86: Boots of the North and Red Tassel Spear

I rode a white mare of the same breed, half a horse-length behind Randall.

My equipment had also been replaced with brand new magical boots and a +1 magical spear, with a circle of red silk tied at the base of the spearhead.

Northland Boots: Embrace of Frost

Ice Daveil was betrayed by his friend for a bag of gold and left alone on the Great Glacier to die.

His dying curse reached the ears of the Goddess of Winter, who smiled upon him and imbued his boots with divine power.

Relying on these Northland Boots' resistance to cold, he went for revenge with a heart full of rage.

In the nearest town's hotel, he found the friend who betrayed him, who was laughing and warming himself by the fireplace.

After killing everyone, Daveil walked into the snowstorm wearing these boots and was never seen again.

Years later, these boots found their way into the hands of an Amn merchant, were bought by Ryan, and had an “Agility” magic pattern drawn on them.

After being enhanced by the “Agility” magic pattern, these boots became ideal equipment for Northland hunters.

Data:

Equipment Abilities:

- Cold Resistance: +50%

- Agility +1

Weight: 4

...

Spear: Ryan's Red Tassel Spear +1

The spear is one of humanity's earliest weapons, used almost since primitive times.

The earliest spears were sharpened wooden sticks; when humans learned to use metal, spearheads were made of iron or steel.

Since then, weapon smiths have continuously tried to create various types of spearheads and various long shafts, thus developing a variety of polearms.

Another development was to integrate magic into spears.

The tribal shaman enchanted this spear to make it easier to hit opponents and cause greater damage.

After Ryan bought this magical spear from a merchant, he tied a circle of red silk at the base of the spearhead, which gave the spear the ability to confuse enemies and channel blood.

The enemy's blood would be channeled by the silk to the ground, rather than flowing down the shaft to the user's hand, thereby affecting the performance of martial arts.

Ryan named this spear the Red Tassel Spear.

After being enhanced by the “Flame” magic pattern, this flaming spear became an ideal melee attack weapon against many creatures that fear fire.

Data:

Zero-level Hit Bonus: +1

Damage: 1D6+1 (piercing) +1 fire damage

Weapon Speed: 4

Weapon Proficiency Category: Spear/Polearm

Usage Category: Two-handed

Requirements:

Strength 5

Weight: 3

...

Old Hather held the reins of the four white mares, steadily driving the magnificent four-wheeled carriage, his ever-present balance scale at hand, ready for any potential transactions.

These elegant creatures moved in unison, and the carriage was covered with large pieces of canvas, both to protect the carriage and to avoid excessive attention from bandits along the way.

The freight wagon driven by John followed closely behind, fully loaded with goods.

George, on the other hand, drove an even more exquisite large freight wagon.

Two ponies and a packhorse were now being led by people from that village caravan.

To ensure the safety of the goods, I stored all perishable food items in the system space. The freight wagon and packhorse only carried some timber and furs as a cover for the caravan.

Along the way, I couldn't help but ponder my future plans.

There was still nearly 1 ton of salt in the system space, and we could continuously produce it with almost no cost.

But the problem was how to prevent prying eyes, especially from Amn.

Although Jasper seemed kind on the surface, I could feel the calculation in his eyes.

If managed properly, and if we could resist future potential interference and invasion from external forces, earning enough to develop the territory and fund my personal magic studies would be no problem at all.

I had already begun planning how to establish our commercial foothold in Gorebest, a town located on a trade route, which might be the starting point of our trade business.

Randall rode beside me, his new armor making faint metallic clinking sounds with the horse's steps.

He suddenly spoke, a hint of emotion in his voice: "Ryan, do you know? The magic patterns on this armor remind me of my days in Elturgard."

I listened intently, curious about the past of this Holy Knight from the East.

Randall continued: "In Elturgard, many high-ranking Holy Knights had special holy patterns drawn on their armor. Those holy patterns not only enhanced protection but also symbolized our oaths and responsibilities." He looked down at the holy symbol on his chest, "Although the magic patterns here are different from Elturgard, that magical feeling is so similar."

I noticed a hint of nostalgia in his tone and quietly asked, "Are you homesick?"

Randall shook his head, his gaze firm: "No, my oath has been dedicated to Black Panther Fortress, dedicated to you." He turned to look at me, a gentle light flashing in his eyes, "A ten-year-old child, who not only saved my life multiple times but also gave me a new mission, allowing me to become a Holy Knight of the Oath of the Crown again. This might be destiny's arrangement."

I smiled, about to say something, when I suddenly remembered the salt trade with Jasper, and lowered my voice: "However, I always feel that Jasper agreed too readily. He didn't continue to haggle over that 30% commission."

Randall nodded, his expression turning serious: "It is indeed suspicious. But no matter what, we must be fully prepared. Gorebest, I'm afraid, will not be a peaceful place." He tightened his grip on the reins, and the white warhorse seemed to sense its master's emotions, raising its head and chest, its steps becoming more powerful.

I looked at the snow-covered road ahead, feeling both anticipation and apprehension.

Although I was currently a penniless lord, with Randall's loyalty, with this refreshed caravan, and with the unique salt, I believed we would surely make a name for ourselves in Gorebest.

Today was our sixth day on the Wan'an Highway.

As noon approached, the biting north wind, carrying snowflakes, began to rage again on the desolate road.

Although the snow and wind had been continuous these days, making travel difficult, we had already covered more than half the distance to our destination, Gorebest.

However, fate always seems to enjoy providing tests at the most unexpected times.

If we hadn't just changed into new equipment, we almost couldn't withstand the coordinated and tactical attacks of the other side.

In the afternoon, as we climbed a slope, we encountered the most aggressive large-scale bandit group we had seen in days.

At first, it was just an unusual bird call, followed by the crisp sound of breaking branches. Randall suddenly raised his hand, signaling the team to stop. His white warhorse restlessly pawed the ground, the holy symbol on his armor glowing faintly.

"Alert!" Randall growled, simultaneously drawing his greatsword.