Chapter 100

Butcher returned with the map, along with the bad news that the great druid was acting crazy and had dealings with the goblins. The paladins, including Hyeoul, were suspicious of this great druid. "Is he the one we need to find?" This was the question on their minds.

"Sometimes, we can't judge a person simply by good or evil, especially a druid," Zhao Mai wanted to defend his profession: "Most druids only care about the balance of the natural environment and don't have particular prejudices against other species. To some people, humans who recklessly cut down trees are bad, while goblins who drive away or even kill poachers are good."

"This is unacceptable; good and evil cannot be confused, right and wrong must be clear!" the tall Camilla said.

"Isn't the doctrine of the goddess Iomedae to try to reform the wicked? I think we should not have too many preconceptions before we meet the great druid."

The paladins couldn't refute this statement. They never thought they would be lectured by a druid using the words of the goddess of the Radiant Sword. However, they still decided to proceed with the original plan, at least to confirm or rule out this great druid. Zhao Mai and Butcher also set out with them, one riding a gray horse and the other a mule.

The tall Butcher, riding the mule, could touch the ground just by stretching his legs, making him look quite amusing. Zhao Mai just curled his lips and received a glare from Butcher, so he quickly reined in. Fortunately, the paladins had better composure—or endurance—and maintained their usual solemn expressions.

"Mike, do you like that girl named Hyeoul?" Butcher suddenly asked, startling Zhao Mai. He then said in a very definite tone: "You're not suitable for her."

"For this question, I can only say, I don't know," Zhao Mai adjusted his position in the saddle to make himself more comfortable. "She is very beautiful, I won't deny that. But whether to develop a relationship with her, I haven't really thought about it."

"Your strength is too weak," Butcher pointed out bluntly: "You should intensify your training."

"Right, so I'm going to find the great druid to get the next training method from him. I can already cast some natural elemental spells to provide some support in battle, but I'm still far from my goal. I had to interrupt my studies due to some matters, but this time I must make up for it."

"So you're just waiting to find the great druid to train?" Butcher snorted: "You know, I think you're just lazy. You're wasting time, do you know that?"

"How do you mean?" Zhao Mai felt very strange. Druids improve themselves by learning natural elemental powers, and he had been using the nameless flower on his back to filter natural elemental powers, keeping his body in a state close to meditation. Through this accumulation, he had already felt a difference; the power of his spells had increased, and their duration was longer. How could this be called wasting time?

"You clearly know your physical condition is poor, your combat skills are lacking, and your riding is even worse. Why don't you practice more?" Butcher shook his head: "What are you waiting for, a miracle to save your life in battle? Let me tell you, only the one who trains more than their opponent can survive in battle."

"You're right, more sweat in training means less blood in battle."

"That's a very reasonable statement," Butcher said: "Since you understand this, why don't you go train with that paladin girl? You know, maybe you'll end up in bed with her after training."

"That's a good idea, but not as you imagine," Zhao Mai shook his head: "She is a good warrior, but not a good teacher. I want to learn spear techniques, but she is not familiar with them."

"Idiot, learning any weapon technique now is useless," Butcher said: "First, strengthen your body! Start with weighted running."

Saying that, he reached out and pulled Zhao Mai off the horse, then threw his own pack to him. "Whatever you want to do in battle, you need strong legs. From now on, you walk, I ride!"

Reserve Grain roared at Butcher, but it was of no use. Butcher flipped onto the gray horse, tugged its ear. The gray horse, in pain, neighed twice but was tamed under Butcher's vice-like grip.

"Hey, don't bully animals like that," Zhao Mai shouted.

"Alright, having a temper is good. I thought you would only talk and not act," Butcher shook his head, seemingly very satisfied with his new mount. "Come on, let's get moving!"

The paladins also heard the commotion behind them. Butcher's voice was so loud that Hyeoul heard every word. She originally wanted to help Zhao Mai, as druids are spellcasters, not warriors or knights who rely on physical strength. Physical training wasn't that important. And druids can transform into animals, so their original physical condition doesn't affect the transformation. But hearing Butcher's words, she remembered what the paladin sisters had told her, and a sense of shyness crept over her, making it hard for her to offer to let Zhao Mai ride with her.

Zhao Mai was quite tough, carrying both backpacks and walking hard, sometimes even jogging to keep up with the group. Despite various reasons, Butcher was right about one thing: he couldn't waste training time, even with the 30:1 time difference between here and Earth. Physical fitness is never wasted, whether in Golarion or on Earth. Besides, as a druid, he could heal himself, so he would only feel tired, not injured. What was there to worry about?

If they encountered enemies, the paladins and Butcher couldn't handle it, what good would it do to have full energy? Already the weakest link in the group, if he didn't work hard, wouldn't he be the first to die?

Biting his teeth and determined, Zhao Mai pushed himself to the limit, following the group with all his might. Soon, fatigue and soreness attacked him. No matter how much he expanded his chest, it couldn't satisfy his body's need for oxygen. His heart beat very fast, each beat hitting his ribs, each beat bringing pain.

"Cast a healing spell before you can't hold on, cast a healing spell before you can't hold on..." Zhao Mai kept reminding himself, over and over like a mantra. His heavy breathing was already very noticeable, audible even from dozens of meters away.

Just as he was about to cast the spell, a comfortable sensation came from his back. It felt like soaking in a hot spring, every muscle, every pore feeling warm and cared for. The fatigue didn't disappear, but it was greatly relieved. At least Zhao Mai no longer felt dizzy, and he felt he could hold on a bit longer.

Thus, he maintained a high load but never fainted. In the amazed and admiring gazes of everyone, he persisted until it was time to set up camp and rest.

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