Cyberzaun, Machinarium

In addition to the carriage for pulling goods, Hafen also prepared a horse for each person, which saved Enoch a lot of trouble.

"Oh!" Jinx rushed forward excitedly after seeing this, and climbed onto the horse like everyone else, then rushed out.

Jinx has an extremely strong sense of coordination. She can ride well even without anyone teaching her. On the contrary, Enoch is very tight on the horse's back.

"Relax, you scared her. Don't use too much strength with your legs, just follow the horse's gallop." Huck came forward riding his own mount and shared some tips with Enoch and his group.

After trying several times, Enoch gradually became familiar with the place. As the team moved forward, the surrounding scenery changed from a bustling dock to a quiet village, and finally to a similar forest.

The monotonous journey soon became boring. Enoch looked around, trying to find something to talk about, and looked up and down at Hafen.

Enoch noticed that his horse did not carry a spear or a shield, but instead had a beautiful longbow and a lyre hanging next to the quiver.

"I didn't realize you were a singer." Enoch started chatting with Hafen

Hafen looked down at his lyre. "To be precise, I'm a poet. If you want to impress a girl, besides having good skills, you have to have something special."

Enoch smiled knowingly and said, "You must be very skilled, otherwise no one would give you the time to play the piano and sing for girls."

"You're flattering me. I'm not considered the best fighter in my family." Hafen tightly grasped the long sword on his waist. "But don't worry. Ordinary thieves are no match for me."

"I see your sword seems to be a little thinner than others? Will it be difficult to fight against a fully armored tin can?"

"That's right, you're not mistaken, but I move and draw my sword faster, so the one you should be worried about is my opponent."

Looking at Jinx who was having fun in front of him, Halfen hesitated for a moment, but finally asked softly, "As I can see, your female companion is a very energetic lady. May I ask why you call her Jinx? Seeing that you two have a close relationship, I just can't understand why you chose such an impolite name."

Enoch was helpless. "It's because of some reasons... We made an irreparable mistake. This name is..."

"Self-punishment," Hafen nodded. "I completely understand. Past mistakes are scars that are difficult to bring up. I was rude."

Enoch didn't expect Hafen to understand so quickly, and was happy to skip the topic. "You said there were thieves on the road. Are they from the surrounding villages?"

Hafen shook his head. "Not really. The climate and environment in Demacia are suitable, and farmers are basically self-sufficient. The bandits are actually made up of more dangerous people, such as criminals who have broken the law, fallen knights, and the most dangerous magicians and their helpers."

"I've always believed that knights are of noble character, helping the weak and fighting the strong, just like what's said in the storybooks." Jinx went crazy for a while, then gradually returned to the team. "Even if there are some discrepancies, they won't make you a bandit, right?"

"The stories in the storybooks are all about heroes who stick to their beliefs. Most of them are canonized knights - trusted and relied upon by His Majesty. There aren't many of them. The most common knights in Demacia are wandering knights. They have no fixed place to stay, accept commissions, and serve in the army. They don't have any outstanding achievements, so some people call them hedge knights - that's where they rest at night."

"There are also some who call themselves sworn knights. Most of them abide by the oaths they made to themselves or their lords. They hope to gain glory and become the glory of their families.

But not everyone can persevere. They either betray their oaths or resort to dishonorable means in duels... In short, some people who are disgraced will always fall dramatically." Hafen smiled bitterly and changed the subject.

Jinx heard this and turned around to interject, "What about you? You accepted the job but you're still wearing tattered clothes. You're also a...hedge, right?"

Enoch coughed awkwardly, but Hafen laughed. "No, young lady, I am a sworn knight. I swear to give up all external things to uphold justice and help the weak until I gain glory. Mr. Benso is a generous employer. The gold he gave me allows me to help more people."

"To the glory," Enoch raised his wineskin and gestured to Hafen. He hoped that his guide would be a man of his word, which would save him a lot of trouble.

As they moved along the coastline, the caravan would stop to rest whenever they came across a village or settlement, and also sell some alchemical products.

Maybe it was a flag that they had never seen before, or maybe it was a rare large convoy. Every time they camped, nearby farmers and local small lords would gather together.

Every time this happened, Enoch would take the opportunity to move around the area and collect some information about the local customs and culture.

Hafen would often leave the team temporarily to visit nearby farms to see if there were any farmers who needed help.

Most of the work involved killing wild beasts, or expelling and capturing evil wizards. He would always come back before the caravan set out again and continue on the road.

It is difficult to define whether Hafen is an excellent guide or an irresponsible warrior.

"When can we set off again? I'm so bored and the people here are not fun at all." Jinx waved her hand lightly, scaring away the butterfly that was perched on her machine gun. It was a bit too quiet along the way in Demacia, without any exciting news.

"It's almost time. Today we will leave Viscasia. From here to Jandel, there won't be that many villages to stop at. When we get to Jandel, you'll see Demacia's dragons. That means we're not far from our destination, the Silver City of Xiongdu." Enoch sorted out the information in his hand.

Perhaps because the caravans were traveling along the coastline, both the Demacia civilians and the small lords had a lot of money in their hands, and they would show their support when they saw the caravans coming. Most of them were more interested in private alchemical machines for home use.

Lords generally favor air conditioners, refrigerators and handicrafts, civilians are mostly interested in lamps and clocks, and occasionally they will run into demon hunters, who will also ask questions about power armor.

On the contrary, the Demacians were not interested in the semi-automatic weapons on display. They mostly used swords and crossbows.

This seems to show their bravery and fearlessness. After all, this place is far away from the battlefield with Noxus, and there are no barbarians from Freljord. But I heard that there are a group of people who call themselves the Sentinels of Light and have similar kinetic weapons.

Relying on the protection of the Forbidden Magic Stone, Demacia has a great advantage in local combat and is directly immune to Noxus's magic troops. Even the True Ice of the Freljord cannot get the upper hand.

Cavalry charges were used more often, and the people of the capital worshipped the invincibility of the Fearless Vanguard.

Enoch pulled out a file. It seemed that if Zaun wanted to gain the power to contain Noxus here, it must first impress Emperor Jarvan III or the captain of the Fearless Vanguard, Tiana Crownguard, so that they can taste the sweetness of taking the initiative.

Enoch must prove that he can help Demacia defend itself against attacks by magic troops.

It seems that the next camping time will not be boring. Enoch will have a good chat with Hafen about gossip.

I wish you all a happy New Year

Chapter 17 Gently As She Goes

The nights in Demacia were quiet except for the low chirping of insects, and there was no sound of machinery running that was unique to Zaun. Even compared to the time when we were drifting on the sea, it was particularly quiet.

Perhaps because it is across the sea from Mount Targon, the moon in Demacia appears particularly cold and bright.

Under the moonlight, the majestic pass can be vaguely seen in the distance. The huge statues made of white marble and the guarding walls reflect the pale light under the moonlight.

The guys in the caravan also set up camp early, either leaning against the huge carriage wheels or resting their heads on the saddles, trying to fall asleep as quickly as possible in this strange land... There is still a long way to go tomorrow, and if they don't get enough rest, they won't be able to cope with the mountain roads and possible bandits.

A bonfire was burning quietly. Enoch fiddled with the piled firewood so that they could burn more thoroughly. This flame had to last the whole night, and it couldn't be too strong.

Jinx, who was leaning on the side, nodded occasionally. The girl refused to leave Enoch no matter what. When she saw Enoch preparing to keep watch by the fire, she came up to him without saying a word.

Enoch pulled out a blanket from the side and wrapped up Jinx, who was lying on him. After being noisy all day, she was still so naughty at night.

Staring at the burning wood absentmindedly, Enoch's thoughts drifted further and further away, and even the chirping of insects around him seemed to have disappeared.

"Would you like a sip?" Enoch was startled by the wine bag suddenly handed to him, and then he realized that he had been distracted without knowing when.

"It looks like this is your first time keeping watch?" Hafen chuckled at Enoch's expression. "It's not a good thing for a night watchman to fall asleep. Don't stare at the flames all the time, or you'll lose your focus soon."

After taking a sip of the cold liquid, Enoch regained his spirits with a burst of stimulation. "Yeah, it's really too quiet around here."

Hafen nodded in understanding. "Generally speaking, the tense spirits of night watchmen will cause great fatigue. Those with some experience will choose their own way to stay awake. You can try to move a little. The movement does not need to be too big, just don't stop."

After taking a sip of wine, Hafen gradually opened up: "If it's not a dangerous place and there are many people traveling with you, you can also add guards around it, and the night watchmen will also do something else, like chatting or something."

Enoch was curious: "You were a soldier, right?"

"No, I didn't. I was training to be a member of the Fearless Pioneer Battalion, but when I was old enough to be a soldier, something happened in my family. I had no choice but to leave and make a living on my own."

Hafen took off his cloak, changed it into a blanket and put it on, covering the metal armor. Not only to prevent the cold wind, but also to prevent the cold water vapor from adhering to the armor.

"I learned this when I was a kid and went hunting in the mountains with my father. Wild animals can't tell the difference between traps, so my father often sat by the campfire like this, teaching me knowledge of the wild while whittling poor firewood sticks."

Hafen waved the campfire and continued, "Wild beasts are very smart and usually won't get close to fire. Humans will choose blind spots behind them if they want to attack. If they're not careful, a simple tripwire will be triggered."

"You never talked about your family. Is the name Halfen real? From what I heard along the way, all the knights in Demacia have surnames," Enoch asked softly. Unlike most people in Zaun who have no surnames, Demacia attaches great importance to family honor. After waiting for a long time for his guide to speak, Enoch really wanted to talk in depth.

"My family has lost its honor, so...please forgive me. I swear not to lie again, but I really can't say it. You can still call me Hafen. One day I will restore my reputation, and then I will be honored to introduce my family to you." Hafen frowned painfully and took a gulp.

Enoch nodded and changed the subject: "Let's talk about the Secret Silver City. If I want to meet the emperor, what are the ways?"

Hafen shook his head. "It's unlikely. His Majesty rarely receives outsiders. He usually discusses matters with noble staff. However, His Majesty also likes to listen to the advice of Prince Jarvan IV. Or you can find a way to contact Captain Tiana Crownguard of the Fearless Vanguard first."

"Perhaps you can try to attend some drinking parties. Many nobles will spare no effort to show off the deeds of their ancestors during these events. Their greatest wish is to gain the admiration of a large number of vassals while praising themselves. Then they will be eager to record these events and try to adapt them into hymns for bards to sing."

Enoch glanced at the lyre hanging from Hafen's saddle and wondered which family in Demacia had produced a bard.

Perhaps Enoch's eyes were too strong. Hafen took down his lyre and played it gently. "Although I call myself a poet, I have never sung at a banquet. I am not good at words, and I have not yet completed a song."

"Can you tell me which hero this hymn is for? Is it a tribute to the fearless pioneer?" Enoch was curious. Recently, he had been listening to the metal and rock music selected by Jinx the most, and he had never heard of poetry.

"No, I haven't. I haven't finished it yet." The knight in front of him, who always had a serious face, was a little shy.

"Is it written for your girlfriend?" Jinx, who was dozing off just now, woke up at some point and stared at Haven with sparkling eyes. "Oh, that's so sweet. Please sing it for us."

Enoch watched the fun from the side and secretly praised Jinx for what she did. If she hadn't interrupted, Halfen might have gotten away.

Seeing that the surroundings were quiet, except for the two people in front of him, everyone else had fallen asleep, and these two were obviously too excited. Hafen knew that he couldn't escape tonight, so he coughed lightly.

"Let me make it clear first, I haven't finished it yet. If you think there's anything you can change, you must tell me."

Taking a deep breath, Hafen gently plucked the strings and sang softly.

Lips ripe as the berries in June

Lips, round like June berries

Red the rose Red the rose

Red as a rose, red as a rose

Skin pale as the light of the moon

Skin, pale as moonlight

Gently as she goes

Gently, she walked

Eyes blue as the sea and the sky

Eyes, as blue as the sea and sky

Water flows Water flows

Clear as running water, clear as running water

Heart burning like fire in the night

Heart, burning like a bonfire at night

Gently as she goes

Gently, she walked

La la la la la la la la

………………

"Great, absolutely perfect, this is a song that can be sung at the king's banquet. I don't think any girl can refuse you," Enoch was the first to praise.

Hafen raised the wine bag beside him and took a gulp. He calmed down a little and said, "Is there anything inappropriate here? I have to revise it before I dedicate the song to her."

Jinx, who was lying on Enoch, nodded and said, "Oh, what Little Finger said is right. This song is great. If someone could write one for me, I would be so happy that I would go crazy." As she said this, Jinx turned her head and stared at Enoch beside her.

Oh no, Enoch thought. Now the pressure is on him. If he had known, he would not have laughed at Hafen.

Fortunately, before Enoch could feel embarrassed for too long, he saw the warning trap explode with a bang. Thank God, someone attacked him by surprise at this time.

"Be careful, there's a sneak attack."

PS:

The poem used in this article is from the theme song of the movie "Beowulf", Gently As She Goes.

The character described is exactly the same as a hero

4

PS2:

Thanks to Qiushui Wuhan for the blade

Thanks to Aka for the monthly ticket

Thanks to Kongyao for the monthly ticket

Thanks to ┑(￣Д ￣)┍ for the monthly ticket

Chapter 18 My Enemy, My Love

As the warning of the trap sounded, Hafen threw off his blanket, picked up his sword, and rushed towards the trap immediately, shouting loudly to alert all those who were still resting.

No matter whether the attacker is a human or a beast, the person lying on the ground has no power to fight back and can only die.

Enoch stumbled as he tried to stand up, the blanket tangled too tightly around him and Jinx. He hurriedly untied his cape, only to find that Halfen had already rushed into the surrounding darkness.

At this time, the territory was in chaos and the surrounding noises were too noisy, so it was impossible to confirm from which specific direction the attack was coming.

Helplessly, Enoch ran to the saddle bag, pulled out a flare and fired it upwards. With a sharp blast, the area around the camp was illuminated as bright as day.

With the light, Enoch saw the attacking enemies, a group of young men and women. One of them, holding a long staff, was already fighting with Hafen, while the other two avoided the swords and moved towards the convoy from the side.

Perhaps they realized that the bright terrain around them could no longer serve as cover, so they all stopped moving forward, their hands gleaming with brilliant light.

An exiled mage from Demacia.