Chapter 287: Mage’s follower, Arthur

It was only after Donald asked that he learned this guy had kindly saved a weak halfling being bullied by other slaves. The halfling happened to be a race good at navigating directions. Though not as skilled as the legendary minotaurs at escaping labyrinths, they could use their sensitive senses to find their way to the surface world through clues like smell and humidity. Thus, they followed Donald’s trail all the way back to the surface world.

Although the halfling had flaws such as being curious, cunning, and opportunistic, they were far smarter than these big fools around them! Along the way, it was the halfling who led the highland boy through various dangers. Thanks to the halfling’s keen senses and the highland boy’s strength, they arrived at the Green Cloak Forest and encountered a few adventurers who had entered the forest. The halfling investigated the situation, and together they headed toward the nearest human territory, Dalaran, in hopes of finding the great mage in the big guy’s heart!

The highlanders were a human tribe living on the frozen plateau north of the Great Snow Mountains, beyond the Yunshan Range. It was said that this tribe descended from the ancient giant race and was a branch of humanity, not an other non-human humanoid race. However, since they had lived on the frozen plateau for generations even before the northern lands were explored, and with vast mountains and snowfields blocking access, the Celt Kingdom never reached beyond Yunshan Mountain. As a result, the highlanders remained mere legends in historical accounts, never seen by anyone from the northern lands. Compared to the people of the later Celt Kingdom, these highlanders could be considered the true indigenous humans of the north.

“Highlanders? It seems I’ve overlooked the lands north of Yunshan Mountain! If people live there, there must be potential for development!” Donald thought to himself before asking the big guy, “What’s your name?”

“I don’t have a name. Everyone in the tribe calls me Big Guy!” the truly massive man replied in a deep voice.

“And me! I’m Dobby, a great gourmet and a smart, powerful halfling!”

“Heh!” Ignoring the playful little guy, Donald continued to ask the big guy, “May I ask why you want to become my follower?”

“The legendary Highland King became our king by becoming a follower of a great mage. I also want to become such a great figure so that the people in my village won’t look down on me or ignore me anymore!”

The culture of the Highlanders is rooted in the traditions of the ancient giant race. During the era of the Ancient Arcane Empire, giants often fought as followers of arcane lords. Even in the Mage Lords’ era of the Banai Magic Empire a thousand years ago, the Highlanders had followers among the mages. Thus, in their generations-old history and legends, the mage profession is depicted as extremely powerful and great. With this belief, they would never miss such an opportunity to encounter a mage.

Upon hearing this, Donald suddenly had a startling idea.

Although this tall Highlander youth was just approaching adulthood, his combat skills were already on par with those of human silver-class warriors. He said he was among the best among the younger generation in his village, indicating his immense potential.

Moreover, this guy had a simple mind, and his admiration and gratitude clearly stemmed from the belief that it was thanks to him that he could escape slavery. In fact, it was indeed their group that indirectly led to the liberation of those dark elf slaves. If they hadn’t gone to Scorpion Tail City, such a situation wouldn’t have arisen.

So Donald decided to take this highly potential follower and train him into a loyal and powerful subordinate.

“I’ve decided. Your sincerity has moved me. You can become a follower of me, Mage Donald Merlinar. Can you promise to remain loyal forever and never betray me?”

“I’m willing! I’m willing…”

Hearing Donald’s words, the tall youth became extremely excited. With tears in his eyes, he performed a ritual unique to the Highlanders—kneeling on one knee and holding his weapon above his head to pledge allegiance to Donald!

“Alright, get up! Since you’re my follower, you need a proper name. Well, from today onward, you’ll be called Arthur! I hope your dreams will come true—not only as my follower Arthur, but also as the King Arthur of the Highlanders!”

The Highlander youth, now named Arthur,’s eyes shone brightly as he laughed heartily.

“Haha! I have a name now! I’m called Arthur…”

Donald smiled as he watched this simple, giant-hearted youth laugh joyfully. Nearby, the half-orc Dobbi watched the Highlander youth’s wish come true. Feeling lonely and unsupported, he felt both envious and a bit disappointed.

“Big guy, congratulations! I’m afraid we’re going to part ways now!”

Hearing the half-orc’s words, Arthur was stunned for a moment before quickly asking, “What’s wrong, Dobbi? Are you leaving me?”

Because of their time together on the journey, Dobbi had become his best and only friend. Arthur felt deep affection for Dobbi and immediately became reluctant, tears welling in his eyes.
Dobbi hurriedly explained, “Of course not. It’s just that you’ve now become a follower of a human mage, and I’m not human. I guess it will be hard for us to be together from now on!”
Hearing this, Arthur looked at Donald with great hope in his eyes.
Donald immediately turned away, disapproving of such a tall, mature man—at least in appearance—acting like he was about to cry at every turn. That kind of expression was usually reserved for cute creatures, and paired with the tall man’s adult-like appearance, it was indeed quite jarring.
“Ahem! If Dobbi wishes, he can stay in Dalaran and become one of its citizens. I can also arrange a job for him so you can see each other often! Moreover, my territory has elven residents who aren’t discriminatory toward other races. Everyone is open-minded and tolerant—so you don’t have to worry about that!”
“That’s great! Thank you, Mage Lord…”
The tall young man from the highlands, who was more than three and a half times as tall as a halfling, hugged Dobbi happily. The sight was quite amusing, even making Donald smile.
“Gurgle…”
After feeling happy, the tall Arthur covered his stomach shyly. Since leaving the underground world and arriving in Twilight Town, he had only eaten a few wild fruits and roasted meats in the forest. Although those simple foods became delicious thanks to the halflings’ preparation, they weren’t enough to fill his bottomless stomach. In fact, it had been half a month since he’d had a proper meal.
Seeing his follower’s predicament, Donald smiled and said, “You must be hungry! I’ll order the kitchen to prepare lunch for you. Don’t worry—there will be plenty of food!”
“Long live the Mage Lord…”
The young man from the highlands jumped up like a child. Thankfully, the house was built quite tall; otherwise, he might have damaged the roof.