Roadside Encounter (Part Three)

Inside the forest, a campfire slowly rose.

Sulu caught a snow chicken, gutted it, cleaned it, stuffed it with wild mushrooms and other things, sprinkled it with spices, and slowly roasted it.

Before long, a fragrant aroma filled the air.

"This world may be tough, but the ingredients are quite good..."

He tore off a chicken leg and ate it slowly, showing no concern whatsoever about the wanted notice he was carrying.

Medieval wanted posters? That's practically a joke!

Even if all the court painters were mobilized, it might not be enough to create a single accurate portrait!

Moreover, all he has to do is put on the Crow Mask and change his name, and he can instantly disappear into the vast sea of people again.

"As for castles on major transportation routes... with my current abilities, I can simply leave whenever I want."

Many notorious bandits in ancient times were captured because they were discovered too late to escape and were locked inside the city gates.

However, for Sulu, even the highest city walls were nothing but a joke.

Moreover, the world is so big, even without going through cities, there are still mountains to cross!

Therefore, he was not at all worried about the possible rage and pursuit of a Duke of the North.

However, at this moment, he made no attempt to disguise himself, wanting to see the power of the world's top figures and witness the true strength of a powerful individual!

"Anyway, in a low-magic world, professionals are at most level four; if you can't win, you can just run away..."

The fragrant and tender chicken, paired with the forest-scented shiitake mushrooms, tastes quite delicious.

Sulu was halfway through his meal when he heard the sound of horses' hooves.

Several fellow Wandering Knight, drawn by the aroma, stopped by the roadside. "This roast chicken smells amazing! Even Aunt Sophie might not be able to cook it like this."

A Red-Haired Man youth dismounted and smiled at Sulu, "Hello, I am Ham Keyes! A Wandering Knight from Red Rock City in the West Territory... May I rest here for a while?"

"Of course, please go ahead!"

Sulu watched as the young men dismounted, ate the rations and drank the wine they had brought, and one of them even took out a harp and began to entertain himself.

"Hey... we're happy riders!"

"Hey... we don't take prisoners in war!"

"Oh... all we want are the ladies' handkerchiefs... and... kicking the big shot's ass!"

It's clear that they came from relatively humble backgrounds, since ordinary families couldn't afford horses and weapons, and they also had a strong laborer who was always away from home.

Furthermore, he has received some education and knows a little about music.

Would you like some alcohol?

Ham carried a leather bag and waved it in front of Sulu, his eyes fixed on the remaining half of the roast chicken.

"No need, thank you."

Sulu refused, and seeing the disappointment in the other person's eyes, handed them a chicken wing. "What are you doing in the Northern Territory?"

"Delicious... it reminds me of the auntie next door's cooking..."

Ham finished the chicken wings in a few bites, almost gnawing on the bones, and licked his fingers reluctantly. "We are Wandering Knight, going wherever there's trouble. I heard there are some opportunities in the North recently. The harsh climate is good for honing our physique and spirit. Once our skills are perfected, we want to go to the Royal Capital and become honorary knights through the Tournament..."

The Tournament in the Royal Capital was the most coveted opportunity for Wandering Knight. The winner would be granted at least a court knighthood, along with numerous other opportunities.

Once someone catches the eye of a high-ranking official, becoming a hereditary official is not out of the question.

"Is the current King Philetrin III?"

Sulu recalled what he had seen in the Grand Duke of Wolf Castle and spoke slowly.

Because of the existence of extraordinary beings in this world, social classes Solidification, and the Dragon Dynasty has barely survived for a thousand years.

Every year, plagues, local conflicts, and all sorts of strange and inexplicable events cause a large number of deaths, which to some extent helps to ease tensions.

Even so, the succession to the throne in the Dragon Kingdom has experienced several major upheavals, resulting in three instances of the throne dying out.

Now, although the throne is still occupied by the descendants of Dragon I, they are no longer from the direct line.

In a recent 'war for the throne', a large number of nobles rebelled. In the end, a half-blood gained the support of several dukes, quelled the rebellion, ascended the throne, and proclaimed himself ' Philetrin I '.

Although he was a descendant of Dragon, he also had the blood of other great nobles such as the Running Wolf and the Lion.

After all, over the course of a thousand years, the noble families had intermarried with each other, so they were all essentially relatives.

If it involves the extermination of nine generations of a family, they could all be wiped out together.

This has created a very interesting phenomenon: although there have been several upheavals and the noble families have changed hands repeatedly, those who have risen to power still retain some of the original bloodline.

This is also a manifestation of social Solidification.

Great nobles will always be great nobles, and lesser nobles will always be lesser nobles. The common people at the bottom of society will only face eternal despair unless they become official knights.

This path to upward mobility was also controlled by the nobility, and truly fortunate individuals were extremely rare.

"Yes, Your Majesty the King..."

Ham held up his wine bag. "They say he's a kind elder... though he gets a little senile at times, haha..."

"Ham, one day you'll be hanged for your mouth!"

His companion said with a dark face.

"Ha ha..."

Sulu laughed loudly.

It's normal for Wandering Knight to become vulgar and bold in their speech after spending too much time with mercenaries and other 'lower classes,' a trait that is, of course, criticized by the nobles.

After he finished laughing, he suddenly looked into the jungle. "Hmm?"

"What's wrong?" Ham, becoming wary upon seeing his expression.

"I smell blood. We might be in trouble," Sulu said calmly.

"Is it Black Bear? We have four swords!"

Ham replied excitedly, "A complete Black Bear pelt can fetch at least five gold coins in the Royal Capital..."

When traveling, encountering large wild animals such as wolves and Black Bear is inevitable.

"It seems... not Black Bear, and... it's very aggressive and has its eyes on us!"

Sulu shrugged and continued eating his meat.

"Awooo!"

The next moment, a sound like a wolf's howl mixed with a bear's roar came from the forest.

A dark figure slowly emerged.

It has the body of a bear, the head of a wolf, several human arms growing from its ribs, and eight spider-like hairy legs below its abdomen.

It looks... like a monster pieced together from various 'materials'!

"It's bizarre... Stitch-Monster!"

Ham's expression changed, and he jumped up, drawing his sword. "Yorn, grab the shield! Laf, prepare the bow and arrows!"