Stamina always affects the progress of journeys.
But coincidentally, none of the three present were lacking in it.
This run lasted a full day and night.
"Whew..."
In an open space near the main road, seeing no more pursuers behind them, the three finally had a chance to rest.
"Now it's time to explain what exactly happened."
Levi lit a campfire and set up an iron pot. While cooking soup, he asked:
"I mean about your confrontation with Sauron and being corrupted."
"I think before that, you should first explain those... those two rings on your hand. As far as I know, most rings with strange powers in this world aren't good things."
"The last time I saw such rings was thousands of years ago. There was a human called Khamûl who became the most powerful warrior in the entire East with one ring, possessing great wealth and power, and even mastering some magic. Some people called him the 'Dark Sorcerer.'"
Hmm?
Before Levi could respond, Halbarad was first attracted by these words.
Powerful warrior, mastering magic, legendary as a wizard... why does this process sound so familiar?
"But in the end he was corrupted by that ring and became a servant of the Great Enemy, a 'Nazgûl.'"
"I've already explained the seriousness of the situation to you, Levi. If what you have are those kinds of rings, it's still not too late to remove them now. I can help you, even if this makes my situation worse."
"Your concerns are excessive. Both these rings were forged by me. They contain only pure protective power and have no connection to Sauron's One Ring."
"I see... that's for the best..."
"Your turn. What's your situation?"
Levi said this while pulling out three wooden bowls, ladling out some freshly cooked meat soup to share with the two.
Alatar took a sip and felt every sense in his body cheering for this bowl of soul-warming soup.
"You want to know what happened?"
Levi nodded.
"Good."
As if afraid he'd never drink it again, Alatar finished the entire bowl before slowly setting down the wooden bowl, standing up, and moving a bit away.
The moment he raised both hands, the clear sky overhead suddenly became dim.
His sea-blue robes moved without wind. Darkness burst forth from within his heart. The wise light in the wizard's eyes disappeared, replaced by coldness and indifference.
"Like this."
His words were unclear, piercing to the eardrums.
Thud!
Everything suddenly dissipated as if it had never happened.
Halbarad awakened from his daze, while Levi showed no fluctuation from beginning to end.
"These symptoms are quite serious."
"How about some milk? This might make your condition somewhat better."
Hearing this, Alatar accepted the milk without doubt and drank it down.
"Thank you, it is indeed better," he said.
A moment later, he added: "Though only for a short while."
Right, it's beacon-type permanent corruption.
"Very effective milk with a healing effect, but it only works for a short time," Alatar commented.
"That evil power constantly affects my mind. There's only one way to resolve it, eliminate its source as well."
He shook his head helplessly: "But I've gotten used to it. Before then, I'll try to arrange everything well..."
Clang.
Just as he was speaking, some unusual sounds came from the main road.
Halbarad immediately extinguished the campfire and covered the soup pot.
Alatar hurriedly protected his wooden bowl.
The three hid and looked toward the main road, seeing a luxuriously decorated carriage speeding along, occasionally making sounds when bumped by small stones on the road.
Around the carriage was a small squad of guards riding armored horses.
"A royal noble's carriage. Those around it are the most elite guards."
Alatar recognized these people at a glance.
The three exchanged meaningful glances.
Moments later, three audacious masked bandits appeared from the roadside. One wore black armor with formidable strength. Even mounted charges by the guards couldn't shake him in the slightest.
Another wore an ill-fitting tattered coat and wielded a wooden staff, able to knock people unconscious through their helmets with one strike. Presumably an old warrior with years of combat experience.
The third moved agilely and was extremely hard to catch. He could work wonders with a dagger and longbow in hand. The untouched sword at his waist indicated his swordsmanship might also be impressive.
When battle losses exceeded half while these three bandits remained unharmed, the remaining guards quickly pulled the noble from the carriage, dragged him onto a horse, and fled in panic.
The noble stared wide-eyed, pointing at the carriage, wanting to say something, but was silenced by a guard's hand over his mouth. His eyes were practically shooting fire.
The three bandits didn't choose to pursue and eliminate witnesses but stopped in place, somewhat clumsily searching the carriage. After confirming nothing seemed left behind, they left the scene.
On wasteland far from the main road.
"I found a letter bearing the royal seal."
Alatar pulled out his gains from earlier.
"I found a quite magnificent gold-plated short dagger, plus some gold coins. I believe these will be useful."
Halbarad also placed his gains on the ground.
"I found some food, pastries I've never seen before."
Levi brought out a plate with several uniquely shaped small cakes.
"..."
"Don't look at me like that. You took all the useful stuff. Can't I grab some food on the side?"
"Well, that makes sense."
Alatar picked up a small cake, chewing while opening the letter and reading.
But the more he read, the more serious his expression became.
"A mobilization order mentioning three main regions."
"The winding harbor in the north, the pass city in the south, and the armed town clusters on the eastern road."
"Each possesses considerable power."
"If they successfully unite with the capital's forces, probably no power in the entire East could resist them."
Alatar frowned deeply, no longer in the mood for cake.
Halbarad consoled: "At least there's good news. Didn't we intercept the messenger?"
"No."
"This is just one of them, perhaps even the most insignificant one."
"Three other groups are already heading toward those three regions."
Alatar shook his head: "It's already too late..."
"I don't think so."
Levi finished his cake, set the plate aside, leaned over to glance at the letter, and said: "Doesn't this say the other three groups just set out too? That means they, like this group, are all still on the road."
"I think if we chase now, we can still make it."
Halbarad thought for a moment: "We can catch up to at most one group."
"But even catching one group would be useful. Which way do we go?"
No one responded.
"We have three people..."
Levi stared at that letter and said this meaningfully.
"Yes, three people."
Alatar quite agreed.
"Two of whom have definitely gone mad."
Halbarad looked around and stepped back cautiously.
Two gazes slowly moved over.