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The post was filled with a war of words. Thankfully, Caelan had set up a filter for sensitive words earlier—otherwise, it would have been a complete mess.
After waiting a while and not seeing any substantial action from those Stickfall people, Caelan couldn't be bothered to care anymore.
After sending off the big trouble—Caroline—Caelan still had a small trouble: the semester was ending in about ten days, and he'd received a letter from his father.
It was embarrassing to admit, but only after receiving this letter did Caelan realize he had parents in this world.
Facepalm...
The surname Oxhand definitely wasn't a major surname, but in his small town, it barely counted as notable. Said to have tens of thousands of people in the extended family. His branch had once produced an Apothecary who was somewhat famous in the town. From that Apothecary onward, Ashford became a secondary surname.
Caelan picked up the letter again. Only two pages, written by his father. The general content: his first year was almost over, his mother missed him very much, and after the holidays, he shouldn't become an Adventurer like other children—it was life-threatening, especially since his strength was too low. And so on.
In short: if he didn't have strength, he shouldn't run around. He should honestly come back and help farm.
Finally, the letter included two gold crowns as travel expenses. Of course, this wasn't enough for a teleportation array—it was meant for a Mountain-Moving Drake's cargo wagon. A Mountain-Moving Drake was a sub-dragon, and no one knew which ancient dragon's uncontrolled lower body had produced it. Its size was similar to an elephant, but its proportions were reversed—developed horizontally rather than vertically. Great strength, gentle disposition, walked steadily, and could travel for half a month without rest. Bred specifically for pulling carts and transporting goods.
After all, spatial rings weren't common items.
Westriver Province was adjacent to Mapleleaf Province, where Crimson Academy was located. Caelan was less than a thousand kilometers from home. Taking a Mountain-Moving Drake's cargo wagon would cost about one gold crown, but it would take nearly three days to arrive.
His father had sent two gold crowns. Probably worried that Caelan would suffer on the journey, so he'd sent extra money to buy food.
Amidst his moved feelings, only guilt remained.
After pondering for a moment, Caelan sent messages to Victor and Cassius separately: "Do you know any Earth Element specialists who can build houses?"
After a while, Victor replied first: "What do you want to do?"
Caelan replied: "Have him help me build a big house at home."
Another pause. Then Victor sent: "My aunt knows one. She happens to want to add you. Her number is 1004."
Too many people had been adding Caelan, so he'd already blocked requests. He didn't even need to go online—he added Victor's aunt directly through his mind palace.
He looked at her username: anyone who studies new magic is a fool
Uh...
anyone who studies new magic is a fool: Crossroads Street, mid-section of Redcloud Alley. The shop is called "Earthworks Pioneers." The boss is an old teammate of mine. Trustworthy. But remember to mention my name.
Illusionist: Thank you, Vice Dean.
anyone who studies new magic is a fool: You're welcome.
Redcloud Alley was right next to Galloping Horse Alley. Caelan arrived quickly and found the shop named "Earthworks Pioneers."
Cassandra's name was effective. After he mentioned it, the shop owner's attitude immediately became respectful. After a detailed discussion, they decided to set off for Westriver Province immediately.
"Go now?" Caelan asked in surprise. It was already two in the afternoon. If they went today, they might not be able to return.
"Do you have anything else today?" the shop owner asked. His name was Hadrian Stonepeak. Just from the name, one could tell he was a steady and reliable earth-element type.
"No, I don't."
"Then let's go."
Caelan followed. Passing by some food shops, he made a large purchase along the way. Hadrian said nothing, silently waiting by the side.
He stuffed some newly bought cured meat into his spatial ring, saw it was almost full, and gave up on further purchases. They headed to the teleportation array together.
Two hours later, the two emerged from the teleportation array in Spiritbrook City, the Foxhollow Prefecture capital. Caelan was about to rent two swift horses when Hadrian asked, "How far is your home?"
Caelan calculated. "Less than thirty kilometers, I suppose."
"Then there's no need to rent swift horses." Hadrian waved his hand. "Do you mind if I grab your clothes?"
"??? What?" Caelan looked bewildered. "Old brother, let's talk about renting swift horses first."
"Just tell me if you mind or not."
Seeing the earth-element veteran's serious attitude, Caelan thought for a moment. "I don't mind."
Hadrian nodded. "You know the way, right?"
Caelan nodded. With his mind palace, it would be difficult to get lost. He pointed southwest. "See the road next to that black house? We follow that main road for about twenty kilometers, and we'll almost reach our town."
Hadrian nodded again. "That's good."
He suddenly reached out his right hand and grabbed the back of Caelan's clothes. His left hand swiftly cast a Levitation Spell on Caelan. Then he cast a Swift Wind spell on himself.
And then this earth-element veteran took off running.
Caelan looked bewildered. "Hadrian, aren't you an Earth Element specialist?"
Because of the Levitation Spell, Caelan didn't feel any bumps at all. It was just a bit windy.
Hadrian looked at him strangely. "That's a stereotype, isn't it? Who says someone who specializes in Earth Element for building houses can't play with Wind Element?"
Please. The Levitation Spell isn't a Wind Element magic that just anyone can use casually.
Caelan grumbled internally, but it was fine. Having such a human-shaped vehicle carrying him—literally carrying him floating through the air, drinking the southwest wind—was very convenient. Much easier than renting swift horses.
In less than forty minutes, guided by Caelan, the two arrived at Oxmoor Village.
The earth-element veteran was awesome.
Hadrian paused at the village entrance to recover. After feeling mostly restored, Caelan stepped into the village.
Oxmoor Village was a very ordinary village—once a poor and dilapidated place. However, thanks to Caelan's fame over the past decade or so, their income had increased a little. The village had been tidied up enough not to look so run-down, even ranking among the better-off villages nearby.
Because of this, the villagers had some goodwill toward Caelan's family. But it was limited. After all, his family used to be the richest in the village, living in the best house, which inevitably attracted envy and jealousy.
Hmm. Soon, they would be even more jealous.
Currently, the best house in the village was the one Caelan's father had sold to the village chief for thirty-two gold crowns. Yes, it was that cheap.
Along the way, he quickly met familiar villagers.
"Oh, Caelan! Why are you back? Shouldn't school still be in session?"
"Hello, Uncle Leoric. School ends in ten-odd days. I came home early for something."
"Oh, oh."
"Isn't this Caelan? Why aren't you at school?"
"Hello, Auntie Wilda. I came back early for something. I'll return to the Academy soon."
"You child, why'd you come back early? Not only is it a waste of money, but traveling for days on a cargo wagon is tiring too."
"Heh, it's fine."
Greeting villagers along the way, Hadrian followed silently like an invisible person.
When they reached the old wooden house where he currently lived, his mother in this life was already standing silently at the door. Her eyes were red, looking at him.
After all, she was a mother who hadn't seen her son for nearly nine months.
To be honest, Caelan had always felt uncomfortable having parents again in this world. But looking at the aged woman in front of him, he was still moved. He quickly stepped forward, opened his arms, and hugged her.
Caelan's mother in this life was in very poor health. She had difficulty walking. Caelan suspected it was something like a herniated disc—which ordinary healing magic couldn't cure. At least, his father had taken her to try before, spending a lot of money, but it was useless.
After barely comforting his mother, Caelan changed the subject. "Where's Father?"
His mother wiped her tears. "He's moving goods in town. He'll be back soon."
Caelan thought for a moment, then decided to wait.