Chapter 231: The Redania Empire (12) The Preparation To Return
Lyan sat in his room at the inn, surrounded by maps and documents, the soft flicker of candlelight casting shadows across the papers spread out before him. The night is still as dark as he left the room. His mind raced as he contemplated the journey to Arkansas and the best route to take. The stakes were higher than ever, and he couldn’t afford any missteps. He traced a finger along the routes, weighing the risks of each path. Efficiency is his primary goal.
Arkansas was not just any city; it was a bustling hub of mercenaries and merchants, a place where fortunes were made and lost. But now, it was a city under threat, and Lyan knew he had to get there as quickly as possible. The journey would be long and fraught with danger, but he was determined to protect Josephine, Belle, Alina, and Xena from Duke Ravindor’s insidious plans.
Standing up, he pushed his chair back and rolled up the maps with a decisive motion. It was time to secure the resources he needed for the journey. Lyan quickly made a mental checklist of the essentials.
First is Armory. Lyan knew he needed reliable weapons and armor to face the dangers ahead. A finely balanced sword for close combat, a dagger for silent kills, and a bow with a quiver of arrows for ranged attacks would be essential. He also needed a set of light yet durable armor that would allow for both protection and mobility, along with a sturdy pair of boots for long-distance travel and rough terrain. Additionally, a supply of throwing knives, a reliable shield, and potions for healing and stamina boosts would complete his arsenal. In case of circumstances where he’s forced to become a one-man army and fight a prolonged war, he would need enough spares for each item.
Taking the items and looting the opponents is one possible option to take, but in a world like this, there are several items that are possibly used by shady people, especially Duke Ravindor who seems to be very accustomed to the underworld. It’s possible that the armor or weapons turns out to be a piece of cursed equipment. But of course, Lyan has the ability to notice it with his magic eyes, and he bet the high spirits inside his head could notice them as well. But it’s better to prevent rather than sorry.
The second one is resources. Travel supplies were next on his list. He already has a fast and sturdy horse that would help him cover the distance to Arkansas swiftly, even though the horse is slightly ’annoying’, while provisions such as dried meats, bread, and water would sustain him on the journey. He also needed a set of camping gear, including a tent, and bedroll, to provide shelter and comfort during rest stops. But it’s fine since he has the grimoire’s space that he could use to store all of his items with ease. Carrying a pouch of gold coins would allow him to bribe or pay for additional resources and information along the way, while tools like lockpicking tools, a map of Arkansas with key locations marked, and a compass and spyglass for navigation and reconnaissance would be indispensable.
"Guess restocking the food and filling the rest up needed to be done as soon as possible. The next one is..." (Lyan)
Information. Lyan understood that knowledge was power, and he needed to gather as much information as possible before setting out. He required precise details of Duke Ravindor’s plans—when they would be executed and the key milestones. He also needed to know the locations of the Duke’s agents and spies within Arkansas, as well as the identity and capabilities of the rumored powerful mage working with him. Gathering local intel on the current political and social climate in Arkansas, the status of the merchant guilds and mercenary factions, and key figures who might be allies or enemies would be crucial for navigating the city’s intricate web of alliances and rivalries.
He already has a rough image of the Duke’s plan, but it seems that interrogating one of the Duke’s intel immediately would reassure him better.
With his checklist clear in his mind, Lyan knew he needed to start with the most crucial element—information. He left the inn, his steps swift and purposeful as he made his way through the darkened streets of Redania.
His first stop was a reputable armory in Redania, known for its quality weapons and gear.