Chapter 472 Suncreek Forest
Archer couldn't help but laugh when he heard the older woman's comment and shook his head before replying. ''Not yet, grandmother. We are still young, and it will happen when it happens. There's no point in rushing it.''
Albert burst into laughter before adding his thoughts, "Well said, Arch! We can't rush these things, Mia. It'll definitely happen; after all, he's a dragon."
Mia nodded in agreement and teased, "Well, you're right, Albert. He is a lewd dragon."
Archer was at a loss for words when he heard his grandparent's comments. However, he attempted to guide them towards the final portal, only to be stopped by Mia.
Without warning, she pulled his head into her cleavage and began gently running her fingers through his hair.
"You ought to drop by more frequently. I do miss my handsome grandson." Mia expressed.
Archer grinned and stepped away from his grandmother before responding, "I'll make a point to visit you more often."
The older woman smiled as she walked over to Albert and grabbed his arm before pulling him along.
Albert looked at him pleadingly, but Archer ignored the old man by looking outside the tent while whistling as Mia dragged him toward the portal.
The old man acted heartbroken but smiled and said farewell. ''See you soon.''
With a final wave, they stepped through the portal, disappearing from view. The air seemed to change as Archer found himself alone after their departure.
Inhaling deeply, Archer exited the tent, greeted by the gazes of the surviving soldiers gathered outside.
Addressing them, he declared, "I'll arrange for your return to Starfall City. Upon arrival, make it known that the White Prince sent you."
All the soldiers saluted before packing up the camp as he turned to the landscape and looked at the once towering trees that now lay broken and defeated.
Their branches scattered like fallen soldiers on a battlefield. As his gaze traveled downward, Archer observed deep gouge marks etched into the earth.
The scars on the ground painted a vivid picture of the chaotic clash that had taken place, a brutal dance between forces that left an indelible mark on the landscape.
But that's when he noticed a woman approaching him, recognizing her as Sia's second-in-command, Valeria.
She had beautiful brown hair cascading down her armored shoulders. Her eyes, a luminous shade of yellow, glowed as she surveyed the surroundings.
Clad in knight armor that accentuated her muscular frame, she stood with an air of confidence.
As Archer observed the female knight, her practical armor did little to hide the strength evident in her well-defined arms and shoulders.
The contours of her body, including subtle curves, were discernible even beneath the protective layers.
The combination of power and grace painted a compelling picture, showcasing her martial prowess and the undeniable allure of a warrior with strength and femininity.
Despite her appearance suggesting she was in her late twenties, the rigors of her training bestowed upon her a timeless, youthful visage.
Sculpted by dedication and discipline, her body bore the unmistakable signs of strength. At that moment, a realization clicked in Archer's mind—he was drawn to muscular women.
Shaking off the distraction, Archer refocused and, with a clear mind, greeted the knight with his most charming smile. "Hello, Miss Valeria. I must say, you still look as beautiful as ever."
Much to his surprise, his confident charm and complimentary words seemed to have little effect on her.
Unfazed, she responded calmly, leaving Archer intrigued by the resilience of the seasoned knight. ''Young Master. What are you planning to do?''
Archer gazed at the older woman and thought to himself. 'Why does she want to know? She had only met me as a child.'
But he shook his head before stating his intentions. "I aim to clear out the bandits in the Summerfield Duchy before returning to the College of Magic."
Valeria nodded in understanding. She then turned her attention to the other soldiers and declared, "I will join you. I want to witness the capabilities of the man the commander has chosen in action."
He was confused but shrugged before opening a portal to the elevator in Starfall so they could be seen, too.
As Archer was doing this, he sent a message to Sia telling her that he sent her soldiers back, but Valeria stayed behind.
It was silent for a while before she spoke. ''Okay. She isn't into romance or men, so I don't have to worry. Look after her, Arch, she's a good girl!''
Upon hearing the Dragon-kin woman's words, Archer chuckled and turned to Valeria with a smile. "Alright, you can join. We must wait for my scouts, and then we can proceed."
Valeria, the brown-haired woman, regarded him before offering a small nod. Archer then summoned the Shadowspawn guarding the camp and dismissed them.
Upon witnessing the unusual creatures, Valeria's expression shifted to one of horror, prompting her to ask suspiciously, "What are those creatures?"
Archer turned to her and explained, "It's a spell I acquired before classes started. I find it rather handy, to be honest. They are both my bodyguards and a fighting force, all wrapped up in a single spell."
Valeria regarded Archer with a thoughtful expression before turning her attention to the soldiers preparing to enter the portals.
She strode over to them, offering encouragement and ensuring their departure went smoothly.
As time passed, Archer waited patiently, the air heavy with anticipation. The portals hummed softly in the background.
Then, in a flutter of wings, the Tressyms returned, swooping down with evident affection for Archer.
He welcomed their playful antics, grateful for the brief moment of respite. Amidst the nuzzles and purrs, the Tressyms conveyed the information he sought.
With the task completed, Archer sent the otherworldly creatures back to their domain. Turning to Valeria, he found her already watching him with a curious gleam in her eyes.
Inquisitive, she asked, "What are those creatures? I've never seen them before."
Archer chuckled before responding, "They're from another realm, and I adopted them. They wanted to assist me, so now they serve as my scouts."
Valeria nodded, then inquired, "Are we ready to go?"
Hearing her question, Archer smiled. Summoning his wings, he approached the older woman and effortlessly scooped her into a princess carry.
Her initial shock turned into a searching look, prompting Archer to laugh before explaining, "Flying is much quicker. Otherwise, it would take weeks to travel."
She remained silent but did not attempt to dismount, so Archer ascended into the sky, heading towards the Suncreek Forest in the North-West.
Valeria saw a landscape that surprised her as they soared, unlike anything she had seen before.
Observing the astonishment on her face, Archer smiled and inquired, "First time flying during sunrise?"
Valeria nodded and elucidated, "Yes, Young Master. The Imperial Army restricts travel this early in Frostwinter due to the weather."
As Archer soared over the Winter-clad Summerfield Duchy, a blanket of snow stretched as far as the eye could see.
The ongoing snowstorm painted the landscape pristine white, transforming the normal summer scenery into a wintry wonderland.
Despite the mesmerizing beauty below, the biting cold of Frostwinter made itself known.
Valeria shivered against the chill. Noticing her discomfort, Archer cast a Cosmic shield that enveloped them both.
It deflected the frigid winds and swirling snow, creating a cocoon of warmth. Inside the shield, Archer concentrated, using his magic to infuse the air with a gentle heat.
The sudden warmth eased Valeria's shivering, and a grateful smile crept across her.
As Archer and Valeria glided through the winter sky, they approached two rivers that had succumbed to the icy grip of the weather, their surfaces frozen into sheets of glistening ice.
The landscape below showcased the relentless influence of Frostwinter. Soon, the distant sight of a town emerged from the snowy expanse.
It lay nestled under a pristine blanket of snow, yet signs of bustling activity were evident.
People hurried about, some clearing snow from the streets while others navigated through the frost-covered town.
Valeria leaned close to Archer and spoke, "That's the town of Wisteria Wharf. It's a trade hub specializing in potions and other medical supplies."
"Do they gather their ingredients from the jungle?" Archer inquired.
The older woman nodded affirmatively. "Yes, and they also hunt formidable beasts that inhabit the first few miles of the jungle."
He nodded but then spotted a looming forest, its dense canopy peeking through the snowy landscape.
A mischievous smile played on his lips as he accelerated with a powerful flap of his wings.
Valeria glanced around in surprise, taken aback by the sudden burst of speed. As they drew closer to the looming trees, a realization dawned on Valeria.
She exclaimed in astonishment, "That's Suncreek Forest."
In response to her revelation, Archer descended gracefully, gently touching the ground before setting Valeria down.
Seizing the opportunity, she proceeded to enlighten him about the nature of the forest.
"The Suncreek Forest is perilous, teeming with strong beasts that often ambush those passing through," she explained, emphasizing the inherent dangers lurking within its depths
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