Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 129 Revisiting an Old Friend
The return journey was even easier than before. Those blind monsters seemed to have been targeted by Bensaba and were incredibly unlucky. Before they could even reach the group, a bunch of their companions were controlled and turned against them. Then, the siren's arrows and the cavalry's charge could not last long before they could enjoy someone's magical massage and were basically killed.

With nothing else to do along the way, Zhang Yuan casually appraised the shoes and leather armor.

Spider Boots: When equipped, they grant the same Spider Walk effect;

"When you put on these soft and lightweight shoes, no obstacle, wall, or even ceiling will be an obstacle for you. Climbing will be as easy as walking on flat ground, and scaling walls will no longer be just a dream. Of course, these things are not slip-resistant."

Kagala Leather Armor: +3 Leather Armor, with defense equivalent to ordinary chainmail, but as soft and lightweight as regular leather armor;

"Karaja was once the strongest wrestler in Karinsan. He claimed that his success was due to the mobility provided by his thin armor. He may not have known the other properties of the leather armor, but his companions discovered that the armor was enchanted. So after the ensuing fight, the armor was still intact, but Karara was killed."

Both are good items. The Spider Boots' constant Spider Movement effect greatly enhances the wearer's mobility, especially when on a rocking ship, where the importance of a pair of shoes that can stabilize one's body is self-evident.

As for leather armor, the +3 rare magic item says it all; it's something you can keep for the rogue in your party in the future.

They endured wind and rain along the way, and to avoid attracting attention and causing unnecessary trouble, Zhang Yuan and his group did not even enter Belgost and the Arm of Friendship, camping the entire time.

Fortunately, they were well prepared; otherwise, Kegan, who was used to this kind of life, might be fine, but Zhang Yuan himself might not have been able to handle it.

The only problem is the sirens. They can survive away from the sea, but they need to replenish their water every day, otherwise they'll probably turn into dried salted fish by the end of the journey.

This was tough on Zhang Yuan, as he had to lead a group of cavalrymen carrying the sea monsters back and forth every day in search of water. Once the sea monster sisters reached the water source, they would let themselves go for a walk, drinking and bathing all at once.

Zhang Yuan was determined to find an opportunity to get the Water Elemental Basin, as it would be extremely useful in the wild.

After walking for five days in the wilderness, the group finally arrived at the small village on the banks of the Chongsa River, the village that Jadi had guarded and where the excavation worm infestation had occurred.

The siren women put on their hoods to cover themselves up more thoroughly, and they passed through the village amidst the curious gazes of some farmers. Zhang Yuan led his team to Jadi's cabin, familiar with the place.

"Please come in." The door was open, and the female druid must have already sensed the arrival of Zhang Yuan and the others.

Seeing his former comrade-in-arms again after more than half a year, Zhang Yuan couldn't help but feel a little emotional. Just as he was about to shake hands and greet him, the other party generously gave him a big hug.

Slightly taken aback, but readily accepted the courtesy, clasping her hands together and lightly patting the other person's palm as a sign of politeness.
"It's a pleasure to see you again. Thank you for taking me in last time."

"Your academic journey is over? You must have gained a lot, right?" Jady asked with a mix of joy and curiosity, knowing Zhang Yuan's original purpose for traveling.

"Indeed, I have benefited greatly. Master Bantel and Archmage Tyrantir have taught me a great deal." The man's reply carried a mixture of feigned polite humility and a subtle, understated self-satisfaction.

"Ah, I really miss those days when I had teachers around to ask for guidance. It was so much better than figuring things out on my own." When she talked about this, Jady's face couldn't help but show a hint of reminiscence and loss.

“Then why not stay a little longer in the Druid Circle before you?” “Every Druid, at a certain stage, needs to find their own path to harmony with nature, to care for and cultivate a piece of woodland that belongs to them.” Jady clearly didn’t want to talk about this much: “By the way, you haven’t told me about your friends yet.”

Seeing that the other party intended to change the subject, Zhang Yuan tactfully introduced Kegan and the three Siren sisters behind him to them.

Kegan was one thing, but the appearance of these three siren women almost made the female druid's eyes pop out.

"Are these siren women? The legendary Sirens? And there are three of them!" Jady couldn't help but be surprised. Sirens are not like burrowing worms that can be found everywhere. They are rare to land life, let alone siren that came to her door.

“Yes, Lord Chanem conquered us with his terrible power, forcing us to become his concubines and slaves.” Syl spoke first, silencing the other man, whose face turned black with embarrassment, but he had no choice but to accept that what the other man said was the truth.

After saying this, Syl smiled. Ever since he met his boss, he had suffered countless losses and humiliations, but he had finally gotten his revenge.

Of course, she wouldn't be foolish enough to actually provoke him. However, over the past few days, the naturally intelligent Sil had come to understand his style of dealing with people. He was indeed ruthless towards his enemies, something she had personally experienced firsthand. But since her sisters followed him, although they had come to a deeper understanding of his ruthlessness and shamelessness, he had treated the three sisters with a peaceful attitude and never truly regarded them as slaves. He had almost always satisfied their needs and requests, as long as they were not excessive.

So, he should be able to vent his anger... right? Syl suddenly felt a pang of regret and worry.

Fortunately, the unscrupulous boss only glared at his outspoken subordinate before turning to Jady, who was giving him a strange look, and recounted what had happened.

"Phew~ I thought you were one of those guys who got carried away by your own power and desires." Jady breathed a sigh of relief, patted her small chest, and the thin summer top revealed the slight undulation.

Zhang Yuan didn't even glance at her. He was joking. The three siren women behind him were all far superior to her in terms of looks and figure. He accompanied them every day when they bathed in the wild.

This is also one of the motivations behind Boss Zhang's proactive efforts to improve the welfare of his employees and subordinates; after all, good fortune is something to be desired.

"Desire is to power as vines are to trees; it's just that some people don't understand this symbiotic relationship and can't distinguish between primary and secondary factors."

Jady nodded, invited everyone to sit down, and served some fruit.

After recounting some of his experiences and interesting stories from his wilderness adventures, Zhang Yuan revealed the purpose of his visit:

“Long-term urban living is not a good thing for sirens, and you should also understand what kind of trouble they would cause by entering Baldur’s Gate in their capacity.”

“After much thought, the Chongsa River might be a good place for them, so I’m asking you to take care of these sea monsters living near you. They are also natural creatures, and perhaps you’ll have something in common,” Zhang Yuan earnestly pleaded.

Jady was delighted: "That's wonderful. A druid wouldn't refuse the opportunity to get to know sirens, who are the darlings of nature. Don't worry, this is their home as long as they're willing."

(End of this chapter)