Chapter 331: Arrival at Kurast
Golden light was warm and gentle, reflecting off the sea surface and casting a shimmering expanse. The melodious song was delicate and moving, making every cell feel as if it were bathed in sweet dew. I was completely immersed in this fusion of light and sound, closing my eyes and experiencing the feeling of soul sublimation, as if I were in the Pure Land of Bliss, so peaceful, so serene.
After a long, long time, when I opened my eyes again, I saw the azure Sky, the white clouds, and the shimmering Ocean. The only traces left by the Storm in this peaceful world were a few dilapidated Ships, and the Giant Frozen Wave towering more than ten meters high In Front of us.
A faint sound of Footsteps suddenly came from below the Deck. Our Little Mermaid Princess, who had performed a great Merit, was the first to come up from inside. Twisting her Tail, which shimmered Golden under the Sunlight, she pounced up with a splash and jumped into my arms, "Yi ya yi ya" she smiled brightly at me, constantly flicking her Golden Tail which occasionally brushed against my nose. There was no Fishy Smell at all, replaced by a strange, fresh fragrance.
"Gah—oh—gah—oh—"
Behind the Little Mermaid was that Golden Dead Dog. Its ears, as long as a Rabbit's, flapped as it desperately imitated the mighty roar of a Dinosaur. Its swaggering gait carried the Arrogance of a Dragon, but as you can see, it was just a Pekingese Dog about a foot tall, a poor little creature that was spun around like a pinwheel by a Mermaid slightly smaller than itself.
This Dead Dog brushed past me and ran to the Bow, barking "Gah oh gah oh". Seeing a "giant ice Wall" blocking its Line of Sight ahead, it couldn't help but bare its Teeth and claws, displaying a Presence as if it wanted to pounce and tear at it.
"Xiao Fan, has the rain stopped?"
Finally, the sleepy Little Ghost floated up directly, rubbing her Eyes and asking in a dazed, cute voice. She was also the calmest one inside the Ship besides the Little Mermaid, because she could float. The Ocean held no threat to her at all. Even in the worst-case scenario, if the Ship sank, I think the Little Ghost would at most float with me to some Deserted Island and reenact Robinson Crusoe. As for the lives of others, she wouldn't care at all.
"Yes, it has stopped."
I looked Around. The Ships, ravaged by the Storm, were riddled with holes. Not to mention that the huge mast had long been swept away by the waves to who knows where, there were many Holes just on the Deck. The entire Ship remained on the sea surface at a subtle tilted angle, looking no different from a dirty, ragged Beggar.
Wait. Tilted?!!
This is bad. I quickly had the Little Ghost take the Little Mermaid back into the Necklace, then desperately shook Meshif, who was lying on the Ship's board. After a while, he slowly woke up. As soon as he opened his Eyes, he saw the azure Sky and rubbed his Eyes Incredulous.
"How long did I sleep? Did the Storm stop?"
"It stopped, but now is not the time to be happy." I saw the expression of ecstasy on his face and poured a basin of Cold Water on him.
"Quickly wake up the other Sailors and repair the Ships, or they'll sink soon."
At this point, Meshif was completely sober. He quickly stood up, spread his feet, and stomped on the Ship's board a few times. Meshif, who had countless times more Experience than me, immediately understood our current predicament, and his face couldn't help but change.
"It's okay. There's still Time to repair."
He said this. There were still a few days of sailing to the Midway Station at Kurast Docks. If the Ship sank now, everyone would become Fish food.
With the combined Help of the two of us, the Sailors were woken up one by one. For those who couldn't be woken up, a splash of ice water was enough to make it difficult for them not to wake up. After understanding the situation, these Sailors didn't even have Time to vent their Joy of surviving the disaster before immediately going back into the Ship to start repairing. Some Sailors who were good swimmers even jumped into the Ocean and worked under the Ship.
Some Sailors went to the other two Ships to wake up the other Sailors – Meshif's Fleet only had three Ships in total. The one I was on was the three-masted Main Ship, and the other two were smaller. During the Storm just now, the Sailors on the other two Ships were very clever. After I raised the Ice Wave, they hid behind the Main Ship, thus escaping the disaster.
Even so, after the Ships were completely repaired, in the subsequent Statistics report of Losses, Meshif still cried and knelt down, murmuring prayers to the Ocean, wishing the deceased Brothers Rest in peace – the Main Ship had no Casualties thanks to my Help, but the other two Auxiliary Ships were not so lucky. Among the 253 Sailors inside, a quarter – a full 52 Sailors – were forever lost in the Storm. These people had followed Meshif traveling north and south for many years, they could be said to be closer than Brothers, so how could Meshif not be sad?
Under the Sailors' repairs, the three dilapidated Ships, covered in "patches," sailed shakily forward. Since all the masts were broken in the Storm and they could no longer sail forward, the Speed of sailing was much slower than before. A journey that used to take two or three days would now take about a week to reach. If the Fleet a day ago was a vibrant, complacent Young Person, then at this moment, these three Cargo Ships, arranged in a wedge shape under the Sunset and moving slowly like snails, had become hungry Old Men wandering destitute to escape disaster.
Fortunately, the Ocean did not give the aging Fleet any more Trials. Six days later, we finally successfully arrived at the last Small Island Midway Station of Kurast Docks. The Sailors on the Small Island Dock watched the three dilapidated Cargo Ships appear in their Vision and couldn't help but stop and watch. After our Ships arrived at the Dock, some experienced Sailors immediately came up to Help us transfer the Wounded on the Ship, and those weak and powerless Sailors were also carefully taken care of – this was the Sailors' Unspoken Rule. No one knew what would happen in the unknown Ocean, so treating the Warriors who escaped from Shipwreck kindly might make you feel fortunate for this Unspoken Rule one day.
Among them were Captains Meshif knew – they were all involved in Sea Trade, constantly seeing each other, and had to consider prices mutually to avoid vicious competition, so most Captains were connected. They helped Meshif, who looked like he had aged ten years, constantly comforting him. Everyone received enthusiastic care. Except for me, the Adventurer. There was nothing I could do, who told me I was still full of Spirit? Moreover, the distinction between high and low Status was quite obvious in this World. What if those Sailors came up and were misunderstood by the Adventurer as looking down on them and were reprimanded? Wouldn't that be asking for trouble?
Except for a few Sailors in good Buff who stayed to look after the Ships, the other Sailors had already left. I also followed behind the Sailors. I pulled down the Cloak on my Head and disappeared into the bustling Crowd.
After resting on the Island for two days, I found Meshif, who had recovered. As agreed, I compensated him for half of his lost Cargo. He didn't stand on ceremony and accepted it. After that, he told me that the Fleet might have to stay on the Island for at least a month. On one hand, the three Ships had to undergo a major overhaul, and on the other hand, they had to replenish the lost Sailors. If I couldn't wait, he could introduce me to another Fleet.
Stay in this godforsaken place for a month? Of course not. I agreed to Meshif's Suggestion without thinking. The next day, through his introduction, I met another Fleet Captain. That afternoon, I said goodbye to Meshif's Fleet and set off on the voyage again.
Half a month later, I finally crossed the Twin Seas and entered the Inland River. Dense Primeval Forests on both sides replaced the vast Ocean. The humid and hot climate, the colorful unknown Birds startled in the Forest, the Wild Beasts lingering on the shore and observing us with their eerie green Eyes, and the various Carnivores lurking in the water and watching covetously, allowed me to fully appreciate a different kind of charm.
The green Plains of Rogue Encampment, the boundless Desert of Lut Gholein, the magnificent waves of the Twin Seas, the Forest and Ocean of Kurast, the steel giant City of Harrogath, and the Ice Plateau of Harrogath. Leaving aside other factors, this was like experiencing a World tour of Sanctuary with its diverse styles.
The day after sailing on the Inland River for one day. Just as I was sleeping soundly in bed, the entire Ship suddenly vibrated slightly and then stopped. Then came the hustle and bustle of the Dock and the cheers of the Sailors.
Have we reached Kurast? It should be. The Sailors said that if nothing unexpected happened, we would reach Kurast Docks this afternoon. I leaped out of bed and walked out of the Ship's cabin with an impatient Mood. A humid, stuffy Aura mixed with the smell of Dirt immediately hit me, almost causing Suffocation. I slightly narrowed my Eyes and surveyed the Scene before me.
Forest, Swamp, Lake, City.
This was my first impression of Kurast Docks. Cain's Book mentioned that Kurast Docks was built on a large Swamp. Platforms were built with Stones in shallower areas, and the people of Kurast lived on them. The Platforms were connected by Wooden Bridges, and if the Distance was far, one could also choose to take a Small Boat. When I saw this Data, the first thing I thought of was a famous water City from my Past Life – Venice.
Of course, Kurast was far from being as beautiful as Venice. The black, ugly Swamp, the muddy Waterways, and the dark green Small Lakes constituted all the Colors here. If one had to connect the two, one could only say that Kurast was a Venice with the unique dark, confusing, and Blood Aura of the Diablo World.
After saying goodbye to the Fleet, I finally stepped onto Kurast Docks, feeling quite excited. Looking Around, there were only Sailor Workers. Sigh, I should leave quickly. I won't experience much of Kurast's charm here.
At the exit of the Dock, there were two ways to explore. One was to move to the adjacent Platform via the Wooden Bridge, and the other was to take a special Small Boat here. As long as you had Money, you could go anywhere you wanted.
Undoubtedly, the advantage of the first Method was that it was free, while the second was fast and convenient. Most importantly, it allowed those without a Sense of Direction to rest easy and not worry about getting lost.
So, naturally, I chose the first one...
I bought a rough Map of Kurast from a Dock vendor. As I stepped onto the Wooden Bridge connecting the adjacent Platforms, I browsed the Map. Oh, by the way, although this Wooden Bridge is very sturdy, tall Barbarians and Paladins should pay special attention. It's best to put away your mighty Armor and Longsword, otherwise...
The side connected to the Dock is the West District of Kurast, also known as the Trade Area. The other three Zones are the Residential Area and the Training Area, while the center is the exclusive Paradise for Adventurers. This is similar to the layout of Rogue Encampment, but the Terrain here is much more complex than Rogue Encampment because these Platforms are built on raised Swampy ground. Therefore, the distribution is irregular, forming an irregular City structure connected by Wooden Bridges of various sizes. Compared to the densely crisscrossed Roads of Lut Gholein, it is another form of Labyrinth City, even more terrifying.
For example, the Trade Area where I am currently located is composed of dozens of stone Platforms. Most of these Platforms have an area of several dozen football fields and are connected to each other to form a very complex Terrain. Even people who have lived in Kurast for decades sometimes accidentally take the wrong Path. As for the Residential Area, which is dozens of times larger than the Trade Area, it is even more terrifying.
Fortunately, I don't have to bother memorizing these terrifying Routes. I just need to experience the charm here a little and then memorize the distribution of the Platforms in the Central Area. Uh, let me see, the Central Adventurer Zone has one... two... three... four... eight... eleven. Eleven Platforms, haha, only eleven Platforms, can that really stump this great Lord?
"..."
Sorry, I was bragging. I was indeed stumped...
Walking and looking at the Map, before I knew it, I had arrived at a completely unfamiliar place. Oh, sorry, I was wrong again. There was no place I was familiar with here; everywhere I looked was unfamiliar. But I could be sure that I was still in the Trade Area, judging by the Crowd and vendors coming and going Around me.
Speaking of tropical rainforests, the first thing that comes to mind is of course Fruit. If you ask about the representative specialty of Kurast, it is undoubtedly Fruit. Transporting cheap Fruit from here to Lut Gholein to sell would definitely fetch a good price. However, preserving Fruit is not easy. Is it worth spending a lot of Money to hire Ice Mages to preserve the Fruit, or to buy pickled dried Fruit? This is indeed a question worth considering. But none of this concerns me. Looking at the wide variety of cheap Fruit, I thought that the Little Mermaid and the Little Ghost would have a treat. As for the Dead Dog, it doesn't reject Fruit either. Uh, it really is a Strange Dog.
In addition, there are many kinds of Jerky in the Market, because these Resources are relatively Rich in the Forest, and there are all sorts of strange things. Oh, this says Crocodile Meat Jerky, not interested. There's also Python Meat, Iron-Beaked Lizard Meat, King Kong Meat, Godzilla Meat, White Demon Meat... I ignored all of them.
Huh, I think I saw something strange just now. Was it my imagination?
Wait, what is this? Red Ant Meat... has an Aphrodisiac Effect... the best gift for a Husband... Holy crap, this is possible?
After having my Eyes opened in the Trade Market, I finally came back to my senses and called for a Small Boat. With a shout, the Boatman standing at the stern leisurely rowed the oar. The Small Boat broke through the Calm water surface and moved forward at a very Leisurely Speed. Ships passed by one after another, Boatmen greeted each other warmly, and passengers looked at each other with interest, or stared blankly at the ripples spreading on the water surface. That simple and plain pace made people's Mood calm down unconsciously.
The Small Boat passed through the crisscrossing Waterways and crossed several Lakes. After about two or three hours, it finally stopped at a Platform. The constant stream of Adventurers on it proved that this was indeed the Central Area. After paying the Money, I walked slowly on the Platform and took out the Beast Skin Scroll Akara had given me.
Uh, first, I need to find an Old Man named Ormus. He is one of the Representatives of the Adventurer's Guild in Kurast. It's best to meet him first. Of course, Cain's cousin, Thorn, is also one of the Representatives of the Adventurer's Guild. He will provide some Help during your Time in Kurast.
Speaking of which, Cain's Family members are really everywhere.
I decided to find the Old Man named Ormus first. Saying this might be rude, but that Thorn, his Appearance should also be the same as Cain's, right? Just like the supporting characters in some RPG Games with insufficient Funds, the only Method to distinguish them is the Name above their Heads.
With the guidance of a kind person, I quickly found this Representative, but I couldn't immediately muster the Courage to go up and greet him. How should I put it, this Old Man Ormus's Appearance was really, uh... too much Personality.
First, his bronze Skin, there was nothing unusual about that. He was tall and thin, which was also unobjectionable. But, paired with that strange Robe, holding a weird Staff in his Hand, and a bald, round Head. Even his Eyebrows were shaved off.
Please allow me to state my opinion in one breath – he looked very much like an Indian A-San, and a Fanatic Indian A-San who had joined some Strange Organization...
Okay, standing here is not a Method. I took a few deep breaths and finally mustered the Courage to walk up, just about to speak.
"You are now talking to Ormus."
This Comrade A-San seemed to have Eyes in the back of his Head. He suddenly turned around and spoke before I did.
"I know. I am Aka..." Cold Sweat broke out on my forehead.
"This Warrior, are you interested in joining a Strange Organization?"
He held the Cane in his Hand – carved with strange patterns, the Staff Head was shaped like a flat half of a burning Sun – and then spread his Hands, speaking in a devout Stance.
"I can't do this anymore. I'll go back and suggest Akara change the Representative." I muttered and turned to leave.
"Kid, you really have no sense of humor at all."
A bronze Large Hand grabbed my Shoulder. Ormus's Voice came.
"Don't make such a low-quality Joke to a stranger you've never met."
I shook off the Hand on my Shoulder and turned back to look helplessly at this Old Man with vulgar Dark Humor.
"Alas, I was originally thinking that if he was a humorous Young Person, I would let him directly pass the Trial of using Remote Teleportation. I am truly too disappointed..."
"..." Speechless.
"..." Silence.
"In that case," I suppressed the urge to rush up and beat this Dead Indian A-San violently, saying through gritted Teeth, "I presume you know my Status."
"That's right."
"Then do you still need Akara's Notes?"
"Of course, perhaps you are a Projection, whoosh zzz zzz zzz..." The Old Man made a cold Joke that he thought was funny, then let out an extremely harsh and unpleasant laugh.
I silently handed the Beast Skin Scroll Akara had entrusted to me to Ormus, deciding to speak less and keep my Distance from this Old Man with vulgar taste.
Taking the Scroll, Ormus only glanced at it, as if just going through the motions, then put the Scroll away, tucking it into the strap behind his Buttocks.
"Alright, I have received the Thing. Welcome, Druid Wu Fan – our Little Elder Lord, oh!! Are you sure you don't want to join our Organization? As long as you join us, you can freely learn the ultimate terrifying Magic that allows you to Curse the person you hate the most to death from a Distance of a thousand miles. Are you really not interested?"
Curse the other party to death from a thousand miles away? Is it some new Class or Skill? I have already Class-Changed to Druid, can I still learn it? Hearing Ormus say this, I immediately became interested, but I still held some vigilance towards his previous statement about a "Strange Organization."
"Oh. Is it that amazing? Can you explain it to me first?"
"This is simple." Seeing that I had the ** to join, Ormus immediately became energetic. He quickly took out a Scarecrow from somewhere.
"See? This is not an ordinary Scarecrow, but a Scarecrow made from dried straw..."
"..."
Can you tell me what the Difference is between this and an ordinary Scarecrow?
"Then..." Ormus licked his dry lips and continued excitedly.
"As long as you get a part of the Body of the person you want to Curse, for example, Hair, of course, the Heart is also fine..."
If you've already got the Heart, what's the point of Cursing?
"First, put it inside the Scarecrow, and finally, do this..."
He became more and more enthusiastic, fixing the Scarecrow on the Wall, taking out a Nail and a Hammer. He viciously inserted the Nail into the Scarecrow, then constantly ground his Teeth and looked ferocious as he hammered it.
"If you persevere like this, your Enemy will eventually be Cursed to death by you. However, one thing needs to be explained: you must be exactly a thousand miles away from your Enemy. Not a single millimeter more or less."
After nailing the Nail in about a third of the way, Ormus wiped the Sweat from his forehead as if he had completed the most difficult Matter, revealing a "refreshing Sunlight" smile after "strenuous exercise."
With a "swish," a basin of Clean Water fell from the Sky, drenching the posing Ormus. Then a Head appeared from the Window above and shouted loudly.
"Ormus, you old lunatic, how many times have I told you not to nail Nails into the Wall of my Inn? Can't you understand human language?"
"..."
I was a complete idiot for believing him. I'll go back and suggest Akara change the Representative. I turned around and left.
"Wait, Little Elder, don't be like that? I was just making a Joke, don't you think it was very interesting? Has the fatigue of the journey been greatly reduced because of it? Whoosh zzz zzz zzz..." Ormus, completely soaked, quickly stopped me and laughed strangely.
"Hey, don't worry, don't worry, I'll talk about the serious Matter now, I'll talk about it now."
Seeing that I didn't stop, Ormus quickly stopped laughing and said repeatedly.