Chapter 49
Chapter 49
Half a month later, many acolytes respectfully and sincerely sent off nine figures riding on large black wolves from Angler Town. These Seated Lupin Wolves were matte black with red fur crowning their heads, and two golden yellow rings on their forelimbs. Each wolf was over 5 meters tall and 2 meters wide, making them appear extremely menacing. Their movements were swift, covering several meters with each step. Additionally, their backs had hump-like bulges, providing travelers a place to rest. These wolves were rented from the Broken Axe Pub for five hundred magic crystals each, and after reaching their destination, they'd return on their own.
Leylin, seated on one of these wolves, looked around as he made use of this opportunity to rest. He had rented an extra Seated Lupin Wolf for his servants to accompany him, even though many magicians considered it a waste of magic crystals.
As a lone magician, traveling through the Great Canyon Margaret was perilous. Facing the harsh environment and the predatory Kary Vultures would be too much for a single person to handle. Hence, Leylin had joined this group to enhance his chances of survival.
The party was cautious even with Leylin's inclusion, as they believed his presence didn't guarantee their safety. Only yesterday, another official Magus had joined the group, and they were now finally ready to set off.
Leylin glanced at the group members, most of whom concealed their faces due to the temporary nature of the group and general wariness. Only an old man and a voluptuous female magician didn't conceal their faces.
The Grand Canyon Margaret stretched across several kingdoms, and rumor had it that it was created by a battle between two high-ranked Magi. It appeared like a massive wound on the southern coast's landscape.
The region suffered from erratic geographical conditions and ever-changing natural climates. It contained diverse terrains such as grasslands, mountains, forests, marshes, and deserts, and experienced unpredictable weather conditions, including sudden rain and thunderstorms.
Large-scale sandstorms could be a calamity, but they had predictable timings, and the party was determined to avoid them.
The Seated Lupin Wolves had evolved over time to adapt to the region's harsh conditions and terrain. Magicians had tamed and modified them into essential means of traversing the Great Canyon Margaret.
Leylin and the group were traveling on the Seated Lupin Wolves, utilizing their speed and the wolves' ability to deal with the environment. The wolves' strong jaws and sharp claws could handle most wild creatures, reducing the need for magicians to cast spells.
A sudden thunderstorm struck, but Leylin's side still had clear skies. The Great Canyon Margaret's erratic weather patterns were renowned.
A peculiar natural phenomenon occurred when they entered the region of thunderstorms, and the party was careful to avoid getting wet.
The Seated Lupin Wolves helped them advance quickly across marshy terrain. The wolves' adaptation to water kept them from sinking into the quicksand.
Leylin noticed one of the wolves changing its paws into hoof-like structures to tread on water.
"It's amazing how these creatures have adapted to nature and magic," Leylin admired the Seated Lupin Wolves. As one of the few who truly understood their capabilities, he didn't mind the expenditure of magic crystals to rent them.
At dusk, they left the thunderstorm area and entered a stone forest, where they decided to make camp. The Seated Lupin Wolves guarded the perimeter, forming a protective circle around the black tents.
Leylin went to his tent to meditate. Warlocks faced specific challenges, and Leylin knew them well. Their unique path required the right balance of bloodline power and magical cultivation. Advancement was tricky due to the need for a strong bloodline concentration, which often resulted in a failed advancement.
Warlocks couldn't neglect their magical cultivation either, making it challenging to advance. However, when a Warlock did break through, their power often surpassed that of a Magus of the same rank. Leylin's personal advantages made the Warlock path more suitable for him.
After meditating, Leylin fed his Seated Lupin Wolf, showing care for his magical mount.
Lancey, his assigned partner in the party, came out of her tent. She had a lonely air about her, and her reasons for traveling to the Light Magi domain remained a mystery. Leylin didn't ask, as he understood that everyone traveling through the Great Canyon Margaret had their own story.
The group discovered a Brownstone Singer, a rare and mystical creature, and Leylin shared some information about them. Unfortunately, a member of the party tried to capture the creature and scared it away.
Leylin mentioned that the Brownstone Singer could only be touched by those with an elemental essence conversion of 80% or higher and was extremely timid.
Another member mentioned a superstition that anyone touched by a Brownstone Singer would get pregnant, leading to a mix of shock and amusement in the group.