When the plot-skips players into the game world

June 19th.

While the Irises were still in a state of tumultuous upheaval, Aiwass and his group had already crossed through the Daffodil Territory.

There was no clear national boundary between the Daffodil Territory and the Parthian Ancient Country. Or rather, the true national boundary was so clear that it was instantly recognizable.

On the east side of Daffodil Territory—formerly the Narcissus Duchy—there was a barren dense forest.

This place had a peculiar humidity, smelling like earth and blood. It was mildly toxic to mortals; not lethal, but it would leave people weak and dispirited. Because of this, even though the resources here were abundant, there were hardly any attempts at logging or collection.

According to the guide, a certain type of mushroom thrived here—though he was a Parthian and didn't recognize the species.

But Zhu Tang recognized it.

"That's Black Ant Fungus. We call it corpse gentian."

The grey-robed wizard answered with closed eyes: "It's a fairly rare ritual material. This mushroom secretes a mucus to mimic the smell of decaying corpses fermenting, luring a special kind of black ant. And these black ants only eat decaying animal flesh. So this mushroom only appears in places where bodies are frequent, and it remains silently without spreading.

"By the way, although it smells bad and is mildly toxic, it makes quite a delicious soup. If boiled with cardamom, it will have a rich meaty flavor. As long as it's cooked thoroughly, there's no problem. Back where I'm from, people catch these mushrooms every spring to sell them for money."

This eastern wizard was currently sitting in Aiwass's luxury carriage, playing chess with Sherlock.

Because there were just too many people traveling together, Yulia worried it would be too noisy along the way. Thus, this new Empire's empress personally modified their carriage for Aiwass—using lost knowledge inherited from the Helasal Empire, she created several space-folding carriages.

Though the carriage appeared only slightly larger from outside, it was about sixty square meters inside. It had a small living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom—like a modest hotel suite. There were four sofas alone inside, with several people gathered around.

The other carriages were also conveniently modified by Yulia. Space was expanded to about half, at least enough to accommodate all the attendants for overnight stays in an enclosed space.

This was practically a lifesaver for the group about to head into the desert.

Though Sherlock could provide water for everyone, and there were emergency reserves of water and food in the carriage, staying overnight in the carriage was still not ideal—even if the important people could barely sleep inside, the attendants certainly couldn't stay together with the supplies.

But with the expanded and modified carriages from Yulia, the comfort level of the journey increased by four or five grades. It turned the grueling task of chewing sand and eating wind into a true vacation.

It's said that this technology was demystified by the Alchemy Association during the Helasal Empire period. The space-folding technology of the Mage Tower was a similar method, except alchemy allowed it to be used by those who hadn't mastered the Path of Wisdom and Rune Skill.

At present, Lily was dwelling in Aiwass's shadow for the first time in a while and felt at ease. Isabel and Hayna were chatting together, even joined by Ligeia who was extremely bored. Sherlock was playing Go with Zhu Tang, who had his eyes closed, while Aiwass sat on the side watching with the guide.

The guide was a girl with dark brown skin.

Her name was Anar. She had a high forehead, black curly hair tied back in a ponytail, and bright eyes like black pearls. She wore a loose white linen robe, quite different from the finely dressed others.

She was a professional guide, primarily responsible for bringing people from the border of the Narcissus to the border of Parthia, or vice versa.

Of course, this was definitely illegal... just like those who illegally smuggle people across borders. Although in reality, there was no legal way to enter or leave Parthia.

The Parthian Ancient Country of today was completely fragmented. Although they nominally still revered that Mysterious Monarch whose name they didn't even know, the Benevolent Lords of the desert city-states were each new kings in practice.

Because of this, other countries could hardly establish regular diplomatic channels within Parthia—even if they did, it would only be with the lord of that one city. Other cities' lords wouldn't recognize such diplomatic relations.

And because the lords usually wouldn't want their citizens or slaves to escape, contact with foreigners itself became a crime. Under such circumstances, Parthia was a land of chaos for most countries.

Only a few who escaped could return with the latest—though possibly outdated—intel.

In such situations, those who could reliably lead people out must be local resistance groups. Back then, Zhu Tang and Mu relied on her to escape the confusing deserts alive.

It was through their introduction that Aiwass found her to be his guide.

"Once we pass through this dense forest, we'll enter the desert."

Anar spoke in Star Antimony with a thick Parthian accent: "At that point, there'll be no stopping anymore. We have to travel a day and a half to reach the first city—Rock Cellar City. It's a very small city; excluding slaves, there are about eight hundred residents. Perhaps even fewer than a district of Star Antimony."

"Such a small city... does it also have a lord?"

Aiwass asked.

Hearing this, Anar laughed: "Of course, sir. Is there any city in Parthia without a lord?"

"Then if there's a lord, how did you escape? Won't he catch you?"

Aiwass pressed on.

"Because the Serpentfolk help us," Anar replied, "Rock Cellar City, being close to Star Antimony, imports many reinforced slabs from there. With them, they build underground cellars... as it isolates from the lifedraining sands, water loss isn't as bad.

"Though it's in Parthia, the lack of water is less severe here. The Great Lord is also milder compared to other lords... or more laid-back. We run through underground tunnels to the temple outside city limits, then lead camels out from there."

Great Lord is the honorific Parthians use for their lords. Its meaning is somewhat akin to "Your Majesty."

"I don't think it's like that."

Zhu Tang interjected slowly: "I actually feel that... the lord may very well be aware of your existence."

At this, Anar paused.

"Of course, he is."

Sherlock said casually while playing chess: "Given that he built the tunnel, how could he not know it leads to a temple outside the city? Without his funding, how would there be so many alchemy slates from Star Antimony?"

"But..."

Anar instinctively wanted to argue.

But Sherlock mercilessly added: "He merely permits your existence. The purpose is simple... as a weak lord, his only means of gaining resources unavailable in Parthia is through foreign trade, to exchange with the more powerful lords internally.

"Under such conditions, he has two options. Either he raids the outskirts of Star Antimony, or he establishes trade routes with it. But regardless of his choice, making it public would invite other lords to find fault and eventually besiege, divide territory and resources.

"Thus, he maintains apparent isolation while building hidden connections. You must know some merchants who regularly pass through your route, right? They are the lord of Rock Cellar City's resources.

"If you plan to rebel or quit working... to ensure secrecy, he would execute you under the pretext of uncovering your illegal activities... With this leverage that allows for execution at any time, you are the safest, most reliable workers for him."

Anar clearly wanted to refute it.

But she thought about it and did indeed recall some people. Her lips paled slightly—realizing that she might be under the lord's surveillance at any moment.

—Upon realizing that her actions warranting more than twenty death sentences were constantly exposed under the lord's nose, how could she not feel terrified?

"Stop scaring the kid." Aiwass lightly tapped Sherlock's head.

He turned back and asked Anar: "You mentioned... a temple? Which temple is outside the city?"

"Ah... outsiders aren't allowed in there."

Anar replied timidly: "We can only enter when we are coming out.

"That's the Serpentfolk's temple, dedicated to the Serpent Celestial Marshal."