Mage Legend

The joy brought by the dwarves from the North wasn't just about reunion, but also a relaxed atmosphere. In the ever-optimistic eyes of Morgan, the things that worried Lynch were merely small obstacles before attaining happiness. As he put it, they were "just little clumps of mud blocking the fresh spring water."

"Lynch, you're overthinking it." Morgan rubbed his hands together. "Holy Pate is doing just fine now, and each of their paladins is a kind-hearted person. Of course, I admit they're a bit stubborn, but to say they'd threaten the lives of other races, I don't believe it. Just relax and breathe out the stuffiness from your chest, because soon you'll be inhaling the fresh cool breeze of the Ridge Mountains."

"Alright, I'll take your advice and put these things aside for now." The mage understood that discussing such matters with Morgan was pointless, as dwarves wouldn't broaden their perspectives that far. Living in caves for long, they always focused on the road beneath their feet and noticed every detail around them. The farther one's vision, the larger the world. He asked Morgan, "I remember you once gave Anna a stalk of Ice Moon Grass, so did you ever climb to the top of the Ridge Mountains?"

"Oh, that's not such a good memory. I got out of bed feeling like I needed some fresh air. So, I thought the peak of the Ridge Mountains must be nice, and I started climbing." Morgan told the story in a carefree manner, and those unfamiliar with him might think he was bragging. But the mage knew that with this dwarf's mindset, impulsive things like that could happen. Morgan continued, "I reached the top and happened to see a beautiful grass. I thought, since Anna likes to hang leaves on herself — of course, I think it's silly, but Lynch, don't tell her I said that — so I picked one. There were countless stones above, and then I fell down the mountain. I guess I looked like a big snowball because it took me half a day to dig myself out from under the snow."

"My god, and you didn't suffocate at the time," Lynch exclaimed in admiration, "I must salute the dwarves' resilience."

"If we could drink, that would be a good topic to toast." The dwarf regrettably said, "I think it was the scent from that grass keeping me from feeling stifled. Anyway, I used both my hands and feet to crawl out."

"The way you say it, it sounds like climbing the Ridge Mountains is easy, just wake up and decide to climb," Lynch teased, "Next time you feel like it, tie me up. Honestly, I'd love to go see it."

"What's there to see? It's all white, and a sneeze pricks your mouth." The dwarf patted Lynch's shoulder, not minding the grimace on the mage's face, "If you ask me, the most beautiful place would be a cave hall with a bonfire, with its warm flickering light warming you. Then you can take big gulps of wine brewed from underground springs and take a bite of the sizzling roasted meat, laughing and singing heartily. That is enjoyment, that is life!"

"Wipe your drool, didn't you say a few days ago the best thing was me allowing you to drink again?" The tavern door opened, and a paladin wearing a golden cloak strode in. His posture was like that of an ever-victorious general walking through a battlefield of his earned honors. Even if the sky were filled with scorched smoke, it would remain bright and peaceful around him. Lynch observed Wislin and was amazed at his change.

"Hello, Wislin. I was just thinking it was about time you showed up." Lynch squinted with a smile, his Eye of Insight quietly operating, but he couldn't find any magic items on Wislin that could cause such an effect.

"Really glad to see you again." The young paladin hopped onto the barstool, gently waving aside the owner who wanted to flatter him. It wasn't until this moment that the familiar knight that the mage knew returned, peaceful and enthusiastic. Whether the face he just showed was something Wislin had deliberately hidden was unclear. He said, "Ever since we met, you always seem to be involved in battles, never a moment's rest. How's the battle in the Elf Kingdom, were the losses heavy?"

"The elves have learned a lesson, and they've now gotten their spirits up, which is a good sign." Lynch replied with a smile, "They've sent many warriors to the north to fight alongside you. This ally is truly rare."