Chapter 539: Aroen
Chapter 539: Aroen
Boer explained the situation, and Lindsey's group was warmly welcomed into the interior of the Ara Camp.
Compared to the abandoned settlement they had seen a day earlier, the camp was noticeably more orderly. A stream flowed through the camp, and alongside it were well-tended farmlands.
The streets and buildings within the camp were laid out somewhat hastily, but the houses, constructed entirely from stone, were a significant improvement from the previous half-underground and half-above-ground primitive structures.
At the heart of the camp, several oddly-shaped trees stood tall, emitting a unique essence aura, which likely served as the camp's vital resources.
As Lindsey walked through the camp, his gaze roamed everywhere.
He could easily discern that the people here were not in the desperate state of hunger and despair that was common in the desolate lands. Nor did they exude the cold and vicious desires often found in such environments.
"Everyone here seems to be in good spirits..."
Lindsey casually opened his map as he spoke.
He quickly estimated that the Ara Camp was quite large, and the current population was close to a thousand.
Among them were some red marks indicating hostility, but most were green, indicating a friendly disposition.
"To achieve this level of stability in the desolate lands is impressive..."
"Aroen, the Law Knight, is maintaining order here," Lindsey remarked with a hint of admiration.
If it were seven years ago, Lindsey would have likely held biases against Law Knights.
However, after the experiences in the Forest Courtyard, his perspective had subtly shifted.
At that moment, Hammer spoke up quietly beside him, "Mr. Lindsey, what have you noticed?"
"This camp is indeed impressive," Lindsey replied.
The group continued deeper into the camp.
After about a quarter of an hour, a middle-aged man in leather armor emerged from within the camp.
He hurried out, his gaze first falling on Vivian before shifting to Boer's group.
"Boer, were you attacked?" he asked.
Boer immediately replied, "The refugees were a trap set by wildland hunters. Thanks to Mr. Lindsey's rescue, we were able to return alive..."
The middle-aged man who appeared was none other than Aroen, the Law Knight who established the Ara Camp.
He inquired about Lindsey's situation with Boer.
Lindsey, in turn, observed him closely.
Aroen was a towering man, nearly two meters tall, with golden hair and blue eyes like his daughter's. His demeanor exuded authority without anger, and his hands, clenched at his sides, seemed powerful enough to shatter anyone who dared oppose his will.
His resolute mental state, robust essence, and the evidence of his scouting skills marked him as a quintessential fifth-stage Awakened.
Aroen approached and said, "Mr. Lindsey, I'm deeply grateful for your assistance to Boer and his group."
Lindsey politely responded, "Helping those in need is the right thing to do."
Aroen nodded in agreement and then turned to give instructions, "Boer, take everyone to rest and prepare some food. I have some matters I'd like to discuss privately with Mr. Lindsey."
Vivian, standing nearby, stepped forward, "Father, I..."
Aroen shook his head, "Vivian, I respect your wishes. But once a choice is made, one must bear the consequences."
"I understand," Vivian nodded firmly and followed Boer.
Aroen led Lindsey to a house within the camp. The interior was simply furnished but exuded a solemn atmosphere, as if a ruler was receiving guests.
The two sat down, and Aroen spoke first, "Mr. Lindsey, I heard you came from the Seven Seas Alliance."
"The teleportation array here should have been occupied by bandits..."
They were extremely powerful, and even the Spatial Mages maintaining the Teleportation Array were under their command. The fact that you managed to escape from there..."
Lindsey shook her head slightly.
"They're dead."
"I'm not sure who the murderer is, but it was definitely the doing of a powerful Awakened individual. They couldn't even put up a decent resistance."
Aroen furrowed his brows.
"A powerful Awakened?"
"There were even Fifth Stage beings among them. Can you give me more details?"
Lindsey began to describe her findings.
After providing a thorough account, she concluded, "When I left, there was not a single survivor in the entire Teleportation Courtyard. The crime took place just a few hours ago, but there were no traces left behind."
"In my opinion, it was at least a Sixth Stage being."
Aroen continued his inquiry.
"What about the Teleportation Array?"
"It's intact."
Aroen nodded slightly, finally letting out a sigh of relief.
"As long as we can find a willing Spatial Mage, we can reestablish communication with the outside world."
Lindsey reminded him, "If I remember correctly, this low-level Teleportation Network can only connect to one location."
"According to the Art Association, they won't interfere with this place until a ruler is established in the Law Capital."
Aroen couldn't help but agree with this sentiment.
"In a place of war and chaos, no one really wants to come here."
"Even before the bandits took over, to teleport from here to the Seven Seas Alliance, we needed permission from the other side. It's wishful thinking to think we could bring everyone with us."
"But even so, in a broader world, the chances of finding a solution to save this world are greater. If the Desolate Plains continue like this, it will truly become a land of no return for all living beings."
After Aroen's musings, he curiously asked Lindsey about his purpose for being there.
"By the way, Mr. Lindsey, I haven't asked why you're here."
"As far as I know, neither the Law Capital nor the Moon Crying Ridge are places that ordinary people would willingly go to."
Lindsey replied solemnly, "I plan to go to the Law Capital."
Aroen's expression changed.
"The Law Capital? You're going there?"
"Mr. Lindsey, forgive my frankness. If you're seeking benefits in the competition for rulership in the Law Capital, it's best to abandon that idea early on. The Righteous Ones will not be swayed by such..."
Seeing that Aroen had misunderstood him, Lindsey shook his head and interrupted.
"No, my family is there."
"And the real reason why the world has turned into this state lies there. To solve the problem, we must tackle it at its root!"
"..."
Lindsey's response was resolute and unwavering.
Aroen sensed the weight of his words and stopped trying to persuade him. Instead, he took the initiative to explain the situation in the Law Capital and the neighboring world.
"Further east, right next door, is the Dust Path World."
"Many ambitious Awakened individuals are fighting each other there, causing chaos and disorder. Even powerful Awakened beings find it difficult to ensure their safety..."
After getting a general understanding from Aroen, Lindsey took the initiative to stand up and prepare to leave.
Aroen wanted to keep him there.
However, Lindsey didn't intend to waste time. As he walked out of the room, he waved his hand.
"Hammer... the refugee group that followed me, they should stay here. I hope you'll take good care of them."
Aroen followed him out.
His tone made it sound as if it were a matter of course.
"Leave it to me."
"Protecting the people's safety is my duty!"
(End of Chapter)
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