The camp of the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group is well-equipped. It can be seen that this is a group of people who are used to camping in the wild.
This low-lying terrain effectively plays a certain role in preventing wind, and the two high slopes next to it are very defensive. If there is an accident, as long as the gap in the middle can be effectively guarded, the safety of the camp can be guaranteed.
Du Wei and Dardanelle followed Captain Beinrich into the camp, so he was greeted by the surprised eyes of many mercenaries.
The camp was not small, and according to Du Wei's visual inspection, there were about a hundred people. It is different from the private army of the nobles or the local garrison of the empire that Du Wei has seen. These mercenaries did not have uniform armor or equipment. Most of them dress very personally. Some wear leather jackets, some wear leather robes, and some wear leather armor.
It's just that, for the purpose of covering in the snow forest, most people chose white.
As for the weapons they used, it was even more strange, with swords, scimitars, axes, and short spears... Du Wei even saw a guy with a mace-like weapon.
Moreover, without exception, each of these people has a stubborn and unruly aura on their faces. When Du Wei walked into the camp, some guys who were polishing their weapons looked coldly at the two outsiders, Du Wei and Dardanelle.
Someone even shouted loudly: "Hey! Captain, why did you bring a child in! Hahahaha, is this guy a newcomer you recruited? He looks like he hasn't been weaned yet!"
As soon as these words came out, the people around immediately burst into laughter.
Beinrich's face darkened, and he shouted: "Don't talk nonsense! Do your own thing obediently! Be polite to me, this is our distinguished guest!"
It seems that the head of the regiment is extremely prestigious. When the words came out, although there were some people who disagreed, everyone shut their mouths.
"Okay, Your Excellency the Magician, these are rude men who don't know how to be polite." Beinrich then wanted to invite Du Wei to live in his tent, but Du Wei politely declined, so the head of the group asked for them to stay in his tent. An open space was cleared in the middle of the camp, and Du Wei and Dardanelle pitched a small tent by themselves.
After a while, the head of the group asked his subordinates to bring over two thick blankets.
"These guys don't seem to be very friendly to us." Du Wei watched the mercenary who delivered the tent leave indifferently, and turned his head to smile at Dardanelle.
"It's normal." Dardanelle curled his lips: "In this kind of team, it is generally difficult for newcomers to be accepted immediately. They are more willing to trust their old companions who have been born and died together...even in the regular army."
At night, the mercenaries lit several big fires in the middle of the camp, and the mercenaries sat around the fires and waited for dinner.
Beinrich personally invited Du Wei to have a meal together, and they huddled together in front of a fire.
The attitude of the mercenaries towards Du Wei was much better. Presumably, the head of the group had already announced Du Wei's status as a magician. But there are still some people who look at Du Wei suspiciously... After all, he looks too young.
Not only those mercenaries, but even Beinrich was somewhat puzzled.
Sitting in front of the fire, after taking off the thick fur hat that covered a third of his face, Du Wei's appearance looked even smaller... Beinrich couldn't help but doubt: such a small person Child, is it really a magician
Or... even if he is a magician, but at such a young age... I'm afraid he's just a magic apprentice, right? Or, just a first-level magician
Although magicians are rare, if they are just a magic apprentice or a first-level magician...then there is no value in attracting them.
The mercenaries in front of the bonfire next to them were doing their own things like no one else: they used a few big iron pots, melted the snow and boiled them into hot water, and then two sturdy men lifted out some strange-looking things from the tent. The corpses of large and small animals... Du Wei looked carefully, but couldn't tell whether it was a cow or a sheep. Dardanelle recognized it, and he frowned and said in a low voice: "This is... God, a snow hump... Oh, this is a ground-burrowing cow... Ah, there is also a snow wolf! God, Are you eating these tonight?"
Beinrich laughed and said, "No, it's us! We, and you, eat these at night."
"The corpse of the monster." Dardanelle sighed.
"Yes, Warcraft." Beinrich pouted and smiled: "In my opinion, these things are not much different from ordinary beasts... at least the taste in the mouth is not much different, but they are alive. Sometimes we use some magic, and when we die, it becomes our food."
Du Wei didn't say anything. He watched the two men pull out their sharp knives, quickly dismantled the corpses of several monsters into pieces, and then threw them all into the big iron pot for cooking.
The skins of these monsters have been peeled off a long time ago. Du Wei watched the two big men go back and move more monsters out of the tent. He couldn't help but whistled. He looked at Beinrich: "Your Excellency, Captain!" , it seems that you have gained a lot from this trip."
Beinrich said indifferently: "It's not easy to make a living. This kind of life is also a life-saving effort. But you are right, this time the harvest is not bad. We have been hunting in this forest for five days, and we have hunted a total of twenty Many monsters, but I also lost seven or eight men. Three people died, and three were permanently disabled." The mercenary leader sighed: "The skins of these monsters can be sold at a good price in the south, and Their magic cores... you mages are willing to pay a high price to buy them."
Du Wei couldn't help but look at the corpses of those monsters more...
Du Wei recognized the ice and snow wolf brought out by these mercenaries. He had seen the ice and snow wolf in the illusion last time when he was teased by that horror in Half Corner City.
However, the corpse of the demon wolf brought out by these mercenaries is obviously smaller than the one conjured up in the illusion last time.
The water in the pot gradually boiled, and the smell of meat overflowed. Many mercenaries couldn't help sniffing their noses fiercely.
The regiment leader asked someone to take out several large wineskin bags from his tent, and the mercenaries immediately cheered, and then the several leather bags were passed down, and each mercenary took a sip of the wine. In this ghostly weather that can chill people's noses, drinking a sip of wine to warm up the body is really the best enjoyment.
Beinrich did not forget to treat Du Wei, he took out a silver bottle from his arms, and said with a smile, "This is my private collection, the best wine in the north... Your Excellency the Magician, do you want to try it?"
Du Wei took the bottle with a smile and took a sip, but he almost choked to death!
"Ahem! What kind of wine is this..." Du Wei coughed uncomfortably, his voice became hoarse, and he felt like a flame was burning in his mouth!
In a hurry, Du Wei could only grab the snow from the ground and stuff it into his mouth desperately! After swallowing three handfuls of snow in one breath, he felt that the feeling of being burned by the fire in his throat eased a little.
Beinrich laughed loudly, and said: "Master, this is a good thing! I made this wine with the magic core of a flame rhinoceros! When I drank it, it seemed as if I stuffed it down my throat. Fire! Absolutely strong enough! Especially in this ghostly weather, a small sip can make your whole body burn! Your body will be hot all night!"
Du Wei pinched his nose: "Thank you! I can't stand this kind of thing."
Beinrich laughed, took a sip by himself, and immediately showed a painful and happy expression on his face. He shivered a few times, and then gasped for breath, and at the same time he yelled: "It's cool!"
He handed the bottle to Dardanelle again: "Friend, take a sip!"
Dardanelle hesitated to taste it, but his tolerance was much stronger than Du Wei. After taking a sip, he trembled a few times like Beinrich, but showed a happy expression, and praised: " Good stuff! Sure enough, my body is much warmer! Damn, it’s like having a fire in my stomach!"
Next, Du Wei tasted some cooked meat of monsters. The meat of Ice and Snow Demon Wolf was a bit old and had a sour taste. Du Wei was not used to eating it. However, in this kind of place, it is already a good enjoyment to have a mouthful of hot meat in the freezing and snowy environment.
At least last night when he was following the old magician, Du Wei had nothing to eat.
Well, I don't know if that old guy is looking at me now... Young master, I sit and drink and eat meat, and the old guy drinks wind, which feels very good.
After eating a little something, Du Wei felt much better, and tried to drink two sips of Beinrich's special wine. This time, he was fully prepared, and it was not as uncomfortable as last time. Good thing, after drinking it, it was as if a flame burned all over the internal organs immediately, and the whole body was hot in an instant, and the cold air all over the body was completely expelled!
"Your Excellency the Mage, you must have come to this forest to find some monsters, right?" Beinrich smiled and said, "The magicians who come here are all for these purposes. If this is the case, maybe we We can help each other, maybe I have the magic beast you need in my hand."
Dardanelle and Du Wei glanced at each other, Du Wei nodded, and Dardanelle replied: "Mr. Captain, have you heard of the golden-eyed python?"
There was a look of surprise on Beinrich's face: "Golden-eyed python? That's a very powerful guy. When I was young, I saw a magician catch it here, but we ourselves have never caught that kind of thing... and… "
He hesitated for a moment, and said slowly: "This is only the periphery of the frozen forest. Advanced monsters like the golden-eyed python have to go deeper into the forest. Powerful monsters are all active in the center of the forest. There will be such things. However, the further you go in, the more dangers there will be."
"The central area?" Du Wei smiled: "Excuse me. It's my first time to come to the Frozen Forest. You see, I am a young magician, and I am not familiar with this place. You say The heartland... We've been walking through the woods for two days. Is this just the outskirts?"
"Of course." Beinrich shook his head: "The Frozen Forest is too big... It can even be said that no one has ever really measured the size of this forest. I heard that there was a forest twenty years ago. A powerful magician led a few temple knights and walked deep into the forest for a month, but they couldn't reach the other end of the forest. The ghost knows where the other side of the forest is, maybe it's the end of the world. Maybe. Moreover, there are currently records that can be investigated. It was the time twenty years ago. That time, a great magician from the Magic Union brought in several high-level holy knights from the temple. It’s a pity to hear that ...In the end, only the magician came out alive. In the center of the frozen forest, I heard that there are many high-level monsters haunting there. Even a powerful magician cannot deal with the siege of several high-level monsters at the same time. Bing, our Snow Wolf mercenary group has always only been active in the outer areas, the farthest distance we have traveled is Jiutian... and that was a few years ago."
Du Wei was a little surprised...
A magician and several high-level holy knights walked for a month without reaching the end
Is this forest that big
Dardanelle's face was also a bit ugly... In this case, where can I find the golden-eyed python
"I would like to advise you two." Beinrich's expression was very serious: "Our snow wolf mercenary group has been hunting monsters in this forest for many years, and I have also met some who came in to look for monsters. Magician. But even some magicians don’t dare to go too far... At most, you can go to the vicinity of the "Great Round Lake", and absolutely no one dares to go any further. You two... I know you are a magician, I also respect the ability of magicians. But I still advise you, if it is not necessary, you should give up your plan... "
Dardanelle's face was ugly, he thought for a while, and suddenly said: "Your Excellency, Captain, thank you for your kindness, but I must find the golden-eyed python. Um... and..." He suddenly showed a strange look on his face The expression on his face: "I know that the people in your group specialize in hunting monsters. If possible, I would like to pay a high price to hire you to help me find..."
"Sorry, no." Beinrich refused very simply: "Although we make money from this, and I also know that the greater the risk, the greater the profit. However, if you know that you are going to die and work hard, Then it's not a risk, but an idiot's behavior. Our Snow Wolf Mercenary Group doesn't have the ability to enter the central area of the frozen forest. No matter how high the price you ask, I'm afraid there is nothing we can do."
Dardanelle sighed, knowing that what Beinrich said was the truth, he didn't say any more, and took a sip of his wine sullenly.
Beinrich's attention returned to Du Wei, he thought for a while, and said: "Your Majesty, I am very curious about you. In my impression, very few people at your age can obtain The qualifications of a magician. I have lived forty years, and I have spent twenty years in my adventure career. I have met quite a few magicians, but I have never seen a genius like you."
Du Wei smiled wryly...
Genius? That's what you haven't seen.
Du Wei's current strength is only about that of a third-level magician. He is considered a genius compared to ordinary people... But... Compared with the other two female geniuses Du Wei met, Du Wei really has nothing to be proud of.
At the age of fifteen or sixteen, he obtained the qualification of an eighth-level magician! That's genius! And Du Wei met two at once.
Seeing that Du Wei didn't speak, Beinrich was silent for a while, and slowly took out a scroll from his arms.
"My lord, I would like to make a deal with you. Are you interested?"
Du Wei's eyes lit up: "What deal?"
"It's like this, I know that magicians are very rich, so if I give you some treasure or something, you will definitely not pay attention...so..." Beinrich smiled: "I and my People, we will continue to go north for about four or five days. We will reach Dayuan Lake, and then we will turn around. I think, anyway, you and your companions are going all the way north, so the next In the next few days, you might as well go on the road with us. My people and I can act as your guides and take you all the way to Dayuan Lake. In such a large forest, if there is no guide, I am afraid it is easy to get lost. What do you think?"
Beinrich unfolded the scroll in his hand: "This is a map of the frozen forest! There is absolutely nowhere to find such a map on the market! Even if you spend 10,000 gold coins, you can Absolutely can’t buy it! Because I, Beinrich, used my adventures in this forest for nearly 20 years, and forty times, to draw it from my memory! I guarantee that the entire empire may not be able to find it. This is the second such detailed map."
Du Wei's heart skipped a beat!
He took the map and unfolded...
The drawing shows a vast forest icon, and at the southern end are several entrance passages leading to the forest. The drawing also marks several small towns in the south of the frozen forest, as well as some checkpoints set up by the Northern Storm Legion patrol.
After a few glances, Du Wei found the path he had entered the forest with the old magician the night before yesterday.
On the blueprint, the area of the entire forest is unknown, but after Beinrich pointed it out, Du Wei probably had an idea.
"Here, here is roughly where we are now." Beinrich poked a point on the map with his finger.
From the map, this location is very, very close to the entrance of the southern edge of the forest. Du Wei couldn't help but feel a little discouraged... After two days of hard walking, he only walked out of such a small place on the map.
Beinrich smiled, and then pointed to a point inside the forest on the map: "Here is the destination of my trip with my people, Dayuan Lake."
A lake is marked with a slightly flattened circle on the map.
Beinrich briefly introduced that this lake is located in the forest and is a lake in the forest. But the area is quite large.
"The lake is about five or six miles wide...at least that wide. Although I have been there a few times, I haven't measured it specifically. In fact, I have never been to the other side of the lake. Dayuan Lake is a frozen forest A dividing line for the advancement of some of the adventurous teams here."
"How to say?" Du Wei was very curious about everything in this frozen forest.
"The dividing line of strength." Beinrich said with a smile: "Basically, in the southern part of the lake, everything is not too dangerous, and mercenary groups like us can still operate. But... the northern part of the lake is extremely dangerous. Few people dare to go. Those who dare to cross the lake and continue to go north, as far as I know, are those strong men with names and surnames all over the continent... At least I am not that kind of person. I took my people I have been to Dayuan Lake several times, but never once dared to go around the lake and continue north."
After a pause, he had a weird smile on his face: "By the way, if it was summer, I wouldn't take people to Dayuan Lake. You know, wherever there is a source of water, there is usually danger. The wild beasts come and go... Warcraft is the same, they also need to drink water, and they also like to take a bath. In summer, although the weather here is also very cold, it is not as freezing as it is now. It is just the beginning of spring, and the lake has not yet Thawing, the lake is covered with ice, and no monsters will come to the lake. But summer is different. In summer, that place is a gathering place for monsters! Damn... I heard that there are several mercenary groups, hundreds of people I was attacked by monsters on the edge of that lake! The whole team died there! So, because of the current season, I dared to go there. If it was summer, I would definitely stay away from there."
After Beinrich finished all this, he glanced at Du Wei: "How is it? Your Excellency the Magician? My deal is very simple: My people and I will take you to that lake, and I will give this map to You... Although I have never been to the north side of the lake, I have collected a lot of information over the years. It is the news spread by some strong people who have been to the north side of the lake, but it cost me a lot of money to collect the information! Map Even if you cross Dayuan Lake and continue north, at least the map shows the terrain for the next two or three days."
Du Wei glanced at Beinrich: "Dear Mr. Leader... I'm curious, since you don't plan to go to the north of the lake, why do you collect information on the north of the lake?"
There was a trace of emotion in Beinrich's eyes, and the expression on his face was very sincere and serious: "Your Majesty the Magician, please remember that I am an adventurer!"
When he said this, his expression was even a bit devout.
"I'm an adventurer! Although... I'm working as a mercenary now, and I've made some profits by taking risks in the frozen forest... But, I'm not a businessman covered in money! In my bones, What flows is the blood of an adventurer!" Beinrich said in a deep voice: "I have been adventuring in this place for half my life, and since I was young, I have always longed for the frozen forest north of the lake when I heard the legends. What will it look like... Although I know that my strength is far from being the top powerhouse in the mainland. Moreover, there are still a large group of people following me under me, and I have to shoulder their responsibilities! However, I also have my own My dream! My dream is... In the future, when I am old and retired, I will no longer be the head of this regiment, and all my people will be handed over to their new leaders. Then, when I am alone, I have no responsibility When the time comes, I will prepare to cross the lake and go to the north to have a look! I have been going around this place all my life! In the future, if I die of old age and never see what the north looks like, then I will definitely die with regret! I collect These materials are for future planning! I plan to go on the road alone after I am ready. I am even prepared. I will die on the north side of Dayuan Lake in the future! Even if I die, at least I can die Let me take a look at what the legendary North Shore looks like... I have fulfilled my destiny as an adventurer by dying there!"
Speaking of this, Beinrich said something that made Du Wei awe-inspiring: "As an adventurer, it would be a shame if he died of old age in bed! As a true adventurer, you should choose Let yourself die in the most exciting journey!"
Du Wei took a deep breath, and his tone couldn't help becoming more respectful: "Your Excellency, you promised to be our guide and give us this map... Then what do you need me to do for you?" ?”
"It's very simple." Beinrich smiled: "I only have two conditions. First, during our journey together, if we encounter any trouble, such as being attacked by others or monsters, you, the magician Your Excellency, please stand by our side, when the time is right, we will need the help of a magician."
"No problem." Du Wei replied immediately: "Since we are on the road together, we are companions, which is a matter of course."
"Thank you. My second condition is... If, after you have completed this adventure, you can go back... please forgive me for using such unlucky words. But I will advise you for the last time, the north is very dangerous!" Seeing that Du Wei didn't accept his suggestion, the team leader sighed: "Then... If you can come back, I think you are the most powerful magician I have ever seen in my life... You are so young! I have no other magicians except geniuses. There are no other words to describe it. I believe that in the future, you will definitely become a well-known powerhouse on the mainland. If there is such a day, I hope you can remember the name of our Snow Wolf Mercenary Group... I take the liberty to ask you to remember , Once in the Frozen Forest, the Snow Wolf Mercenary Corps gave you help. As for this kind of favor, at the right time, when it is convenient for you, it is enough to help us people."
Very shrewd leader!
Du Wei has a little more respect for this regiment leader!
If the "adventurer's fate" words just now made him look like an idealist...then the following transaction conditions, it seems that the leader has a long-term vision!
For them, this matter did not cost much... They originally planned to go to Dayuan Lake, a team of more than a hundred people, and it didn't cost anything to bring two more people along. On the contrary, there is an extra magician companion on the road.
Besides, as for the map... The leader made the map himself. Although he gave it to Du Wei, he can draw another one at any time. For him, there is nothing to lose.
But these were exchanged for the favor of a magician!
In Roland Continent, magicians are more precious than gold, especially those powerful magicians. The commander's calculations are very clever. Du Wei has become a magician at such a young age. His future must be bright... As long as he can go back alive, it will mean that the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group will be able to negotiate with a future big brother at no cost. Magicians make friendships!
You can count on the help of a great magician at some point in the future!
An idealist, but not lacking in realistic cunning.
This is Du Wei's evaluation of Commander Beinrich.
Nothing to say this night.
Early the next morning, when Du Wei got out of the tent, the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group was ready to go. Some warriors who are not afraid of the cold are scrubbing their bodies with snow, and some are carefully shaving with a dagger. These guys who are used to the adventurous career, everyone has a sturdy temperament, and finally summoned their companions to go on the road with a full-hearted shout.
Dardanelle's mood was a little depressed.
After Captain Beinrich introduced the situation of the frozen forest last night, Dardanelle knew very well that the possibility of finding the golden-eyed python by himself was probably very small. Even adding that Mr. Harry Potter, the little wizard, is probably not enough.
Du Wei comforted the loyal warrior of the Liszt family, and then followed the snow wolf mercenary group on the road.
The snow wolf mercenary group was very full, and two teams scattered around to open the way to search. In the afternoon, Du Wei witnessed the process of hunting monsters by the people of the mercenary group.
The search team found a monster cave, the roots of a towering tree were hollowed out, and a giant snow-white bear hibernated inside.
This is a "roaring snow bear". This monster is almost twice the size of an ordinary bear. It looks very similar to the polar bear that Du Wei knew in his previous life, but this roaring snow bear can emit a Magic attack: Its roar can roll up a small tornado!
The Snow Wolf mercenary group seemed to have a very skillful way of dealing with this kind of monster. A dozen strong warriors tied themselves and their companions together with ropes, and first threw burning pine branches into the bear. He forced the bear out of the hole, and then attacked it with a bow and arrow from a distance.
The roar of the giant bear started a small whirlwind, blowing the two big men into the air on the spot! Fortunately, they were tied together with their companions. Although they fell a bit badly, the snow was thick and they were not seriously injured. Just one unlucky guy who landed on his ass on a snow-covered rock and sprained his back.
The mercenaries used a huge mask to cover the bear, and then divided it into four directions, with more than a dozen big men pulling vigorously on each side.
In the end, this Captain Beinrich held a huge ax and stood about fifteen steps away from the giant bear. His grudge was shining, and he threw the ax quickly!
In that piece of silver grudge, the regiment leader cut the giant bear's head in half with one axe!
Du Wei couldn't help but secretly surprised when he saw it.
The Martial Skills of Captain Beinrich are indeed quite powerful! The title of one of the three great northern mercenaries really has real skills!
In Du Wei's heart, he secretly compared him with the martial arts masters he had seen, and found that neither Robert Cavalier nor his father's guard Alpha Swordsman was as good as this Beinrich.
The only thing that can be compared is probably Joanna's martial arts.
Amidst the cheers of the soldiers of the mercenary regiment, everyone went up to collect the body of the giant bear. A captain skillfully cut open the bear's stomach with a dagger, first took out the bear gall, and then cut out the magic core from the bear's head. , put it away.
For the rest, the three soldiers quickly peeled off the entire bear skin. As for the bear meat, they divided it into several pieces for the soldiers to carry on their backs, and then continued on the road.
At the end of the day, Du Wei saw similar scenes four or five times. The snow wolf mercenary group hunted two more ice and snow demon wolves, but unfortunately, when hunting the second demon wolf, a mercenary was unfortunately scratched by the claws of the demon wolf, and his intestines were ripped apart on the spot. All flowed out!
"This is the life of an adventurer. Every day of adventure, someone may be sacrificed." Dardanelle whispered to Du Wei: "I also lived this kind of life back then, but later, I chose to quit."
Those mercenaries only expressed their condolences to their dead companions, then buried their corpses and continued on the road with their heads held high...
In the evening, everyone had a full meal of magic wolf meat, but when they took turns drinking to warm up, Du Wei noticed a detail carefully.
The dozen or so mercenaries sitting around the campfire never touched the wine bag that was passed around.
"Those are the vigilantes tonight." Looking at Du Wei's puzzled eyes, the group leader said calmly: "The vigilantes, I ask them to remain 100% vigilant, calm and rational throughout the night! Because in this kind of place , if the vigilantes are negligent, the entire team may be ruined! Therefore, the vigilantes are absolutely not allowed to drink a drop of alcohol! But as a reward, these vigilantes will be on the second night After the substitution, they can get a double share of wine. The spoils they get the next day, they can also get an extra share when they go back."
When the leader said this, he added in a low voice: "Of course, if they can go back alive at that time."
After hearing this, Du Wei looked at the night watch soldiers who looked at their companions cheering and drinking calmly... There was a trace of respect in his eyes.