Chapter 26

The gnome illusionist Greens Mumu believed he had avoided the ranger Karl's sight, using a spell to become invisible before entering the forest. He cast a tracking spell on "that human," which would allow him to know the exact location as long as the target was within fifteen miles, and the general direction within thirty miles. With only a three-hour time difference, there was no way the human could escape this range.

Through indirect inquiries, he gathered some information about the human. "Mike" was someone who couldn't even speak the common language clearly, most likely a newcomer from another world, and probably the most inexperienced type. The ranger confirmed some of the gnome's suspicions but couldn't reveal how Mike had arrived in this world.

"Looks like the salt-making technique is also from another world. How can it not be used to benefit this world?" The illusionist felt his reason was sufficient. He couldn't delay something that could improve the happiness of all living beings, so he summoned his mount and began to speed up his pursuit.

A pure white large dog appeared before him, bowing its head in readiness to serve. The summoned mount, created by magic, didn't need to eat, drink, or rest, and came equipped with all the necessary saddles and reins, making it more docile than a real mount. However, the gnome's magical ability could only maintain the spell for about six hours.

After six hours, it would be dark, and even with a mount, it would be impossible to continue the pursuit, so the short duration wouldn't be a problem. The gnome mounted the large dog, patted its head, and set off. He opened his backpack, placing the scrolls he might need on the outside for easy access.

Charming the human was the first spell he thought of. This spell could alter Mike's perception of him, making him seem like a close friend. Perhaps after some conversation, Mike might reveal the salt-making technique. After that, should he let him go?

The gnome hadn't made up his mind. He hoped to persuade Mike not to get involved in the salt-making industry. The elves' alchemical salt wasn't just a product; many merchants and stakeholders formed a vast network, closely monitoring for any potential disruptors. This was a relationship that a newcomer from another world couldn't shake.

Mike would surely be devoured by these people, leaving no trace. If he watched him walk down this "dead end" without doing anything, it wouldn't be a friend's duty.

The gnome village might not be able to withstand a potential attack from the elves, and they couldn't rely on the illusion barrier around the village. For the beasts of the Kangjian Forest, the illusions were enough to keep them at bay, but against the more magically adept elves, the barrier was like an unlocked door, meaningless.

After much thought, it was best not to involve the village in this matter, and he would bear all the risks himself. The gnome, though small in stature, felt he had a strong sense of responsibility. He imagined returning to the village with a vast amount of resources to expand the barrier, and the warm welcome he would receive, which made him smile.

He sensed that Mike had mostly stopped moving, only active within a small area. Looking at the sky, it was approaching dusk, and the other party was likely preparing a campsite. Seeing that he hadn't brought much with him, he must be quite busy.

Knowing this, he consciously slowed down a bit. Riding the summoned dog didn't tire him, but the forest was often obstructed by shrubs and thorns. The summoned mount wasn't as smart as a real one; it didn't feel pain and didn't know how to avoid obstacles, often causing injuries to the gnome. He didn't want to appear before his enemy covered in wounds, as the smell could expose him. So he focused on directing the mount, choosing easier paths.

As the sky darkened, he was sure he had caught up with Mike. From a distance, he could smell a faint aroma of food, but couldn't tell if it was meat or mushrooms. The dense trees blocked his view, but he could still see the flickering firelight.

Next to the campfire, a low triangular shelter was built with a few branches, just enough to lie down in a curled position. A pile of leaves was haphazardly spread on the shelter, with gaps large enough to fit a fist. If it rained, the shelter would be useless, unable to keep out the rain.

Zhao Mai, with his back to the campfire, was curled up in the shelter, sleeping soundly. His leather armor served as a pillow, and his shield acted as a wall, blocking the direction of his head and the gnome's view. However, with the help of the campfire, the gnome could see a short sword and an axe by Zhao Mai's legs. He was fully dressed, shoes and all, a wise choice.

The leather bag containing the salt was next to the campfire, likely to prevent moisture. However, this would cause the salt powder to emit an odor under the heat, attracting animals with a keen sense of smell, whether leopards or tigers. The smell of the barbecue added to the danger. It was unclear if Mike was courting death.

The gnome approached cautiously, listening to the sounds around him. Suddenly, a strange melody entered his ears, a soothing and beautiful tune with incomprehensible lyrics, unlike any music he knew.

Following the sound, a glowing object was placed next to the shield, about the size of a human hand. The music came from there, and a series of words seemed to scroll upward. Listening carefully, the music was light and sacred, making one relax and want to immerse themselves in it.

"Similar to a sleep spell?" The gnome bit his lip, raising his guard. He didn't believe Mike was a spellcaster, or he would have noticed the tracking spell. The gnome dismissed his mount and cast the invisibility spell again, approaching the campfire cautiously.

Two vine tripwires were hidden among the tree roots, serving as a simple alarm. However, this trick didn't fool the gnome; he lifted his legs to step over them. The wet leaves on the ground and the abundant moss made it slippery, but it also made his steps quieter.

The charm human spell required him to be close to the target, ideally within ten meters, and it was best to look into the other's eyes and observe their expression. The gnome approached the campfire, feeling the distance was right, and took out his wand, beginning to chant the spell.

The gibberish sounds mixed with the crackling of the campfire, and a red beam of light shot at Zhao Mai. The red light outlined his body's curves and then dispersed like dandelion seeds in the wind.

The gnome's eyes widened.

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