Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 238 Small Gift

What came to mind at that moment was his brief conversation with the female lecturer after class, during which he had concealed some things from her.

The so-called potent spellcasting material was not his original intention, but rather a misunderstanding on Elonia's part. In fact, a far more powerful contraption was recorded in Herbart's alchemical notebook.

It doesn't directly participate in the spell reaction, nor is it consumed by the spell casting process, yet it can effectively promote the activation reaction and transformation process. What is this?
catalyst!
This was the name given to it in the field of chemistry and chemical engineering in my previous life. Coincidentally, that master also called it an alchemical catalyst, which is quite similar and coincidentally the same.

During the experiment, Herbart not only confirmed the role of the catalyst, but also pointed out the feasibility of applying it to chain reactions. However, human energy is limited, and with most of his time devoted to the research and development of the compound energy matrix, he had to put aside further research in this field.

And this postponement will last forever.

Zhang Yuan, who was fortunate enough to receive this precious legacy, was naturally very interested in this field with unlimited potential. Although the compound energy matrix was superior in conception and level and was Herbart's masterpiece, in the eyes of those who had not reached a certain level and did not have extremely profound alchemical knowledge, this research was no different from a book from heaven.

However, the combination of catalysts and chain reactions in the second sequence is promising, and this is one of the main themes that Zhang Yuan arranged during this training.

Spellcasting, Evocation, and Transmutation—these three branches of the art are the pillars Zhang Yuan chose for himself, and the most solid foundation for his path in arcane magic.

The auto chess system undoubtedly gave him outstanding combat power, which was enough to challenge strong enemies of higher levels. However, professional growth, which is the foundation of his career, could never increase out of thin air. All the effort and hard work he put into it was worthwhile.

Filled with joy and satisfaction from their harvest, the monk returned to the inn to reunite with his teammates who were already waiting there. They packed their belongings, led out the horses that had gained weight from resting, and prepared to embark on their journey north.

Unlike the grueling monks who were constantly on the go, the Canaanites were having a wonderful time during their vacation.

Deepwater City was the most prosperous city in the Northland and even the Sword Coast, and also the most stable place. All sorts of novelties and luxurious experiences opened the eyes of these Canaanite country bumpkins.

They had already enjoyed generous treatment along the way, with occasional windfalls, and after selling their spoils, they received another substantial bonus. With plenty of money in their pockets, they truly had a great time and were somewhat reluctant to leave.

When they set off again, apart from Zhang Yuan who was still wearing his magic robe, all the other team members had undergone a major change of clothes. Their original coarse cotton-padded jackets had disappeared, replaced by fur coats.

The leather and clothing industries in Sham Water City are very developed. The people there are wearing thick leather coats made from carefully tanned thick wolf skins. The outer leather layer is thick, tough, wear-resistant, windproof and warm, while the inner lining is made of high-quality cotton fabric, which is warm and comfortable.

It's not exactly luxurious, but it's not cheap either. Even small business families would have to think twice before buying one, but now the Canaan squad has one for every member.

It's not that they're wasting money. With the current season gradually entering winter, and traveling north, the temperature during the journey is unimaginable. They can save money on everything, but they really can't skimp on warm clothing.

Even the newly joined Tylinda was no exception. Whether it was for warmth or to follow the crowd, she also squeezed into Zhang Yuan's carriage wearing a gray wolf fur coat.

Fortunately, the survivors of Golden Clover stayed in Waterdeep. Canaan's small caravan had six horses, which was equivalent to the strength of three Dou Di, so it was no problem for them to pull a mere five-person carriage.

"Chanem, this is for you." Nancy tossed something over, and Zhang Yuan caught it. What else could it be but a fur coat?
Captain Zhang, who hadn't expected to be involved as well, looked at the female thief. At this moment, Bard, who was standing next to him, spoke up:

"Boss, please accept this. It's just a small token of our appreciation. You've been so busy lately that you didn't even know what the next street looked like, so we simply prepared some things you might need on the road."

As they were talking, Nancy pulled out two oil paper bags from somewhere and handed them over. They were bulging and it was unclear what they contained. Somewhat surprised, the mage opened the bags and looked inside. One of them contained a scarf, gloves, socks, and other items, all made of wool, as well as a pair of snow boots that felt like they were made of calfskin and lined with fleece.

Opening the other paper bag revealed some food and snacks, some of which were still steaming. The enticing aroma, mixed with the white mist rising in the slightly cool air, made Zhang Yuan, who was already feeling a bit hungry, very hungry.

"These are some local snacks and pastries from Deep Water City. We've tried quite a few lately, so we'll just buy some for you to try before we leave."

Having a rare moment of leisure, Nancy began to proudly introduce the various pastries in her bag:

"This is the signature cake from the Barras bakery. It's incredibly expensive, but the taste is really good."

After taking a bite, Zhang Yuan nodded in approval. The base was a red wine mixed with biscuits, topped with layers of coffee and dark chocolate cake. The cream on top was very fresh, and it was served with equally fresh cherries and chocolate shavings. It was somewhat like a combination of tiramisu and Black Forest cake.

"And this too, crispy roasted pigeon!"

???

Gugu, gugu, what's wrong with you, gugu!
Well, it’s so sweet!

"This is pretty good too, it's the secret recipe smoked pork leg from the halfling Harlanda family."

The bag of food was quite heavy. Zhang Yuan had already eaten a little of everything and was half full. He decided to finish off all the freshly baked food while it was still hot and store the rest in his storage bag to enjoy later.

As the monk's appetite was satisfied, a sense of warmth also rose in his heart. These guys usually seemed carefree, but he never expected them to have such a kind heart.

He leaned back comfortably in his chair, then looked at Nancy and Bud, and asked:
"Is there any movement from the temple that I asked you to keep an eye on?"

"Yes, there were some, but they were all small-scale operations. They said they cleared out the monster hordes around Deepwater City, but they didn't seem to have much success."

Bud spoke first, and then Nancy added:

"I later asked Zangil about it. According to them, although the Lansendel Temple said it would crack down on the evil god's minions and even sent a knightly order to wipe out a tribe that worshipped the Beast King, they had not heard any news about the old lich."

"Are you really not going to talk to the temple and explain the situation to them?" Nancy asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Does it make sense? They're not a band of robbers in the wilderness, nor are they kobolds from the sewers; they're true nobles!"

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(End of this chapter)