Chapter 10

Under the swift lead of Deckard and El, we soon set off in the direction of the western gate of Lut Gholein, as Deckard had said. It was impressive; there wasn't even a moat, which showed just how confident the Lut Gholein people were.

As we approached the western gate, the bustling crowd gradually grew. Most of these civilians were herding various unnamed animals out, which came in all shapes and sizes—some resembled pigs, others cows, and some chickens. There were also some more peculiar ones, like pig-cow hybrids, some with long, furry bodies, resembling oversized bulldogs...

These unnamed animals were the primary source of meat for the entire Lut Gholein camp. The Blood Moor was not very suitable for farming, only allowing for the cultivation of some hardy crops like wheat. Other vegetables and fruits were mostly transported from the eastern commercial capital, Lut Gholein, such as red fruits (similar to apples) and Morolok (similar to potatoes). These items were luxuries for the Lut Gholein camp's civilians, who could only enjoy them a few times a year. Coarse wheat cakes, meat soup, cheese, and wild vegetables gathered from outside were their main daily foods.

These large groups of unnamed animals, driven out through the western gate, were the main food source for the Lut Gholein camp. They were all herbivores, so the civilians would take them to graze around the outskirts of the camp. Small-scale farmers would return before nightfall, while large-scale farm owners would camp outside, bringing tents and food, and setting up simple wooden stakes and ropes to enclose their livestock.

The main task of Lut Gholein archers like Deckard and El was to protect these civilians and their livestock from monster attacks. In summer, the wild grass was lush, and the herders could find enough food for their livestock by circling the camp. In their spare time, they could also gather wild vegetables to improve their diet. However, winter was more challenging, with many plants withering. The herders had to travel far to feed their livestock, making it a more arduous and responsible time for the patrollers.

The above information was explained in detail by the kind Deckard as he led the way, due to my ignorance.

The civilians we encountered looked at us four with awe and reverence, quickly moving their livestock to the side to make way for us. The sounds of chickens, dogs, pigs, and sheep filled the air. I must admit, the feeling of being revered was truly exhilarating...

Under the lead of Deckard and El, we soon arrived at the foot of the western gate. The gate was about 10 meters wide and 8 meters high. Although the gate was made of wood, it was embedded with iron plates. Ten Lut Gholein archers stood guard on either side, looking particularly solemn. I couldn't help but marvel that even in a different world, both humans and Lut Gholein had a strong sense of the importance of a grand entrance. Why make the gate so magnificent? Wasn't it just making the wooden fence look even more shabby? What was the point of an 8-meter-high gate? For two Barbarians and a Druid to play a game of human pyramid?

Clearly, Deckard, El, and Lar had a good reputation in the Lut Gholein camp. The ten archers guarding the gate immediately bowed their heads in reverence when they saw them, their eyes filled with admiration. However, their gaze towards me was one of confusion.

Damn, one day I'll make you look at me with genuine stars in your eyes.

As soon as we stepped through the gate, I was stunned by the scene before me.

Imagine walking through a quiet passage, opening a large door, and suddenly finding yourself in a stadium that could hold 20,000 people, with a World Cup final in full swing. How would you feel?

I couldn't describe my feelings at that moment. From the perspective of others, I must have looked like a country bumpkin entering the city for the first time.

The wooden-fenced plain was filled with countless tents, densely packed like sand. The tents varied in size, from small ones similar to the one Lar had lent me to large ones covering nearly a thousand square meters, taller than a five-story building. The large, embroidered golden doors were frequently opened and closed. Some smaller-scale vendors simply laid out a rough cloth in front of their tents to display their goods.

The tents were not randomly placed. Although it looked chaotic, there was a pattern, like a spider web. People naturally left paths open, as it was essential for business. The principle of "build roads first to get rich" was perfectly embodied here.

Seeing the countless tents, I finally understood what Lar meant by the high mobility of the Lut Gholein camp's residents...

Deckard, seeing my stunned expression, smiled and said, "This is the commercial district, naturally more bustling. The other three areas are residential, and the central area is where most of the adventurers gather."

Deckard and El parted ways with us at the entrance, as their duty was to patrol, and bringing us here was already a great honor.

The four of us slowly followed a relatively wide main road. This seemed to be the main thoroughfare of the western district, and the road was particularly crowded. Despite our presence, people would automatically make way for us, out of respect or fear. No one dared to get too close to us, these powerful adventurers, for fear of accidentally getting hurt.

So, whether out of respect or fear, everyone stood aside. The difference was that some saw us as moving shrines, while others saw us as fiery demons.

"Dear Wu, what are your plans now?" Lar turned to me and asked.

I shrugged, indicating that I didn't know, and would take it one step at a time.

Damn, why did I unconsciously mimic the trademark gesture of the rogue knight?

"Would you like to stay at my place for a few days? I'm sure my wife will treat you to delicious food," Lar invited me warmly.

I didn't answer Lar immediately, looking at Doug and Goff first.

"We don't have any specific plans. We want to go to the central area for a few drinks and find a place to stay," Doug said.

I thought for a moment and declined Lar's offer, deciding to follow Doug and Goff. After all, Lar had been away for three months, and it would be better for him to spend time with his wife. I didn't want to be a third wheel and hear some inappropriate sounds at night.

Seeing my firm stance, Lar didn't insist. We agreed on a time and place to meet and parted ways at a fork in the road.

After Lar left, Doug became more relaxed. He put his left arm around Goff's shoulder and his right arm, due to the height difference, heavily on my left shoulder.

"Ha ha, after three months of bird days, we're going to have a great drink tonight."

Doug, excited, forgot himself, and his loud voice instantly drowned out the surrounding noise, even making me, who was already used to it, feel a headache.

After about half an hour, the tents around us gradually became fewer, and the number of passersby decreased. Instead, more people with peculiar clothing appeared. They seemed to deliberately lower their voices, speaking only in whispers, adding a sense of mystery and oppression to the atmosphere.

"Because we're close to the central square, most of the residents here are adventurers, so there are fewer people," Doug explained loudly, completely ignoring the atmosphere. His voice was particularly jarring in the eerie surroundings, drawing many curious glances. Goff and I quickly moved a few steps away to avoid being associated with him.

Looking around, I saw that the number of peculiar people, as Doug had said, was indeed increasing. They were all dressed in various equipment, clearly adventurers like us.

Why were they peculiar? It was their clothing and weapons. Look at that one, with a slender build, a sullen face, and a cold expression, wearing a black-dyed cloth robe and a black hooded cloak, giving off a necromancer vibe. But look at what he's holding—a shiny, small hand axe, clearly a weapon for murder and robbery.

The necromancer vibe, combined with the hand axe, created a different flavor. If he were my boss, I'd say, "Sir, your outfit combines the elegance and coolness of a mage with the passion and bravery of a warrior, a perfect blend of magic and martial arts, truly a master of both."

If he were my subordinate, I'd fire him without a second thought. Walking around with him, I'd be too embarrassed to go out in public...

Alright, I admit I shouldn't mock them. After all, this isn't a game, and equipment doesn't just fall from the sky. Weapons, especially mage weapons, are hard to come by. This was evident from the adventurers around us. Take the necromancer with the hand axe, or the Paladin in blue leather armor who still carried the free wooden staff given at the start of his career. Or the Amazon beauty standing by the fruit stand, holding a fine spear but wearing everyday clothes...

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