Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 49 One Night

After gritting his teeth for a while, he began to reflect on the battle. He believed that he had not made any major mistakes in tactical application and had used all the available methods. As for ingenious strategies or artistic command, he was neither a military expert nor a war commander, so there was no need to be demanding.

What truly caused him such terrible injuries were those two guys who directly attacked from behind. He was only able to fight two against one with his still immature swordsmanship thanks to his excellent physical condition; otherwise, his adventure would have ended long ago.

The key issue is still a lack of skill. Even though my teammates have done so much, they can't keep treating me like a newbie forever, right? Fortunately, after this experience, I've mastered what I learned and can now use it with ease. If I encounter this kind of attack again, I don't need to take risks. A steady and methodical approach is the best course of action.

After tossing and turning in bed for a while, Zhang Yuan thought of the spell he had failed to cast. When faced with the charging gnolls, he had to abandon the sleep spell he had prepared because he was not confident that he could finish casting it before they got close.

This was a choice made out of necessity. If the spell could have been cast successfully, the entire situation would have been reversed. Unfortunately, there are no "ifs." He was just a novice mage who had not yet mastered the basics.

Relying on his summoned creatures, this person pretends to be a naturally awakened being. He knows very well that he may be able to bully some weak opponents by taking advantage of their power, but once he encounters a tough opponent, or when his pawns are restrained and he is forced to fight, he can only rely on the sword in his hand.

Having not yet truly stepped into the hall of arcane magic, he understood very well that his ability to use magic was quite limited, as he lacked super magic skills such as instant spell casting, hand gesture-free spell casting, or combat spell casting. He couldn't even shorten a spell by a single byte.

Ultimately, I am a mage and warrior, not just a simple chess piece summoner.

The reason he joined Flame Fist and trained so hard, and so eagerly sought a magic mentor to teach him, was certainly to become stronger, strong enough to survive well in this dangerous world.

On the other hand, he also didn't want to rely too much on his cheat system.

It's not that having a "golden finger" (a powerful, influential person) is bad or unreliable; it's just that your own "golden finger" is only an aid, a branch of a tree rather than the trunk. It's not advisable to focus on the trivial and neglect the essential.

Moreover, he didn't want to become the kind of person he disliked the most: someone who is nothing without a cheat code.

As long as we're alive, we have to do something, prove something.

You could say he's just being idle, but according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, there's nothing wrong with pursuing higher levels of self-actualization after basic survival needs are met. Humans aren't pigs; they don't just eat and then sleep.

"I should still be a little better than a pig, right?" someone thought to themselves.

Filled with lofty ambitions and boundless anticipation, Zhang Yuan fell asleep on the bed.

The next morning, Ska came over, looking rather grim, and immediately began apologizing:

"I'm sorry, I was too optimistic. Grand Duke Iltan doesn't have a good opinion of our plan, nor does he believe in the reliability of the prophet."

Although Skaar phrased it euphemistically, saying he wasn't optimistic, his expression suggested it wasn't so dismissive. In fact, Skaar did get a severe scolding.

“It’s normal for the Grand Duke to have doubts. After all, it would be truly irresponsible to send troops into a place like the Sharp Tooth Forest so casually.” Zhang Yuan, who had anticipated this, was not discouraged: “But what if we can prove it? Find evidence that the Grand Duke cannot deny or refute.”

Ska was initially surprised, but upon reflection, it made sense: "The problem is, is that prophet you mentioned reliable? And what kind of evidence is considered credible? Things that are too private or important are not appropriate."

"Don't worry about the prophet. But you've been following Grand Duke Iltan for so many years, why are you asking me what's appropriate?"

Ska lowered his head, his hands clasped together in deep thought. Zhang Yuan didn't urge him. After a long while, Ska raised his head:
“I have an idea. Grand Duke Iltan had a child who disappeared when he was young due to a political conspiracy. Over the years, the Grand Duke has spent countless resources on this matter, but to no avail.”

“Even whether he is alive or dead is unknown, and the Grand Duke has already given up hope.” Ska said with some emotion. Although he had not experienced or witnessed this matter, as a confidant who had followed the Grand Duke for many years, he knew where the Grand Duke’s occasional melancholy and regret came from.

"Is that so?" A certain unscrupulous mage glanced at Ska. Could it be that because of this, Iltan, who had no children of his own, was treating Ska like a godson? He speculated maliciously. "Don't worry, I wouldn't be stupid enough to joke about such important information. You wait for my good news," Zhang Yuan said firmly.

As for why he had such faith in that prophet, that goes back to a story from the beginning.

More than a month ago, on the eighth day after a certain time traveler arrived in Faerûn, which was also the auspicious day for the great collector Sir Ferrenno Kist to hold a personal collection exhibition.

At that time, Zhang Yuan, who was undergoing grueling training at the Flame Fist headquarters, disregarded his exhaustion and felt as if he would collapse at the slightest breeze and fall apart upon hitting the ground. With his Euro coins in hand, he grabbed the down-on-his-luck painter Wiles and headed straight for the exhibition.

The exhibition was held at Kester's mansion. Fortunately, with the help of an acquaintance named Wiles, Zhang Yuan managed to sneak in even without an invitation.

However, that's all the face a poor painter has. When the two tried to approach Sir Kester and launch a sales pitch, they were stopped by the guards three meters away. The two guys, dressed in strange clothes (Zhang Yuan) and tattered clothes (Wiles), didn't look like people of status at all. Get lost!

Having exhausted all other options, Zhang Yuan tried to sell his coins to other people at the exhibition, but to no avail except for a few sarcastic remarks and guys trying their luck at bargain prices.

Feeling upset, Zhang Yuan was about to leave, while Wiles, overwhelmed by the sights, chose to stay and continue his art appreciation work.

As Zhang Yuan stepped out of the gate, he looked around. The city center of Baldur's Gate was bustling with pedestrians and traffic. Looking at himself, he only had a few gold coins on him. Looking at the beggars on the roadside, he truly felt like he was seeing tears in his eyes, and heartbroken people comforting each other.

The beggar seemed to be moved as well, and extended his hands in a gesture of friendliness.

"Get lost." The person turned and left.

Wandering aimlessly through the bustling market, the pedestrians and vehicles coming and going, the street vendors hawking their wares, the clowns performing in the open-air circus—it all felt like being in another world that had nothing to do with me.

Frustrated by his failed get-rich-quick scheme, Zhang Yuan wanted nothing more than to roar to the heavens, but fearing a beating from his own men, he quickened his pace, holding his breath.

After bypassing the circus where the lion was performing through a ring of fire, a rather ornate-looking tent stood in front of him. Zhang Yuan, who had intended to walk right past it, inadvertently saw a sign that read "Fortune Teller".

Just as someone was about to leave with a sneer, they suddenly thought of the incredibly accurate prophet in the game. Could this be him?

With a bit of anticipation, Zhang Yuan went inside. As soon as he entered, he was amazed. This fortune teller was incredibly professional. He had everything: tarot cards, crystal balls, magic wands, various small animals like toads and mice, skulls, and so on.

Look at this presentation, so professional! Then I asked the master's name.

"You can just call me Klein."

Alright, although I don't know why this guy is also coming to Faerûn to freeload, it doesn't matter, does it?

Phew~ It made it onto the fantasy channel's new book recommendation list, and my collection count jumped a bit! ヽ(°▽°)ノ
Thank you all for your support. Thank you to all my fellow book lovers who have accompanied me along the way.

Thanks also to BenqiuKabbi, fy11766, and Wunaizhiyu for their donations.

P.S. Kirby, get some rest and recover soon. I'm still waiting for your "I Am the Creator" to resume updates.

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(End of this chapter)