Otaku Translation: The Amber Sword V3C124

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Chapter 124: From the Lairs – Part 3

“How to handle them?” Brandon echoed. It was indeed a question worth pondering. The treasure before them was so precious that it seemed unsafe to leave it unattended—even here, in the heart of the Black Forest.

They were bound to press deeper into the forest in search of Valhalla, but leaving these eggs behind felt equally perilous.

“Kid,” Kulan spoke slowly, his tone heavy with caution, “my advice is to escort these eggs back to your territory immediately.”

Brandon shook his head.

Kulan narrowed his eyes. “What could possibly be in this forest that’s more valuable than these eggs?”

Brandon hesitated. The value of Valhalla was immeasurable—greater even than the basilisk eggs. But abandoning the eggs wasn’t an option either. After a moment’s thought, he replied:

“I’ve considered leaving someone here to guard them.”

“Leave someone?” Kulan frowned, shaking his head repeatedly. “Who? This is the Black Forest we’re talking about.”

“Precisely because it’s the Black Forest,” Brandon countered. “Few outsiders venture here, and while there may be some monsters, the lingering aura of the five-headed basilisk will deter weaker creatures from intruding.”

He continued confidently, “As for stronger beasts, they tend to stay within their own territories and rarely wander. Besides, this is the outer rim of the Black Forest. The five-headed basilisk was the apex predator here.”

Kulan’s expression hardened. “You’re telling me all this—do you have some ulterior motive?”

Brandon offered a cryptic smile.

“Listen, kid,” Kulan snapped, unable to hide his irritation. “I never claimed to be on your side. What’s stopping me from taking a few of these eggs and running off?”

“This is the Black Forest, Master Kulan,” Brandon replied smoothly, his tone almost mocking. “Without a druid to guide you, do you think you’d make it out alive?”

The old swordsman stiffened, his brow furrowing. “Are you threatening me now, kid?”

Brandon quickly waved his hands in denial, his grin widening. “Of course not. Just a jest, nothing more. In truth, I’ve already made plans. I intend to leave a small detachment of fireclaw lizardfolk here. They should suffice to fend off any intruders. Though honestly, such precautions are likely unnecessary.”

Kulan snorted. “Fine, but don’t joke around with me again, kid.” Despite his words, however, he couldn’t shake a faint sense of disappointment. Brandon’s decision revealed that the young lord still didn’t fully trust him.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a commotion echoing from the depths of the cavern. Brandon turned sharply, only to see one of the younger scouts stumbling toward them. He recognized the youth as part of Karglis’s third group, whom he had sent deeper into the cave to investigate further.

Had they found something?

Initially, Brandon had assumed the cavern led to an underground river, and sending scouts was merely a precaution. Perhaps there would be valuable magical materials—glow moss, for instance.

But judging by the scout’s frantic demeanor, Brandon doubted it was anything ordinary. If glow moss existed down there, it would have to cover an area the size of a football field to elicit such a reaction.

Raising a hand to silence the youth, Brandon asked calmly, “What happened?”

“M-my lord…” the young man stammered, gasping for breath. “Captain Karglis… he requests that you come personally…”

Brandon exchanged a glance with Kulan. What was Karglis up to now?

Still, he nodded and gestured for the scout to lead the way. Motioning for the others to follow, they ventured deeper into the cavern. Beyond the lair of the five-headed basilisk, the tunnel grew narrow and elongated, its walls smooth and polished—a clear sign of ancient water erosion.

The marks were old, though, and Brandon carefully inspected the ground and walls. Aside from tiny footprints likely left by rodents, there were no signs of dangerous creatures. No telltale webs or lurking predators like tentacle fiends, mutated bats, or strangler vines.

After several minutes of walking along the dried-up riverbed, they spotted flickering torchlight ahead. By its glow, Brandon saw Karglis and four other youths waiting. Meria and half of the third group remained above ground, meaning Karglis had proceeded with only half his team. Even so, this group was among the most capable of the young adventurers, which was why Brandon entrusted them with the riskiest tasks.

Upon their arrival, Karglis and his companions rose to greet their lord.

“My lord,” said the mischievous son of Sir Minty, rubbing his hands together nervously. “We’ve encountered… a situation beyond our ability to handle.”

“A situation?” Brandon raised an eyebrow. “What kind of situation?”

“How shall I put it…” Karglis grimaced, his expression unreadable. “Words fail me.”

Brandon studied the young man’s face, trying to gauge what could possibly unsettle someone as fearless as Karglis. Surely, this wasn’t another prank—or if it was, Karglis would soon learn the consequences.

Then again, Brandon mused, perhaps it really was a football-field-sized patch of glow moss.

“In any case, my lord, please see for yourself,” Karglis coughed lightly, stepping aside to usher Brandon forward.

Nodding, Brandon followed him toward what appeared to be the tunnel’s exit. As they approached, light spilled through the opening. Could it truly be glow moss?

But when Brandon reached the threshold, he froze mid-step, his mouth agape. Not a sound escaped his lips.

Or rather, he was petrified. Before him stretched a breathtaking expanse of crystalline brilliance—a sea of magical crystals that shimmered like enchanting starlight, holding him spellbound.

It was a crystal mine.

An endless, sprawling deposit of magical crystals hidden deep beneath the earth.

---

Cold Fir—

Brandon’s instincts about the old knight’s intentions proved accurate. A week after departing for the Black Forest, the southern reaches of Tonygel remained eerily calm, showing no signs of impending conflict.

The north, however, fared far worse. Tagib and his clan, emboldened by successful raids, intensified their assaults. While they occasionally fell into the old knight’s traps, their relentless attacks left Palas’ garrisons stretched thin and weary.

Meanwhile, in Cold Fir City, Chael paid a visit to the Master Craftsman Beru. With Antietta absent, Chael and Beru bore the brunt of administrative and construction duties.

As for Roma, after finalizing the accounts, she found herself with little to do. True to Brandon’s expectations, she behaved remarkably well—save for her daily ritual of occupying Brandon’s favorite seat at a local tavern from afternoon until sunset.

According to her, this was Brandon’s usual spot, and she intended to hold it for him.

The others turned a blind eye to her antics; as long as she didn’t raze Cold Fir City to the ground, they considered themselves fortunate.

For Beru, even if she did destroy the city, it wouldn’t matter—as long as his forge remained intact. That day, as usual, he sat on the steps outside his workshop, attempting to light his pipe. Try as he might, not a single spark landed in the bowl. One particularly stubborn ember rolled thrice around the rim before fizzling out.

Something was clearly amiss.

Looking up, Beru spotted Chael standing nearby, clad in a pale purple robe and grinning mischievously. The old smith muttered under his breath, “Damn wizards.”

He dared not speak louder. While he could argue with Brandon face-to-face, wizards were an enigmatic lot. Who knew what curses they might cast while you slept?

Beru sighed. “Alright, Chael. What brings you to bother this old man today? Or are you just here to torment me?”

“Not at all,” Chael replied hastily, raising his hands defensively. “I’m here to discuss something with you, Master Beru.”

“What is it?”

“Our lord has given me an order.”

Beru nodded knowingly. He suspected the young wizard had some secret means of communicating with their lord.

“I mean…” Chael paused, choosing his words carefully to avoid alarming the old man. “Master Beru, how feasible would it be to carve a path into the Black Forest?”

“A path?” Beru frowned. “Ah, I see. You’re thinking of exploiting resources near the border? It’ll be tricky. The costs might outweigh the benefits. There’s little of value near the Black Forest, yet maintaining such a route would require significant investment.”

He pondered for a moment. “Tonygel can’t afford it.”

“What if it’s something that must be done?” Chael pressed.

“He’s mad.” Beru caught himself, remembering whose retainer Chael was, and quickly amended his statement. “Well, it depends on how deep into the Black Forest he intends to go. A day or two’s journey shouldn’t pose much difficulty.”

“The lord’s plan,” Chael grinned, “is for at least a week-long expedition.”

“Impossible.”

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