Chapter 282: Arriving at Lut Gholein
I don't know how long I slept, but I was woken up by a violent jolt. I slowly opened my Eyes, my Line of Sight a little dim. At first, I thought it was just from having just woken up, but after rubbing my eyes, I found that my Surroundings were still dim.
Where is this? After my Eyes adjusted, I looked around and realized I was lying in a dim "small room" less than four square meters in size. Moreover, this "room" was constantly shaking. What was happening, an earthquake? My Brain was still a little hazy.
Just as I was about to sit up, my Eyes suddenly went black. All the Strength in my Body felt like it had been drained away. Cold sweat poured from my forehead, and I couldn't muster even a Single Point of Strength. I had experienced this Feeling once before, after my first Shapeshifting. At that time, I lay in bed for several days, and it took dozens of days of Vitality to fully recover.
Oh!! Damn it, this time seems even more serious. I don't know how long it will take to recover. Damn it, I'm really a Pig, a Donkey. That Energy Cannon alone accounted for more than nine-tenths of the Energy I consumed at the time. If I had saved it, I wouldn't be in such a sorry state now.
I groaned and complained for a while, then tried hard to move my numb Body, but unexpectedly felt a wonderful touch on my left hand, like the delicate and soft Body of a young girl.
No, it wasn't like it, it *was* her. Turning my Head, a stunning Appearance still revealing a hint of Childishness immediately came into my Eyes. Besides my Little Sarah, which other Little Loli's Appearance and Temperament could be so outstanding?
Her cherry lips were slightly parted, and then she nudged her pink Little Head over. Her adorable sleeping posture, her intoxicatingly sweet Aura, made my heart fill with infinite Love. Ah, it was truly wonderful. What could be more wonderful than opening your Eyes and seeing a stunning Little Loli sleeping in your arms? This was something I couldn't even dream of before. At that moment, my heart was completely Calm.
Suddenly, the Body in my arms moved slightly, and then a sleepy, pretty Face lifted from my embrace. It met my Gaze directly. After looking for a moment through hazy Eyes, Sarah's Face suddenly bloomed with Joy. Immediately after, her neck tightened, and a small mouth pressed close, kissing the Corner of my mouth hard. The sweet Scent of the Maiden became even more intense.
"Big Brother, Big Brother..." She kept rubbing her pink Little Head against me. She continuously called out softly, her voice filled with Admiration and attachment in every Movement and every syllable, truly intoxicating.
"Good girl, my Little Angel. Where am I?" After Sarah gradually became Calm and we quietly embraced for a while, I asked softly.
"Big Brother, we're in the Vehicle right now!" Sarah looked at me and said with a light laugh.
"In the Vehicle?" Is there such a Vehicle?
After Sarah explained, I understood. It turned out that since I fell unconscious that day and didn't wake up, Lars and the others simply modified the original Wagon so I could sleep comfortably. Damn it, those Old Geezers are quite thoughtful. Hmm, they deserve praise. After arriving at Lut Gholein, I must treat them to a good meal. Let's eat Bread.
By the way, not only were Warriv's more than ten Mule Camel Beasts fine, but when we returned the way we came, we found that the few Wagons that had been abandoned were also completely intact. We were incredibly lucky. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't be sleeping in a Carriage and holding a Little Loli right now. Instead, I'd be carried on some Man's back or even sleeping on the back of a Mule Camel Beast, waking up to a terrible stench.
Then I asked a few more questions. I finally got a general grasp of the situation. Up until now, I had slept for a full ten days. Warriv said yesterday that in about seven or eight more days, we would be able to pass through the Mist Forest. And during these ten days I was asleep, no more accidents occurred. I guess the earth-shattering Battle between me and the Angelic Beast scared away most of the Monsters in the Mist Forest, making them afraid to come out.
After getting a good grasp of the situation, I immediately breathed a sigh of Relief. But as soon as my heart Relaxed, it became Restless again. The reason? I was holding a delicious Little Loli in my arms, and I had already experienced the taste of intimate contact. Could you remain Calm in my place?
Feeling my burning Gaze, Sarah immediately became shy, a little flustered, her heart pounding like a startled deer. She involuntarily lowered her Head, but I didn't want to let her off the hook like this. Leaning in gently, I breathed near her earlobe: "Little Angel, do you remember what happened after we came out of the Tavern that time?"
With a gasp, her earlobes immediately turned red. She subconsciously nodded her Head, then shook it again, perhaps denying it or trying to shake off the embarrassing Memory that surfaced in her Brain. But no matter what her Idea was, it was enough for me.
In other words... she remembers!
That makes things easy. I was afraid that because I was drunk, I might have forgotten about it afterwards. If that were the case, wouldn't I have offended the beauty? Since she remembers, there's no problem. Thinking this, my Throat suddenly felt like it was on Fire. I flipped over, gently lifted her round Chin, and eagerly kissed her moist Jade lips. The small Carriage was instantly filled with spring.
"Little Angel, hurry up and Class Change. When that happens, I'll immediately propose to Aunt Shali." After a long time, I reluctantly parted my lips, licking away a trace of sweetness left on the Corner of my mouth.
"Mhm, Big Brother, Sarah will definitely work hard... to become your Wife, Big Brother." Her Eyes seemed veiled with moisture, rippling with infinite spring. She had the pure Face of an Angel, yet revealed a seductive and charming Demeanor. Wasn't this tempting people to commit crimes? I couldn't help but lower my Head and kiss her again...
"Bang—"
The closed Carriage Door was suddenly opened. Everyone looked over and saw Sarah jump out, her Face overflowing with uncontrollable Joy.
"Big Brother is awake."
"Oh!!" Doug shouted excitedly. His hoarse Throat almost scared the nearby Mule Camel Beast into kneeling on the ground.
"This Pig has slept for ten days. From now on, let's just call him Pig Fan." Lars struck a pose, saying the title he thought was full of creativity.
"Really? That's great."
Aunt Shali, standing nearby, placed the kettle of just-boiled water on top of Lars's Head. She smiled kindly amidst his wailing, looking at her Beloved Daughter with deep meaning in her Gaze—the hint of spring hidden within that joyful expression could fool Lars and the other Officers, but it couldn't fool her. What exactly did this affectionate little Couple do inside?
Feeling her Mother's interested Gaze, the somewhat guilty Sarah's pretty Face immediately flushed red. She involuntarily turned her Head away, avoiding her Gaze, unaware that her reaction only made it more obvious.
"Alright, alright, stop arguing. Wu's Body is still very Weak. Don't disturb him for now, let him Rest quietly for a few days." Looking at the Cop Trio, who had become incredibly lively because of the News of my waking up, Aunt Shali, the Head of the Family, began to assert her authority. Then she glanced at Sarah.
"As for the Quest of taking care of Wu, I'll leave it to you, my Beloved Daughter. Now is the best Time to Experience and Train to become a qualified Wife."
Sarah, whose Face was completely red from the double-meaning tease, went into the Vehicle without looking back, closing the Carriage Door tightly with a "bang". The confused Lars and the Love Idiot Barbarian Brothers couldn't help but look at each other, wondering why Sarah suddenly became shy. Didn't she usually serve Wu happily, bringing him Tea, giving him back rubs, boiling water, and serving him Vegetables? Their affectionate clinginess sometimes made even Lars and his Wife feel embarrassed. In their opinion, the only thing left was for them to kiss in public and sleep together.
"What's wrong, my Little Angel?" Seeing Sarah inexplicably rush in, close the Door, and bury herself in my arms without lifting her Head, I couldn't help but ask curiously.
"It's all Big Brother's fault."
After a long while, the Little Angel finally lifted her Head and gave me a light glare, the Corner of her Eye filled with charm. It actually contained infinite Maidenly charm. Unbelievable, unbelievable. She was just such a tiny Little Loli, yet she could already captivate hearts. Holding the Little Angel in my arms, my heart started becoming Restless again.
The situation was a bit more optimistic than I expected. By the afternoon of the second day after waking up, I could Reluctantly stand up. In the evening, when it was Time for Rest, I even staggered down from the Carriage, putting on the full Air of a head of state disembarking from a plane. I greeted Lars and the others gruffly, but soon regretted it. These three Officers actually used the excuse of being close to push and shove my Body, which was so Weak that a gust of Wind could knock me over. Doug was the most malicious; he actually wanted to press his Body, which was heavier than a Donkey's Head, onto my shoulder. I glared at them angrily, but the three shamelessly declared that if they didn't bully me now, they wouldn't have the chance later.
Hmph hmph, I want to immediately Transform into Blood Bear and throw them into the Angelic Beast's lair.
Finally, Aunt Shali gave each of them a hit with an Iron Pot, and the three finally settled down. With Sarah helping me, everyone gathered around the Campfire, chatting and laughing, spending the most joyful evening since the Angelic Beast incident.
I was very grateful to them. Whether it was Lars, the Barbarian Brothers, or Sarah and Aunt Shali, from beginning to end, they never asked me what exactly happened that day. They knew that I would naturally say what should be said, and they wouldn't mind what I didn't want to say. Who doesn't have a little Secret? No matter how things changed, everyone was Family. This consensus had long been etched into each other's hearts.
In Fact, besides my Status and the Bugged Small Charm, I had never hidden anything else from them. With such a group of understanding Brothers and Relatives, what more could I wish for?
"You bastard, it's Time for you to explain." After everyone was asleep, I poked my Head out of the Vehicle and glared at Warriv, who was still poking the Campfire with a wooden Staff.
"Actually, you already know the reason in your heart, so why ask unnecessarily? Like Kashya and the others, I am an Adventurer who has lost my way. The Third Act doesn't need cowards like us, so I came back to retire." His Gaze stared at the glowing Charcoal Fire. His Eyes, illuminated red by the Charcoal Fire, revealed a faint Sorrow.
"This journey, in a sense, is also a Trial for Adventurers. But every Adventurer who walks out of the Rogue Encampment is a hope for the Diablo Act, so naturally, nothing can happen to them halfway. That's why I took on this job. Unless I Have No Choice, I cannot reveal my Strength/Power. This is an Agreement between the Elders. It's that simple."
"Tch, I already guessed it was this damn cliché reason. I just asked to feel a little better in my heart." I gave him an international gesture.
"Haha, then you Overestimate me. Although the reason is similar to Kashya and the others, I'm not like those Abnormal ones. I'm just an ordinary High-Level Adventurer."
"I don't care about you. Anyway, to me, you're all Abnormal, no difference." I shook my Head and pulled my Brain back in, but my mind was filled with thoughts—even Warriv said the Old Drunkard was Abnormal. Hmph hmph, it seems my Seventh Sense as a Man is indeed very accurate. I just don't know what kind of past she has.
The journey was uneventful. After walking like this for seven or eight days, we finally walked out of this damn Mist Forest. I felt my Vision broaden, and the vast Sea of Trees around me gradually became sparse. The humid Broadleaf Forest was replaced by some Drought-Resistant Plants. I had never felt that this dry Yellow Earth in front of me could emit such a lovely Aura. Doug excitedly shouted with his hoarse Throat all the way, and Lars the Officer was even more exaggerated. He actually bent down and lay on the ground, sniffing repeatedly like an Old Dog wearing Leather Armor, and then sang loudly: "Ah! This is the Aura of dryness! Ah! The Scent of the Desert!"
Ugh, this guy really thinks he's a bard. After Warriv, unable to bear it any longer, told him that he hadn't even left the Mist Forest yet, and even if he did, he would still have to travel through the Wasteland for a few days before seeing the Desert. No matter how thick-skinned he was, our fake bard couldn't help but blush.
Then, after a few more days, the Caravan finally entered the Wasteland area. Here, Trees were a Rare Item that could be called an Oasis. Having left the Danger zone, other Merchant Caravans also increased. A Small Village we passed by yesterday allowed five people who had never stepped out of the Rogue Encampment to fully experience what Desert charm was like. Of course, it wasn't very authentic. After all, this was the Edge area. When we reached Lut Gholein, they would probably be even more surprised.
These country folk entering the City can generally be divided into two types: one is relatively reserved, and the other becomes foolish. Lars and the others undoubtedly belonged to the latter type, and the kind that was quite embarrassing.
"Doug, Doug, look, there's an even prettier Stone over there! Oh my God, if we take it back to the Rogue Camp, it'll definitely sell for a good price." Lars threw away the Stone he had just been admiring and set his sights on another one. Have you heard the story about picking up sesame seeds and dropping the watermelon? This is the best example right here.
"Big Brother, Big Brother, look, I think this Stone is the most majestic." Following Doug's finger, we tilted our Heads high.
"..."
The Target was a Strange Stone several times taller than Doug. Shapes like this, formed by years of weathering, were everywhere in the Wasteland. Seeing him eager to try, looking like he wanted to claim it for himself, I have to say, Doug's thinking was surprisingly... humorous.
The country bumpkin behavior of the three attracted the attention of passing Merchants. Some even specifically followed behind to watch. These three Officers thought their Vision/Insight had gained everyone's approval and performed even harder.
"Warriv, I think we should go ahead and leave them here to fend for themselves. Maybe some passing Circus will take them in, and they can live a life without worries about food and clothing." I couldn't watch anymore. It's not that I look down on country bumpkins; ignorance isn't a mistake. Who is born knowing everything? But if you Show Off your ignorance, that's embarrassing.
Sarah and Aunt Shali also fully agreed with my Suggestion, both stating that they didn't have such an embarrassing Father (Husband) to draw a clear line.
"Clang clang—"
Following the shouts of the Soldiers on the City Wall, amidst the deafening sound of Gears turning, the ten-meter-high Iron Gate slowly opened, showing everyone a new Act.
"Everyone, keep up, don't get lost." Warriv shouted, driving his beloved Mule Camel Beasts. Following the Pace of the Merchant Caravan that formed a long line at the City Gate, stretching several kilometers away, they filed into Lut Gholein City.
"..."
Lars and the others were still staring blankly at the City Wall, which was over ten meters high, and then woodenly at the giant Iron Gate. Since arriving last night, they had maintained this dazed State, seemingly never getting tired of looking.
Only by truly witnessing such a magnificent Building can one appreciate its Shock. Lars and their reaction was not strange. When I first walked out of Lut Gholein City, I also stared fascinated for an entire afternoon. However, waiting for the City Gate to open so early in the morning was a first.
Exotic atmosphere, rhythmic music, Lut Gholein Maidens with tanned skin and bare waists dancing everywhere, Friends chatting and laughing, Merchants shouting out their Transactions, little boys leading the way or running errands, Old Men sitting in front of Doors holding Pipes... Early in the morning, Lut Gholein showed a lively Atmosphere. The whitewashed Stone Houses, and even Palaces built with Marble, arranged the Spiderweb-like Streets like a Labyrinth. Walking around, you wouldn't know where you were anymore.
I held Sarah's little hand, and Sarah held Aunt Shali's hand. Kael, Doug, and Gus followed closely behind. The confusion and unease in everyone's hearts clearly came from behind me.
"It's alright, you'll get used to it after a while. Look at me now." With Helplessness, I had to use myself as an example. As expected, seeing me, the new Directionally Challenged King of the Rogue Encampment, say this, everyone immediately felt less uneasy. Even Sarah secretly breathed a sigh of Relief.
Wuwu~~, Sarah, you can't do this to me.
"So, actually, Lut Gholein City is so big that even if you live here for ten or eight years, you can't become completely familiar with it. We just need to get familiar with the few places we frequent." I said through gritted Teeth, pinching Sarah's soft little Face hatefully.
Besides Sarah, who here didn't have richer Life Experience than me? Everyone understood the Principle; they were just momentarily flustered upon entering a completely new and unfamiliar Environment.
Next, everyone put down their previously uneasy hearts and focused on appreciating this unique exotic charm. The Cop Trio even regained their former Air, pointing and gesticulating along the way. They were making a fuss, spitting everywhere. I really regretted reminding them.
We followed Warriv for several hours. The midday Sun had begun to torment the Earth. Everyone was sweating profusely. Finally, we arrived at the entrance of the Trade Market, the most concentrated area for commerce in Lut Gholein. Warriv stopped, turned around, and smiled at us.
"Congratulations, my Warriors. You have passed through many Trials and finally grown up. This is Lut Gholein, your Destination, a place where you can become Stronger. I sincerely wish you can create your own Glory here and in the future."
"Cut it out with these old, generous speeches. Do you think we're still Rookies?" I retorted without giving him any Face/Reputation.
"Cough cough." But Warriv coughed a few times without the slightest blush. His Face/Reputation truly lived up to the Merchant Level.
"Since you said that, I won't say any more Nonsense. Go straight from here, and you'll reach the Adventurer's Paradise. You should go there first to familiarize yourselves with the Environment. Wu will tell you the specifics, so I won't say any more Nonsense."
After bidding farewell to Warriv, everyone continued forward under my lead.
"Wu, didn't Warriv say the Adventurer's Paradise is over there? Why are we going this way?" Lars looked left and right and finally asked, his Eyes filled with the distrustful Feeling of "You're not lost again, are you?".
"Since you don't believe me, then go over there by yourself." I immediately narrowed my Eyes and looked at Lars maliciously. This guy, who bites the hand that feeds him, might as well wander around the Adventurer's Paradise alone and wait to die.
"Aunt Shali is still the Smart one." I quickly flattered my future Mother-in-law. As for Lars, hmph, he's a Father-in-law with no real power, so forget it, no need to give him Face/Reputation.
"His grandpa's, these people really know how to Enjoy themselves! Wu, do you live in a place like this?" Upon reaching the High-Class Residential Area, everyone's Eyes were immediately Attracted by the luxurious Villas around them. Doug couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
"Didn't I tell you? Things given by the King, how could they be bad?" I replied casually. The Soldiers patrolling the Street saw a group of Class-Changed Ones like us and looked sideways, gazing up at us.
"See? Even in Lut Gholein, we Class-Changed Ones are an Existence that inspires Awe. Even the King has to consider our Face/Reputation. So straighten your backs! Stop making a fuss and losing Face/Reputation for the Class-Changed Ones." I said with a laugh and a scold.
Hearing me say this, Lars and the other two immediately straightened their backs—That's right, we are Class-Changed Ones, the Strongest Experts standing at the peak of Humans! How can we let those Commoner Soldiers laugh at us? Even if we are surprised and amazed, it must be kept inside. Absolutely don't Show Off. Be composed, have Magnanimity/Tolerance.
"We're here. This is it. This will be your Home from now on."
I stopped and said with great emotion. Besides the Rogue Encampment, this place could barely be considered a place where I could find the Feeling of Home.
"You kid, you really know how to Enjoy yourself." Looking at the white Villa adorned with a quiet Courtyard, Lars exclaimed loudly. Although it was a few sizes smaller than other Villas, its exquisite Degree was not inferior at all. The Dead Fat Pig King's taste was quite high.
"But, in the backyard... is that a Chimney? What's going on with that thing?" It wasn't that Doug's Gaze was sharp, but that thing that looked like a Space Fortress was simply too conspicuous. It had almost become a major spectacle among the nearby group of Villas.
"It's a long story." I waved my hand weakly and walked in first.
Before they could finish exclaiming, something even more surprising happened.
Passing through the Courtyard, before I even had Time to take out the Key, the Door was suddenly opened. A Maiden wearing an exaggeratedly large, soft and puffy white Hat shaped like a steamed bun on her Head, with a Veil covering her Face, and a streamlined, fitted snow-white Robe, opened the Door. She bowed slightly, and a Voice devoid of any Feelings sounded.
"Welcome back, my Master."