Chapter 520: The Wooden City [Part 1]

Chapter 520: The Wooden City [Part 1]



Everything about Alystren, from his head to his toes, screamed to Northern, "See me, I am shady as hell."

It was perplexing that he couldn't figure out what exactly the old joker was thinking.

But Northern wasn't in a rush.

"You see, I've decided to live my life by following my gut and instincts," Alystren said. "That way, I've managed to survive deadly situations. My gut and instincts have brought me this far, boy, so I'm unapologetically myself. I just hope my son understands that one day."

Alystren sighed.

Shin immediately patted his shoulder. "I'm sure the young lad will come to appreciate your nature and find value in your philosophy."

"Right? I know, right?!" Alystren's tone rose excitedly.

As Northern listened to Shin, the more he spoke, the less he resembled the father Northern once knew.

'What the hell is that? He sounds so nice, I think I might puke.'

Amid the lighthearted atmosphere, Alystren grinned, gathering everyone's attention with his words.

"That's that, but do you want to know something right now?" He grinned widely, leaning towards Northern.

"If you're willing to share, I guess..." Northern replied shyly.

The old joker slapped his thighs as he sat cross-legged.

"My gut and instincts are telling me you need to learn my unique combat style called Vikora."

Northern tilted his head slightly. "That's quite a unique name. Is it a heritage?"

"Uh? Heritage? No! No, boy, it's nothing that grand. It's just a kickass combat style my decrepit family with forgotten histories passed down to me."

"At first, it seemed useless, but under my genius intellectual introspection, I found its flaws and rewrote it. Then I learned it better."

His countenance fell as he continued, "Sadly, though, since I rewrote this combat style, no one has been able to learn it. I've tried teaching it to some renowned drifters, but it was no use."

He spoke with a dull tone.

"You'll probably not get it either, but there's no harm in trying."

Shin smiled brightly. "I'll do my best to hone your combat skills to their peak, identify your flaws and shortcomings, and then we can start working on those."

Northern's lips curved up, a dangerous yet tender smile forming as he said, "Thank you."

An unheard voice, thin as nylon, suddenly cut through the air.

"Uhm, me... too..."

at Elmuish."

"Oh? We have? That felt fast."

It hadn't been a fast journey, but perhaps it felt that way because of the busy company, particularly the old joker he was traveling with.

With light steps, Alystren jumped out of the cart, straightened his back, and stretched his muscles.

He raised his arms high to the sky in jubilation and shouted, "Welcome to the Wooden City,

Elmuish!"

'Really, the wooden city?'

It sounded funny at first, but a second later, Northern was stunned to discover that Alystren was completely correct.

Everything about the city was wooden from beginning to end.

Even the knights moved with a graceful yet imposing presence, their armor a testament to the craftsmanship of Elmuish.

Their uniforms were a blend of functionality and artistry, constructed from darkened wood reinforced with contrasting bands.

The chest plates were carved from thick timber, intricately engraved with the insignia of Sassex-a majestic tree whose roots intertwined with runes of power, glowing faintly with

soul essence.

Wooden pauldrons rested on their broad shoulders, polished to a smooth sheen, reinforced with another layer of wood, giving them a commanding and durable appearance.

Their gauntlets, fashioned from flexible wooden segments, allowed for both dexterity and protection, each fingertip capped with sharp wooden claws.

The knights' greaves were similarly constructed-sturdy, resilient, and strapped with leather beneath for comfort-allowing them to move with the agility of trained warriors despite the

weight.

Over their armor, they wore deep green cloaks, symbolizing their connection to the woods, and trimmed with golden threads, denoting their high status in the kingdom.

Their helms, carved from the same dark wood, were fashioned into fierce, bestial shapes- some resembling wolves, others eagles-giving them an intimidating aura.

Slits in the helms allowed their sharp eyes to scan the surroundings with vigilance, while beneath the wooden visors, glowing runes pulsed gently, enhancing their perception and

alertness.

Strapped to their backs or sides were long wooden spears or swords, their blades made of enchanted wood, sharper and more resilient than steel.

Even their shields, round and solid, bore the emblems of their ancestors, with intricate

carvings etched into the wood.

And when Northern took a look at the city itself?

'Wood, wood, wood, wood, wood!'