Traveling with them wasn’t bad, exactly — but William preferred going solo. Alone, he didn’t have to keep up a constant stream of conversation just to stave off boredom.

“The kingdom we’re heading to is called Rainy Kingdom,” Lucas explained. “Named that because it rains constantly there. I’ve been a few times, and honestly? I love the weather.”

“A rainy climate’s great for staying home with a hot drink and a book,” William said. “For anything else… I’m not sure how I feel about it.”

Thompson had been listening in. “I agree with you, William. But this kingdom—wouldn’t it make a good spot for a base? At least in the beginning?”

It would take them twenty days to reach this kingdom, accounting for rest stops and everything else. After that, they’d still have to make their way back to that island Lucas knew about—the one he wanted to establish a base on.

So in the end, all the time spent traveling back and forth would add up significantly. Precious time that could be used for training, or planning how to conquer that Lich-ruled kingdom.

“Thinking about it now, that actually makes sense,” Lucas said. “All told, what—fifty days for the whole trip to the island? Maybe more? Not counting the time to set everything up there… Rainy Kingdom works too. It’s small, not well-known, not many visitors. Probably the safest place in the region for what we need.”

The best part was that both Lucas and this master of magical formations and enchantments he wanted to recruit knew the kingdom well.

They’d easily find the best locations for a base, and Lucas’s friend could set up all the necessary magical formations to keep the place secure against any threat—especially the mysterious man.

“So we’re all agreed on considering a base there?” William asked. “How safe is that kingdom?”

“Well, I imagine there are some of the mysterious man’s infiltrators there, like the Lich in the other kingdom. But they’re far from taking control or trying anything. The Lich only managed to seize command because he had years to work at it, and a necromancer organization helping him from the shadows,” Lucas explained.

William knew exactly which necromancer organization had helped the Lich. He said nothing, of course. No point creating tension at a moment like this.

And so the three continued their journey, discussing the new base along the way.

They passed through two other kingdoms on the route. Neither noticed their presence—or if they did, they completely ignored them.

Lucas’s flying water serpent could soar at impressive heights. The only ‘downside’ was that it needed to stop and dive into water from time to time.

Since they also needed breaks to rest properly and eat, they always stopped near large water sources like big rivers or lakes.

When they finally neared Rainy Kingdom, rest stops became even easier. The weather was constantly rainy—which the serpent loved—and water sources were everywhere.

But to enter the kingdom, they had to dismount and proceed on foot. Bob followed alongside them, slithering close by.

They needed to enter by land because they wanted to be there legally. If they just flew over and tried to enter afterward, they’d be breaking the rules.

It was the same for practically all the large, serious kingdoms. The best way to avoid any problems was entering properly through the border.

“Are you sure the serpent can stay near us? This thing is massive and scares the citizens quite a bit,” William said.

Looking around, William noticed other adventurers had creatures with them—used for both combat and travel.

But all those creatures were either much weaker or enormous in a different way, far removed from the serpent.

Everyone stared at the three of them and the serpent. Whispers began echoing among the people waiting in a small line to enter the country.

No one tried anything—which was obvious, considering how strong Bob was.

William waited, feeling raindrops fall onto his body. It was a good sensation, refreshing. Not to mention the sound of rain hitting puddles and trees.

Frogs croaked in the background. It was something common in that kingdom—so much so that frogs were seen as important animals that should be protected.

When it was finally their turn to speak with the guard in charge of the border, he looked at Bob, the serpent, and it was clear he was slightly afraid.

“This monstrous serpent belongs to one of you?” the guard asked.

Lucas spoke with the guard about it, showing him the contract he’d made with the serpent. This was the most efficient way to prove everything was in accordance with the law, and that the creature wouldn’t go around killing innocents.

The authorities in these kingdoms didn’t care much if clashes happened between adventurers, monsters, bandits, and so on within their borders. But there was one thing they didn’t permit: uncontrolled attacks on civilians who had no way to defend themselves.

That resulted in prison, persecution, or worse. So he had to be certain the serpent wouldn’t cause problems.

“You can rest easy. Bob is under control.”

The guard had to restrain himself from asking why the serpent had that name.

“And tell me, guard, do you know if Master Xanyi is still working in the capital?” Lucas asked.

Xanyi was the master of enchantments and magical formations Lucas was close friends with. The first member they would try to recruit for the organization.

Even though the capital was far away and he was just a border guard, Master Xanyi’s name was still famous. The guard recognized it immediately.

“You’re a friend of Master Xanyi?” the guard asked.

“Yes, you could say that. I lived in the kingdom for quite some time and met him here. I love this place—it’s one of my favorite spots.”

The guard felt flattered that someone was praising the kingdom where he’d been born. It wasn’t exactly the most popular destination among outsiders, so he was pleased.

“And yes, Master Xanyi still works in the capital. At least he was still working there six months ago, the last time I visited.”

“I’ll go fill out your paperwork. Wait just a moment. And welcome to the Rain Kingdom.”

The man went into a small room nearby and filled out the documents that would allow William, Lucas, Thompson, and Bob the serpent to enter the kingdom legally.

It didn’t take long. He certainly worked faster because of what Lucas had said to him.

“Here you go.” The guard handed over the papers inside a leather pouch.

They said goodbye to the guard and entered the kingdom. There was a city right past the border, so they couldn’t fly on the serpent immediately. The smart move was to leave the city first.

“How about we rest here for a night?” Lucas suggested. “Could be good to buy new clothes and look like locals. We can’t draw attention.”

“Good idea.”

The stop there was necessary before continuing the journey. No kingdom was safe—especially not for summoned heroes like them.

They needed to be careful. It was impossible to know what might be lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike.

William visited one of the clothing shops with Lucas and Thompson. He couldn’t wait to buy a hat to protect him from the rain while also giving him a neat visual.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep