Chapter 125: Chapter 107 Midheim_1
Nordelin, City of Midheim, City of the White Wolf.
It is located on a plateau to the north of the Imperial, a massive city filled with spirals and towers, built on towering cliffs. Its four levee bridges cross over the towering cliffs, connecting the path to the Imperial territory. It is currently winter, and a vast portion of the plateau is covered in glaring white snow. But, that doesn’t extinguish someone’s fiery spirit of exploration.
“This is the other world! The city of another world! It’s amazing!!”
Upon seeing the city in front of her, Ann couldn’t help but jump in excitement. In fact, when Duanmu Huai brought her to the space station, the princess was thrilled, behaving as energetic as an Alaskan frolicking in the snow. When they rode the gunboat away from the space station, entered the atmosphere, and traveled all the way to the north of the Imperial, the princess was so excited she nearly lost her bearings. After all, it was her first time physically traveling within a planet, and Ann even excitedly asked Duanmu Huai if their world was also a giant globe.
Well… Although it may disappoint Ann, the Soul Fragment World is indeed flat for now. Perhaps after gathering enough Soul Shards, it might transform into a planet. But, currently… it really is flat.
Of course, at first, Ann was upset with Duanmu Huai because Greiya couldn’t accompany them.
There was no help for it, after all Greiya’s non-human characteristics were too obvious. Maybe it wouldn’t be an issue elsewhere, but in this world, if she were here, she would undoubtedly be treated like a Beastman and hunted down by the likes of Witch Hunters. And not to mention the various organizations that worship the Evil God… that would be even more troublesome.
So Duanmu Huai decided to split their forces, having Lorena take the two Dragonkin, Greiya and Felin, to the Holy City, while he brought Ann and Ogis to Midheim.
Initially, Ann was utterly reluctant to this. But in the end, it took Greiya promising her that they would share their travel experiences upon their return to persuade her.
Looking at her overjoyed expression now, it’s evident that her past unhappiness has long since flown away.
“Don’t forget what I’ve told you.”
Duanmu Huai gripped Ann’s shoulders and stared at her before speaking again.
“Do not use magic or meddle in affairs, even if it’s for good, the harshness of this world vastly exceeds your imagination. Compared to the filth here, Fafner is considered an angel. Therefore, be careful, be cautious, you wouldn’t want Greiya to worry about you, would you?”
Hearing Duanmu Huai’s words, Ann managed to calm her mind. Along the journey to this place, Duanmu Huai had briefed her about the state of this world, especially about the mages’ plight. It was a reality check for Ann, making her realize that this world isn’t as peaceful and kind as her home. To be honest, Duanmu Huai wasn’t initially planning on bringing Ann, but… as the mage-talent Ann possessed was too exceptional, and Duanmu Huai was in dire need of a mage’s assistance, wasn’t he?
So that’s how he ended up here with Ann and Ogis.
As for the other members of the combat group, Feiya was deemed too unstable and was assigned by Duanmu Huai to take care of the base. Merlot too had returned to the Holy City with Lorena for mission reporting.
He was the only one who came here with Ann and Ogis.
To this City of the White Wolf.
As the frontline of the Imperial’s fight against Chaos, Midheim is one of the few cities dominated by the Church of Ulrick within the Imperial. Ulrick is the god of winter, war, and the White Wolf. Before the establishment of the Imperial, he was the most revered deity among humans.
Ulrick’s followers value bravery, self-reliance, and strength. They scorn the seemingly clever yet effeminate Sigma believers. To the followers of Ulrick, the Sigma believers are more like a bunch of weak, ineffectual beings who thrive on excuses.
The City of Midheim thus embodies the fervor, courage, and resilience of Ulrick’s followers. Setting foot within the city gates and observing the simple yet resilient stone buildings, one can easily pick up the sense of bravery and spirit conferred by the god of the White Wolf.
This is particularly apparent when compared with Aldorf, a city filled with intricate and magnificent architecture. If Aldorf could pass off as a refined art piece meticulously sculpted by artisans, then Midheim appears more like a grand masterpiece of nature. It requires no decoration, no polishing; its mere existence suffices to project a wild sense of oppression.
The people of Midheim are tall, but Duanmu Huai is taller. He strides along the streets hefting his War Hammer, attracting surprised or curious glances from the bystanders. Of course, none of them dared to court death. After all, Duanmu Huai’s grotesque Power Armor, coupled with his robust stature, is the best representation of “MAX Danger Level”.
If anyone dares to come looking for trouble, they must be either blind or mentally challenged.
Ogis and Ann draped in their cloaks, following behind Duanmu Huai. Ann, in particular, had her round eyes wide open, curiously observing the crowd and the buildings. Though Manaria superficially appeared like a medieval magic kingdom, it had largely transitioned into the era of magic industrial revolution. Therefore, Ann’s observation of Midheim was akin to someone from the eighteenth century industrial revolution traveling to the fourteenth century, filled with curiosity and novelty.
“Sir Knight, where are we going now?”
In response to Ann’s curious inquiry, Duanmu Huai provided the answer.
“First and foremost, just like the opening scene of every adventure novel, we are going to a tavern.”
Likewise, as Duanmu Huai stated, most adventure legends began in a tavern.
Inside, dim oil lamps glowed, tipsy patrons waved their bottles, and occasionally a drunken brawl would break out in a corner. Scantily clad serving girls held up goblets, amid the flattering praises of patrons, pouring them one round of beer after another. The entire tavern was boisterous and noisy, and amidst this irksome cacophony, some were secretly plotting schemes, and even exchanging certain pieces of intelligence.
“I don’t know what you’re after, warrior.”
The bartender behind the counter sighed silently as he looked at Duanmu Huai in front of him, placing a cup of wine on the counter before turning his head away as much as possible, not wanting to look at Duanmu Huai’s face. The dim candlelight illuminated only half his face, which was even more terrifying to look at.
“To be honest, your timing isn’t great. It’s deep winter now. The beastmen in the forest have retreated to their filthy dens like hibernating bears. Of course, perhaps they are brewing their next attack… But not now. I’ve heard the sheriff is vowing to clean up Midheim, rooting out the coward kings. But I wouldn’t suggest you muddle in this, after all, he could drop dead at any moment for some unknown reason, and yet Midheim would still stand.”
“But there’s always some business to be found.”
Duanmu Huai toyed with the cup in his hands, a cup bigger than an average man’s face, looking like a toy in his hand. Ann sat beside him, her eyes wide open, watching the conversation between him and the bartender like a curious child entering the opening scene of an adventure novel, filled with anticipation and excitement.
“I’m a warrior; I thirst for blood, battle, and glory. We came here, of course, not just to admire the scenery of Midheim, though it is indeed a beautiful city.”
“Of course, it’s a beautiful city.”
No one dislikes hearing compliments about their hometown. The bartender revealed a slight smile, his complexion eased considerably.
“I can see that you are a brave, tenacious, and formidable warrior. If you wish, you could be someone’s distinguished guest. Perhaps amid the attacks of those damned Chaos Barbarians from the north, you could decapitate them, smashing them into minced meat to proclaim your strength. But alas….”
At this point, the bartender spread his hands.
“I really don’t have any particular news.”
Duanmu Huai nodded and didn’t add anything else, considering it wasn’t a game, he wasn’t expecting to get a main quest immediately… well, though he thought so, but…
“Warrior, would you like to have a chat, if it’s convenient?”
Just at this moment, a voice emerged from beside Duanmu Huai. He turned his head and saw a long-haired wanderer adventurer holding a longsword in his hands, looking at him with a smile.
“If you thirst for battle and blood, then perhaps, we could cooperate.”