Another World’s Versatile Crafting Master c1-1074

by Zhuang Bifan

  After exchanging a few more greetings, Hank stood up and said his goodbyes. "I am really sorry Mr. Felic, I wanted to come over really early. However, I did not expect to run into some trouble along the way. Now, I have to report to the garrison immediately. I fear there is no time to bring you over…"

  Lin Li laughed off the matter. "It's nothing much, official matters are more important."

  "We'll meet again, Mr. Felic."

  "See you again."

  Lin Li was not too concerned about his return to the Silver Hand's garrison, since he had three months of time. After all, if he really wanted to go, it would be the same without Hank's introduction. He was a level-12 magic shooter, so he would be treated as a distinguished guest at any mercenary corp. There was no way anybody would dare to reject him.

  After seeing off Hank from the guild hall, Lin Li stood up as well, and shook off the dust from the Robe of Wrath. He then decided to go back to the Guild of Magic in Alanna to ponder some things.

  "Mr. Felic…" Just when he reached the main entrance of the guild hall, he saw that Hank had returned. He saw that Hank was sitting at the bottom of the stairs with a face full of hesitation. "Mr. Felic, do you… do you know Ina?"

  "What happened to Ina?" Lin Li's heart tightened immediately.

  "Squad Leader Ina… she met with an accident!"

  "What?"

  Hank had lowered his voice, and saw that the mage's complexion changed. A sudden influx of pressure was being emitted. This energy was so intense that anybody would feel breathless at that moment. Next, he saw that the formerly kind mage had an abnormally fierce look on him.

  "Tell me what exactly happened!"

  One was a level-12 magic shooter, and the other a warrior apprentice. Under Lin Li's coercion, Hank had no room to struggle. He swallowed hard, and said everything exactly as it had happened.

  The cause of the incident was a batch of magical crystals.

  Today in the morning, when Hank walked past the Thousand Leaves Bar, he coincidentally met a few friends from Silver Hand. One of them was the newcomer, Squad Leader Ina. She had just led her men to the completion of a mission, and was celebrating at the Thousand Leaves Bar. After she recognized Hank, she warm-heartedly invited him for a drink.

  Hank noticed that it was still early, so he did not reject the offer, joining them in their celebration.

  However, halfway through drinking, a mishap took place.

  A group of Ruby Moon Mercenary Corps suddenly barged in. The leader was a level-9 warrior by the name of Marko. They rushed into the Thousand Leaves Bar, and loudly demanded that Ina and gang hand over a batch of magical crystals. Otherwise, they would capture all of them, and let the captain of the Ruby Moon Mercenary Corps deal with them.

  Apparently, Ina and the gang did not allow it to happen. Both sides had a dispute, which quickly ended in a fight.

  The opposition had a large group, and even had a level-9 warrior helping them. Silver Hand only had seven or eight people, and their best fighter was Ina. Both forces were not on equal footing. Once the fight started, several people from Silver Hand were already injured—including Hank.

  He'd realized the situation was not right, and escaped amidst the mess.

  Hank originally wanted to return to the Silver Hand encampment to ask for help. However, he remembered that he had to meet a mage while going past the Adventurers Guild's entrance.

  He was not sure of the mage's strength, but the monstrous warrior that was with the mage left a profound impact in his memory. The other night, at the Blackhills Town's Sylvan Inn, he'd clearly seen that the monstrous warrior killed tens of robbers without breaking a sweat, and one of them was even a level-8 warrior.

  Moreover, Hank vaguely remembered that the mage called Felic seemed to have a connection with Squad Leader Ina. If they were to lend a helping hand, the chances of saving people might increase significantly.

  Up till this moment, Lin Li finally understood why this guy hurriedly asked about Sean once he'd entered the guild hall. It appeared that he was harboring this idea…

  For a moment, Lin Li rejoiced a little. Thankfully, this guy returned again. Otherwise, he would have been clueless about what had happened to Ina.

  "Bring me there."

  "Should we ask the warrior along…?" Hank still had some doubts; after all, he'd only seen the warrior's ability in Blackhills Town. He did not know that this mage was, in fact, a fiend far stronger than that monster.

  "Now!"

  Lin Li really wanted to kick this guy. The distance between both guilds was at least one hour of walk. A return journey would waste a lot of time, and Sean would still have to be found. By that time, it would already be too late. What bird crap would be there to rescue?

  "…"

  Upon seeing Lin Li's rage, Hank did not dare speak another word. He only nodded, and hurriedly brought Lin Li towards the Thousand Leaves Bar.

  Thousand Leaves Bar was not far from the Adventurers Guild. Furthermore, Lin Li was in a rush to rescue people. He used two Hastening Spells simultaneously, one for Hank, and one for himself. Under the effects of the hastening spell, both were moving like the wind. It only took them two to three minutes to reach the outside of the Thousand Leaves Bar.

  "Marko, what is it that you want?"

  Immediately after reaching the vicinity of the bar, Lin Li heard a familiar voice from the inside. It really was Ina.

  Being anxious, Lin Li kicked the door of the bar open, and saw that twenty or more adventurers were tying up the group of Silver Hand members.

  Within that group of Silver Hand members, there was a familiar silhouette holding a sword in her hands.

  "Ina!"

  "Fel… Mr. Felic?" At this instance, Ina felt that she was dreaming. She could not imagine that she would be able to meet this young mage in the faraway Alanna. Lin Li's appearance invoked countless memories within Ina. She remembered the sunset mountains, the wyverns, Cromwell, as well as her father that was facing off a group of magic shooters.

  "Mr. Felic… Father… Father, he…" Previously, she was a strong-willed sword-wielding girl fighting off enemies. Now, she started sobbing.

  Chapter 110 - Murder

  Before Lin Li could offer a word of condolence, Ina had already brought along a fragrant scent and dived into his embrace. Her pretty face stuck firmly to Lin Li's c.h.e.s.t, crying even louder than before. It was as if all of her sorrows and yearning were unleashed at this moment.

  "Ina…" Lin Li raised his arm and hesitated for a moment before lowering it down again. He gently clasped Ina's shoulder, allowing her tears to soak the Robe of Wrath.

  Within the Thousand Leaves Bar, it was silent except for Ina's sobbing.

  "… The other day, some people came from the Merlin Family. They said that Cromwell sent them… I wanted to leave with Father, but Father… Father used the Destruction Combat Energy, allowing me to escape by myself… Mr. Felic… I am scared… I am terrified…"

  Ina's low-pitched sobbing was definitely a form of emotional catharsis.

  McGrenn's death had brought about a massive impact on her.

  In the day, Ina was as strong as ever. She joined the Silver Hand Mercenary Corps, leading a team of adventurers to hunt and kill magical beasts, celebrating with the team at bars. It seemed like there was no difference from the past. However, in the dead of every night, Ina would frequently wake up in tears from her dreams. She would be in a daze until sunrise.

  Only after she stuck her face into that warm c.h.e.s.t had the pain and confusion from the past started to recede slowly…

  Lin Li only listened in silence. "I know, I know everything…"

  The emotional Ina only started to calm down slowly after sobbing for a long time.

  Lin Li gently patted Ina's shoulder. "Alright Ina, stop crying…"

  "Ok." When Ina raised her head from Lin Li's embrace, her tear-filled face was somewhat embarrassed and happy. She cutely nodded her head, and her voice was soft like a mos
quito.

  "Let us find a seat somewhere. Mr. McGrenn left something behind. He wanted you to have this." Lin Li held Ina's hands, and his eyes swept over the group of Ruby Moon Mercenary Corps. "Please let us through."

  "Kid, who do you think you are?"

  The one who spoke was a young warrior that looked like he was not even thirty years old. Under a tight-fitting suit of black leather armor, he was barely tall or strong. He held a shining machete that appeared to be made with refined iron. Unfortunately, he was born with a pair of triangular eyes, which caused others to feel malice once they saw him.

  "This woman took ten magical crystals from the Ruby Moon Mercenary Corps. You want to take her along with one sentence? This is too cheap…"

  "Nonsense!" Just when Ina was feeling happy and bashful when her hands were held gently by Lin Li, she was slandered by the young warrior. Instantaneously, she was red with anger. "Those magical crystals were hunted by us, Silver Hand, in the Nightmare Mountains; it has nothing to do with the Ruby Moon Mercenary Corps. You saw so many crystals that you became envious. You couldn't defeat us when you tried to snatch it away, and so, you captured us to threaten the head of the corp. Hmph! How shameless!"

  Little did he expect that Ina was still so hot-tempered after all this while. Lin Li could not help but smile, and he gently patted her small hands. "Let me handle this."

  Ina smiled sweetly. "Ok."

  "What's your name?" Lin Li's had a warm smile on his face, respectfully asking the young warrior a question.

  This warm smile was perceived to be a sign of weakness by the young warrior. He immediately revealed a proud look. "Marko."

  Truth be told, even though Marko's strength was level-9, he was only an adventurer. Under normal circ.u.mstances, Marko would not dare to offend a mage. However, Alanna was not the same as Jarrosus. In this city, the Guild of Magic's strength was at the point that made people terrified. With a single word from President Aldwin, more than ten Ruby Moon Mercenary Corps could be easily pulverized.

  There were just two reasons why Marko still dared to stand there.

  Firstly, this mage was too young even at first glance.

  Secondly, the mage robe he was wearing was too old.

  With the combination of these two features, the image of a weak and abject-looking homeless mage naturally filled up Marko's mind.

  Setting age aside, the appearance of the mage robe made Marko feel more at ease. What was the Guild of Magic doing? It was a place where c.h.e.s.ts were used to keep gems. Any mage that walked out from there would be full of equipment valued in tens of thousands. Look at this kid in front of him—he was wearing an old and creased mage robe. It was as if it had been worn for more than ten years. Who would wear this tattered robe if he was a rich a mage?

  As long as he was not a member of the Guild of Magic, Marko would be fearless.

  It did not matter that he was a mage; he had more than twenty people on his side. Rushing forward and slashing madly would also kill him.

  Marko thought he had a clear understanding of the situation. Thus, his tone became more unreasonable.

  "Kid, let me give you a piece of advice. This is a matter between Red Moon and Silver Hand. Don't be a busybody. Be careful that you may not help the damsel in distress, but instead get yourself involved in this."

  "Mr. Marko, you're mistaken…" Lin Li smiled while shaking his head. "I am not interested in whatever disputes your two corps may have."

  Marko was even more assured that this young mage's background was nothing much. Instantaneously, he raised his voice. "What are you doing here, then?"

  "I'm purely here"—Lin Li held Ina's hand with a smile on his face—"to kill people."

  During the time he showed off a warm smile, an icicle had already torn through the air. With a "pft," the adventurer closest to him collapsed with a blank look. Amidst the spewing blood, the icicle that struck his c.h.e.s.t was still chilling.

  "Hank, is this the man that slashed you?"

  "Y… Y… Y… Yes, Mr. Felic…" Hank was standing in the doorway of the Thousand Leaves Bar, witnessing the frightening scene. He must have been so terrified that he started stammering and said "yes" multiple times before completing his sentence.

  He had not expected that the young mage he'd brought along was so ruthless. He meant it when he said he was going to kill, and there was no room for negotiation.

  Only up to this point did Hank start to remember.

  Back then, at the Sylvan Inn, that monstrous warrior meant it as well when he said he was going to kill people. It seemed that he must have been influenced by this young mage.

  Funny how he was still worrying back then that, without the monstrous warrior's help, they would be unable to rescue the members of the Silver Hand.

  He felt foolish after thinking back to it. Looking at what mage Felic did, killing a level-7 and above by merely releasing an icicle from his hand, what sort of strength was this? Even the corp leader might not be as strong. This sort of people would not even be bothered by the Ruby Moon Mercenary Corps.

  "Mr. Marko." Lin Li looked at Marko, the smile on his face filled with regret. "I am really sorry, your subordinate hurt my friend just now. So, he had to pay a little price."

  "You…" Marko looked at Lin Li as though he'd just seen a devil. He was totally stupefied. What sort of person is he?

  Marko was the clearest when it came to his subordinates.

  The one killed by the icicle just now was called Maladonade. Although the name might sound a little corny, his strength was different. In this team, he was the strongest. If he were to be compared with Marko, he was lacking only marginally. Individually, he was at the very least at the peak of level-8. Marko could not comprehend how such a powerful subordinate was taken out in the blink of an eye…

  The scene back then was too terrifying.

  He only saw a blue flash, and no other signs. Once Marko snapped out of it, the icicle was already stuck in Maladonade's c.h.e.s.t.

  Marko could not help but wonder: if the icicle's target was him, would he have a chance?

  The answer sent shivers down his spine. None… absolutely no chance at all.

  "You… What do you want?" Once Marko opened his mouth, his voice was slightly shaky.

  "What do I want? Have I not told you? I'm only here to kill." Lin Li's showed a friendly smile as though he was here to kill chickens, not humans. "Now that someone has been killed, I intend to take these few friends from Silver Hand along with me. Mr. Marko, do you have any objections?"

  "This…"

  Marko hesitated for a moment before noticing that the young mage's eyes carried a murderous gleam.

  "No, no, no… I mean, I have no objections." Marko finished his sentence before forcefully swallowing his saliva. This demonic mage was too terrifying. Marko swore that if he were to see this mage again, he would try to hide as soon and as far as possible. Of course, it would be best not to see him again at all.

  "Very good." Lin Li finally revealed a satisfied smile, and walked out of the Thousand Leaves Bar holding Ina's hands.

  Behind these two was a bunch of whispering adventurers. Seven or eight rescuees from Silver Hand were filled with curiosity about the young mage. He was emitting an aura that was strong yet mysterious. Furthermore, all signs showed that his relationship with Captain Ina was not simple…

  Chapter 111 - An Archmage Forging Iron

  Marko's face was as white as sheet of paper from fear as he watched the pestilence leave the Thousand Leaves Bar; he felt cold on his back as if he had just been soaked in water. Only when the footsteps finally faded away did he take in a long breath, and stretched out his hand to wipe the cold sweat on his forehead. For a while, he felt all energy sapped from his body as he sat weakly on the ground.

  "Phew…" At the same time, the group of adventurers from the Ruby Moon Mercenary Corps heaved a sigh of relief as well; the expressions on their faces were as if a heavy load had been lifted off their shoulders. F
or them, it was like having survived a holocaust.

  Just as everyone rejoiced, the door of the Thousand Leaves Bar was pushed open.

  Then, the group of adventurers saw the long-legged beauty dash in and give Marko a kick in the face with her boots.

  "Who told you to be vulgar, shameless!"

  "Ah!" The leather boots from the Silver Hand were tailored for all kinds of adventurers. The workmanship was not delicate, but the soles of the boots were horribly hard. The kick in Marko's face was similar to a hit using a whip, and the whole side of his face swelled up in an instant.

  "Hng!" The long-legged beauty crinkled her nose, and flipped her blonde hair back gently before walking away with a proud gait.

  The group of men from the Ruby Moon Mercenary Corps looked at each other, then looked at Marko with some sympathy… Of all people, he had to provoke a shrewish woman, who was also the well-known Chilli Pepper from the Silver Hand!

  "Did you vent your anger?" Lin Li witnessed this scene in front of him as he stood outside the Thousand Leaves Bar. For a moment, he was both dumbfounded and amused at the situation.

  "Who told him to speak such vulgar words…" Ina's nose crinkled kittenishly.

  "Ina, are you still adapting in the Silver Hand?"

  "Yes, I am. Everybody's very kind to me. Captain Marie is like a big sister to me. Mr Felic, Captain Marie is a beautiful woman. We went to the Nightmare Mountains the other day, and encountered a lot of magical beasts. And then we…"

  At the mention of the Silver Hand Mercenary Corps, Ina's beautiful face was brimming with spirit.

  They wandered aimlessly through the streets of Alanna. Lin Li listened quietly to Ina as she talked about her experiences—from how she left Jarrosus to how she came to join the Silver Hand Mercenary Corps, then from the various missions she had gone through to their disputes with the Ruby Moon Mercenary Corps. At this moment, the long-legged beauty was like a cheerful little sparrow.

  But as she spoke, Ina's face suddenly turned gloomy, and there was a faint sobbing in her voice. "Everyone is very kind to me, but… but I still miss home and Father…"