Chapter 7: The Secret of Doke Town

Gabriel's gaze seemed to penetrate his soul: "Aren't you going to say anything to me?"

After Amon went downstairs, Gabriel joyfully said to Maria: "My lady, you truly did not disappoint the goddess Isis. Just now, it was you who accidentally knocked Amon down. It is often the case that one is not quite accustomed to using such power at the beginning"

The miners in the city-state of Enzhun in the Duchy of Doke can keep one out of every ten divine stones they extract, which makes others on the continent envious. However, there is also a decree stating that "registered miners in Doke Town, as recorded by the temple, are not allowed to leave this place without permission," which is likely due to this reason. In reality, due to geographical constraints, it is also quite difficult for them to leave on their own.

He stood there in a daze for an unknown amount of time when Gabriel came downstairs and suddenly asked, "Amon, what did you just see?"

The sound of this drink is like thunder, echoing far across the desert sky

Rod - Dick was uneasy, fearing an ambush on the way. It is said that dangerous desert tribes roam this area, specifically targeting caravans, possibly disguised as bandits from neighboring countries. The so-called ferocious and dangerous desert tribes might just be a legend. However, ordinary bandits would not dare to attack a convoy like that of Lord Dick, as elite warriors can be seen escorting from a distance, and they would likely have already fled.

Gabriel's attention was immediately drawn to Maria's words, his eyes brightening as he said: "My lady, are you already able to ... ... ?" At this point, he hesitated, turning to Amon and saying: "This is no longer your concern, leave now and close the door behind you"

Maria did not intend to lie, but on the first day that Amon arrived, she heard Gabriel's command that Amon was not to touch her, or he would face punishment. What kind of punishment could it be? Would it be like the priest in Dook Town who had to cut off one of his fingers? How terrifying that would be; this is not Amon's fault

Rod-Dick had jumped up, drawing his sword, yet he found no sign of danger. At that moment, a burst of silver light erupted above his head, slicing towards the sand dunes ahead. Looking up, he saw Gabriel, one hand holding a shield and the other wielding a sword, already standing atop his shed.

What kind of gift to give, how to ensure that it is not refused and brings joy, is indeed an art. Lord Rod Dick is clearly well-versed in this.

Everyone was quite relaxed, except for Rod Dick, who felt a bit tense. This was because before returning to Cape City, they had to traverse a desolate desert and a region interspersed with undulating Gobi. Anything could happen, and there was no guarantee that Maria and the Tears of the Gods would be safe.

In the distance to the right, a series of rolling hills appeared, dotted with strange giant stones, providing a perfect shaded area to rest for a while, avoiding the hottest afternoon sun before continuing on. Traveling through the desert is indeed quite troublesome. Rod Dick insisted on sitting at the front of the first vehicle in the convoy, and Gabriel even complimented him, saying, "My lord, you are truly brave"

After many bustling days, the town of Doke has finally returned to tranquility. The townspeople are enjoying the fine wines and delicacies brought by the caravans, and many households have extinguished their hearths. After such a busy period, it is rare to have a moment to relax, and even the mayor has not urged the miners to hurry back to work. During this time, the townspeople have contributed a considerable amount of divine stones, so taking a break is certainly warranted.

This made Rod-Dick feel even happier. If it had been someone else, he would have certainly offered a substantial sum as thanks, but Lord Gabriel was clearly unwilling to accept a bribe. After much contemplation, Rod-Dick personally presented Gabriel with a meticulously crafted shield, enhanced by divine magic, which was a weapon of honor belonging to a warrior. He explained that this shield was originally intended as an offering to the temple. Gabriel accepted it.

Gabriel's serious face finally revealed a faint smile: "Good, very good! Remember what you said, your work is done, the payment has been given to your father, you can go home now"

Rod - Dick was finally happy because Gabriel told him he could set off, instructing him to make preparations overnight, and he could finally leave this cursed place

Amon: "Yes, my lord, you have instructed me to keep everything I see and hear here to myself, and of course, I cannot mention it to you either, as you are also human." He was quite clever; he had already learned the syllogism taught by Aristotle, and thus responded to Gabriel's inquiry. He truly did not know how to articulate what had just occurred in Mary's room.

Gabriel unexpectedly sent him away now, as his work was already completed and his payment received. Amon should have felt relaxed and happy, yet as he left the courtyard, he was overcome by an indescribable melancholy, glancing back as if to bid a silent farewell

Gabriel also explained to him that the reason he stayed in this town for an additional three days was not only because Maria was ill, but also because he was teaching Maria some special rituals and regulations of the Temple of Isis, in order to facilitate her recognition as a saint. Now, Maria has already learned them.

He even considered sending someone to assassinate the messenger of Xiao Gu, but ultimately did not proceed with that plan. From Doke Town to the City-State of Xuya, there is no way to bypass the courier route through the Black Fire Jungle in advance. The courier route and the checkpoints mentioned in the books mean that the people he sent would inevitably have to undergo inspections at the checkpoints before catching up with the messenger, making it difficult to conceal their movements. Moreover, this is still within the territory of the Hatti Kingdom, and sending someone to assassinate a messenger of the temple priest is a serious crime. If this were to be exposed, Lord Dick would likely be unable to bear such an accusation.

The arable land surrounding Doke Town is extremely barren, and there is a lack of sufficient pastures, making it nearly impossible to sustain the local population. However, its resources are of such importance. This unique situation makes it difficult for Doke Town to exist independently from the city-state of Syria, and the temple in the town is also subordinate to the temple within the city-state.

He had privately instructed Mayor Dasti that the news of obtaining the Tears of the Gods must not be leaked. However, the night before last, he received a secret report that the temple priest Xiao Gu had sent a messenger to the city-state of Surya, delivering the seasonal offerings of divine stones to the temple there. This was a regular procedure that no one could obstruct, yet Rod-Dick felt that something was amiss

The majority of the Imperial Guard's escort was positioned around the first three vehicles of the convoy. The vehicle that Maria was in was the second one, and it also contained Gabriel. Rod-Dick saw the distant hills and was about to give the order for the convoy to turn when he suddenly heard Gabriel's sharp command: "Everyone, stop!"

Duke Town not only produces divine stones but also iron, particularly high-quality refined iron. However, the blacksmiths here are not permitted to forge weapons; they only produce well-forged iron ingots. This time, Rod-Dick secretly smuggled a batch of high-quality refined iron ingots

However, there is a decree from neighboring countries that seems to be deliberately ignored here; both the Kingdom of Barun and the Empire of Aijiu appear to turn a blind eye to the situation in Duku Town. This decree states that slaves are not allowed to learn physical techniques, and only nobles are qualified to learn divine techniques. Those who practice divine techniques without permission are regarded as disrespectful to the deities and will face severe punishment from the various temples.

The reason is quite simple; it is not that absolute power cannot conquer, but rather that the cost and benefits do not justify the effort. Mobilizing an elite legion to traverse difficult terrain merely to capture a small town is certainly unnecessary. Moreover, what every dynasty and nation requires are the divine stones and iron produced in Duketown. There is no need to slaughter or enslave the miners there; it is sufficient to ensure control over Duketown.

The town of Doke has a unique characteristic: there are almost no slaves in the town, with the exception of the Dashti and Xiao Gu families; the rest of the residents are nearly all commoners. This is completely different from other places in the Tian Shu continent, and the reason is simple: all the surrounding countries have the same decree: the hands of slaves are not allowed to touch the divine stone, and for each violation, a finger will be severed.

If all the miners in the town were gathered together, taught battle formations and commands, and trained in the use of weapons, this town could easily withstand an ordinary legion. Even if the miners spontaneously banded together to fight with their pickaxes, they would still be a formidable force. During his time in the town, Lord Rod-Dick even contemplated that if a large-scale civilian uprising were to occur, his personal guard would be unable to suppress it, and at most, they could only ensure Maria's swift escape.

Interestingly, Amon was almost punished by having one of his fingers cut off

Lady Maria, you must pay attention now; do not use it lightly before mastering it. In fact, someone like Amon, who has mastered low-level body techniques, can be resisted if he understands the rules of divine arts and takes precautions. However, in the future, the divine power you will possess will be immensely powerful, especially with the aid of the Tears of the Gods

... ...

Rod Dick, while contemplating the various peculiarities of Doke Town, rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, sitting under the shed and gazing at the distant sand dunes. The caravan had set out at dawn, taking advantage of the coolness of the early morning, and now, as noon approached, the scorching sunlight beat down on the sand, with the heat reflecting from all sides becoming increasingly unbearable.

In reality, learning divine arts is exceedingly difficult. Even among qualified nobles, many are unable to surpass the threshold of "awakening the powers granted by the deities." Without the strict guidance and instruction of the temple priests, it becomes even more challenging to practice privately. However, there are many people in the world, and there are always outstanding geniuses who, without permission or the guidance of the priests, manage to master similar powers.

The mining techniques passed down through generations in Duke Town, in the eyes of Lord Dick, encompass physical skills. The qualified adult miners in the town have trained in physical skills to a level comparable to that of low-ranking warriors, with the outstanding among them having mastered secondary physical skills, awakening the dormant power within their bloodlines and being able to wield it proficiently

After three days of recuperation, Maria's maid had recovered from her illness. The next day, after finishing breakfast, Lord Rod-Dick's grand and magnificent convoy set off. The merchants in Duke Town had been waiting with some impatience, yet they were reluctant to leave on their own, as it was impossible to hire mercenaries for protection in Duke Town. Upon receiving the news last night that Lord Dick would soon be returning, they eagerly packed their belongings overnight and left following the lord's convoy.

Perhaps out of respect for the deity who bestowed the divine stone, the mining techniques passed down through generations in Duku Town include the forbidden practice of basic divine arts. Those in power who are aware of this do not mention it, as if they have not seen it at all, and the residents of Duku Town themselves are also unaware

To the west lies the Blackfire Jungle, within which there is a hundred-mile post road leading to the main city of the city-state of Surya. This is the closest and most convenient route to and from Dook Town. To the south stretches an endless desert Gobi, extending all the way to the border of the coastal city-state of the Aijiu Empire. If traveling from the coastal city-state to the city-state of Surya, it is more convenient to go directly through the desert, avoiding the need to pass through Dook Town and the Blackfire Jungle.

... ...

"It was my mistake; I just displayed my strength for a moment but failed to control it..." Maria spoke simultaneously, her tone slightly flustered

As the convoy entered the desert region, Rod-Dick glanced back at the direction of Duke Town, which had vanished beyond the horizon, and thought to himself: "Is this place favored by the gods or abandoned? It truly is a strange place"

However, special individuals come for special purposes, and that is uncertain. Otherwise, Lord Dick would not have brought his personal guard. Lord Dick is well aware that no one in the personal guard possesses martial skills superior to his own; his martial skills have already reached level 6, and he is just one step away from becoming a rare high-level warrior

A low-ranking warrior skilled in martial arts is considered an elite even among the great armies of the Aijue Empire

Amon stood downstairs, feeling as if he had not fully regained his senses. The scent of Maria lingered on his hands and body, enveloping him in a warm and intoxicating fragrance. He could not quite comprehend what had just happened, how he had embraced her like that, only to be pushed away. It was as if he understood yet did not fully grasp it. During the day, their glances had been provocative, and last night he had nearly dreamt of the same scene, yet just now he had truly placed his hand on her chest

Such individuals are referred to as sorcerers or wizards on the continent of Tian Shu, a term that is generally regarded as derogatory and evil. According to the law, they are subject to pursuit by agents of the temple. In contrast, those who wield divine arts, such as priests or nobles, are known as divine art practitioners

Amon came to his senses and replied respectfully, "My lord, I saw nothing and heard nothing; I was merely delivering water to Lady Maria"

Gabriel was not concerned about these matters; she was drawn to another topic and said with a smile: "Yes, this is the power bestowed by the divine. What you have just mastered is not yet powerful. Amon is very strong, yet you can push him down with a wave of your hand. Any ordinary person can open a door, but you can push it open without even reaching out your hand; this is the miracle created by divine power.

Amon unexpectedly fell heavily to the ground. There was a carpet in front of the door, and he was not injured. At this moment, he had already stood up and moved aside, responding: "It was my carelessness; I might have tripped over the carpet while stepping back."

The geographical location of Doke Town is uniquely special. To the north lies the Syrian Plateau, and the nearby low mountains are the source of the divine stone ore. Further away, the peaks stretch on, forming an insurmountable natural barrier. To the east, there are also towering mountains, where it is said that cave-dwelling wild men live. The dense jungle and complex terrain make it difficult to traverse, and beyond that lies the challenging Yudig River Gorge.

The inexplicable embrace was suddenly followed by a push that caused him to stumble. Amon was still unable to fully comprehend what had happened, but he had already calmed down from his confusion. He should feel fortunate; had Maria said the wrong thing, it could have cost him his life. Even if Gabriel spared him, Rod-Dick might still send someone to kill him.

What is even more terrifying is that the miners' craft actually contains basic divine techniques. Although they are merely the simplest forms, not yet tested by the divine, they are nonetheless divine techniques. If combined with physical techniques, their power would be astonishing. The miners here only use these skills for mining, rather than for combat

The city-state of Syria is located at the junction of the Hatti, Assyria, Balu, and Aegean nations. Throughout its historical conflicts, it has been ruled by various dynasties. However, the small town of Duku within the city-state of Syria has never been captured by military forces, likely due to this very reason

Other regions of the Tian Shu Continent also produce divine stones, but the final step of extracting divine stones from the ore core is performed by low-level divine sorcerers, as it requires the application of certain fundamental divine techniques. Therefore, divine stones are not only expensive but also appear very sacred. However, the situation in Duke Town is evidently different; the environment here is so harsh, the location so remote and isolated, and the yield of divine stones so substantial that it is impossible for many noble sorcerers to work here. All divine stones are mined by laborers. The situation in Duke Town is evidently different; the environment here is so harsh, the location so remote and isolated, and the yield of divine stones so substantial that it is impossible for many noble sorcerers to work here. All divine stones are mined by laborers.

Maria nodded and said, "Yes, I reached out my hand, and from a great distance, I pushed him down. Is this the power of the divine?" When Gabriel entered, Amon was sitting on the ground, while Maria stood with one hand extended, appearing as if she had pushed Amon down from afar.

Every dynasty that conquered the city-states of Syria would send envoys to Dukh Town to inform them of the change in rulers, while still guaranteeing the status of Dukh Town, as long as the subordinate relationship remained as before. They would continue to station troops along the post roads in the Black Fire Jungle, collect the same taxes, and provide protection for the trade routes.

Rod - Dick had instructed that the words of Lord Gabriel are commands, equivalent to commands issued by oneself. The well-trained drivers in the convoy reacted swiftly, shouting and exerting force to rein in the animals. The first ten or so vehicles came to a halt almost simultaneously, and the mounted soldiers also pulled on their reins. However, the rear of the caravan became somewhat chaotic; some vehicles collided, some individuals fell from their camels, and some goods were overturned.