Helag didn't even enter the village. Instead, he started setting up in a flat area near the village entrance.
He took a pot and stove from the carriage, and Sid was sent to gather firewood. Helag then skillfully lit the fire and began cooking.
In front of Sid, Helag snapped his fingers, conjuring a flame, which left Sid wide-eyed and even more in awe of Helag.
Count Huen had provided a wealth of supplies, including cured meat, butter, cheese, and plenty of vegetables.
Helag used these ingredients to make a stew. With the right spices, it couldn't taste bad.
"Here, take as much as you want," Helag said, handing Sid a bowl from the carriage.
Sid, overwhelmed, stammered, "Sir, I can eat dry rations."
"Eat what I give you. Don't make me repeat myself," Helag said impatiently.
Sid nodded quickly. "Thank you, sir!"
Carefully, Sid used a fork to take some meat and vegetables from the pot, then sat by the carriage to eat.
Helag devoured the entire pot of stew. His body was getting stronger, and so was his appetite.
The aroma of the food wafted into the village, but no one dared approach, fearing to anger the important figure by the carriage.
Helag had no intention of sharing his supplies, which were meant for the journey ahead. Running out of supplies would cause unnecessary trouble.
Having been in this world for a while, Helag understood that many problems stemmed from the era and society. He lacked the power to change anything.
A few hours later, as Helag lay reading, Deep Blue's notification sounded.
[Task complete.
The potion formula to accelerate meditation has been deduced: 100 ml of pure water, 30 ml of Mist Treant sap, 10 grams of Dragon Tooth Grass powder, 3 drops of Hemlock juice, 9 grams of Dragon Blood Grass powder, 5 drops of Mandrake juice.]
Helag studied the formula, considering the interactions of the ingredients.
He couldn't experiment now and would have to wait for an opportunity to test it.
"Deep Blue, simulate a potion formula to increase mental strength."
[Task registered.
Estimated time: six hours and thirty minutes.
Estimated mana consumption: 21%.]
Helag continued reading by the dim light of the oil lamp in the carriage.
Outside, only the sounds of insects broke the silence. The village remained deathly quiet, everyone aware that an important person was at the entrance and not daring to make noise.
Early the next morning, Helag finished his meditation and kicked Sid awake, instructing him to continue their journey.
Helag didn't want to stay any longer, feeling that his presence alone put immense pressure on the villagers, creating a stifling atmosphere.
In the carriage, Helag lit a small stove to brew coffee. The stove had a cleverly designed pipe to vent the smoke outside.
He opened the carriage window just in case.
As the coffee brewed, Helag resumed reading the spell model book for the Dark Energy Shield.
Soon, Deep Blue completed the mental strength potion formula.
[Task complete.
The potion formula to increase mental strength has been deduced: 100 ml of pure water, 50 grams of Star Crystal, 5 grams of Black-edged Sunflower powder, 4 drops of Hallucinogenic Grass essential oil…]
Helag frowned. "These ingredients are expensive. Deep Blue's simulations are still costly."
He decided to set the formula aside for now, as it needed experimental verification.
The ingredients were too costly, and he didn't have the funds for experiments.
***
Six days later, the carriage reached Stormwind City's territory.
Along the way, Helag encountered two robbery attempts by starving refugees.
The local lord ignored their plight, leaving them no choice but to rob travelers.
Helag didn't make things difficult for them. After demonstrating a spell, the refugees knelt and begged for mercy.
Interestingly, the local lord warmly welcomed Helag, having been informed of an important person's passage.
Helag looked at the feast before him and thought of the starving refugees, shaking his head in helplessness.
Upon entering Stormwind City's territory, he noticed well-armed patrolling soldiers.
Helag was soon stopped for questioning but passed easily.
The Banks family crest on the carriage served as a perfect identification, along with two letters of introduction from Count Huen.
One letter was for Duke Theodore of Stormwind City, and the other for the president of the Adventurers' Guild.
Helag didn't plan to meet Duke Theodore, keeping the letter for emergencies.
His main goal was to find the president of the Adventurers' Guild and locate Robert for some inquiries.
After half a day of travel, Helag finally saw Stormwind City.
It was a grander city than Markfield, with taller, thicker walls.
The city exuded a sense of history as if the walls themselves told tales of the past.
"Sir, where to first?" Sid asked after passing the gate inspection.
"I heard from Huen that you have a place to stay here?" Helag asked.
Huen had mentioned that upon reaching Stormwind City, Helag could stay at the Banks family's property.
Sid nodded. "Yes, the family has businesses here."
"Then let's settle in first, then head to the Adventurers' Guild," Helag said.
"Alright!" Sid drove the carriage forward, feeling cheerful since arriving in Stormwind City.
The Banks family had various businesses in Stormwind City, including taverns, casinos, inns, herb shops, and blacksmiths.
The carriage stopped at the Banks Inn, where staff quickly took the horses to the backyard for feeding.
Helag's room was the best and largest in the inn.
"Do you know where the Adventurers' Guild is?" Helag asked after securing his room key.
Sid replied eagerly, "Yes, I often came to Stormwind City for errands, so I'm familiar with it."
"Good, lead the way," Helag nodded.
The carriage's horses were swapped for a strong, tall horse.