Rahul returned home, where his mother was anxiously waiting for him. Seeing him safe, she finally relaxed. Rahul told her about the result of the trial and asked her not to worry.
After that, he went to the treasury and took two Level-3 array plates. He also requested the king through Princess Rose and obtained three more Level-3 arrays. All the arrays inscribed on the plates had the ability to confuse enemies.
In addition, he gathered fifteen Level-2 arrays for attack, defense, and control. The Level-1 arrays were numerous. The most precious one was a Level-4 defensive array. Such arrays were extremely rare and valuable so rare that the palace possessed only four or five, and his own family had only one.
In total, he was using resources worth twenty years of effort and wealth. But what was the use of such treasures if they were kept only as showpieces?
For the journey, he chose a Thunder Speedo Horse. These animals were bred for speed rather than strength. When they ran, they resembled thunder tearing through clouds-- swift and unstoppable.
Soon, a boy and a beautiful girl riding a Thunder Speedo Horse were seen traveling north toward the Tundra Kingdom. Along with them, a rumor began spreading.
It was said that a hidden cave belonging to a Sage (Level-4) had appeared, containing great treasures and even a Rank-Five weapon. Such weapons were unbelievably rare, only two or three were known to exist on the entire planet, whether known or hidden.
While traveling, Rahul said,
"The Tundra Kingdom has four Sage-rank experts. Two serve the palace, and the other two are independent legacies. But none of them dares to confront the Mythical creatures. They fear losing and giving others the chance to plunder the rewards.
Even the king refuses to act. If one of his experts dies, the balance of power would collapse. The other two sages are waiting like foxes, hoping for an opportunity to seize riches or disrupt the throne.
If all four worked together, even if they couldn't win, they could at least reduce the destruction and save many lives before retreating safely."
He paused and smiled faintly.
"The neighboring kingdoms are also watching, waiting to gain something from the chaos. Human nature is selfish and greedy… so why shouldn't we take advantage of it?"
Princess Rose frowned slightly.
"You spread the rumor, but are you sure the sages will come? They are cunning and experienced. Why would they believe it?"
Rahul laughed.
"They will come. Greed will bring them here… and I will give them a reason."
Since Rose was sitting behind him, Rahul kept the horse at a slower pace.
They reached Sunflower City, a city of the Tundra Kingdom, in about three hours. Ten miles away lay the mountains where the Mythical creatures were said to reside.
After paying two gold coins as tax, they entered the city.
Their first task was to find an inn. After walking for ten minutes, they stopped in front of a place called "Zookeeper's Inn."
The name sounded a little funny.
The man at the reception looked at Rahul and then at the beautiful girl who looked like a princess.
"Welcome, young travelers. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but we have only one room available, and it costs two gold coins for twenty-four hours."
Rahul smiled politely.
"Thank you, brother, but I need two rooms."
The man looked at him as if he were looking at a fool. Princess Rose smiled awkwardly.
After a moment, the man said,
"Then it will be five silver coins per person for one day."
They eventually booked two rooms for twenty days, paying two gold coins.
Rahul lay down on his bed. He was extremely tired. First, he had traveled from the forest to the palace. Then the trial had exhausted him mentally. After that came the long journey.
The entire day had been busy, but there was still much to do.
After resting for fifteen minutes, Rahul went out to search for a store selling large quantities of food. Within ten minutes he found a suitable shop. After checking the quality, he ordered tons of food for the next day, along with a small meal for now.
Then he returned to the inn.
They ate their meal peacefully, and soon the night spread its dark cloak over the city.
When the sunlight welcomed the morning, Rahul woke up.
He walked downstairs to the dining hall with Rose. They ordered breakfast and sat in a quiet corner.
Soon, three men entered the inn and sat in front of them.
Rahul spoke calmly.
"What is the news?"
These were the men he had sent earlier to gather information about the Mythical creatures while traveling to the palace.
The man on the right answered,
"It's true. They are accepting followers and are living in three different directions. They were badly wounded during the fight and even before that. Their power seems to have fallen. Right now they are only at the Sage Realm."
Rahul nodded.
"Even if they have fallen to the Sage Realm, they were once gods. Each one is probably stronger than three ordinary sages. What about their intelligence?"
The man replied,
"They are contaminated and seem to have lost part of their minds."
Rahul thought for a moment.
"Join them as followers and continue monitoring them. You may go now."
After finishing their breakfast, Rahul and Rose went to collect the food he had ordered.
They loaded the food onto a cart and began traveling toward the location of the Eagle.
The Eagle was resting on the western side of the mountains, about fifteen miles from the city. Even with the speed of the Thunder Speedo Horse, it took them three hours with the heavy cart to reach the hilly region.
This side of the mountains was called the Turtle Mountains, because their shapes resembled giant turtles.
Rahul guided the cart up a small hill barely wide enough for a single cart. Even when they reached the edge, he did not stop.
The cart did not fall.
Instead, it vanished.
A faint ripple spread through the air, like waves forming a circle.
When the cart appeared again, they were inside a cave.
A guard stepped forward.
"Who are you?"
Rahul answered dramatically,
"I am a worshipper of the mighty Lord Eagle. I have come to offer food and medicine."
The guard looked at the cart filled with supplies and signaled them to proceed. The Eagle had already ordered that no one bringing food, medicine, or treasures should be stopped.
Rahul observed that many people had gathered there. Some were preparing medicine, while others were making potions.
Finally, he reached the place where the Eagle was resting.
A massive pit had been dug into the ground and filled with a strange potion. Inside it sat a giant eagle nearly thirty meters tall, soaking in the liquid.
Rahul bowed deeply.
"I greet the mighty lord. My companion and I offer these medicines and food… and we wish to become your followers."