sculptor. But coming this far, I am quite famished. Could I trouble you for some food?
*****
“Oh, I finally reached civilization!”
Petrov walked around the market in Cotten village. He waited for a long time to see Yurin again at St. George Castle. However he came to a painful realization that she was not coming back.
Petrov is an idiot. A mongrel.
The graffiti was just painful.
“I will definitely meet her again if I roam around the continent. I will go anywhere where there are signs of her.”
Petrov’s world was filled with weird ambition.
“If I make everyone in the continent know my name, then won’t Yurin come to see me?”
Drawing could make you instantly famous. Having basic painting skills allowed one to receive commissions from the painting guild. Painting nobles and kings, making new brushing techniques was an easy way to get fame.
But Petrov decided on a more proactive method.
“Morata is known as a famous art city.”
Weed, through his sculptures, developed Morata to an amazing height. The artists there were happy with it as if it was their own works and stood proud of it.
“Then I could do the same with my paintings.”
Petrov watched the broadcast of his fated enemy, Weed, acquiring the territory of Vargo Fortress.
“I have to start there.”
Vargo Fortress was a region that lacked sculptures made by Weed. If he showed his paintings there, could he not surpass the Lord’s influence in the region?
“Through my paintings, I will take Vargo Fortress from Weed. There won’t be greater fame than this.”
It was also a good opportunity to show that painters were superior to sculptors. There was no organization in the North that could take Weed’s territory. But this was a declaration of winning the territory through art!
“I must go to Vargo Fortress.”
Petrov packed his painting supplies and walked briskly toward an area bereft of human presence. It was to use Picture Teleportation to go to Vargo Fortress in an instant.
*****