Chapter 233 Above the Sea of Sand
Now that they have decided to go to the sand sea city of Lockhak, Gordon and Hayata are not prepared to stay in Tangia Port for too long.
Although there is still some time before the monsoon blows into the desert, there is nothing wrong with going there early to prepare and familiarize yourself with the environment.
Mr. Hao Shang appreciates their preparedness.
And offered that if they wanted to go to Lockhak as soon as possible, he could help communicate and contact the airship.
“I always feel like you can’t wait to throw us over.” Gordon crossed his arms and said with a dull face.
“Hahaha, I don’t want to provide you with as much convenience as possible.”
Mr. Hao Shang said beautifully, "Lockhack will also be very happy to get two strong reinforcements."
Gordon is not going to get carried away just because the other party flatters him.
"Come on, I still know myself. In terms of strength, I may be pretty good among my peers, but compared to those experienced senior hunters, I'm far behind."
When the wealthy businessman heard this, his face became serious, "Brother Gordon, you are so wrong. In fact, high-ranking hunters rarely participate in the 'Feast'.
In the sand fleet responsible for blocking the Fengshan Dragon, the four-star and five-star hunters can be regarded as the top combat power. "
"Why is this happening?" Hayata frowned and asked, "Aren't only high-level hunters qualified to participate in missions against ancient dragons?"
“Generally, that’s true.”
Hao Shang patiently explained: "But the battle to stop Fengshan Dragon is quite special and does not require high-ranking hunters.
The Fengshan Dragon is huge and has a thick carapace. Unless it targets certain weak points, it is extremely difficult for a hunter's weapon, even a high-level weapon, to cause effective damage to it.
The real main forces of attack are actually sand boats and dragon boats.
Well, to be precise, it’s the cannons, crossbows, and heavy weapons and mechanisms such as dragon guns on the ship.
This is why I invited Ancil to the ‘Feast’ in the first place—as a shooter, he is particularly comfortable using those heavy long-range weapons.
It's a pity that he has to go to the Western Continent and has no time on his schedule. "
“But with the experience and skills of an advanced hunter, you must have an advantage, right?” Hayata felt a little resentful for her master.
"Of course."
Hao Shang continued to explain: "As you said, the skills and experience of high-level hunters, especially the experience of facing ancient dragons, will play a big role.
Ordinary hunters will feel weak in their legs even if they see Fengshan Dragon from a distance, but high-level hunters will not have this problem. "
At this point, the wealthy businessman gave Gordon a meaningful look, as if to say - This is why I like you.
“But, as you also know, most high-level hunters are busy, and the price of hiring them is quite high.
For the sand fleet responsible for blocking the Fengshan Dragon, the cost-effectiveness is low, so it is better to train local hunters.
The first time you participated in the ‘Gourmet Banquet’ and faced the Fengshan Dragon, you might be scared, but the second, third, and fourth time, you felt much calmer?
Hence, the combatants of the sand fleet are mainly composed of experienced lower-level hunters from Lockark, mostly second-, third-, and fourth-star hunters.
Launching crossbows, artillery, and rushing onto the back of Fengshan Dragon at the right time to dig for minerals are their main tasks. "
Gordon pointed to himself, "So what is our role?"
A mysterious smile appeared on the corner of Haoshang's mouth, "I have higher expectations for you. As for what to do specifically, just adapt accordingly.
Perhaps you will know it by then. "
The title of "rich businessman" is no joke.
This trading ship captain from Shiguo has quite good connections in Tangia Port.
With his communication help, Gordon and the others boarded an airship carrying precious items.
This airship was supposed to take off half a day ago, but in the face of the wealthy businessman, it insisted on waiting until now.
The merchants on the boat were even more enthusiastic towards them.
Even a small compartment was set aside for them in the extremely narrow cabin.
Knowing that the merchant had misunderstood something, Gordon left the compartment to Hayata and Pork Chop, and ran to sleep in the hammock with the crew.
Anyway, the itinerary is only one day and one night, so I can make do with it.
Crossing the Sekmer area (old desert) with undulating sand dunes, the airship entered the sky over the sand sea on the second day.
This is a vast plain.
Sand dunes are difficult to form because the gravel is extremely fine and dry and there is almost no rock present.
Looking from the air, the sand surface is flat, the ripples are rolling, and the horizon is vast and distant, as if connected to the horizon, just like the ocean.
The name of Sand Sea comes from this.
At some point, the friendly businessman put on loose and breathable desert robes and walked up to the two people and the cat who were admiring the beautiful view of the sand and sea on the deck.
“Is it the first time for these two hunters to come to Lockark?” The businessman’s tone was gentle and respectful.
Gordon had actually visited this sand sea city and was even familiar with the local guild leader, but he didn't say much.
Hayata nodded slightly.
“It’s really a very welcoming city.”
The businessman lamented, "Even though we are in a dry desert, there is no shortage of water. As long as we protect ourselves from the sun, surprisingly it is a good place for vacation!"
“Are there any specialties in Lockrak?” Hayata asked casually.
“Of course there is. Let’s not mention the special ore of Fengshan Dragon for the moment. The precious spices produced in very small quantities, strange jewelry, sand fish dragon liver, and the leather of sand sea monsters are all good commodities!
Every year when the monsoon comes, the merchants of Loklak will bring out their best goods.
At the same time, merchants from the entire desert and even the entire continent will gather here. This is the real ‘harvest festival’! "
Hayata was stunned upon hearing this.
Fengshanlong’s special ore actually only serves as an “introduction”. The so-called harvest festival is, to a greater extent, a grand gathering for businessmen, tourists and local residents.
“Mr. Businessman, what do you plan to acquire when you go so early?” Gordon asked with a smile.
“Oh, I am mainly in the jewelry business. I buy jewelry every year and bring some silk to sell. Silk is very popular in Lockark.”
Gordon thought it was no wonder.
The main reason why airships are rarely used to transport goods is that the cost is too high, but since it is jewelry, it is no problem. The value per unit weight of this thing is really scary.
At the same time, the businessman's words reminded Gordon of a special kind of jewelry.
—Ornaments, or as they are more commonly called among hunters, "beads."
These precious gems are similar to protective stones and possess mysterious powers. When embedded in equipment and weapons, they can provide additional protection for hunters.
High-quality beads, like protective stones, are rare to see on ordinary days, but maybe some will appear during the Loklak Harvest Festival where merchants gather?
If you are lucky and can get one or two, it will be a worthwhile trip.
ˆPs.
The pit of beads is too deep. There will be no plot of “bead grinding” or even “equipment” in this game. The game feels too heavy.
At most, there will only be a few, as an embellishment that fits the worldview.
(End of this chapter)