297: Chapter 6: The Abnormal Frontline_1 297: Chapter 6: The Abnormal Frontline_1 Charging over the expansive swamp, Hudson was filled with mixed feelings.
If such a vast territory could be developed, the strength of the Mountain Domain would undoubtedly change dramatically.
Unfortunately, the development of the swamp would be a long-term undertaking.
If they wanted to establish a maritime trade route in a short period, the vast swampland posed a considerable nuisance.
“We’re here!”
As soon as these words fell, the giant bear’s body quickly shrunk.
Hudson, caught by surprise, almost fell from the tree.
Seeing the innocent face of Belsden, Hudson seethed in anger.
Stopping suddenly would have been fine if there was prior warning, but should he at least land on the ground, right?
Even if he liked landing on trees, he should at least choose a larger one.
Now, on the tree where Hudson was, a moment of carelessness could lead to an enormous mishap.
Surveying his surroundings, Hudson regretfully discovered that it seemed just the item under him was barely qualifying as a tree within sight.
The ground was covered in shrubs and weeds, his experience told Hudson that this was a saline-alkali land.
As expected, swamplands in coastal areas rarely have low salt concentrations.
The swamps developed by his family had a slightly higher salt concentration than ordinary soil.
But the increment was slight and did not affect the cultivation of crops.
In these coastal areas, often battered by seawater, plants that can grow here are all salt-tolerant species.
Estimating the distance, there were more than two hundred miles from this place to the territory.
For such a large swamp to form, besides the scouring of seawater, it most likely has to do with the nearby terrain.
The Southeastern Province has abundant rainfall, the water accumulation from the Salam Mountain Range flows into the area currently being developed by Hudson.
Next to it, there’s also the Black Stone Mountain Range, an area with abundant rainfall as well, the accumulation of water must flow in.
The origin of the swamp is not essential.
The key lies in its current development and usage.
Hudson, along with his bear companion, advanced along the coastline.
The churning seawater made Hudson frown.
Even with his pitiful common knowledge, he knew that to develop the coastal area, a dam must be built first.
Without blocking the seawater, the salinity in the soil could never be reduced.
High salinity land could only grow a small number of crops, making it very cost-ineffective.
The problem with the port, in the end, still could not be confirmed.
Carrying out a site survey of this sea area without an on-site inspection, merely observing from the shore, was utterly irresponsible.
On this issue,Belsden was also unable to help.
The Earth Bear was only impressive on land, in the water, he was practically useless.
Teach the “bear” to swim boldly?
This idea barely arose before Hudson swiftly quashed it.
The natural attributes of a species must be respected, no matter how good a human’s swimming skills are, they remain land creatures and cannot live in water for extended periods.
The same should apply to “bears”.
Perhaps after milling around by the water for thousands of years, they might evolve the ability to survive in the water, but Hudson doesn’t think he’ll live to see that day.
“Let’s go, Belsden.
After we make a round trip around the swamp, our task for today will be complete.
Slow down a bit, I want to observe the terrain.”
Slowness is relative.
On the back of the bear, Hudson was still experiencing the feeling of flying.
Aside from the height from the ground, the galloping Belsden and flying were actually indistinguishable
Hudson strongly suspected that Belsden could fly.
After running several hundred miles in the swamp, his feet were not covered with a speck of mud.
Unfortunately, Belsden adamantly declared he couldn’t.
Regarding the land-flying bear event, the explanation he provided was —— a gift.
In the Continent of Aslante, gifts are the most unreasonable existence.
Many species have strange gifts that can’t be explained.
Usually, all these unexplainable bizarre events are attributed to Divine Spirits.
If they’re not done by good gods, then they’re the deeds of evil gods.
Other theories are only spread amongst special professions like magicians, arcanist… The mainstream concept is that Divine Spirits created everything in the world.
They ran all the way into a range of mountains.
Based on his geographical knowledge, Hudson immediately concluded that it was the Black Stone Mountain Range.
This was a real mountain range.
From the towering peaks, it was evident that it was not something that could be compared with the small mounds in his own territory.
There were mountains upon mountains, stretching endlessly.
How expansive the Black Stone Mountain Range was, Hudson didn’t know, anyway, it was not something his eyes could measure.
“Belsden, there must be powerful magical beasts appearing in these mountains, right?”
As a neighbor, it was only right for him to show concern.
Not only geographical factors but the Black Stone Mountain Range could block the contact between the Alpha Kingdom and the Black Forest Kingdom.
Simple geographical difficulties, moving mountains and seas, splitting mountains and stones, are not impossible to achieve in this Extraordinary World.
Even if both parties had no ambition, it wasn’t too much to open up trade routes, right?
There was no need for the action of both countries, profit-driven merchants would explore on their own.
“Yes!
I can sense several formidable auras.
Just how many high-order Magical Beasts are hiding in these mountains, nobody knows.
You best not go over there and cause trouble.
If a fight breaks out, I wouldn’t have any issues, but your safety would be in question.”
Belsden said in a weary tone.
His tone seemed as if Hudson were a mischievous child that made trouble, requiring him, the parent, to clean up the mess.
Hudson rolled his eyes, promptly extinguishing his desire to explore.
Magical beasts are territorial creatures.
To intrude abruptly would easily cause a bloody battle.
Though Belsden’s words were harsh, his strength was indeed remarkable.
For a creature that can make him apprehensive, Hudson truly didn’t want to provoke them.