Armored Cavalry, survive in a world full of mods

"Oh, you're both here... Karila, why does your face look rounder? I'm sure it's not my imagination. And Talina, you don't look too well. What's wrong with you two?"

Tersolius glanced at it and immediately noticed something was wrong, and naturally asked a question—he always had a habit of wanting to know everything, to the point that he could be a bit aggressive at times.

Karila's voice was unusually awkward, or rather, it was hard to imagine such an emotion appearing on her.

"Haha... It's nothing, I just drank the wrong thing, I'll be fine in a bit. Compared to that—Talina came up with something very useful. Oh, right, she hasn't had a break in a long time either, I was just trying to persuade her."

………………

"So this is the final product?"

The four people gathered around the table, where a pale red liquid was dripping continuously from the glass distiller, filling the bottle below. The liquid was as clear and bright as the finest carnelian.

“That’s right. It’s hard to find any way to improve it now. The safest, most reliable and most effective formula should be this one, which is gentler than what Kana just drank.”

"This is truly an amazing treasure..."

Tersolius nodded repeatedly, barely able to suppress the smile on his lips. In just a moment, he had several ideas, and methods that were previously difficult to use now seemed to have a chance of being implemented.

After a moment's thought, he suddenly looked up:

"Doctor, will this medicine work for our warhorses?"

Talina hesitated for a moment, but with her intelligence, she quickly understood Tersolius's meaning. However, she also had her own concerns:

"I haven't tried it, sir, but considering the size difference between warhorses and humans, the dosage would be quite large if it were used to replenish a horse's strength... Moreover, warhorses are precious creatures, and forcibly using drugs to drive them might cause problems."

Tesorius nodded slightly:

“I understand that, Doctor, but sometimes victory is expensive, and you have to pay a price to achieve it. What I’m thinking about now is to make sure we can afford that price, as long as it’s worth it.”

"Moreover, I think that as long as we don't drive our warhorses at high intensity for a short period of time, there shouldn't be any problems."

Tarina pursed her pale pink lips, looking somewhat hesitant.

"But we still have to consider the potential problems that may arise from the large-scale use of this medicine. To be honest, sir, I still don't fully understand this substance. I don't even know if drinking large amounts will put an extra burden on the body."

“Your concerns are valid, Talina. Go ahead and do it. I'll have people provide you with all the support you need… But before that, you need to get a good night's sleep. I told you not to overwork yourself, didn't I?”

Thesolius laughed and placed the bottle on the table, then pressed down on Tarina's shoulder and pushed her toward his room.

"Go and rest. I'm the person in the world who least wants you to overwork yourself. Dinner will be brought over. Relax your mind before then."

........................

She was dazed and confused as she was led to her room. Only after the door was closed did Tarina come to her senses... and immediately felt incredibly embarrassed by her behavior—she had just been coaxed back to her room to sleep like a child, and for a moment felt like she had lost all ability to think...

Her heart was pounding frighteningly fast, and the sudden increase in blood flow quickly flushed her fair cheeks. She let out a mournful cry, then buried her head in the messy blankets, wrapped herself up in a ball, and rolled around childishly.

After a long while, a faint, almost inaudible complaint came from under the covers:

"You always say things that are misleading... You're definitely doing it on purpose, aren't you!..."

The girl mumbled a couple more words, deftly kicked off her two deerskin boots, and tucked her feet, clad in white cotton socks, into the blanket. Then, enveloped in this warm and heavy blanket, her consciousness gradually blurred. The exhaustion of her body and mind urged her to drift off to sleep. Soon, she closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep, her breathing even and steady. She didn't even have time to take off her coat.

........................

"What do you think would happen if I fed this to the sheep?"

Tersolius glanced at the bottle of pale red liquid again, and then, thinking of the tens of thousands of sheep to be slaughtered at the victory celebration feast today, he suddenly turned to look at the noisy Colin and Karila.

"I'm not sure, but it should make the sheep more energetic."

Carila quickly drew her own conclusion based on her experience, while Colin carefully avoided his wound, making sure the newly bandaged and stitched area wouldn't reopen. Meanwhile, Tersolius had already made a new decision:

"Those sheep were bought from nearby villages and towns and herded all the way here. They must be exhausted. Let's find one to try and we'll know everything. Anyway, they're going to be roasted and stewed tonight, so we don't care about the effects of this medicine. We can roast it for us to eat at the end."

292. Pharmacy (2)

A strong, gray-black goat was led over. The goat was clearly well-fed and plump, especially in the winter season. Its long, thick coat of fur looked even warmer than a cotton coat. Its limbs were also quite sturdy, and its two curved horns reached all the way back to the back of its head.

Just as Thales had requested, the sheep was exhausted. It had been driven all the way from the city without a chance to stop and graze. It was panting heavily, and its square pupils were moving erratically.

"Alright, let's see if this will actually work."

Tersolius smiled and stepped forward, grabbing the goat's horns and snapping its head back. Then, he seized its jaw and forcefully pulled it open. In the instant the jaw opened, Karila swiftly poured the entire vial of medicine down its throat, then immediately closed her mouth, grabbed the goat's head, and shook it a few times to allow the liquid to flow smoothly into its stomach.

The three men stepped back with great interest, giving the space in the middle to the goat, each anticipating what would happen next.

The effect was immediate. On the tenth breath, the previously listless goat immediately raised its head. Its eyes widened, it began to breathe heavily through its nostrils, and its hooves scratched at the dust.

Then, this audacious beast lowered its head and began to wave its horns forward, making a few eager gestures. Suddenly, it lowered its head and charged at Tersolyus, its shiny black horns striking his leg squarely.

Thesolius simply bent down slightly and caught the charging horn steadily. He pressed his arm down slightly, stopping the ridiculous charge, and the goat, despite pawing at the ground, couldn't budge an inch, scattering dust everywhere.

"It seems to be working well... Let our brave challenger rest in its sheepfold for a while, and once it has calmed down, we'll treat it to a feast with charcoal and spices. Now we can enjoy the victory feast!"

The struggling goat suddenly found its limbs off the ground. No matter how it moved, it was no use. Finally, it was thrown into the sheep pen next to it. But the moment it landed, it rolled and jumped up. Then it rushed towards a dazed fellow goat next to it, knocking the strong ram off balance and almost falling to the ground.

Tessolius, finding the scene both amusing and exasperating, pointed a finger at the excited sheep:

“We’re going to eat it, but you have to make sure you recognize it.”

........................

After every major victory, a hearty meal and a good drink were indispensable. This not only boosted morale but also provided a rare comfort to the soldiers who had escaped the carnage, allowing them to throw themselves into the next battle with full confidence.

The wealthy and powerful imperial legion naturally wouldn't be stingy in this regard. Thousands upon thousands of elite animals were being slaughtered in the camp at this moment, their fur skinned, their internal organs removed, their fresh meat extracted, and their bones broken, all to create such a gluttonous feast, allowing every soldier to taste fresh meat.

The rich aroma of meat and oil, mixed with the scent of wine, permeated the entire military camp. Even the hunting dogs in the army benefited, eating until their bellies were bulging and their mouths were dripping with oil, to the point that they could barely walk.

The dogs have had a much better life in the military. People often feed these loyal and agile creatures. Although they never had to worry about food and water before, they are now becoming bloated from being fed, forcing the dog trainers to increase their training to ensure that these agile creatures do not lose their original alertness.

In winter, one can't expect to eat many fresh vegetables. Basically, the only vegetables available are cabbage, bok choy, and potatoes, which were stored in the cellar before the frost and are now used for soups and stews.

Barrels of wine sent from nearby cities and wineries were pried open and poured into the soldiers' cups with long-handled spoons. In an instant, the wine spread throughout the military camp for miles around, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere. Only on such days could the usually austere and steely military camp indulge in such revelry.

A high platform had been erected in the spacious open area where all the officers were gathered, separating it from the damp and cold ground. Tables and chairs were set up on it, and it was piled high with all kinds of delicacies and fine wines, with soldiers and servants constantly serving them.

After a victory, everyone is in high spirits at the banquet. The generals of Thesolius were no longer serious as usual, joking and tugging with their colleagues. Spilled wine soaked the table, and large chunks of bone-in mutton were roasted until crispy and juicy. Often, just as one piece was being eaten, servants would put more on the plate.

The goat was served to him as he had hoped. The chef's skills were exquisite. The thicker parts of the goat were finely scored, then evenly coated with strong Assale spices and marinated with wild onions, onions, garlic, and Assale celery. There was no gamey smell at all, and the skin was crispy while the inside was tender and juicy. Dipped in a sauce made of sesame oil, wild leeks, and other spices, every bite made him want to swallow his tongue.

Of course, you can also choose to eat it with pickles—the Hols are very skilled at pickling vegetables, and combined with the unique climate, they ferment a distinctive crispness, freshness, and strong flavor in their pickles. It was even an important export commodity for Asel and the Empire, with large ships and wagons transporting countless barrels of pickled vegetables to other countries every year.

Karila, who was standing next to him, had already finished a leg of lamb without any hesitation and was now preparing to take another one. Colin, on the other hand, focused more on the fine wine he had found in the Duke's storeroom. Although they had received a new supply, this quality of wine was already a rare commodity and not worth sending from the Empire. So even generals and high-ranking officers like them rarely got to taste it.

Smoked sausages are also a common item this season. They don't spoil easily in cold weather and can be stored for a long time. They are also a common dry food in travelers' bags. They can be cooked in various ways, such as boiling, steaming, or grilling... However, most people still prefer to choose the less common fresh meat.

Such a banquet may not be as grand and exquisite as one in the palace, but it is equally magnificent and intoxicating, and one will unconsciously become immersed in it.

Meanwhile, Tarina was still immersed in the gentle embrace of her soft bed.

........................

Waking up in cold weather and crawling out of warm blankets takes a bit of determination, especially since she hadn't taken off her outer clothes while sleeping, which would normally mean enduring even more cold.

But the charcoal brazier burning in the room solved the problem... Hard and durable charcoal doesn't produce as many toxic gases as coal, and its constant and lasting temperature keeps the room at a gentle warmth, like early spring.

After putting on the two boots placed by the bed, straightening the wrinkles in her clothes, and finally warming her cold hands in front of the charcoal brazier, and then rubbing her cheeks, Talina returned to normal.

"I don't even know what time it is now..."

With this question in mind, the girl stood up and opened the window of the room, letting the sturdy windproof wooden board open to let in the morning sunlight. The cold, biting wind made Talina shrink her shoulders, and she subconsciously closed the board again before curling up back next to the charcoal brazier.

It was only then that the girl noticed that the charcoal in the basin didn't look like it had been burning for long; it was still bright red and there was very little ash... it looked like it had just been placed there.

"Boom boom boom!"

"Please come in."

Three crisp knocks sounded from outside the door. Tarina instinctively responded, and the door slowly opened. Karila poked her face in, her expression serious, with a hint of embarrassment and hesitation.

"Doctor, there's been a problem outside, perhaps you should come and take a look..."

"Uh-huh."

Taken aback by the other party's unusual attitude, Tarina quickly stood up, already mentally preparing for the worst...

293 On the Eve of Destruction (1)

"My still! My filter pot! And my fermentation apparatus! How did they all get like this?!"

This was perhaps the first time Tarina had ever lost her composure like this. The girl's face was now filled with panic and disbelief, as well as a deep sense of sorrow. She looked as if her heart was about to break, and she was so unsteady on her feet that she reached out to hold onto the door frame next to her.

"When we came in, the situation was already like this. This mushroom suddenly swelled up like this, for some reason, and knocked all the instruments on the table to the ground..."

Talina's once neat and clean laboratory now had a small area in disarray. A red mushroom, about half the size of a sheep, was unfurling in the air. Its scarlet cap was covered with pale blue spots, and its stem was made of pale yellow, protruding filamentous fibers. A layer of pale yellow spores was scattered on the surrounding table. The glass that had once held it was now shattered into pieces, and the other instruments and containers on the table had been pushed to the ground by the huge cap.

These were already delicate and fragile items, and when they were dropped on the hard stone ground, most of them were instantly damaged. This was precisely why Tarina was heartbroken and almost couldn't breathe—these items, which required the combined efforts of skilled craftsmen, jewelers, and even artists, were not cheap. Although she didn't have to pay for them herself, the girl, who was used to a simple life, still found it hard to accept, and instantly experienced the feeling of bankruptcy—although not actual bankruptcy.

The only saving grace was that the important, dangerous experimental samples and toxic chemicals were stored in a well-protected area far away from here, and remained undamaged. Otherwise, no one could even stay here; no one could possibly get in.

At this moment, not only Tersolius, but also Carila, Colin and several generals crowded at the door, everyone looking at the inside with amazement. They weren't looking at the bottles and jars that looked expensive and fragile, but at the huge mushroom—even the most knowledgeable old man had never seen such a big mushroom before. It looked like it could be chopped up and cooked into two large pots.

Although none of these things look edible.

“What an amazing thing, Ms. Talina, the technology you have mastered is practically magic... Oh, I forgot, you can also do magic.”

Taking advantage of his small and wiry build, Yuriedos squeezed through the crowd, completely ignoring the shouts and curses behind him, and eagerly approached the mushroom to take a closer look.

"...Please do not approach. I am not sure what this is yet. It may cause allergic reactions or poisoning."

Talina finally rallied from her negative emotions, and Tersolius smiled and dismissed the assembled officers and generals to continue their celebrations—the victory banquet would last for two days, and today they were going to drink quite a bit of wine; only he, the imperial commander, had the leisure to enjoy it.

"Just one night, just one night, how could it have grown so big? Where did it get its nutrients from?!"

Tarina, her face filled with confusion and bewilderment, put on the full protective suit and mask before slowly approaching. After a brief struggle to clear away the broken bottles and jars, the girl realized the answer to her question…

This sturdy table is made of oak, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans. The joints are perfectly fitted, glued together with strong fish glue, and then coated with a layer of preservative wood oil... Tables like this can easily last for decades or even centuries, and they become more durable with use...

But now, this sturdy hardwood table looks as if it has been weathered by wind and rain for hundreds of years. Countless white mycelia grow along the tabletop, penetrating every tiny crack and hole, absorbing the limited nutrients from the wood itself.

Simply by gently removing the other items from the table, it became shaky and splintered, with splinters of wood falling to the ground one after another. It was not impossible that it would shatter into a pile of wood chips in the next instant.

Taking the silver staff from her bag, Talina pointed it at the giant mushroom with a serious expression:

"ko.ui!"

A flash of blue light appeared, and the scattered yellow powdery spores on the table instantly gathered into a small clump. With a few light taps of the short staff, a continuous stream of yellow powder fell from under the huge umbrella like rain, and then gathered in mid-air as if falling into a funnel. The small pile quickly grew from the size of a walnut to the size of an adult's fist.

After doing all that, he took out his knife from his bag and carefully extracted a portion from each part of the huge bacterial strain, placed it in a flat glass container, put it on the intact table next to him, and began a series of dazzling operations.

After adding various powders and potions, and purifying and filtering them, a blue light flashed, numbers appeared, and Talina let out a long sigh of relief, immediately removing her mask.

"Don't worry, this is just a regular Passaro red mushroom, just an extra robust individual..."

"Huh!? I remember this name. Could it be the one I accidentally drank?"

Carila suddenly appeared, eagerly asserting her presence, and brazenly perched on Colin's head, making Colin, who suddenly felt his head being completely covered, furious and raising his hand to elbow her from behind.

This attack seemed to be completely unrestrained; it appeared that even a strong man would have his ribs broken by such astonishing force. However, Carila remained completely unfazed, simply extending her hand downwards to steadily catch the blow without even a tremor in her wrist.

“That’s true, but the average Passaro red mushroom only grows to about 10 centimeters, and some exceptionally well-developed individuals are at most 20 centimeters... But this strain has reached a height of about 130 centimeters, which can no longer be explained by reasons such as exceptional talent or excellent environment.”

Because of Tersolius's presence, the two, though pushing and shoving each other, ultimately did not come to blows. Karila, on the other hand, had clearly shifted her interest to another area, even though she had been tormented by the residual extract from this mushroom just yesterday.

Tersolius could tell that the two were playing around rather than fighting, so he didn't even bother to turn his head to look at them. He continued to sip his grape juice slowly, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Meanwhile, Tarina continued her commotion around the room, racking her brains to find the cause. She was now checking the remaining quantities of each potion ingredient and sample, trying to figure out if she had accidentally mixed something together.

"Huh, that's strange. Where did the Beast Cup extraction potion I put here go? I remember it was in the same place..."

Tersolius suddenly stopped laughing, and the two who had been making a ruckus beside him froze instantly, as if someone had poured a bucket of cold water on them, freezing them into ice sculptures... Only now did the three of them realize that they hadn't asked Talina before taking the potion to feed the sheep...

After a moment of stunned silence, Tersolius coughed lightly:

"Ahem! About that medicine... Doctor, we took it."

"Oh, sir, what are you doing with that?"

"It should be said that it satisfied our curiosity... to be precise, it was mine, fed to the sheep we ate today."

Even Tersolius was somewhat embarrassed at this moment, since Tarina was in charge of all matters related to potions, medicine, and mysticism, and he really shouldn't have brought the other two along to mess around.

"Oh, how were the results? Did you keep detailed records?"

Talina continued packing the rest of the things without changing her expression, and Tersolius replied without changing his expression as well.

"Although there's no record of it, I remember it very clearly..."

As he spoke, he tapped his temple:

"The effect came quickly. After about 10 normal breaths, the sheep became excited and soon showed strong aggression. Most importantly, it was stronger than an average ram."