Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1533 - 527: Shirendil Plateau_3

Previously on Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys...

Suspicions arose when an Isodre School inspector overlooked discrepancies in demon statue data submitted by the Bixiu Mechanization School, fueling accusations of theft. Bradley grew wary of the sudden approval of Bixiu's promotion, questioning potential traps from Isodre. At Sword Holder Headquarters, Major General Tatia learned that Lord Rein had bypassed the Imperial City after resolving matters in Mingster, heading directly to the volatile Shirendil Plateau, prompting urgent concerns over his confrontation with the formidable Sect Leader Stuart, the Shield of Rock. Meanwhile, at the Isodre School station, Stuart ordered the recall of agents from Mingster and initiated tracking of Rein's whereabouts, then secretly contacted Graham of the Tutkash School, negotiating aid against the approaching epic-level powerhouse in exchange for territorial concessions on the plateau.

.....

"Hahaha!"

Deep within the Tutkash School’s quarters, Graham wrapped up the conversation and broke into unrestrained chuckles of glee.

"Rein, impressive work. I figured he’d stay away for good, yet surprisingly, he’s made his way back."

Out of nowhere, a distant-sounding voice echoed clearly in his thoughts, ’Eliminate this Rein... reward...’.

Unlike earlier, the far-off tone flowed without any hitches, no more choppy breaks.

It seemed their mysterious connection had grown stronger somehow.

"Naturally, Your Majesty Demon Spider, that’s precisely my plan."

"On top of that, we’ll take out Stuart too, and by the time the Empire catches on, Nirheim will boast plenty of offerings to bring Your Excellency’s avatar straight down."

Graham’s hushed but thrilled words resounded through the empty chamber, where he stood alone, lending an especially spooky vibe.

....

As dusk fell.

The swift airship carrying Rein started easing into the Shirendil Plateau region.

Leaning on the vessel’s edge, Rein peered ahead, spotting endless ridges rising in sequence. The thick woodlands receded bit by bit, giving way to more pine-like trees dotting the landscape.

With their ongoing flight, the greenery below thinned out further and shrank in height, as bushes and highland pastures grew prevalent, while frosty summits loomed on far-off ranges.

The vast plateau’s landscape slowly revealed itself to Rein’s view.

"Word has it the Brighton tribes dwell in these parts." Rein remembered cutting down a Legendary powerhouse from the Brighton folk, ’Corpse Splitter’ Greg.

Plenty of wandering groups roamed the Shirendil Plateau, though the Brighton tribe stood apart, rumored to carry traces of giant lineage and survive through the hunt.

What’s more, they chased down tough beasts such as highland wild bovines, rugged mammoths, and massive hill bears.

Moments afterward.

From the airship deck, Rein spotted a trading group down below, made up of scores of highland wild bovines hauling bulky loads, trudging steadily toward the northwest.

"Oh? A Brighton trading party?"

"From their path, it looks like they’re bound for Nirheim."

Plus, thanks to Rein’s sharp vision, he could make out their outfits right away—mostly basic hide gear, with sturdy, towering builds, and a triple-red-clay symbol on their brows.

This stirred Rein’s curiosity.

Rein turned to the top soldier nearby and instructed: "Halt the airship right here; stay put while I’m gone. I’ll return by noon tomorrow."

"Understood, Lord Rein!" the soldier responded.

Before long, Rein vaulted over the side, his Floating Technique easing him down gently to the earth as he headed for the trading group.

"Hmm, a good portion of those loads are minerals?"

Drawing closer to the group, a quick scan showed that the Brighton traders’ cargo wasn’t solely pelts and such; almost half consisted of assorted minerals, including several uncommon types.

Even under tarps, as a Metal Series Dawn Wizard, Rein sensed them without needing a look.

"Outsider, a key wilderness custom bars random approaches to trading parties."

Right then, a youthful Brighton towering past two meters, dressed in plain hide protection and gripping a one-edged war axe, strode up to Rein and warned in a gravelly tone.

"Are you folks en route to Nirheim?" Rein inquired, offering a faint grin.

"And if we are?" The young Brighton eyed Rein with doubt, clenching the axe handle firmer.

"Could I join your journey?"

"Outsiders aren’t wanted here."

"Fair enough, then how about buying some minerals?" Rein took the rejection in stride, grinning as he suggested it.

"How’d you figure out we’re carrying minerals?" The young Brighton’s face shifted at once, and with a sharp whistle, seven or eight fellow brawny Brighton lads surged forward from the caravan’s flanks.

Rein laughed inwardly, gave a head shake, and then shaped the solid essence gold in his grasp into a barrier and a knight’s blade, swiftly crafting a one-edged war axe just like the youth’s.

At this, the Brighton fighters halted, shooting each other stunned looks!

"High Rank Wizard?" the braided senior at their front gaped wide and muttered softly.

"Hold!"

He shouted, hurrying from the group, dipping in a slight bow, and adding, "Honored Wizard, we’re merely a simple trading band—what brings you here?"

Realizing their Brighton kin, thinned by giant heritage, couldn’t stand against an outsider High Rank Wizard, the senior proceeded carefully.

"Relax, I only want to acquire some minerals."

"Er... very well." The braided senior looked reluctant but agreed with a nod, clearly daunted by Rein’s might.

"Elder? These are for Izso..." the youth next to him began, then cut himself off.

Yet Rein had already picked up on the ’Izso’ term.

Was it the Isodre School?

A subtle smile crossed Rein’s face, his intrigue deepening.

Through this trading group, he might uncover plenty of fresh details on the Shirendil Plateau and the Isodre School.

...