Chapter 311 – Unlucky Edada

Punk had grown accustomed to Ben Lajie’s unreliability. In his heart, he no longer expected this portly old man, who only cared about eating, drinking, and having fun, to provide any dependable assistance. As long as Ben Lajie could deliver the destructive power expected of an evocation mage during combat, Punk would consider himself fortunate.

What truly concerned Punk now was the matter of the thunderhawk named Monbay Windbeak.

From the mission briefing provided by the Thought of Truth, Punk knew that Joni Zordas of the Maple Leaf Kingdom had posted the dragon-slaying quest approximately three months ago. Yet, within just one month, a long-established “bandit” with a solid reputation, who had resided in the Hoth Mountains for centuries, had suddenly and inexplicably gone mad. No matter how one looked at it, the timing was far too coincidental. Considering the ongoing confrontation between the Maple Leaf Kingdom and the Dragon Roar Kingdom beyond the Hoth Mountains, Punk increasingly felt that this mission was anything but ordinary.

“Tsk, tsk, this is getting more and more interesting. To think we’d encounter a thunderhawk along the way. Who knows if this fellow is truly insane or… if there’s more to the story.”

Punk stroked his smooth chin, a flicker of contemplation passing through his eyes.

However, while Punk was focused on the potential enemies they might face, Ben Lajie’s priorities were entirely different.

The portly old man was now slapping the goblin Aidadada on the shoulder with an overly familiar demeanor:

“Relax, Aidadada. With Mr. Cyan and me—two Master-Level mages—by your side, why would you need to worry about safety? Always look on the bright side. This time, if you take your goblin airship out, you might even return laden with thunderhawk feathers. That’s a massive fortune, isn’t it?”

Ben Lajie spoke with a jovial laugh, but the goblin beside him, Aidadada, looked ready to cry:

“Sir, both you and Monbay are powerful figures I can’t afford to offend. My business still needs to pass through Monbay’s airspace in the future… I can’t afford to provoke him!

Besides, this Luxury Carnival is just an ordinary tourist airship. It doesn’t even have a single defensive enchantment. If you mighty ones start fighting, how could my airship possibly survive…”

“Now, that’s no way to talk. Do you really think Mr. Cyan and I can’t handle a stupid bird?”

Hearing Aidadada’s doubts, Ben Lajie narrowed his eyes and glared at the goblin.

Instantly, the goblin, who had been “arguing his case rationally” moments before, turned pale. He suddenly remembered that he was facing two Master-Level powerhouses—figures whose mere stomp could trigger earthquakes in the Gray Rain Country, without exaggeration.

In the end, Aidadada could only muster a faint, hopeful whisper:

“Could we… not use my ‘Luxury Carnival’? It’s the last of my assets…”

Unfortunately, Ben Lajie completely ignored Aidadada’s plea. The portly old man tilted his head back, striking a dramatic gazing pose, and exclaimed loudly:

“Look, look! I see that luxurious airship. It still looks so artistically inspired. Honestly, the tassels on it are absolutely perfect. I’d love to move it up to the Mage Tower as a decoration.”Punk slightly furrowed his brow and glanced at Ben Lajie, who was still obsessing over the luxury airship, speaking in a neutral tone:

“We might be dealing with a Storm Roc. Right now, preparing a battle plan is more important than boarding a luxury airship.”

Ben Lajie was the first to voice clear complaints about Punk’s “directive”:

“I say, old chap Cyan, you should consider that these old bones of mine can’t cast flight spells. Besides, do you think I’m just indulging myself? No, no—this is camouflage! Camouflage, understand? You’re still too young to know that adventurers must use wisdom to overcome enemies.”

As usual, Ben Lajie responded with excuses while putting on an “I’m an experienced veteran” act.

This time, however, Punk had to admit the “camouflage” idea held some merit. The Storm Roc’s strength was still unknown, but regardless, the Hoth Mountains were its territory. If a fight broke out, home-field advantage would grant it significant benefits.

By disguising themselves as a merchant transport using the goblin airship, Punk and Ben Lajie could join forces to deliver a heavy blow to Monbay Windbeak if he showed up. According to intelligence, this Storm Roc preferred handling matters personally, so Punk could also gauge whether this so-called “Monbay” was genuinely insane or cunningly feigning madness!

With this in mind, Punk didn’t show displeasure at Ben Lajie’s proposal, though he still irritably believed the fat old man was merely seeking comfort.

Thus, Punk said little more and tacitly permitted Ben Lajie’s actions. For now, this fat old man was still his teammate, and straining their relationship would benefit no one.

Watching Ben Lajie and Punk head toward the prized airship “Luxury Carnival” without even consulting him, the goblin Aidadada sighed with a mournful expression. He knew anything he said would be futile—his goblin airship was likely doomed this time.

“Oh, heavens! If you two sirs have any more demands, just state them all. I’ve got nothing left to lose anyway,” Aidadada said with a hint of self-abandonment.

“Hmm, there is one more thing,” Punk suddenly turned to face the goblin. “We need a guide thoroughly familiar with the Hoth Mountains. Ideally, one who also knows a bit about Monbay Windbeak.”

Punk made the request with utter seriousness, his expression suggesting Aidadada might be shoved into the airship’s turbine if he failed to produce such a guide.

But the despondent goblin didn’t refuse. In a hoarse voice, he replied to Punk, “No need to search. I’m the best guide. I’ve personally commanded every voyage of the ‘Luxury Carnival’ before. Now, even if it’s destined to never return, I’ll accompany it to the end.”

After straightening his clothes, Aidadada followed Ben Lajie toward the goblin airship, muttering under his breath: “Oh dear, I know the Hoth Mountains better than my own bedroom. And I’ve always wondered… why would Lord Monbay destroy my life’s work? I’ve never skimped on the annual meat tribute…”Watching Aidadada and Ben Lajie head toward the luxurious airship, Punk gazed into the distance at the “Luxury Carnival” hidden among the clouds—noticeably larger than ordinary airships. Just as Aidadada had said, this vessel was purely a luxury item for tourism. Punk was even confident he could bring it down from the sky without needing a single Formal-Level spell.

“This isn’t bad either.”

Squinting under the hazy sunlight, Punk mused:

“Monbay Windbeak would never expect that such a seemingly weak airship carries two Master-Level powerhouses. With a few discreet traps set up, if that Stormhawk dares to attack, he’ll never make it back.”

Contemplating various trap designs—some cunning, some powerful, and some both cunning and powerful—Punk strode briskly after Ben Lajie.

(End of Chapter)