Chapter 504 505-Preparing to Depart

Chapter 504 505-Preparing to Depart

The total for the three magic potions came to just under a hundred gold coins, a fraction of the cost of an intermediate potion.

After purchasing the magic potions, Howard and Vivia moved on to their next objective.

"This is for you!"

Halfway there, Howard, ensuring they were unobserved, suddenly pulled Vivia aside and handed her the Liontiger potion they had just bought.

"Keep this safe, use it when you need to, don't be stingy or worry about the cost! Compared to your safety, these two hundred gold coins mean nothing."

Vivia looked at the potion in her hand, then at Howard's face.

She didn't say anything, just nodded.

She knew that with her current strength, she couldn't provide any direct combat support to Howard.

Although she was a herbal healer, her knowledge of magic potions was limited, and she could only prepare a few basic potions.

If she couldn't contribute on the battlefield, the least she could do was take care of herself and not become a burden to Howard.

If things were as bad as Nula had described, the enemy would undoubtedly investigate the relationships around Howard.

Even if they couldn't uncover Howard's true identity, linking them together wouldn't be difficult.

Targeting a soft target rather than going after Howard and Nula, whose strengths were unknown, is a decision any intelligent assassin would make.

That's why Howard and Nula were in such a hurry to leave, and why Howard had allocated so much of their budget to equip her, to enhance her capabilities.

Beyond magic potions, Howard also planned to buy Vivia a mana protection item or several suitable scrolls.

The former is good for its reusability, while the latter boasts stronger power.

Ideally, they would acquire both, but reality dictated Howard's budget could only stretch to one choice.

Opting for mana equipment meant insufficient funds for scrolls, and purchasing enough scrolls left no money for mana items.

After watching Vivia carefully store away the Liontiger potion and reiterating his advice, Howard led her towards the scroll counter.

Ultimately, he decided on scrolls.

Mana items, although reusable, were not the current priority.

The immediate concern was addressing the limited but extremely dangerous assassination attempts.

Weighing the options, the superior power and effect of scrolls made them the more valuable choice.

Acquiring mana items could wait until their arrival in Sorona; navigating the immediate crisis was paramount.

Two basic teleportation spells, one multiple fireball, one ice spike spell, and one imprisonment spell—five scrolls in total, equivalent to the power of a top-tier level 3 magus.

This purchase depleted all of Howard's remaining budget, even slightly exceeding it.

However, this effectively armed Vivia.

With the Liontiger potion enhancing her constitution, and offensive or defensive measures like the multiple fireballs and ice spike spell, along with escape options provided by the imprisonment spell and basic teleportation scrolls, Vivia was well-equipped.

As long as she remained alert, there was virtually no chance of her being captured.

Rubbing his hair, he climbed out of bed, methodically dressing himself and equipping his gear: half-armor, belt pouch, potion bag, hunting knife sheath, and scabbard.

With each piece of equipment he donned, Howard became more alert.

By the time he was fully equipped, he was completely awake, his gaze sharp.

Smiling at his reflection in the mirror, Howard grabbed a clean towel to wipe his face, just as a knock sounded at the door.

Adjusting the diagonally exposed hilt of his knife on his shoulder, he turned and said, "Come in."

The door opened, revealing Vivia, already prepared herself.

"Nula sent me to call you. We're ready to depart."

"I'm all set," Howard smiled at Vivia, tucking the towel into his Space Ring.

He had organized all his belongings the day before, packed them separately, keeping the essential items in his Space Ring and the rest in a bundle.

Picking up the bundle by the bed, Howard passed by Vivia, ruffling her hair.

"Let's go, we're setting off."

Vivia tilted her head, watching Howard's back, then hurried to catch up.

"Why do I feel like there's something different about you today?"

"Different?" Howard, looking at Vivia beside him, smiled more broadly.

"Indeed, something is different. You could say I've come to understand some things."

"Understand what?" Vivia looked at Howard, puzzled.

"Some things I used to insist on, but now, upon reflection, seem rather pretentious," Howard explained, reaching out to ruffle Vivia's hair again.

"I hope you'll never have to deal with such things."

"You didn't say what it was."

"If you encounter it, you'll naturally understand. If you don't, then that's even better."

Descending the stairs, Howard saw the innkeeper cleaning the lobby.

After greeting her and settling the bill, he and Vivia headed to the backyard where Nula stood by the carriage, grooming Lightning's feathers.

"Are we all set? Let's get going."

Upon seeing Howard and Vivia, Nula waved them over.

Howard helped Vivia onto the carriage, then went to the stable to fetch Redfeather, fitting the saddle in place.

The carriage moved out first, with Howard riding Redfeather, following behind.

The streets of Rodel were nearly empty in the early morning, allowing their small convoy to exit the city without delay despite their moderate pace.

As they left the city, the sun had yet to fully rise, only a faint glow brightening the horizon.

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