Chapter 293: Dangers on the Grassland

The next morning, Henwell and his group finish packing and set off from the tribe with a few guides.

After leaving the fenced area, several Battle Knights dismount and carefully inspect the ground.

After a while, they shake their heads at Henwell, indicating they find no traces.

The noises from last night suggest many Fury Spirits are out there.

Henwell senses that the Fury Spirits are quite large and heavy.

But strangely, there are no marks on the ground.

Moreover, Henwell’s perception tells him the Fury Spirits have no wings.

If they could fly, there would be wind pressure marks on the grass.

But there’s nothing, almost as if the Fury Spirits he sensed yesterday don’t exist at all.

Could it be that Fury Spirits are some kind of spiritual entities?

With these questions in mind, the group presses on.

Time is running short. They must cover over seventy kilometers today.

Although the grassland is mostly flat, there are patches of grass pits that can obstruct the carts.

It’s hard to pick up full speed; averaging ten kilometers per hour is already good.

By that calculation, the schedule is tight.

At the wooden cabin’s entrance in the tribe, Old Candle watches Henwell and the others leave, silver light flickering in his eyes.

On the road, Henwell asks the guide beside him, “Garu, what dangers are there on the grassland?”

Garu, a man in his thirties with a slight limp and a damaged right palm—likely from a slash wound—responds respectfully in somewhat broken Common Tongue.

“Master, there are many dangers on the grassland! First is the environment, big temperature swings between day and night, easy to get sick if you’re not careful. Second is the terrain, lots of grass pits and rabbit holes; if you’re careless, horses can twist their legs!”

”Lastly, and most dangerous, is the weather. Sudden violent storms can come without warning. After a storm, many temporary lakes form. Though the grassland looks flat, it’s actually uneven. Picking the wrong place to stop during heavy rain can be deadly. By the time you notice water gathering, it’s already too late, you’ll be flooded quickly.”

Henwell nods. “Nature’s power is indeed formidable. Everyone must respect it. But there should be ways to avoid these dangers—like observing animal behavior. Animals often sense changes in nature more keenly than humans. Their survival instincts drive them toward safe high ground to avoid drowning.”

Garu looks surprised at Henwell. “Master, you’re truly knowledgeable. Have you heard all this before?”

Henwell smiles but doesn’t explain, instead asking, “Besides those natural challenges, what other dangers are there? Like dangerous creatures? Or maybe other kinds of threats?”

Garu shakes his head. “Wolves? They’re no threat to you, masters. You have armor and swords, and there are quite a few of you. Wild beasts won’t dare cause trouble.”

Henwell chuckles. “What about other kinds of trouble?”

Garu looks puzzled. “Other trouble? Like bandits? Don’t worry. Your reputation has spread through the tribes. No one dares to mess with you anymore.”

“Bandits” here refers to the local herdsmen turning into horse thieves.

Henwell points upward. “I mean more dangerous things, the strange and dangerous legends passed down within your tribe.”

Garu’s expression darkens. After a pause, he says, “I’ve only heard many of those stories. I’m not sure how true they are. But there’s one legend I actually encountered myself. If I hadn’t reacted quickly, this leg wouldn’t just be limping.”

He rolls up his pant leg, revealing his calf.

The skin is rough and pitted, looking like it’s been corroded by acid.

Garu continues, “It’s a creature called the Prairie Earth Snake. They hide underground beneath the grass, waiting for prey to pass by before striking suddenly. They vary in size. Some people say they’re as long as an arm, others claim to have seen giants over ten meters long.”

”The one I met—I don’t know how long it was—but it could open its mouth wide enough to swallow my entire foot. Their mouths are round, more like an insect’s, filled with teeth. Once they bite their prey, they drag it underground. If they manage to pull you down, there’s basically no hope.”

”Their bite is dangerous too. They’re venomous, able to corrode flesh and quickly drain blood. If not treated in time, even if the poison doesn’t kill you, you’ll be drained dry in no time.”

Seeing the scars on Garu’s calf, everyone can imagine how ferocious this creature must be.

Garu points to the large scythe hanging from his horse and says, “If one bites you, you have to cut through their body as quickly as possible. They’re incredibly strong. Once they clamp down, it’s tough to pull yourself free from their mouths.”

He adds, “Also, don’t panic, especially don’t run around wildly. It’s best to stay calm and quiet, or you’ll attract more Prairie Earth Snakes.”

Seeing everyone vigilantly scanning the grassland, Garu chuckles, “But don’t worry too much. These creatures are lazy. They only come out after rain, and only in summer when it’s hot enough. Right now, it’s still too cool for them to appear. Their peak activity is in late autumn, probably because they need to hunt frequently to stock up for hibernation.”

”Also, Prairie Earth Snakes rarely attack humans. They mostly go after livestock or small animals like rabbits and grass mice. The path we’re taking is a well-traveled trade route with firm soil beneath the grass, so Earth Snakes generally don’t show up here.”

Hearing this, the group relaxes a bit.

Garu then shares stories of other legendary creatures on the grassland.

They all sound fierce, but none pose a real threat to this fully armored knight squad.

Orak tries to ask about the Fury Spirits, but Henwell gently shakes his head to stop him.

First, knowledge of the Fury Spirits and related intel is known only to a select few in the tribe.

Second, even if Garu knows about them, he wouldn’t speak recklessly.

After all, from Old Candle, they know Fury Spirits are considered the tribe’s guardians and haven’t caused real harm.

After a while, Wacker voices a question on everyone’s mind. “Garu, no offense, but we’re curious, why do you sometimes dress up as bandits? You don’t lack goods from the caravans, and their passage brings you more supplies and wealth. This kind of raiding doesn’t make sense.”

Garu’s expression shifts, neither embarrassed nor angry, but sad.

After a pause, he finally says, “None of us want to do it, but it’s the custom…”