Sword and Magic and Taxi

Under Zhao Mai's suggestion, the Paladins purchased some new equipment, especially things that can save lives in swamp environments. Although they were reluctant to replace the temple armor with lighter leather armor, they finally agreed to reduce the weight and prepare some swamp boots with a larger contact area.

These ugly duck-foot-like shoes were hard for female knights to accept. In addition, they were even more reluctant to put on a thatched cloak over their shining armor. Zhao Mai explained to them that these local thatches can effectively reduce mosquito infestations and avoid a decrease in combat effectiveness due to diseases. And in an emergency, you can lie down on the ground and use your cloak to disguise yourself as a haystack to avoid the sight of beasts.

We will not back down, said a tall female knight.

Follow your heart towards victory. Zhao Mai smiled slightly: Not toward beauty and traps.

There is nothing wrong with being more prepared. Cloaks and moor boots are widely used by people here, which means there is a reason for it. Hazel said: Go and prepare, Sister Elaine.

Yes, Captain Hazel. When the paladin named Elaine was about to go out, he grabbed the tall paladin beside him and dragged her out.

These actions fell into the eyes of Zhao Mai and Hazel, making them feel a little embarrassed. Zhao Mai scratched his head, then stood up: Thank you for the tea, Ms. Hazel, I'm full, and now I need to go back and continue meditating. Say goodbye.

Wait a minute, Hazel said, Do you think it's a good idea for Mr. Butcher to go out and get information?

Zhao Mai nodded: This is not a question of whether it is good or not, but the only feasible idea. I have tried it. The residents here are very wary of outsiders. They are afraid that they will reveal something and be harmed by unknown enemies. . How should I put it, the people here are in a very tense state, and if they are not handled well, it may cause chaos. I think this is related to the fact that they have been fighting cunning goblins all year round.

Hazel also nodded: I feel the same way. The people here have very weak beliefs. They don't believe that justice and kindness can bring harmony and peace. In other places, Iomedae's paladins can easily be obtained. Help, but I’m afraid it won’t work here. Even if you buy it with money, it’s probably hard to buy real news.”

So, Butcher is our only and best choice. Zhao Mai said: He never talks about his life experience, but I can see the confidence in his eyes, the confidence that he can solve all this. It’s because of that that I’m willing to believe him this time.”

I really hope I have such confidence. Hazel smiled, waved and said goodbye to Zhao Mai.

Not two minutes after Druid left, the door opened again. The tall female paladin who had just left walked in again, with a heavy look of sadness on her face.

What's wrong, Sister Camilla, what happened? Don't we have any gold coins to buy equipment?

Camilla bit her lower lip and shook her head. After hesitating for a while, she said: Captain Hazel, do you like this Druid Mike?

Hazel was stunned for a moment, her face turned slightly red, but she said in a slightly annoyed voice: Of course not. This is not the time to discuss personal feelings. Why do you think so?

Since you met Mike, you have begun to rely on him, and sometimes you obey him. We are the expedition knights of the goddess, and we still have a mission. Carrying Mike has slowed down our speed, and now there is an unknown person. Butcher joined. That man was so vicious that he almost had a conflict with us.

So, what does this mean? Hazel shrugged.

This shows that you are slowly losing the leadership of this team, and Mike has become the leader unknowingly. Camilla said with an anxious look, Hazel, this expedition was given to you by the goddess. A test that you must not fail. It's about you rising in rank and being able to gain greater power within the temple.

You know I don't like power very much. Hazel wrung her hands and pursed her lips and said: Of course, I also know that upgrading your class can better lead you to complete the mission and win the favor of the goddess. But in the end, what we ask for It’s the goddess’s favor and the realization of one’s own value, isn’t it? Moreover, I don’t think there is anything wrong with the current approach. Mike has always been just suggesting, not giving orders. I don’t think he is robbing the team of leadership.”

He is controlling you. Camilla put her hands on Hazel's shoulders and hugged her tightly: What I am most worried about is that you are too young and have not tasted the taste of love, and do not know this. There may be poison in the relationship between a man and a woman. At first, I thought Mike was very low-key and of little use, but for some reason, he has a particularly strong influence on you. He is just an apprentice druid, and there should be nothing that attracts you. . Does he have some qualities that make you involuntarily get close to him?

Hazel was pressed on Camilla's chest and struggled a few times before finally getting out of the danger of suffocation. Fortunately, it was a bit of a fuss, otherwise it would be really difficult to cover up Hazel's panicked eyes and embarrassed expression. If there is anything special about Druid, it is his extraordinary knowledge and extremely fast on-the-spot reaction, which can handle things in unexpected ways. Hazel had only seen this trait from her mage father, but maybe it was just the image of her father in the stories her mother kept telling her about? She was a little unsure about her attitude and feelings, but she firmly believed that what she did was not wrong.

Sister Camilla, don't be like this, I'm not a child anymore. Hazel pointed to the holy emblem on her chest: I am still the paladin of the goddess, and I regard the goal of the expedition as the most important thing at the moment. , and will not be affected by other distracting thoughts. You must have confidence in me, and do not question my orders, let alone my motives, do you understand?

Understood. Camilla nodded, but then said: When we find the Archdruid, won't we need Mike to continue to follow us?

Maybe, let's see how the situation changes then. Hazel frowned, as if she didn't like the idea of ​​leaving Zhao Mai. She argued: Maybe... we have found the Archdruid.

You mean Zhao Mai, this can't be him.

I have a strange feeling, vaguely. I'm wondering what the Archdruid refers to. Mike said that in the Druid community, elders and powerful people are called Druid elders. It is not called an Archdruid. Is it possible that the Archdruid does not measure combat ability, but knowledge?

You don't think Mike is an archdruid, do you? I can't imagine that situation. Camilla shook her head vigorously and said: I think the archdruid is in the front, not behind. Moreover, even if If we can’t find the Archdruid, we still have the ability to complete the mission and eliminate the monsters of Lamashtu!”

The goddess's will is to find the Archdruid first. Don't change this.

Of course, I will not question the will of the goddess, I am just showing my confidence. Camilla said: Captain, you must fully trust the sisters, we are your sword and shield. Mike, at best, is just a passerby. , won’t stay long.”

I understand, you can go out, Sister Camilla. Hazel said with a smile.