Chapter 106 - Journey

It was time that the two has to travel towards the Tomb of Affliction. The Tomb where all it began, the tomb of the Demon Lord Dullan. As they prepared for their journey, Joan was inside the carriage and Isaias was the one who was driving. Having eaten, they also bought food for their travel.

Joan requested Isaias to buy a steel container with three layers. Joan requested a portable grill for their travel. It excites Joan to the deepest of his bones. Also, Joan requested an icebox so Isaias bought one for him. They placed meat inside and Joan iced all of them. Such convenience for someone like a grandmaster of all elements.

They refilled their stocks and also their water. Ingredients and spices, as well as the feeds for their animals. Especially Priscilla's carrots because she loved them.. The chickens were alright with just corn grits so Joan also bought one sack for them.

Now that they were ready, they travelled towards the tomb. Located at the edge of the human kingdom. It was far from the capital and it was a weakness that the kingdom has. It was exploited by the cultist and Demon Lord worshipers that soon became the root of all this mess. The backup and reinforcements were a tad late after their attack. It was soon liberated or so what Joan imagined. But it was obvious that they were slaughtered and none were spared.

"Joan, what are you doing inside?" Isaias asked while he was driving.

"Nothing, just cooking. Do you want to eat? I have grilled pork here," Joan said while inside.

"Ah, we can eat while travelling eh? You're brilliant as always." Isaias said to him.

Joan then went outside and have a plate of grilled pork.

"I have rubbed it with salt and pepper. Want some? I cooled it off," Joan said then handed him the plate.

"Thanks!" Isaias said to him. Grabbing a slice.

"We are travelling towards the edge of the Human Kingdom. It will have greater numbers of monsters and demons. Though there were walls that separate the dark lands. I am sure he planted a seed of evil in that place. Let us awaken them, I am sure the heroes are waiting for another time to breathe fresh air," Isaias said to him.

"So we are going to uproot the seed of evil there?" Joan asked curiously.

"Haha, Joan you are still too weak for that. Focus on your growth first. Maybe when you reached Legend," Isaias said to him. Taking a bite of the meat.

Joan then chuckled, he went inside and finished cooking for their lunch. Sitting inside and crossed legs, he inhaled deep and start absorbing mana from the surroundings. No time has to be wasted in the time being. He has only a little time left before he will battle the Demon Lords once again and he used his [Stat manipulation] halfway.

Joan can only click his tongue as it was premature and he was left with meagre stats before they will clash once again. All he could do was regain his strength at once and that was by killing enemies in the upcoming battle. All he could wish was it has to be enough or else he was doomed.

Joan absorbed mana and it was felt by Isaias. Isaias was then amazed by his determination. He didn't waste time and cultivated instead. Upon reaching the Sky realm, he has greater mana well, faster mana regeneration, and, smaller mana consumption. Also unlocking his skills on the Advanced and if he will stretch his self, he can execute some Master tier skills.

But it was harder to progress with greater heights that he will rise. He can only smile in the process while doing his cultivation.

Joan needs to get stronger as fast as he could so sacrificing his stats were also the right decision for that. But he barely has stats for battling the last battle. He focused himself on his cultivation and the mana in his surrounding was sucked dry. But with it, he was able to reach the second stage of the Sky realm. His breakthrough took his all and he was breathing deeply.

Drinking water, he grabbed some food and gave some to Isaias. Joan then saw outside that they were in the mountains. Seeing the vast mountain ranges that have sprinkles of white on their tops and clouds carried by the winds that collided with them. The winds carried a cold breeze that sent shivers on their spines. Joan then heated water and brewed coffee. Giving a cup to Isaias that he soon drank. Luckily, the road was not bumpy or else his cup will be spilt on the process.

Priscilla was pulling their carriage but she soon put it to a stop. Breathing hoarsely, Joan felt worried as the climate was chilly. Joan then let her rest and fed her with warm water and carrots. He also added protein-rich beans and peas to her diet as she was exerting more strength in their travels.

They rested beside the road and it was chilly in that parts. Joan created a small fire pit and they warmed themselves on the fire. Eating the grilled pork, Joan also cooked some soup from chicken legs that they bought ahead and was stored inside the icebox. Joan finished cooking it and added spices for flavouring. Salt was just right and so they drank its hot soup. It was soon getting dark and so the two decided to camp there by the night.

"Joan, let us camp here right now and sign out for the night. If we will push some more, I am afraid that we will be attacked by monsters on the road. The next region will teem with monsters so it is not safe to camp there," Isaias explained.

"So it is safe here? I hope we can at least sleep without problems," Joan asked.

"No," Isaias said to him.

"Ah," Joan replied while being dumbfounded.

"You know about the story of the Lost Candlesticks?" He asked Joan.

"Ah, the story of four-armed monsters bathed with blood and kills anyone who didn't light up candles on their homes? The candles were like the charm used against bad tidings. But one day, the candlemakers died or disappeared and no one was able to produce candles anymore. All the candles run out and then the monsters arrived. It was pretty horrific, yes?" Joan said to him.

"It is real," Isaias said to him.