Chapter 396: Horizon City
Chapter 396: Horizon City
Tat-tat-tat-tat—
In the depths of the forest, a cyclone blade soared through the air, leaving a trail of swirling wind in its wake. With a swift motion, it sliced through several crooked-necked trees that were blocking the road, creating a graceful arc before returning to Lindsey's hand.
Lindsey caught the weapon, nodding in satisfaction, "Not bad. With this, I can clear an entire plot of land by chopping down trees with a few throws!"
Lindsey strode through the forest alone. It was the 15th of January, over three months since he had resolved the issue with the Garden Arboretum and set out on his journey to Horizon City.
The city was now within reach.
The cyclone blade in Lindsey's hand was a reward from the Hunting Notes after defeating Yuramanthor.
【Weapon: Lumber Cyclone Blade】
【A cyclone blade made entirely from plants. When thrown to its maximum range, it automatically returns to the holder's hand, cutting down trees along its path.】
【Jungle Weapon Master - (1/3)】
【A unique cyclone blade with moderate value.】
This was one of the components of the Jungle Weapon Master set.
In fact, Lindsey had already completed all the parts of this set. Using Authority Wood and other materials collected in the Secret Realm, he crafted another weapon.
【Weapon: Jungle Commander Scepter】
【A scepter made entirely from wood. By paying Essence, it can summon a Jungle Wildling who possesses basic knowledge of botany and can take care of plants.】
【Jungle Weapon Master - (1/3)】
【A unique summoning scepter with moderate value.】
After acquiring all three weapons, the set bonus was unlocked.
【Jungle Weapon Master: Greatly reduces the impact of the environment when fighting in the forest.】
This set bonus was extremely useful in the forest.
Upon equipping it, Lindsey no longer had to worry about being entangled by mysterious vines or roots, nor would his vision be obstructed by the shade of tree canopies. He could even sense the presence of enemies hiding behind trees and identify talking trees at a glance.
However, Lindsey's most significant find was the Garden Fruit from the Arboretum.
【Curiosity/Accessory: Garden Fruit】
【After using or equipping, the user gains an Essence circulation system, alleviating conflicts between different Essences.】
【A wondrous fruit that can hold Essence, highly valuable.】
As the Forest Will had said, this fruit could address the hidden dangers of Essence conflicts.
But after placing it in his equipment slot, Lindsey's accessory slots began to fill up.
"Not enough!" he exclaimed.
"Forest Brooch, Ice and Fire Insignia, Botanist's Backpack, Beast's Heart, Fishing Amulet..."
"Good thing runes don't take up space, or how would I manage?"
Lindsey had no choice but to select some accessories to wear on his physical body, ensuring he benefited from all their effects.
Additionally, the synthesis formula for the Bloodthirsty Wood Core was intriguing. While it could provide a powerful close-combat weapon, there was one item that particularly piqued Lindsey's interest.
【1 Bloodthirsty Wood Core + 1 Advanced Silk Thread + 1 Advanced Metal + 1 Special Metal = Blood Sea Fishing Rod. No, it's not enough. How could anyone be that deranged to do such a thing?"
"Could it be me?"
"Hahaha..."
Lindsey let out an awkward laugh and continued on the main forest path.
He expanded the scouting range of his map, and in the distance, signs of human activity gradually appeared.
As he pondered, Lindsey opened his portable bag.
The Radiant Iron Stone Tree he had planted in the backyard of his shop had borne its first fruits under the care of the Wildling. With this batch of minerals, Lindsey had crafted three Advanced Metal Ingots.
In other words, he could now synthesize items that previously required Advanced Metal.
Lindsey was still undecided.
"I can make the Unbreakable Blade, two fishing rods, high-strength armor, Golden Arrow... Oh, and even this!"
【Advanced Metal 3 = Metal Rune】
The Metal Rune in the Rune System originally required Advanced Metal for synthesis.
Lindsey thought carefully.
Weapons of sufficient strength—he didn't lack any.
Fishing rods—several were lying in his portable bag.
Armor—the set effect of the toxic plants ensured it wouldn't be discarded anytime soon.
"Hmm, I'll wait a bit longer."
Lindsey decided to save the radiant iron ingots.
He didn't want to impulsively craft equipment and be unable to make anything else for a while.
After all, the radiant iron stone trees would bear fruit in a few months.
After some time, when he had a basic stockpile of advanced metal, he could indulge in his personal hobbies.
Lindsey was incredibly fast, and up ahead on the road, he spotted a cargo horse-drawn carriage. A middle-aged man was driving it, and a child sat in the back.
"Dad, how much longer until we reach the city?"
"Don't worry, we'll be there before the sun sets today!"
They were a father and son.
Following the principle of not drawing attention and taking the opportunity to be lazy, Lindsey slowed down and caught up with them, greeting them.
"Hey, brother! Are you heading to Horizon City too? Can you give me a ride?"
The middle-aged man looked at Lindsey, who was 'running like crazy' to catch up.
He stared at Lindsey's young face under the carriage and soon slowed down the horse-drawn carriage.
"No problem, young man. Hop on."
They were very close to Horizon City.
There was no one in the surrounding forest daring to cause trouble, so he naturally didn't mind giving a ride to a passerby.
Lindsey jumped onto the carriage and sat with the child in the cargo area, handing two silver coins to the middle-aged man in front.
"Thank you, sir."
The middle-aged man accepted the silver coins, and Lindsey, covered in forest traces, asked,
"Young man, you don't look like you're from Horizon City at all."
Lindsey nodded.
"I've been in the forest for the past two months, and I just decided to return to the city recently."
"Where are you from?"
The middle-aged man replied,
"Nine Bays City."
Lindsey paused, then asked,
"I heard that Nine Bays City hasn't been peaceful recently?"
The middle-aged man's eyes sank, and he shook his head, but soon, hope lit up in his gaze.
"That's right, it was chaotic before, but it's different now!"
"With Mr. Hans Ke, the Law Enforcement Knight, managing the city, everything in Nine Bays City is thriving!"
Hearing Hans Ke's name, Lindsey smiled inwardly.
The Law Enforcement Knight he had saved had achieved such accomplishments, and his use of the Phoenix Grass was even more impressive than if he had used it on himself.
Lindsey asked curiously,
"If that's the case, are you coming to Horizon City to stock up on goods and then sell them in Nine Bays City?"
"No, it's for my son." The middle-aged man shook his head in denial, pointing to the child sitting in the carriage. "This rascal awakened his talent during last year's Essence Surge. I don't want him to live a life of mediocrity like me. So, I plan to send him to a more prosperous world to learn skills."
Lindsey sighed softly,
"So, it was that Essence Surge."
The child beside him heard the sigh and immediately smiled,
"I know about that!"
"I heard that a great hero named Lindsey saved the entire forest from a crisis, and that's how I got the chance to become an Awakened!"
The child seemed to be showing off.
Lindsey looked at him and chuckled, reaching out to ruffle the child's hair,
"He might not be a hero."
"Maybe this Lindsey is just a coward, forced by circumstances to do these things."
"Pfft—" The child made a face.
He didn't bother to pay attention to Lindsey, humming and turning away, no longer speaking to him.
"Hahaha!"
"What's wrong? Are you upset?"
Lindsey started to tease the child, which was definitely more enjoyable than teasing mosquitoes and locusts in the forest.
In the afternoon, the road became busier, and Lindsey's carriage joined the large group.
The road ahead widened, and the trees became sparse. A towering earthen wall appeared on the horizon.
The middle-aged driver spoke up,
"Young man, look ahead!"
"We've arrived!"
(End of Chapter)
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