BXBX NOVEL Chapter 91: Paper
Upon returning to consciousness from the High Tower Space, he fell into contemplation until Amy brought in steaming hot meat soup and dishes. Seeing him somewhat distracted, she asked with concern, "Enzo, what's wrong?"
Enzo snapped out of his thoughts, smiled, and said, "Nothing."
He looked at the food Amy brought – winter melon meat soup, stir-fried greens, and stewed potatoes – all prepared meticulously, enticing even just to look at.
Enzo took the spoon and started eating.
After a few bites, he spoke, "I just visited that place, High Tower Space, and learned some things."
Amy was surprised and excited, quickly asking, "Did you see any members of the Red River Tribe, Lord Enzo?"
For Amy, aside from Enzo, Tia, and others, the members of the Red River Tribe were the people she cared about most – fellow orcs who shared the most similar biological features with her.
Enzo understood Amy's feelings.
However, he could only shake his head and reply, "I'm not sure. I didn't see any orcs at the time."
He briefly recounted some of what he had learned in the High Tower Space to Amy. After hearing it, Amy was also shocked and couldn't help but exclaim, "High Tower Space! I can't believe such a place still exists!"
Indeed, Enzo had similar thoughts at the time.
He realized he still knew too little about the supernatural forces in this world, often finding himself in a passive position despite his own formidable talents and strength. This wasn't a reason to stagnate.
At this moment, Enzo felt the need for change.
Since establishing the Adventurer's Association, the development of the Crimson Star Tribe's camp had entered a rapid phase. The two industrial zones managed by Brian operated almost around the clock, producing large quantities of bricks, ironware, and other tools daily, greatly enriching the lives of the Crimson Star Tribe members.
The agricultural zone couldn't continue planting crops in the current cold weather.
They had already harvested plenty of grains and vegetables, which could be stored for a long time. This allowed the tribe members to have vegetables even in winter.
Next, there's the livestock area.
The livestock area has grown to a considerable size, and with the effects of the black-striped Dragon's Blood Tree fruits, the young beasts raised there are growing rapidly and gaining significant strength. This is also why Enzo had Watt and Ward, two combat members, form two cavalry units.
In summary, it can be said that the Crimson Star Tribe's strength has reached an extreme point.
Not only do they have no rivals in the jungle, but even on the Plata Plain, Enzo is confident that other tribes wouldn't pose a challenge to the Crimson Star Tribe.
However, there's one area where they are lacking: the development of supernatural powers.
Enzo expressed his concerns to Amy about this matter, but even she couldn't provide much advice.
Yet, Amy did have one clear piece of information. "Earlier, I had people tally up the possible supernatural creatures in the jungle area and found that their numbers are decreasing," she said, her expression turning more serious. "I initially thought it was due to the effects of the flood and the early arrival of winter this year, causing these supernatural creatures to hunker down. However, Heru returned with the Vanguard squad and brought back different news."
Enzo became interested and asked, "What news?"
Amy replied, "The supernatural creatures are migrating. And not just one or two, but all of them. They're moving with their young, heading deep into the Plata Plain."
Supernatural creatures migrating, all heading towards the same destination...
What could be hidden deep in the Plata Plain?
Enzo furrowed his brow slightly.
However, he knew he lacked sufficient information. Speculating without solid facts would be futile.
In other words, this matter couldn't be rushed.
Enzo gradually calmed down and asked about other matters. "Amy, how is the paper mill doing?"
At this mention, a bright smile appeared on Amy's face. She turned to Enzo and said, "Lord Enzo, the paper you had people make is truly amazing, especially when paired with quill pens. Now, a single sheet the size of a table can record a lot of information. Most importantly, the writing is very clear, and the paper is thin and easy to store. I dare say, once news of this paper spreads, the traveling merchants of those major tribes will go crazy!"
Speaking of traveling merchants, Enzo thought of Douglas.
He asked again, "How is Douglas doing now?"
Amy's expression turned odd for a moment, unsure of how to respond. She reported to Enzo, "That Douglas, the traveling merchant... I don't know how to describe him. When he sees items from the tribe, he bursts into laughter, claiming he'll become the greatest traveling merchant in history. But after boasting, he falls silent, as if he's encountered some disaster. Lord Enzo, perhaps you should go see him yourself."
Enzo nodded. "Alright, I have something to discuss with him anyway."
In the industrial zone, Enzo found Douglas looking dejected, staring blankly at the glass jars placed on warehouse shelves, devoid of any joy.
Aware of Enzo's arrival, Douglas weakly greeted, "Mr. Enzo."
Enzo understood that Douglas was likely upset about what had happened to Christina and the others.
So, he cut to the chase and said directly, "Christina and the others are still alive, at least for now. However, rescuing them won't be simple."
Douglas immediately perked up and asked eagerly, "What do I need to do?"
Enzo answered truthfully, "Douglas, I do need your help."
He then took out a stack of papers, some of them already filled with notes detailing the witchcraft potion information Neville had initially provided – including ingredients, proportions, and the crafting process.
Confused, Douglas asked, "Mr. Enzo, what is all this?"
Enzo explained plainly, "Christina and the others are currently in a place called High Tower Space. To get them out, they'll need to undergo a trial. I'm not sure what the trial entails exactly, but it's definitely not simple. In the meantime, I need you to gather knowledge about supernatural powers as a traveling merchant. It will be crucial for rescuing Christina and the others."
These weren't empty words from Enzo.
The walls of the High Tower Hall documented supernatural knowledge, suggesting that the trial likely involved answering questions about supernatural matters, not just physical challenges.
Douglas cared deeply about Christina and her group's situation.
He agreed immediately but then hesitated, saying, "Mr. Enzo, I don't have the capability to help you right now."
"No!" Enzo smiled and handed the papers he was holding to Douglas, saying at the same time, "This is the latest innovative creation of the Crimson Star Tribe called 'paper'. It can be used for writing and recording messages. In addition to this, the glass products you see here will also be your merchandise. Your first target now is to cross Plata Plain and head to Qaidam Lake. There's an exile organization there where you can conduct trade."
With goods and trade objectives set, Douglas understood that Enzo had come prepared.
Despite this, he still didn't refuse.
It wasn't just for Christina and the others; deep down, he also desired this opportunity. The appearance of such unheard-of goods, sold through his hands, would bring immense glory. If news reached the Gold Oak Tribe, those lofty noble lords would likely line up to visit him one after another.
Douglas fantasized, and much of his sadness dissolved.
He assured Enzo, "Rest assured, Mr. Enzo, I will definitely gather enough supernatural knowledge for you."
Enzo also made a promise to Douglas, "Douglas, regardless of how this trade goes, I will do everything possible to rescue Christina and the others."
Douglas was sincerely grateful, saying, "Thank you, great priest of the Crimson Star Tribe."
Enzo nodded, not adding any further instructions or promises.
Setting aside the challenge of clearing the top level of the High Tower trial, obtaining those soul seeds existing in High Tower Space was crucial – they were essential for awakening Bookstaver.
...
Two days later, Douglas had prepared his goods and set off in the direction Enzo had indicated.
Accompanying him was Heru, leading the Vanguard squad.
Additionally, Enzo once again utilized the power of the scepter of the barren mountain, using the markings on Dilly to locate her and gather more information about the exile organization. However, to his surprise, Dilly was not at the exile camp or the previous hot spring cave. Instead, she was riding a unicorn, heading towards the jungle.
Enzo wondered why she was coming.
Suspicious, he chose not to reveal himself but instead called for Tia and Clara, instructing them to set traps with some members of the combat team on the essential jungle routes to intercept her.
Since Dilly had chosen to come to them, he wouldn't refuse such a gift.
After arranging numerous affairs at the tribal camp, Enzo returned to his bamboo house. He infused power into the High Tower imprint on his arm, and a passage instantly appeared before him. After hesitating briefly, Enzo walked straight into it.
He knew that obtaining the soul seed naturally involved risks, and he was prepared for that.