ushernet Chapter 94 Valdren
Chapter 94 Valdren
The next few days were uneventful. Ethan and Lia traveled south towards Valdren, the nearest city. The forests and roads they crossed were quiet, almost too quiet. Since their encounter with the corrupted creatures near the mines, Ethan had kept his senses sharp, half-expecting more of them to appear. But for now, nothing.
He used the time to refine his control over his mana, experimenting with new ways to optimize his summoning efficiency and practicing mana bolt again. Lia continued tending to his minions, ensuring that any injuries were healed quickly, and occasionally pestering him about his eating habits—not that he paid much attention.
The only real encounters they had were with the occasional merchant caravan or wandering mercenaries, but Ethan made sure to avoid unnecessary interactions and kept a low profile.
By the fourth night, as they camped under the stars near the outskirts of a dense woodland, Lia poked at the fire, her expression thoughtful. "We should be getting close to the city soon, Master" she mused. "Do you think we'll find anything useful there?"@@@@
Ethan smirked, stretching his arms. "If nothing else, we'll find trouble."
Lia laughed at the joke, her face reddening when Ethan caught her smiling at him. She quickly looked away, focusing back on the fire as if it suddenly held the most interesting sight in the world.
Ethan noticed but decided not to comment, simply leaning back against a fallen log, gazing at the star-speckled sky above. In just a few days, his life had changed so much now that his past life felt like a fleeting dream he had a long time ago. He let out a sigh and then stood back up. "Shall we?"
Lia nodded and put off the fire. The two of them continued walking and just before daybreak they reached the outskirts of the city. Ethan immediately became nervous. This city was definitely bigger.
Towering stone walls loomed over them, patrolled by guards in heavy armor, their spears glinting under the pale morning light. The city gates stood tall, flanked by long lines of merchants, travelers, and mercenaries waiting to be inspected before entry.
Ethan pulled his hood lower over his face, his instincts already on high alert. A city this size meant more people, more rules, and more watchful eyes. He had spent the last few days enjoying the freedom of the wilderness, but now, they were stepping into a place where their every move could be scrutinized.
The only good thing was there was no bounty on his head this time around.
Lia cast a glance at the line of people ahead. "Do we have a plan, Master?" she asked quietly.
Ethan exhaled slowly. "Yeah. Keep it simple. We're just another pair of mercenaries looking for work."
Lia nodded, adjusting her cloak. "And if they ask for papers, Master?"
Ethan approached the counter, placing a few silver coins on the wooden surface. "We need a room. Something quiet."
The innkeeper eyed him briefly before nodding. "Two beds?"
"One," Ethan said without hesitation.
Lia immediately blushed and looked down.
The innkeeper shrugged. "Suit yourself. Second floor, third door on the left. Meals are extra."
Ethan took the key and led Lia upstairs. Their room was small but clean, with a single bed, a wooden chest, and a small window overlooking the street. Ethan dropped his bag in the corner before turning to Lia.
"Sorry Lia, we will get a better room when we have more coins."
"No, Master." Lia blurted out and then silently nodded her head.
Ethan arched a brow at her sudden outburst, but she quickly turned away, pretending to inspect the modest furnishings of the room. He smiled slightly, shaking his head before settling onto the edge of the bed.
"We won't be here long," he said. "Just enough time to gather information and prepare for whatever comes next."
Lia nodded, still avoiding his gaze. "Yes, Master."
The two of them then went to bed together as usual. The bed was small, but they had gotten used to this arrangement by now.
It wasn't the first time they'd had to share a bed during their travels, and Ethan knew it wouldn't be the last. It didn't bother him—he was used to uncomfortable conditions—but Lia always seemed a little more flustered at first before settling in.
She was cute when she behaved like this. Ethan smiled at her again before summoning Shadow to keep an eye on things and quickly fell asleep.