"drive!"
On the path, strong war horses were galloping at a rapid speed.
The knight on horseback had a panicked look in his eyes. He looked back from time to time, trying his best to squeeze the horse's potential to speed up.
rear.
The fog that filled the entire Black City expanded in all directions, swallowing up everything visible to the naked eye.
Fortunately, the fog was not expanding too quickly, and as the riders galloped, the distance between the two became farther and farther.
"drive!"
After running over a hillside, the fog behind was no longer visible. Only then did Hal breathe a sigh of relief.
"Stanford, I win after all!"
He touched the package on his back and a smile appeared on his face.
Even if the Black City is destroyed and even if we lose the position of the City Guard Corps, as long as the things are still there, everything is worth it.
Besides...
"I have long wanted to stay in the Black City. Now that it is destroyed, it is even better. As long as I report the discovery of the Forgotten City, I believe His Highness Meivia will not blame me."
"pity!"
He gritted his teeth, and a layer of anger appeared on his face again:
"If it weren't for that guy Stanford, I would have had a chance to enter the Forgotten City."
"And that thing..."
Thinking of the scene that day, Hal's eyes narrowed and fear appeared in his eyes, and he subconsciously drove his horse away.
Black City is a closed city. Except for the caravans that come once a month, no one else will enter.
Little in and out.
The road will inevitably be difficult to travel.
Especially after the rain, the ground is full of mud, and even a strong warhorse finds it difficult to increase speed.
Before you know it.
Hal came to a narrow mountain path.
Although there is no narrow strip of sky here, there are low hills on both sides of the road, and it is dead silent all around.
“Swish!”
The sudden sound of breaking air broke the silence.
Hmm? Hal was indeed the head of the city guards and a top knight. Although he was exhausted and injured, he reacted instantly.
Draw your sword!
Swipe!
"Bang!"
A flash of light hit the sword blade and exploded on the spot.
There was not just one beam of light, but a series of them, and the target was not Hal, but the mount under his crotch.
Arcane Missiles!
“Swish!”
“Swish!”
Lights as powerful as a crossbow shot out one after another.
The narrow mountain road lacked space to hide, and even though Hal was very skilled, he could not protect himself completely.
"puff!"
A ray of light penetrated the front hooves of the mount.
“Lulu…”
The warhorse screamed in pain, lost balance and fell heavily to the side.
“Damn it!”
Hal jumped up and rushed towards the hillside roaring.
It was the man on the hillside who did this.
"Bang!"
He exerted force with his feet, and the soil on the ground exploded. Hal was like a mad leopard, fast and crazy.
The distance between the two people was rapidly closing.
Carl stood on the top of the mountain and gently clenched his fingers towards the bottom.
Voodoo Trap - Sludge! Instant.
The ground ahead rippled like water waves, and the dirt swirled and turned into mud that could sink everything.
Witchcraft traps are a common method used by wizards, usually set up near their own manors and residences to serve as a warning and resist intruders.
Carl has just started learning.
The witchcraft traps he could learn were not very powerful, but if used well, they could often produce unexpected results.
Just like now.
“Bang!”
The location of the trap was very tricky, and Hal inevitably fell into it when he jumped up.
After landing, not only was he unable to gain leverage, his body also sank downwards, and his forward momentum came to a halt.
Chance!
Carl's eyes lit up, and he waved his arms repeatedly while holding his breath.
Fire seal!
Fire seal!
…
One after another, fireballs the size of washbasins flew towards Hal who had fallen into the trap and exploded one after another.
"boom!"
“Boom…”
In an instant.
The flames shot up into the sky and the explosions were deafening.
Even a top knight would be powerless in the face of such tactics and could only surrender.
"call……"
A strong wind suddenly blew into the field.
Strong winds were howling around Hal, and the incoming fireballs and flames were blown away before they could get close to him.
At this moment, he was like a demigod who controlled the storm.
With a single hand, a tornado several people tall rose out of thin air and crashed into the incoming fireball in front.
"boom!"
The flames exploded, and the fireball and tornado dissipated at the same time.
The seal - Storm! This is the seal engraved on Hal's body, and it is also one of the reasons why his strength far exceeds that of other knights.
However, although this seal is powerful, it is difficult to sustain for a long time. Once it is used, it will be impossible to use it again in a short period of time.
"Despicable and shameless villain!"
"Bang!"
Hal exerted force with both feet, the mud under his feet broke away, and he jumped high again, rushing forward with the sword in hand:
"Go to hell!"
"snort!"
Karl snorted coldly, first slowly drank two bottles of potion, then took a step back and raised his left hand: "Guna!"
moment.
A suit of armor completely covered him.
A black-armored warrior emitting a cold and murderous aura all over his body also appeared in front of Hal.
"Is it you?"
Hal's eyes opened and his face turned angry.
He didn't know Carl, but he knew that there was such a person who ruined his good deeds.
The secret passage in Pit No. 2 was destroyed by this man, and Barnard, Water and others also died at his hands.
Even the chaos that started from the Raqqa market and spread to the entire city was caused by him.
It also indirectly led to a shortage of city guards, and he was unable to enter the interior of the Forgotten City.
"How dare you appear in front of me?"
Hal laughed in anger:
"good!"
"Very good!"
“Swish!”
The long sword broke through the air, the air in front of the blade was torn apart, and the sharp scream was like an explosion.
Cloud Whale Swordsmanship!
It is said that in ancient times there was a giant beast called the cloud whale, which could fly in the sea of clouds above and swim in the rivers below.
It is extremely powerful, yet as agile as a fish. The sword technique named after it is also characterized by its ruthlessness and speed.
Hal swung his sword from bottom to top, and the sword light rose against the trend, as if to tear the figure on the top of the mountain apart.
"Bang!"
The soil on the hilltop trembled.
Carl crouched slightly and rushed towards the sword light.
Secondary magic force field!
The power of 2.1 exploded unscrupulously at this moment, and the broadsword was swung, directly cutting out a residual image.
Combat skill——Fierce Wind Slash!
Nine sword shadows transformed into a sword curtain, carrying with it a terrifying force, covering the rushing Hal.
Fighting spirit!
The two men stimulated their fighting spirit at the same time, their invisible auras collided in the air, and gusts of wind burst out from the contact points.
"when……"
“Ding ding dong dong…”
Sparks flew.
The sound of the collision was as sudden as a rainstorm.
The battle reached its climax the moment they fought, and both men swung their swords desperately to attack their opponents.
"puff……"
The broadsword scraped past the armor, tearing the armor and bringing out a streak of blood.
"Um!"
Hal groaned and stepped back repeatedly.
"How come?"
He looked shocked and stared at Karl in amazement.
He is the best fighter in Black City and the captain of the city guards. He has never met an opponent since he arrived in Black City.
now,
But he was at the bottom! If he hadn't had the second seal steel body on him, which increased his defense, he would have been seriously injured.
"Nothing is impossible!"
Carl kept moving, taking the eagle stance and using sword skills to slash at his opponent wildly, focusing on his powerful force and momentum.
On martial arts.
In fact, he is not as good as Hal.
On strength.
He is stronger, but the gap is not as big as imagined.
Hal's physical value should have reached two points, but it was weakened by the suppression of the secondary magic field.
and……
Hal was injured and exhausted after fleeing from the Black City, which was why he fell down.
"when!"
Fighting Skill - Devouring! The sharp sword turned into a giant mouth that swallowed everything. The two men crossed each other and staggered back.
Carl looked at his waist and ribs, and there was a deep mark on the armor.
"Great swordsmanship!"
After praising him, he turned and looked directly at the other person: "What a shame!"
Fire seal!
"boom!"
A ball of flame instantly wrapped around the broadsword in his hand. From a distance, Carl looked like he was holding a giant flaming sword.
No! Not like! That's a giant flaming sword.
The flames burned, and the high temperature caused the grass to wither and the earth to crack, making Hal feel like he was next to a furnace.
Carl is not immune either.
But the potion he just poured into his mouth included a bottle of fire-resistant medicine that he bought from Sibel at a high price.
The effect of the fire-resistant medicine emerged, and the body was like being immersed in a stream of water, isolating most of the heat.
"Bang!"
The dirt exploded.
Carl rushed out again.
Fierce Wind Swordsmanship!
The wind was blowing wildly, the flames were dancing, and the sword shadows were falling heavily, as if even the air was ignited.
Hal was already at a disadvantage, and even though he fought back desperately, he still couldn't hold on and kept retreating.
This time.
Even if he used his exquisite fighting skills, he could not hide his declining trend and defeat was inevitable.
"Bang!"
The two swords collided, and huge force was unleashed.
"Get out of my way!"
哈尔口发怒吼，双目突然间变得赤红一片，面颊上更是浮现密密麻麻的纹路。
嗯？ 卡尔闷哼，身形飞退。
明明已经稳占上风，眼看就将对手斩于剑下，哈尔的力量却突然暴涨。
如果说之前哈尔的数值是2的话，那么现在……
就是2.3，
乃至2.4！
即使有次级法术力场的削弱，依旧不亚于卡尔，这根本就不合常理。
“这是什么？”
“秘技！”
哈尔拼命喘气，借机调整体内的生命气息： “每一门上乘的呼吸法，都会有相应的秘技，能最大程度激发生命力量。”
“你的力量很强，但传承太差，根本接触不了。”
他看的分明。
卡尔的力量比他还强，但武技品阶极低，甚至在骑士侍从阶段都不算出众。
能胜过自己，全靠力量够强和那无形的诡异力场。
“哦！”
卡尔双目收缩：
“每一种上乘呼吸法都有？”
对手的实力突然之间暴涨，导致他有些退意，自然不介意拖延时间。
此番拦截是因为感觉自己有胜算，更是准备充足，现在情况改变。
再继续， 依靠手上的手段，未必没有胜算，但太过冒险，这不符合他的性格。
“没错。”
哈尔也不急着动手，他需要调整： “你怕是根本就不知道，生命种子也是有等级的，上乘呼吸法凝聚的生命种子蕴藏生命本源，也唯有修炼上乘呼吸法才能成为大骑士、传奇骑士。”
“我修炼的呼吸法叫做圣纹呼吸法，是从百相熔炉呼吸法简化得来。”
经由简短的调整，他的呼吸渐渐变的平稳，身上的战气越发凝聚： “唯有掌握了呼吸法的精髓，才能刺激生命本源，显化其中的奥义。”
“也就是秘技！”
“原来如此。”卡尔了然，眼神闪了闪道：
“你告诉我这么多，是在给自己拖延时间吧？”
“没错！”
哈尔点头：
“可惜，你太过愚蠢，直到现在才明白过来，不觉得有些太晚了吗？”
“呵……”卡尔轻笑： “反派死于话多，这话果然不假。”
“其实我原本已经打算退走，但托阁下的福，竟然有了意外收货。”
“上乘呼吸法……”
“我也有！”
噗通！ 噗通！ ……
体内的心脏突然加速跳动，精纯的生命气息随着血液流向四肢百骸。
下一刻。
“嗯！”
卡尔脖颈高昂，身体微微颤抖。
“咔嚓！”
“噼里啪啦……”
在哈尔的眼中，对方就像是吹了气一般，突然间开始变高、变大。
眨眼功夫，就化作一尊三米高的巨人。
钢铁巨人！
“秘技？”
卡尔抬起左手，看向手掌。
得益于身上铠甲有着自动组装巫术，自身体型变大，盔甲也随之变大，并不会因此影响动作。
“需要我说……”
“谢谢吗？”
“轰！”
脚下的泥土轰然炸裂，下方的山石也显出道道裂痕，身披盔甲的巨人猛扑哈尔。
原本需要双手握持的阔剑，在此时的卡尔手中，反倒像是一柄短剑。
一柄被烈焰包裹的短剑。
“彭！”
双剑对撞。
哈尔就像是出膛的炮弹一般，直接被劈飞出去。
如果身在神域碎片，招出数据面板的话，卡尔就会发现自己的数值有了迅猛突变。
体质：3 比之前的2.1，足足增加了0.9！
虽然看不到具体的数值，但他能够感觉得到，自己的力量何等恐怖。
“看来，你说的也不完全对。”
卡尔虚握左手，一边挥舞‘短剑’朝着对方劈砍，一边口中开口： “不同的呼吸法，秘技效果也不同，而我修炼的呼吸法明显要更好。”
“噗！”
哈尔口吐鲜血，踉跄倒退：
“这不可能！”
“我说了。”卡尔挥剑追击，巨大的身影好似上古巨人重现人间： “没什么不可能！”
怒劈！
斩击！
……
“彭！”
“当……”
“死！”
阔剑横撩，哈尔的身体从腹部一分为二，上半身飞出抛洒大片鲜血。
卡尔呆立当场，顿了顿才回过神来。
赢了！
“呼……”
气力一泄，巨大的身形随之开始缩小，一种虚弱感紧接着浮现心头。
秘技虽然威力强悍，却是短时间内压榨潜力而来，并不能长时间施展。
卡尔定了定神，举步上前，捡起哈尔身上的包裹。
大包裹里又分了三个小包裹。
其中一个里面是两张黑色的铁片。
嗯？ 卡尔双眼一亮。
他的巨灵呼吸法就来自一块类似的铁片，但上面的内容明显不同。
没有细看，他收起铁片后解开另外两个小包裹。
其中一个放着四块拳头大小的圆形金属，类似于钱币，但体型更大。
另一个放着一个盛满肉丸的木盒。
大号钱币？
肉丸？
卡尔摇头。
全都是没见过的东西，但能被哈尔在这时候带在身上，相信绝对不普通。
* * * 维特利城。
阿雅几人站在‘城门’位置，看着进进出出的人群，面色各有不同。
“大姐。”小南低声开口： “这里就是维特利城？传说中的烈阳之城？自由之港？”
“是。”
阿雅声音艰涩：
“是这里没错。”
“没有我想象中那么好。”里昂道：
“除了人多了些，这里的建筑甚至还比不上黑城。”
黑城地面上有着曾经的房屋，各种三层的建筑、高耸的楼台比比皆是，就是因为年久失修破败了些。
眼前……
入目尽是木板胡乱拼凑的房屋，各种窝棚组成的区域，狭窄的街巷好似迷宫。
地面上。
腐烂的老鼠、死鱼遍地，尿液与屎粪随意堆积，令人作呕的臭气隔着老远都能闻到。
道路没有石板，踏脚处都是泥泞，地势较低的地方成了粪水集中的污水沟，里面的水发紫、发黑，更有嗡嗡乱叫的飞虫围着飞舞旋转。
路上行人的衣物也不好，多以麻布为主，很多人甚至连鞋子都没有。
这倒无所谓。
他们几个也没鞋，而且披头散发，看上去与城中的百姓一般无二，倒没有引起他人的注意。
“环境差了点，但有自由！”
阿雅开口，似乎自己也觉着这话说服力不够，踏步前行边走边道：
“兴许城内的环境能好些，都看好身边的东西，这里同样有小偷。”
就在刚刚，她至少看到三个扒手。
这些人偷东西的动作十分熟练，被发现后还有人出面给争取逃跑的时间。
明显是有组织的小偷！ “大姐。”
小南上前一步： “接下来我们怎么办？”
“先找个地方住下。”阿雅环顾四周： “在确保安全的情况下调查一下这里的环境，然后……等大叔找来。”
“如果大叔不来哪？”里昂开口。
几人不由沉默。
“没关系。”
阿雅深吸一口气，面上露出灿烂的笑容：
“卡尔大叔没来的时候，我们在黑城不一样生活，现在也是一样。”
“不！”
她轻轻摇头： “现在小南已经是骑士侍从，里昂你也有了法印，我们身上还有从黑城带来的东西。”
“至少生活下去不难。”
“嗯。”
几人点头。
如果说卡尔是他们这个小队伍的靠山，那么阿雅就是他们的支柱。
失去卡尔，他们也许会感觉未来比较迷茫，缺乏一定的安全感。
如果失去阿雅，
队伍则会不复存在！
只要阿雅还在，他们就能够凝聚在一起，有信心联手一步步往前走。
…………
城中高塔。
A burly figure stood on the top of the tower, opened his arms and embraced the figure coming from the distance.
"Welcome to the city of Vitelli!"
"My dear people!"
(End of this chapter)