Chapter 476: Transport Sets Sail

The existing magic system of Netheril originates from the 【Nether Scroll】. Xia Duo has long coveted these mysterious scrolls, which contain countless pieces of knowledge. Ever since Xia Duo confirmed that he had arrived in Netheril, he had always wanted to see the legendary 【Nether Scroll】. In that game on Earth, the descriptions regarding the 【Nether Scroll】 were also extremely mysterious.

Some say they came from an ancient progenitor race, others say they came from the ancient Elf Kingdom, and there are even claims that the Magic Goddess participated in the creation of the scrolls.

But regardless, it is safe to say that Netheril is built upon the foundation of these mysterious scrolls.

In the past, the 【Nether Scroll】 was open for anyone to view, but after one set was stolen, it was changed to the current recommended reading system. It must be recommended by multiple Archmages, or at least one Great Arcanist, and the person being recommended must be at least a High Mage.

Alternatively, one can only obtain reading permission on their own after becoming an Archmage, but even then, there is only one opportunity per year.

One visible benefit brought by the title of "Pioneer" is the once-a-year reading permission for the 【Nether Scroll】.

Last year, Xia Duo gave his reading permission to Niya, but this year he intends to use it himself. When Niya returned a few days ago, Xia Duo spoke with her about the 【Nether Scroll】.

Niya told him it is best to only look at the first set, or even just one sheet is enough. The 【Nether Scroll】 does not just record knowledge; the scrolls themselves also possess very special power, so one must act according to their ability.

Xia Duo naturally followed her advice, but before heading to Seventon, there was still a small matter that needed to be resolved.

……

Savile Town, port.

Xia Duo stood on the embankment near the pier with the heads of the three chambers of commerce—Hans, Silaiwen, and Shanjin—watching the dock workers continuously load grain onto the ships.

At Xia Duo's request, the three chambers of commerce prepared to send ships to Seventon to transport residents for Daxia Territory. This time, besides going to see the 【Nether Scroll】, Xia Duo would also go to the Seventon Council to apply for new residents; this is the true reward represented by the 【Silver Ring Badge】.

Among the dozens of Pioneers, only three, including Xia Duo, received this reward—almost unlimited population support, as long as the territory can sustain it.

Although after years of development, the population in the Inner Land, which has almost no Orc Tide invasions, is somewhat surplus, there are likely very few lords who would complain about having too many residents.

From this, it can be seen that the Princess still paid a considerable price for this, at least reaching a compromise with most of the Inner Land lords.

Since that is the case, Xia Duo must make good use of it, otherwise he would be letting down the Princess's efforts!

Xia Duo suddenly withdrew his gaze from the cargo ships and asked the three chamber heads beside him, "How long is it expected to take to reach Seventon?"

"Two months—perhaps!"

"Hmm?" Xia Duo immediately stared at Chamber Head Hans, who had just replied, "How long exactly?"

Xia Duo was not entirely ignorant about the voyage from Savile Town to Seventon. He had carefully consulted Captain Lao Owen, an old fellow who had spent most of his life on ships, who told him that the river water is calm in winter; although there is no convenience of flowing with the current, there is also less trouble from going against it.

One must know that the journey from Savile Town to Seventon passes through multiple river sections. The initial Wolfburg River is upstream, then it briefly enters a large lake, after which it goes upstream again into the South Nether River, and finally, it is the North Nether River all the way north until it merges into the Narrow Sea at the far north.

And Seventon is right on the edge of the Narrow Sea.

Most of the way there is upstream, but the water flow is calm in winter, which can save a lot of time. Lao Owen told him that going to Seventon in winter takes about a month.

It might be even faster on the way back.

"My Lord, I guarantee we will reach Seventon in a month and a half. If everything goes smoothly, we can return to Daxia Territory within three months." The one speaking was Chamber Head Masa of the Silaiwen Chamber of Commerce.

Xia Duo can understand people doing things to ensure safety, but those in power only focus on the fastest and most efficient methods.

When a task that could be done in two months is dragged out to three, wasting half the time for no reason, Xia Duo was naturally dissatisfied. "How about this: excluding the time in Seventon, I require you to compress the voyage to under two months. For every day reduced, I will pay an extra ten percent in Gold Coins, settled with Magic Items, but likewise, for every day exceeded, I will pay ten percent less."

The Seventon Council organizing personnel is said to take a month, but Xia Duo cannot be certain how long it will actually take; it could be shorter or longer, and this should not be calculated into the voyage time.

This is actually a gambling contract. Although Xia Duo might have to pay a few extra percent in Gold Coins, considering it is paid in Magic Items, it is actually not a loss.

Tilake's research has already entered a new stage, and the day when the prices of Magic Items plummet is not far off. Even if he cannot wait for Tilake, Xia Duo has new techniques for crafting Magic Scrolls himself.

The 【Transcription】 obtained from the Projection Plane can mass-produce semi-finished scrolls, which will greatly reduce time costs, and this is something none of the three chamber heads know.

Sure enough, upon hearing about this gambling contract from Xia Duo, Chamber Head Fulaike of the Shanjin Chamber of Commerce immediately patted his chest and agreed, and the eyes of the other two chamber heads also flashed with surprise.

"No matter how many days you can save, remember, a stable arrival is the prerequisite, otherwise, you will have to taste my methods!"

"We wouldn't dare! We wouldn't dare! We understand!"

Watching the three of them acting so cautious, Xia Duo suddenly lost interest. He gave a few more instructions, handed the handover Document bearing the lord's seal to the three, and then teleported away directly.

……

Returning to Linshui Village and seeing Priest Laidun again, Xia Duo still felt quite close to him. They chatted about the situation in the territory after he left, though mostly Laidun spoke and Xia Duo listened.

The Langasi of the Kewu Tribe are all working hard to integrate into Daxia Territory. Their Shaman died not long ago, which is exactly when they lack Faith and a backbone. Daxia Territory took advantage of the situation, which can be considered a mutual agreement.

After some conversation, Xia Duo's sense of familiarity with the territory returned. After all, it was a territory he had opened up bit by bit; it is not something that can be forgotten in a year or a half.

It is now mid-February. If everything goes smoothly, the first batch of residents from the Inner Land will arrive at Linshui Village in two months. Linshui Village must make preparations in advance.

By then, the weather will also be gradually warming up, and perhaps the second phase of construction for Linshui Village can begin early.

Xia Duo had already planned the second phase of Linshui Village. Originally, he was going to wait until the population developed to a certain level before implementing it, but he did not expect the 【Silver Ring Badge】 to also come with population, which immediately set Linshui Village on the path of rapid development.

"I have to go out again and will return in about three days. Have someone prepare some soft-textured wood and cut it into wood chips; I will have a use for them when I return."

Xia Duo is preparing to make paper. Parchment can be used to make scrolls, but using it for general writing is a bit wasteful. Moreover, if he makes the paper himself, he can have as much as he wants, and he won't encounter the situation where there is not enough paper when he wants to copy books in the Projection Plane.

He could completely fill his entire storage space, although even that much would not be enough to copy the entire Library.

Although Laidun was curious about what Xia Duo needed wood chips for, the lord did not say, and he would not ask. What Xia Duo is most satisfied with is this disposition of Laidun's to obey orders.

After explaining some details clearly, Xia Duo returned to the Tower of Time. Only by utilizing the Teleportation Array here could he reach Seventon quickly.

Thanks to 【Book Friend 140621142602361】 for the 100 reward!! Thanks for everyone's support!!

(End of chapter)