ushernet Chapter 110: The Desert Caravan
Chapter 110: The Desert Caravan
After reuniting with Eck, Charles and his companions recounted the events that had transpired earlier.
Charles finally understood how the Skeletal Lizard had deceived Eck and Johann.
"Next time we encounter a similar situation, I think it would be wise for you to trust Eck more. After all, he seems to be much more cautious than you. Do not act rashly again."
Charles said to Johann with a smile on his face.
Johann's expression turned slightly awkward.
He deeply regretted not heeding Eck's advice.
"I understand. If I ever find myself alone with Eck again, I'll follow his suggestions." Johann murmured softly.
"By the way, the weapon you gave me earlier—I'm returning it to you now. I can't wield it at all, the skill requirement for this weapon is simply too high."
Johann handed the Scorpion Tail of Venom back to Charles.
Charles nodded.
"I didn't think too much at the time. After all, if you were without a weapon to defend yourself, you would certainly be in grave danger when facing so many monsters."
Charles explained briefly, before beginning to discuss the next course of action with the group.
"I remember you mentioned once that there's another small town to the north of Rock Fortress. Let's head to that town next."
"We have a few hours until daybreak. Use this precious time to rest. We might have to travel non-stop for several days." Charles advised.
Following Charles' suggestion, Eck and Johann quickly settled down to rest.
Once Eck and Johann were asleep, Charles began discussing their true plan with Medusa and Little Green.
"Master, I believe the Skeletal Lizard couldn't possibly amass such a large number of monsters on its own. There must be someone aiding it from behind the scenes."
Medusa remarked, utterly unconvinced that the Skeletal Lizard could gather so many creatures by itself.
Charles nodded in agreement.
He also found no fault in Medusa's reasoning.
"Throughout the battle, the Skeletal Lizard never attempted to manipulate the other monsters." Charles observed.
"The Skeletal Lizard's only tactic against me was to disguise itself as another monster in an attempt to escape amidst the chaos."
"Could it be that there are powerful figures from the Serpent Empire backing the Skeletal Lizard? If that's the case, why don't these formidable beings confront us directly? After all, we are currently within the Serpent Empire's territory."
"They could easily appear before us and use their immense power to defeat us completely. Helping the Skeletal Lizard to attack us indirectly only serves to alert the Serpent Empire."
Charles pondered aloud, sensing that there might be deeper reasons behind these actions.
However, he knew that understanding these underlying motives in the short term was unlikely.
Therefore, Charles decided not to delve into all the details today. He merely intended to discuss with Medusa and Little Green their next destination.
"According to the more detailed map we've acquired, there are three small towns to the north of Rock Fortress." Charles began, laying out his findings.
"The closest town to us is a Serpentian enclave. If we go there, we will undoubtedly attract the attention of the Serpent Empire's soldiers. Therefore, I don't plan on heading to that town."
Moreover, he showed a noticeable fear towards Medusa and Little Green standing behind Charles.
"How many camels do you want to buy? Although my caravan has a vast number of camels, they are all used for transporting goods.
If you wish to buy too many, I won't be able to sell them to you. After all, I need these camels to carry my unsold merchandise and newly bought items."
The caravan leader spoke with great politeness throughout the conversation.
Naturally, Charles wouldn't make things difficult for him.
"I only need five camels, as there are just five of us." Charles said. The caravan leader was visibly pleased upon hearing this.
"Since you only need five camels, I can sell them to you right now. If you wish to pay with skull coins, each camel will cost only one skull coin. If you intend to use other goods for payment, the price will be significantly higher."
Skull coins are of immense value to anyone.
Although the desert caravan rarely encounters situations where skull coins are necessary, when such situations arise, they are typically dire.
For the leader of the desert caravan, skull coins are life-saving assets.
Charles shook his head, "We are merely adventurers, we don't possess any skull coins."
Of course, Charles was lying.
He did have skull coins, but he would never use them to buy camels, as that would be a significant loss.
"I can offer you some low-tier weapons or other supplies in exchange."
Although the caravan leader felt a tinge of disappointment, he was willing to accept low-tier weapons in trade.
After all, even low-tier weapons are incredibly valuable to most people.
"Take out the low-tier weapons you mentioned, and I will carefully assess their value." the caravan leader instructed. As he spoke, he had already made a decision in his mind.
Even if the weapons Charles produced were worth more than the price of five camels, he wouldn't haggle further.
After all, adventurers capable of roaming freely in the Desert of Sands were certainly not weak.
Moreover, Medusa and Little Green, standing behind Charles, exuded an unusually dangerous aura.
Charles casually produced two low-tier weapons, and the caravan leader was taken aback the moment he took them.
"What's the matter? Are these two weapons not sufficient to buy five camels?" Charles asked calmly.
The caravan leader hurriedly replied, "These two weapons are worth far more than five camels. Just one weapon is enough to exchange for five camels."
The caravan leader handed one of the weapons back to Charles.
He dared not take advantage of Charles. If Medusa and Little Green, standing behind Charles, noticed, the caravan leader couldn't imagine what fate might befall him.
Thus, the caravan leader and Charles completed the transaction.
Charles and his companions then proceeded with the caravan leader toward the trade center ahead.
Charles seized an opportunity to converse with the caravan leader. He gleaned a wealth of valuable information from him. He also learned that the Serpent Empire had recently fallen into a state of turmoil.
Empress Yggdrasil of the Serpent Empire seemed to have descended into madness. She had lost trust in her ministers and generals and dispatched numerous Serpent Empire guards to various territories of the empire.