Chapter 93: The Shamanic Template

Within the dark red scale, not only was the location Hughes needed to reach inscribed, but Gegaliel had also sealed a spell within it—a spell he had previously used to conceal himself when entering the Shadow Ring. "This is a double layer of protection now!" Hughes marveled at Gegaliel's thoroughness as he watched the fading red glow.

"Let me see my destination!" Closing his eyes, Hughes focused on the map imprinted in his mind. He found Gegaliel’s method reminiscent of a chip, as the information was etched so deeply into his memory it would be hard to forget. "This location?" Hughes noted the marked spot was exceedingly far. "If I take this route..." he mused, scanning the path indicated on the map. To his surprise and delight, his journey would take him through Soto City. It had been two years since he’d left home, and he’d longed to return; this was the perfect opportunity.

He studied the map further. If he were to reach Gegaliel’s designated place, even without incident, it would take at least half a year. Despite this, Hughes decided to return to Soto City. The route he chose wasn’t the fastest, but the difference in time was negligible, and his heart was set on seeing his hometown.

Before Hughes had come to the Shadow Ring, Count Clay had told him he would move the family to Soto City, making them neighbors with his old friend Wulot. With his mind made up, Hughes prepared to head back to the dock and take a ship to Soto City.

Leaving the Shadow Ring, Hughes had no horse and could only rely on his own feet. Fortunately, he had his chip analyze spell templates and runes to increase his speed, so his pace was not slow. On the road, he kept busy, using the chip to scan and catalog various plants. He also encountered many wild beasts. Rather than use sorcery, he relied on his own physical prowess, wielding his longsword without fear.

“The quality can’t keep up anymore,” Hughes observed, noting the nicks and dents marring his blade. He made a mental note to reforge it when he found proper materials.

“Should be close by now,” he thought, catching the faint scent of brine even though the dock was still some way off. After more than ten days of travel, Hughes finally arrived near the dock. He looked himself over—he was just as clean as when he’d left the Shadow Ring. The chip had recorded plenty of basic spell templates, including one for cleansing, which he had mastered among other useful ones.

The dock was as bustling as ever, with crowds coming and going. Hughes felt as though he’d returned to the first time he’d come here.

“Sir! Are you planning to take a ship?” a thin, sallow-faced middle-aged man asked him quietly and cautiously.

Since Hughes had entered the dock, Zack had noticed him. Zack had spent much time here, and from Hughes’s bearing alone he could tell this was a man of wealth—a single tip from him could cover a long stretch of time. But dealing with such people was dangerous; a single wrong word and his life could be forfeit, and as a commoner, no one would stand up for him.

“You’re familiar with this place?” Hughes turned, regarding the anxious man before him.

“Very! I grew up here!” The man, sensing Hughes’s tone, realized this noble had a decent temper.

“Then do you know where to catch a ship to Soto City?” Hughes inquired, taking out a small pouch of gold coins and weighing it in his palm.

Zack’s eyes widened, his gaze fixed on the pouch as it moved up and down. Judging by the sound, it was a hefty sum. “I’ve struck gold this time!” he thought, grateful to have met such a generous—and wealthy—patron.

“I know the way, sir, please follow me!” Zack hurriedly led Hughes toward the ships.

Hughes and Zack made their way to the moored vessels. “Sir, this is the only merchant ship bound for Soto City. It will depart in three days!” Zack announced, stopping before a rather battered-looking sailing ship.

“This ship...” Hughes eyed it, doubting whether it could safely make the journey.

The vessel bore the marks of many years; parts of it were visibly damaged, and several men like Zack were hauling cargo aboard.

“Don’t be put off by appearances, sir. It’s the only ship that goes to Soto City,” Zack explained, reading Hughes’s thoughts with the ease of long practice.

“It seems I have no other choice,” Hughes thought, and without waiting for Zack, he stepped onto the deck.

The boards creaked beneath his feet, and a strong smell of fish permeated the ship. Hughes wondered what business the ship had been used for in the past.

“Don’t worry, sir, I know everyone on this ship well. Please wait here a moment!” With that, Zack hurried into the cabin.

“Bavi! Bavi!” Zack called, spotting a man clutching a bottle in the crowd.

“Hey! Who let you on board? Get off!” Bavi waved his hand dismissively, annoyance written all over his face at the sight of Zack.

“Wait, I have good news for you!” Zack glanced around, then sidled up to Bavi.

Bavi frowned as Zack approached, the sour smell of sweat making him uncomfortable.

“There’s a distinguished gentleman who wants to take your ship to Soto City!” Zack ignored Bavi’s look; with money at stake, he’d do anything.

“So?” Bavi wanted to know what Zack was after; if it was a joke, he wouldn’t hold back.

“This gentleman is different. He might be...” Zack didn’t finish but made a gesture with his hand.

Bavi understood immediately. In the Far North, nobles were few; sorcerers ruled these lands.

“You’re sure?” Bavi was skeptical—sorcerers rarely came to the harbor.

“Very likely!” Zack, fearing disbelief, recounted his observations of Hughes.

“If that’s the case, he might really be a sorcerer!” Bavi was half convinced and marveled at Zack’s luck.

“Take me to him!” Bavi was eager to meet Hughes; if he truly was a sorcerer, he would have to be treated with utmost care, and the safety of this voyage would be much improved.

Meanwhile, Hughes waited for Zack’s return. Since this was the only ship to Soto City, he had no choice but to make do.

“Sir! This is Captain Bavi!” Zack soon returned with Bavi in tow.

Hughes regarded the captain without much expression, simply nodding.

“Sir, I hear you wish to travel to Soto City?” Bavi addressed the tall, young man before him.

“Is there a problem?” Hughes looked Bavi straight in the eye.

“No, not at all!” The instant their eyes met, Bavi felt a sharp pain, as if needles stabbed his eyes, and tears threatened to spill. Fear crept into his heart—he was now certain Hughes was one of the sorcerers active in the Far North.

“Please, this way, sir!” Fighting his fear and excitement, Bavi led Hughes to a room. “This is your cabin; the ship departs in three days. You may rest here. I’ll have meals brought to you.” Bavi was nervous—this was the best room on the ship; if Hughes was dissatisfied, it would be disastrous.

“Not bad,” Hughes commented, finding the decor elegant, a stark contrast to the ship’s battered exterior. The room was comparable to his quarters at the Shadow Ring.

“Glad to hear it, sir!” Bavi exhaled in relief at Hughes’s approval.