Arrival at River Bay City

Ang learned inscriptions from Ina throughout the journey. Perhaps because he had practiced regular script before, he progressed exceptionally smoothly in learning them. Though engraving inscriptions took time, he could already complete them in one continuous stroke. It was just that this "one continuous stroke" took rather a long time. Ina was pleased with Ang's progress. She had not brought many materials, mainly having Ang copy the Water Gathering Rune Board in her possession.

Inside the swaying carriage, Ang practiced holding the Runesmith's Knife steadily. He placed the Water Gathering Rune Board on his lap and carefully began copying its runes. His hand was unsteady at first, but as he kept practicing, he gradually learned how to keep it stable amid the jolting. Whenever the carriage lurched, he would pause slightly, waiting until it had steadied before continuing to engrave.

Ina sat beside him, carefully watching every movement he made. From time to time, she offered advice to help him improve his technique. "Pay attention to the angle of the blade tip. Try to keep it consistent. Also, relax your wrist while engraving. Don't tense up too much," she said softly.

Ang followed Ina's advice and continuously adjusted his movements. He discovered that as his practice deepened, his hand grew steadier and the runes he engraved became more refined. Occasionally, he stopped to ask Ina questions, such as the specific function of a rune or how to choose suitable materials. Ina always answered patiently, sharing her knowledge and experience without holding anything back.

Once Ang finished engraving a rune, Ina took his work and examined it carefully. "Very well done, Ang. You've mastered the basic techniques. Next, we can try some more complicated runes," she said.

Ang nodded, excitement gleaming in his eyes. Learning inscriptions made him feel fulfilled and satisfied, and he could not wait to master more knowledge and skills. Ina was also infected by his enthusiasm and decided to teach him some more advanced inscription techniques.

Over the rest of the journey, Ang not only learned more rune-engraving techniques, but also how to mix energy potions, select suitable materials, and apply runes in different environments. Ina continually gave him new challenges, allowing him to steadily improve through practical work.

Meanwhile, Maple Sugar Plane, Canyon Battlefield

After Ang left, the 39th Infantry Regiment also followed orders and began withdrawing from the battlefield. Most of the Foul Spirits in the eastern region of the Maple Sugar Plane had gathered on the Kewenhua Grand Plains, forming an enormous Foul Spirit Legion. Although the Allied Forces continually dealt with the Foul Spirits' daily attacks, the situation remained grim.

Although new infantry regiments arrived one after another as reinforcements, Commander Meredith did not order the front line to advance. He decided to maintain a defensive posture in the canyon and remain locked in a stalemate with the Foul Spirit Legion. Meredith believed that although the Allied Forces held an advantage in numbers and equipment, a rash offensive might lead them into a trap set by the Foul Spirits.

Therefore, he chose to proceed steadily, focusing on defense while waiting for the right opportunity to counterattack.

Under this stalemate, the pace of battle became exceptionally tense and oppressive. Every day, the Foul Spirits launched fresh attacks, while the Allied Forces stubbornly resisted behind their defensive lines. This endlessly repeated fighting tested not only the soldiers' strength, but also their willpower.

To maintain morale, Meredith continually inspected the various defensive lines and encouraged the soldiers to hold on.

However, the Foul Spirit Commander Gewalong had not stopped plotting. Earlier, Gewalong had dispatched an elite Foul Spirit force to secretly cross the mountains and circle around to the rear of the canyon, intending to launch an attack from behind.

In Commander Meredith's view, the rear of the canyon lay within human-controlled territory, so its defenses were relatively lax. Seeing this, Foul Spirit Commander Gewalong sent an elite force led by Karls across from the other side of the mountains, circling around to the rear of the canyon. This Foul Spirit force moved carefully along the way, avoiding powerful magical beasts. After a long trek, they finally reached a concealed location behind the canyon.

Karls took a black Bone Whistle from his clothes and blew it softly. The Bone Whistle produced no piercing whistle; it only emitted silent ripples that quietly traveled to the main camp on the Foul Spirit Plains. The Foul Spirit commanders who were studying tactics immediately received the signal that Karls was in position. The Bone Whistle's fluctuations continued without pause, and Gewalong knew the time was ripe. He swiftly issued the order for a full-scale attack to every Foul Spirit commander.

The Foul Spirits struck swiftly, and the human Allied Forces immediately entered full defensive formation. However, the Foul Spirits' all-out assault placed enormous pressure on the Allied Forces. Gewalong then sent Karls the signal to attack. Upon receiving it, Karls quickly launched his assault from behind the canyon. Caught completely off guard and attacked from both front and rear, the Allied Forces saw the Foul Spirits' might displayed in full.

At first, the human Allied Forces tried to organize resistance, but they were soon scattered by the Foul Spirits. Realizing that the situation was worsening, Meredith ordered a breakout through the rear of the canyon. The battle lasted a full day and night before the human Allied Forces were finally forced to withdraw from the canyon. Meredith quickly reported the Battle Report back to Tan'anster, informing them that humanity had lost the canyon.

The Foul Spirit forces entered the vast mountain forests, and the situation took a sharp turn for the worse. Having lost the strategic stronghold of the canyon, humanity's defensive lines became extremely fragile. The Allied Forces headquarters urgently convened a meeting to discuss countermeasures. However, the Foul Spirits' invasion was as swift and ferocious as a flood and raging beast. Humanity needed to adjust its strategy quickly to find even a sliver of hope in this battle for survival.

Meredith knew full well that humanity needed not only courage, but wisdom in this battle. He ordered the Allied Forces to preserve their strength during the retreat, swiftly reorganize their units, and prepare to regroup along a new defensive line. At the same time, he requested that the Grand Duchy of Tan'anster dispatch more reinforcements to stabilize the situation as soon as possible.

What happened on the Maple Sugar Plane was already far away from Ang. At this time, Ang and his companions were nearly at River Bay City. River Bay City was a prosperous city built along the Ural River in the Tan'anster region, renowned far and wide for its developed water transport.

The Ural River wound through many regions, originating in the Ural Mountains in the northwest of the Main Plane. The Ural Mountains were among the foremost mountain ranges of the Main Plane, with countless peaks soaring into the clouds. The River Bay region lay at the edge of the Ural Mountains and possessed beautiful natural scenery, with magnificent mountains, clear rivers, and dense forests.

Ang's journey had gone very smoothly, without encountering any bandits or other dangers. The carriage stopped at the gates of River Bay City. Mountains and waters complemented each other around the city, while most of its buildings were wooden structures, both attractive and practical. As an important port city, River Bay City had flourishing trade. All sorts of goods were transported via the Ural River to Tan'anster and several surrounding provincial regions.

In River Bay City, Ang saw transport ships constantly coming and going. Dotted sails covered the river, while crowds packed the docks in a scene of bustling activity. River Bay City's shipping routes covered every place the Ural River passed through. Whether daily necessities or rare goods, everything could circulate efficiently through here.

Ina pointed toward a cluster of docks in the distance. "Look, that's River Bay City's core trade district. The merchants here come from every direction, bringing local specialties and treasures from all over. You can find anything you need here."

Ang found the sight before him novel and exciting. River Bay City's prosperity and vitality surpassed his imagination. He thanked Ina for serving as his guide, while also eagerly looking forward to his upcoming journey home to Oak Bay.

Upon arriving at River Bay City, Ina's task was complete. Ang paid Ina five Gold Wacks, along with eighty Silver Wacks for the carriage rental and twenty Silver Wacks for the driver's wages. Ina told Ang that she would remain in River Bay City for a while, so he could find her anytime during that period. After all, she had accepted ten Gold Wacks in tuition from him and needed to see things through.

Ang thanked Ina gratefully. Although it was a paid service, he was still deeply thankful for her help. She had not only safely led him to River Bay City, but had also taught him inscription techniques during the journey. Though it had been a transaction based on money, Ina's professionalism and patience had made Ang feel that he had received genuine help and guidance.

Since it was still morning when he arrived in River Bay City, Oak Bay was only a few hours away by horseback. Ang decided not to waste time. He immediately bought an ordinary horse, as well as a cow and a nag. These would all be important resources after he returned home.

Ang mounted his newly purchased horse, leading the cow and nag as he set off for home. Along the way, he thought of Oak Bay, his heart full of anticipation and joy. He knew that once he returned home, he had many plans to carry out, including further study at the Warrior Academy and further testing of his magical talent.

Ang enjoyed the beautiful scenery between River Bay City and Oak Bay. Fields, forests, and streams intertwined as though welcoming his return. He felt cheerful and full of confidence in the future. Soon, he would once again set foot on familiar land and begin a new life and new adventures.