336 A Lost Plow Worm
“Finally.” Lucius said with a pleased smile on his face. The strong surge of Hell Energy was none other than from the fully transformed ‘Lost’ Plow Worm.
Even though it was completely hidden underground, Lucius sent it a couple of commands and went out of the tent to check how the Plow Worm would follow his orders.
All of a sudden, the ground beneath them rumbled and quaked, much to the surprise of Gellor’s team, who were falling asleep in their tents.
“Perfect.” Lucius tested the rune beast a bit more and allowed it to move from one direction to another, but making sure that it was completely hidden from the sight of the others.
Once he was satisfied with how it followed orders, Lucius went back to bed, eager for the following day.
“We’re finally leaving now.” Gellor roused up his mercenary group to prepare for their departure.
“Really? It’s been a good couple of days up here on the mountain. I’m going to miss it.” Albus said, as he glanced over their surroundings.
“You were the one complaining about it the most, Albus.” Finch rolled her eyes.
“Well, just because I complained doesn’t mean I didn’t like it. It’s a good opportunity to relax every once in a while in the open nature, and I’ve come to appreciate it.”
“You’re probably eager to get to the closest inn we’ll reach. Tough luck.” Ariana chuckled.
“Well, enjoy riding the horses. The saddles are always just a tad uncomfortable.” Albus grumbled.
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“We’ll be riding for hours again. How can your body not hurt? Even Barty complains and he’s the horse guy, you know?”
As Gellor’s team members bickered around about as they disassembled the camp. Kiana and Lucius were together, waiting for them.
“Did it go well, Asher?” Kiana asked.
“It did.” Lucius nodded. “We were successful last night, hence why we’re leaving. Our new friend will be accompanying us for the duration of the trip, as promised.”
“That’s terrific news.” Kiana said.
It didn’t take too long for Lucius and everyone to head back down the mountain and reaching their horses. It was the left over beast repellent powder that allowed them to mostly stay safe alongside the mercenaries visiting every now and then.
Soon enough, they were on their way back to reach the split in path and then took the official route.
“We’re finally heading to Aisse territory for real this time. How long till we get there? I can hardly remember.” Albus asked while they rode down the path.
“Don’t worry, we’ll still be sleeping on the road for a bit.” Ariana said. “Nothing to get too excited about.”
“Okay, okay, I just wanted to ask.” Albus asked. “Man, it’s really been a while. I wonder what changes have occurred since the last time we’ve been there.”
While the others concentrated on their conversations to pass the time on the road to Aisse territory, Lucius spent his time sensing the Plow Worm that traveled deep beneath them.
If it was close to the surface, Lucius had no doubt that Gellor and his mercenary group would have felt its presence, but for now, it was a stealth mission.
“The weather condition has been on our side, Lord Asher. I don’t think we’ve experienced much rain, especially when we were on the mountain.” Gellor commented as he rode with Lucius.
“I can imagine that things might have been far more dangerous if we had to encounter slippery slopes and other things.” Lucius said, not particularly enjoying the conversation but indulging the captain.
However, it also did occur to him that it was vital to take note of the weather in case it proved useful, so Lucius discussed it with Gellor in case the captain knew anything.
‘I’m quite certain that whether it’s rainy or dry there is no effect on the Plow Worm, but it’s best to be aware than not.’
Later that evening, much to the disconcert of some people in Gellor’s team, they once again found themselves setting up a camp on the road.
It was time for a break since their horses were fatigued, even more fatigued than them. So they just decided to spend the night there.
While Gellor and everyone else were asleep, Lucius stepped out of his tent and went to take a short walk. Lucius had no problems with Kiana seeing it, but it would be an odd sight if any of Gellor’s team woke up to see Lucius dealing with the Lost.
“Alright, there’s been some delays, but let’s take a good look at the conditions to see how you guys fared.” Lucius stared down at the ground and waited only for a second for the Lost Bore Shrews to crawl out of the ground.
They hadn’t been able to become present when Lucius was dealing with the Plow Worm, but now they were finally here.
Lucius had given these creatures instructions to follow them right from the start, but perhaps even with the status of them being Lost, it still took them a bit of effort to arrive.
‘I did lose about exactly five of them while they were dealing with the Arbitrator from the Duran Church so it’s fair to say that they might have also encountered unexpected peril as they followed after us, but I’m glad to see that all of them are in good condition.’
Lucius had individually checked each of the creature and assured himself that they did not need any repairs. Although he did take note that some of them seemed to have grown in size, perhaps also finding their own way to feast.
‘I haven’t been able to give them Hell Energy, so they must have taken care of it for themselves.’ Lucius noted as he sent them some strands of Hell Energy.
“Alright, all of you will be following after the Plow Worm, but keep your distance and ensure that you do not get crushed along the way.” Lucius ordered.
It was useful that both the Plow Worm and the Bore Shrews traveled underground, so it was an easy matter to hide them.