A mage's journey begins with a battle mage.

Chapter 648 The Brave

"Where is he? Where did Shaman go?"

Frustrated, Roland channeled his spiritual energy into the mage's mark, attempting to obtain information about Jiang Shuzhou.

However, as brothers, we keep each other in our hearts, even if we can't reach each other by phone when something happens.

"Forget it, this guy's probably hiding again."

Finally, after several more attempts, Roland decided to give up.

"Venerable Roland, would you be willing to help us?"

Lin Kui, standing to the side, spoke cautiously.

He had witnessed the opponent's strength firsthand; the ability to annihilate thousands of flesh and blood creatures was quite impressive even among those skilled in combat.

Although the situation is somewhat urgent, if the other party is willing to lend a helping hand, then no matter what, the chances of survival for everyone in this shelter will be much higher.

"This... I need to think about it some more."

Roland hesitated.

To be honest, she didn't feel any sense of belonging here, and her current situation wasn't very good either...

Just as Roland was considering whether to run away, Lin Kui's next words completely persuaded her.

"If you're willing to help, I can give you an alchemy map, an account to log into the magic network, and a ticket to enter the city!"

There was no moral blackmail, no shouting, and no threats; it was just a simple exchange of interests.

Now, Roland's opinion of the person in front of him improved considerably.

If the other party tries to morally blackmail Roland using the people in the shelter, she will definitely run away on the spot without looking back.

After all, she didn't know any of the people in the shelter, so what did their lives have to do with Roland?

Is it merely to gain so-called reputation?

Willing to help others without asking for any reward, even at the cost of their own lives.

What's the use of this reputation?

Of course, Roland hoped that everyone else would have the same selfless mindset, so that she could use them without hesitation.

Blindly tolerating such behavior will only lead to more blatant exploitation.

"Yes, I agree. However, if the situation becomes too dire, I will have no choice but to retreat."

Roland said.

"It's alright, as long as you're willing to help. As a deposit, I'll give you the login method for the magic network and the alchemy map. I just hope you can help as much as you can. If you really can't help, then please save as many people as possible."

Lin Kui's tone carried a hint of pleading.

"no problem."

Nodding, Roland agreed without hesitation. Lin Kui handed over a portion of the payment first, which was also to send Roland the message that he would not renege on the debt.

At the same time, he didn't give out the most crucial city ticket, making his meaning clear: if Roland could help protect it, the ticket would be given to him without hesitation; if she couldn't protect it, then forget about getting the ticket.

Roland certainly understood this.

After Lin Kui finished speaking, he took out two pieces of leather paper made from the hides of unknown animals and handed them to Roland.

Then he said.

"This is a map that shows your current location. It has detailed terrain information and descriptions for many places, including almost all the areas inside the ice walls. This is the spell that connects to the magic network, and also the key."

Roland took the two scrolls and nodded to indicate that he understood.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

Lin Kui took a deep breath, and then a resolute look flashed in his eyes.

Clearly, he is now determined to die and is determined to live or die with this place.

"It's truly tragic."

At this moment, the "Shaman" that Roland was searching for, which is Jiang Shuzhou, was watching this tragic scene through projection technology, as if watching a movie.

Admittedly, Jiang Shuzhou did play a part in this crisis, but not entirely.

After all, let's not forget what path Lin Kui has embarked on: the Fate Seeker, whose name literally means "one who seeks to understand fate."

But how can one peek into fate without paying a price?

Perhaps Lin Kui didn't know, or perhaps he didn't say it.

Almost all those who walk the path of enlightenment cannot avoid one thing: "trials".

After all, Jiang Shuzhou has always believed in equivalent exchange. Since these people have all gained power by aligning themselves with Jiang Shuzhou, it's not unreasonable for him to take a little interest, right?

To become stronger, one must accept the test given by Jiang Shuzhou. Passing it will make one stronger, failing it will result in death. Jiang Shuzhou has no need for those useless people who have been stagnating, nor will he allow those who are still capable of fighting to lie down.

After all, Jiang Shuzhou had genuinely provided power, which was a considerable expense.

Every path has its own unique trials, which can be anything from the aftermath of a powerful warrior's impulsive attack to an unexpected encounter with a former enemy, or even a qi deviation during cultivation. Of course, there are also many events like these.

Many people, especially those who have entered the realm of destiny, are completely unaware that this is a test given by Jiang Shuzhou.

After all, this is too random.

Despite its randomness and abstractness, Jiang Shuzhou remained consistent, as if to him it was nothing more than the noise of a toy.

Of course, Jiang Shuzhou never forgot to give out rewards after overcoming difficulties.

It's common to make further progress on the path, and encountering extraordinary adventures is not impossible.

Therefore, Jiang's early detonation of Lin Kui's test was actually a good thing for him. Originally, he had to deal with thousands of troops alone, but now that he had Roland, he had a helper.

This was also a small favor that Jiang Shuzhou gave to this kind and intelligent person.

As for the casualties of others?

Jiang Shuzhou didn't care; it had nothing to do with him anyway.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

boom!

Rat-a-tat-tat, bang-bang-bang!

Ding ding ding.

Gunshots, explosions, and the clash of swords.

Countless noises mingled together, creating a chaotic symphony.

"How is the situation?"

Lin Kui grabbed a soldier at random and asked.

"Not good, sir. The northern and western sections of the city wall are about to collapse, and we are now preparing to head there."

"That's what the soldier said."

Upon hearing this, Lin Kui took a deep breath, then drew the sword hanging on his back and said.

"You go help out in the West District first, I'll go to the North District."

He then spoke to the soldiers.

"No matter what, the walls cannot fall! Otherwise, the entire shelter will be doomed. Monsters will attack from all sides, and we simply cannot defend it!"

These words were addressed to both the soldiers and Roland.

Roland didn't say anything about this, and just kept walking quickly towards the West District.

Along the way, countless soldiers gathered together and marched towards the western district.

Knowing full well that the journey was fraught with peril, they still went.

Not for any other reason than so that their families can live happily.

Looking at the crowd of people, who resembled ants, Roland spoke as if he had a premonition.

"Perhaps, this is what it means to be brave."