Yarra’s Adventure Notes
Chapter 266 - 32 Mutual Infection_1

Chapter 266: Chapter 32 Mutual Infection_1

"Clip-clop, clip-clop." The rapid sound of horse hooves echoed across the hills.

Two days had passed, and the caravan had already covered over a hundred and forty kilometers from the City of Knowledge, and only over four hundred kilometers remained to reach the City of Freedom. However, those familiar with this route knew that the journey had only just begun. All the paths taken so far were only appetizers, without ruggedness, Upper Rank magical beasts, bandits, or crises—it was merely a warm-up. The hard journey would truly start as they crossed the hill ahead.

"This is Eagle Feather Hills, four hundred meters high and one of the few hills in Rhea Territory." Knowing that Pannis was not very familiar with the terrain near the City of Knowledge, Catherine softly explained, "It’s said that when they were building this road, there were discussions about creating a curved path around the hill. But although the hill is not high, it covers a large area, and to bypass it would require an additional sixty kilometers of path. It would mean much more in terms of manpower, materials, financial cost, and duration of construction. So, the person in charge at the time decided to build the road directly through the hill. It turned out to be the right decision, as this road is not only more convenient and quick for travelers but also added a beautiful view to the City of Knowledge."

"What view?" Pannis was surprised, as he hadn’t expected Catherine to mention a natural landscape, so he asked again.

"You’ll see soon." Catherine pointed towards the summit of the hill in front of them, "You can see the view from up there."

"I must say, I am intrigued." Pannis looked at the hill not far away with interest, "How about I run up first and take a look?"

"Be patient, you won’t be disappointed." Catherine said with a smile, "I have seen it many times, but it still amazes me every time."

"Clip-clop," the sound of horse hooves approached, two city guards returned from the front, signaled that everything was normal, and rejoined the team. Two other guards rushed out quickly along the road. Starting from the third day’s journey, they officially entered a dangerous area, so Captain Ayrland had cautiously dispatched scout pairs, just like in a military march. All city guards were divided into pairs, making a total of fifteen teams. Every ten minutes, one pair would head forward quickly, covering five kilometers to check the surroundings and then immediately turn back. This way, three pairs of scouts would always be within ten kilometers ahead of the team. If any danger arose, regardless of whether the scouts were intercepted, the team could receive the news quickly.

However, today was strange. After advancing for several hours, they faced no attack or obstruction, as if the opposing side had given up. But those who understood the situation knew that the enemy had definitely not given up, as the letter they received that morning had specifically mentioned that the Death Weaver had retired as an individual. This suggested two things. First, the opponents were not a fixed team but loosely formed individuals allied to hinder the wedding procession. And second, the other individuals on the opposing side must not have retired.

They had also discussed on the road that the retiring makeup artist, Fiona, owned her own studio in the City of Knowledge. Her fame in the art world was not small, and there were rumors that she was of adventurer origins, or rather she had not given up her adventurer status even now. The fact she exposed herself openly that morning without hesitation showed she was fully confident that the Nellie adventure team, fellow adventurers, wouldn’t cause her trouble, and the president, Odin, would not cause her any either. This further confirmed that the opponents had not perceived their actions over the last few days as war but merely as a contest.

"It feels like a game," Lina said gracefully, with seductive eyes and an elegant pose on her horse, causing young men wherever she looked to blush, lower their heads and avoid her gaze. "Or more like a gamble. If the wedding goes ahead successfully, we win. If it doesn’t, they win. Haha, it’s pretty interesting."

"Now that you mention it, it does seem like that." Catherine nodded, her spirit suddenly infused with energy and her eyes shining: "Since it’s a gamble, we must win. There is no losing."

"Big sister, calm down." Vivian was hesitant about whether she needed to cast a freeze spell or something similar to help Catherine calm down: "It may seem like a gamble, but nobody placed any bets. Even if you win, you won’t be able to win any money."

"Oh, that’s a real shame." Catherine’s mood deflated instantly, only to recover quickly: "Even though there is no bet and it’s not a war, we can’t lose this gamble. It’s not only about Freya’s future and happiness but also our honor. We need to win. We must win."

"Is that so?" Pannis stroked his chin thoughtfully, then suddenly had a realization, "So that’s it, those two rascals."

"What is it, Pannis? What did you figure out?" While Pannis was deep in thought, Catherine, having been ’persuaded’ by Lina and Vivian, regained her composure. Seeing Pannis’s expression, she asked, "Every time you make that face, you’ve usually figured something out. So, what did you figure out this time?"

"Um, let’s leave it this time. Forgive me for keeping it a secret." Pannis thought for a moment and apologized, "I think my guess might be accurate, but I can’t tell. At least not at the moment, and not to anyone. I’m sorry. It’s a special circumstance. Let’s just consider it as for Freya’s good and everyone else’s. Can we continue as planned?"

"If you insist, of course there is no problem." Catherine pondered for a moment, then smiled, "As long as we trust each other, a well-intended secret is not unacceptable. As you said, let’s just continue as planned, okay?"

No one answered. Both Lina and Vivian had paid no further attention after hearing that Pannis wanted to keep a secret. Even with Lina’s curiosity, she had no thoughts of asking further or protesting. She had naturally retreated into her own world. Seeing her friends’ reactions, Catherine made a rare cute gesture, winking cheekily at Pannis with a ’see for yourself’ expression.

Pannis scratched his head, his expression changing before finally throwing his head back and staring up at the sky, presumably in deep thought.

"What are you talking about?" The four of them were walking at the very front of the team when the luxurious carriage behind increased its speed to join them. Freya asked from the carriage, "Is it about me?"

"Are you a Flame Newt?" Vivian tilted her head, looking at the compartment.

"Of course not, how could I possibly be such a magical beast." Freya retorted unhappily, "I’m a pure human."

"Then it’s not about you." Vivian nodded seriously, lying with a straight face. "I was explaining to them the amplifying effect of the Reverse Arc Channel on the Flame Newt’s fire magic and the reasons behind it."

"This is a falsehood, the biggest scam." Freya’s attention was instantly diverted, she protested loudly. "The magic system of the Flame Newt is obviously a reflexive overlay type, that’s the reason why their fire magic can exceed their own rank, it’s not about any Reverse Arc Channel."

"Hahaha." Vivian burst into laughter upon hearing this, completely forgetting why she had brought up the subject to Freya in the first place. "Silly, this is the second most foolish theory in the history of the Fourth Epoch. Frauds like Olivia who mislead people should be thrown into a nest of Flame Newts. The Reverse Arc Channel has been proven countless times and is an indubitable truth. By the way, the most foolish one is the fool from the beginning of the Fourth Epoch who tried to prove that crystals are the mana crystallization of Guardian Dragons, hahaha, this joke is good, write it down."

Both of them completely ignored their surroundings and started arguing fiercely, one hitting the table and the other slamming the compartment. Pannis, looking silly, watched the forgetful Vivian, bumping Catherine with his elbow. "Is Vivian really unwell? Why do I feel like she’ll live longer than all of us combined with this kind of energy?"

"Haha, life is wonderful, isn’t it?" Catherine dryly laughed, her gaze shifting. "As always, world peace."

"I finally get what Lina was talking about yesterday, about them ’friendly discussing knowledge’ in the room with fireballs and Crystal Energy Guns." Pannis patted Catherine’s shoulder with a sad expression. "You’re working hard."

Catherine looked up at the sky, speaking solemnly. "It’s alright, I can still hold on. Moreover, this chaos is about to end, she’s finally getting married."

"Hehe." Pannis gave a strange grin and sympathetically patted her shoulder again, but remained silent.

"Catherine, have you noticed?" Lina also had a strange smile on her face, but what was peculiar was the noticeable change in her temperament. "After spending so much time with Pannis, sometimes you talk a bit like him. The serious and earnest you from before wouldn’t make such expressions or say such things."

Catherine’s body stiffened immediately, she slowly turned her neck, creating a creaking sound in Pannis’s imagination. With rigid movements, Catherine managed to turn her face to Lina, her eyes desperate and pleading.

Lina disregarded Catherine’s pleading, deepening her voice, a touch of sadness and sympathy in her words. "Accept reality, Catherine. Every word I said is true. You have become a little like him, sadly, you’ve been ..... infected."

"I’ve been ..... infected?" Catherine’s gaze became blank, she lowered her head, muttered to herself, "Despair... I’m in despair."

"Uh, I don’t understand what’s going on, but I suddenly have a bad feeling." Pannis spoke dumbfoundedly to Lina. "I feel like it’s safer if I go sightseeing."

"Hehe, isn’t it a little too late?" An elegant smile appeared on Lina’s face, giving Pannis goosebumps. "I suggest you turn around and look."

He turned around to find two pairs of angry eyes and a shiny greatsword. "Indeed, you are the root of all evil. The duty of a knight is to vanquish all sins!"

"Hey, I really didn’t do anything this time." Pannis hopped onto a horse and ran off, shouting his innocence. "I really haven’t done anything this time."

"Your existence is the Original Sin! Die!"

"Hehe, this isn’t so bad." Lina covered her mouth with her handkerchief, smiling charmingly. " it’s much better than bearing everyone’s past and sorrow on your shoulders, and having to put on a stern front every day. And about influencing each other, isn’t it true among you four? Only you don’t realize it, right? My dearest sister, Catherine." (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for it at Qidian.com. Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)