Chapter 231: Searching for New Food Crops
To the west of the Black Iron Forest lies a mountain range with a somewhat peculiar appearance. While not steep, the higher you climb, the more exposed granite you encounter, often without any soil or vegetation to cover it. At the summit, a stark stone forest crowns the landscape.
Ronin, having surveyed the mountain, envisioned it as the perfect lair for Carlos.
It was on the foothills of Yashi Mountain where Ronin, under the terms of their contract, summoned the dragon for the first time. The connection between their souls was magical; although Ronin couldn't ascertain the distance separating them, he sensed Carlos approaching at remarkable speed.
A black dot soon appeared on the horizon, rapidly enlarging into a massive figure that loomed overhead.
Before touching down, the Cloud-Stepping Horse, sensing the presence, let out an uneasy neigh. This warhorse, bred from third-level magical beast lineage and extensively trained, would not normally panic.
Even the Cloud-Stepping Horse was agitated, let alone Tom's ordinary mount beside it. Trembling, it raised its front hooves nervously, ready to bolt if not for Tom's firm grip on the reins.
With a whoosh, Carlos folded his wings and descended, the resulting gust of wind announcing his landing.
"Master, you called me!" Carlos exclaimed, his voice more cheerful than usual, reflecting his recent good spirits.
In the past half-month, Carlos had realized that following Ronin would not only grant him freedom but also powerful assistance in enhancing his strength—benefits so significant they could save him decades of training.
"I haven't seen you for half a month. You seem to have grown a bit?" Ronin remarked with a smile, noting that Carlos's level progress had increased to 3/12500. At this rate, he mused, Carlos would achieve level seven in just over a century—an admittedly slow pace for a dragon.
Carlos examined himself, feeling slightly larger. "Maybe I've been eating well recently, catching up on missed nutrition."
Understanding the importance of the moment, Ronin quickly got to the point. "I've brought you here today for two reasons," he said, gesturing to the mountain. "I plan to make this your lair. It's a safe haven where you can stay when needed, keeping nearby monsters at bay and protecting the human settlements."
Carlos surveyed his new home, not at all opposed to the idea. In fact, he preferred the open space, which made him feel comfortable and free.
"Don't worry, Master. With me here, no monster will dare approach," Carlos vowed, recounting his recent encounter with a large black bear whose scent alone was enough to deter other creatures.
Ronin then asked Carlos for a tour of the swamp, a task he had longed to undertake since acquiring Swamp Town. Given the swamp's vastness and inherent dangers, traveling by dragonback was not only convenient but also swift.
As they soared, Ronin's objective was twofold: to understand the swamp's extent and to seek new resources.
Below, Tom led the Cloud-Stepping Horse, his thoughts drifting. Once able to stand toe-to-toe with the lord, he now realized he would stand no chance against Carlos's mere sneeze.
Now, as they flew over Swamp Town, Ronin observed residents laboring in the fields. They harvested manure, cleared vegetation, and reclaimed new farmland—risky yet necessary tasks to ensure their survival.
Though the swamps were magically treated to reduce danger, risks remained. But the incentive of food subsidies, a stark contrast to the stinginess of the previous lord, motivated them to persevere.
For Ronin, his leadership aimed not just at productivity but at ensuring the well-being and safety of his people, minimizing the risks of their essential work.
To this end, Ronin convened Wilson, Serin, several village heads, and group leaders to discuss and formulate safety plans.
For instance, they outlined rescue methods and steps for extracting someone stuck in a quagmire, and listed essential rescue materials such as long poles and hemp ropes to be prepared before work commenced.
Another focus was the protocol for handling poisonous snake bites, including immediate measures to prevent the spread of venom. Elrond also imparted knowledge on detoxifying plants, urging the villagers to be vigilant as they began their tasks.
The dragon flew swiftly, soon leaving the town to explore a rarely visited area.
The terrain here was more primitive and rugged compared to the vicinity of Swamp Town, with a vast and open sky. Long, thin rivers intertwined across the landscape, connecting numerous lakes of varying sizes and creating a stunning natural tapestry.
From high above, Ronin appreciated the untapped potential of the land. If developed, this fertile soil could transform into a significant granary for the Wubei Territory.
"Descend a little and slow down," he instructed.
"Yes, Master," Carlos responded, demonstrating his exceptional flying skills by maintaining a low-altitude glide with his wings spread wide, without needing to flap.
Hovering fifty to sixty meters above ground, Ronin had a clear view of the terrain below. He was specifically searching for rice seedlings this time.
The main crops in this world were barley and wheat, and Ronin had never heard of a crop called rice. It was unclear whether rice was non-existent here or simply undeveloped due to rudimentary agricultural practices.
His interest in discovering wild rice stemmed from the swamp's rich biodiversity. Numerous birds in the area dispersed a variety of seeds, contributing to the diversity of plant life. Moreover, the swamp's environment seemed ideal for cultivating rice.
Should he find wild rice, it would greatly benefit the development of Swamp Town. Unlike wheat, which requires dry soil and good drainage, rice thrives in moist, loose soil, simplifying the reclamation of swampy land. Additionally, rice typically yields more per acre than wheat.
While wheat and rice differ in taste and nutritional content, the introduction of a high-yield crop like rice would undoubtedly be advantageous for Wubeiling.
Nonetheless, these were mere speculations, and finding wild rice was still uncertain.
Carlos continued to fly at a low altitude at a moderate pace. Ronin spotted numerous green plants, but upon closer examination, they turned out to be mere weeds—each discovery a disappointment.
He realized that patience was crucial, especially since it was only mid-May. Any wild rice present would still be in its seedling stage, similar in appearance to weeds, and required careful observation.
Carlos, somewhat perplexed by his master's fascination with plants, was more interested in meat. It eyed a nearby pool, sensing a large fish beneath the surface, though it wasn't hungry at the moment.
After a fruitless search along the wetland, Ronin climbed back onto the dragon's back.
"Let's try another location," he suggested, ready to continue the search elsewhere.
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