Chapter 460: A Shortcut Through Blue Ant Valley
Lonely Bell, completely unaware of what Marcus was thinking, considered the question for a moment before answering.
"Three hundred years ago, a grave robber obtained the Soul Vase, but he never figured out how to use it properly. Not only that, people constantly hunted him because of it. In the end, he died a miserable death somewhere near Black Ghost Peak, and the Soul Vase vanished without a trace. No one ever discovered where it went."
"About fifty years ago, after absorbing countless dark spirits and wandering souls around Black Ghost Peak, the Soul Vase merged with the grave robber’s lingering resentment and eventually gave birth to the Soul Vase Ghost. Ever since then, it has fed on human souls."
"Tough opponent?" Marcus asked.
From what he had heard, the Soul Vase Ghost had been born from the grave robber’s spirit. The robber himself clearly hadn’t been particularly talented, and the Soul Vase had only absorbed spirits from the outer regions of Black Ghost Peak rather than reaching its true potential. Because of that, the creature that emerged was only a Level 70 Golden Boss with fairly average abilities.
"Based on previous encounters, its offensive power isn’t especially impressive," Lonely Bell replied. "The problem is that it’s protected by a large number of dark spirit souls. Killing it is extremely difficult."
"No problem. Sounds manageable."
After hearing the explanation, Marcus felt even more confident. As long as the Soul Vase Ghost couldn’t kill him outright, he could slowly wear it down. That was one of the biggest advantages of being a knight. Defense and endurance were his specialties.
Besides, fighting enemies above his level was nothing new. Back when he had been Level 30, he’d already managed to defeat Level 50 monsters. Facing a Level 70 boss now was challenging, but hardly impossible.
"Alright, Elder Lonely. I’ll come find you later."
After saying goodbye, Marcus led the girls out of the Great Bell Hall and left the Temple of Dragon’s Peak Citadel.
Once they were outside, Amber immediately looked at him with concern. "Marcus, is there really no way to complete the trial?"
"Maybe we should just pay the gold and switch to a different one," Anya suggested as she walked up beside him. "We can afford it."
Marcus chuckled, and taking Anya’s hand, he said confidently, "Relax. This trial isn’t nearly as difficult as it looks." The frustration he’d felt earlier had already disappeared. Now that he’d figured something out, his confidence had returned in full.
Anya’s face immediately reddened when he spoke so casually while holding her hand in public. Even so, she made no attempt to pull away. Though clearly embarrassed, she lowered her head and remained quietly at his side.
"Marcus, did you think of something?" Lily asked. She knew him well enough to recognize that look. Talia looked equally curious. "Can you actually reach the village within four hours?"
"Yeah," Marcus nodded. "Lonely Bell was right. If I travel from Dragon’s Peak Citadel with my current Movement Speed, it’ll take at least five hours. But I noticed something earlier. The village is southwest of Blue Ant Valley."
"Blue Ant Valley..." Amber’s eyes immediately lit up. "Marcus, isn’t that where you found the Crystal-Tear Berries?" The moment she said it, she understood. "You’re planning to start from there, aren’t you? That cuts out most of the trip."
"Exactly." Marcus grinned. "When I was collecting Crystal-Tear Berries in Blue Ant Valley, I set up a teleportation formation there. I can use Wanderlust to teleport directly to the valley, then travel southwest for about an hour and reach the village."
"Really?"
"Marcus, that’s amazing!"
"I knew you’d find a solution!"
"Marcus, you’re incredible!"
The girls instantly brightened. After hearing the trial requirements earlier, all of them had been worried that he would fail before he even had a chance to fight the boss. Now that there was a workable plan, their anxiety vanished.
"Marcus, you had me worried for nothing." Anya puffed out her lips in mock annoyance, but the pride in her eyes completely gave her away. Looking at her expression, Marcus couldn’t help smiling. "You should have a little more faith in me."
Before she could respond, he gently pulled her closer and quickly kissed her on the lips. Anya froze for a second before her face turned even redder than before. "Just make sure you’re prepared and leave early," she said softly while holding his arm.
Ten minutes later, Marcus was ready to depart.
Amber raised her Maple Leaf Dance staff and declared confidently, "Don’t worry, big brother. The girls and I can handle the mercenary group missions while you’re gone."
"Good."
Time was already running short, so Marcus activated Wanderlust. A flash of light enveloped him, and he disappeared from Dragon’s Peak Citadel before instantly reappearing in Blue Ant Valley, far to the north near Ironstone Citadel.
Over the past few days, Amber and the others had gained levels quickly. They were wearing Marcus’s old Golden equipment along with several high-quality pieces purchased from the Old Vine Auction House. Compared to before, their strength had increased dramatically.
The twin sorceresses, Firebrand and Icefall, had practically become permanent members of the group’s activities ever since meeting Anya and Chloe. They spent most of their time with Marcus’s team now.
Of course, they weren’t simply benefiting from the group’s success without contributing. Marcus remembered very clearly how capable they were. During the battle against the Ironwood Treants, the twins had displayed excellent coordination and combat instincts. If those treants hadn’t undergone unexpected evolution, Firebrand and Icefall likely could have handled them on their own. When the sisters fought together, monsters below Level 50 rarely had any chance of getting close. Their combined spellcasting produced overwhelming offensive power.
A flash of light faded, and Marcus appeared high above the territory of the Blue Crystal Tripod Ants. Looking down, he saw fields of blue crystal flowers stretching across the valley. Crystal-Tear Berries hung from them like clusters of blue gems, sparkling beneath the sunlight.
’Once I complete this trial, I’ll come back and harvest every last one,’ he thought.
The Five-Leaf Goldgrass was still waiting too. As for the Golden-Petal Snow Eagles guarding the area, he would deal with them eventually. The only real concern was the Blood-Burst Golden Eagle that had evolved into a Mythic Beast. That creature would require much more caution.
"Soul Vase Ghost, here I come!" Marcus shouted excitedly. The Blue Crystal Tripod Ants below lifted their heads in confusion, seemingly wondering why a human had suddenly appeared in the sky yelling at nobody.
"Go!"
At his command, Blackie shot forward at full speed. The valley rapidly disappeared behind them as they raced southwest toward the remote village, and toward the trial that awaited him.
