What's wrong with me, a mage, loving to farm?

Chapter 96. Exploding Fire Horse and Gray Demon Ants

After leaving the bottom of the lake, Kroya encountered two... magical beasts that were both familiar and unfamiliar.

"ah."

He watched as two tall, red horses approached him, then clenched his left fist and punched his right hand: "These are Fiery Horses!"

To be honest, he had almost forgotten about the existence of those two magical beasts.

Because they were actually the property of the knights, they were considered "standard magical beasts" issued by the Mage Guild at the time, meaning they were the most ordinary kind.

docile, loyal to its owner, and with great stamina...

It looks pretty good, but when it comes to Warcraft, mediocrity is the same as being everywhere.

Although they are called "Explosive Horses", even children can ride them around, and they are never grumpy.

Because they weren't anything special, Kroya had almost forgotten about them.

The two fiery horses were clearly unaware that their master's master had forgotten them. Upon seeing Kroya, they excitedly snorted.

Then he immediately ran over.

As it approached Kroya, it slowed down, took its time, and walked over slowly. Then it nuzzled Kroya's outstretched palm with its big head.

He was very affectionate towards Kroya.

"good."

Kroya was quite pleased with the way the monsters were showing her affection.

He casually took out a handful of hay and fed it to them. As he was stroking their big heads, he suddenly realized something.

That was the voice of their astral beings—

"The sea is everywhere."

"I wish I could run on water!"

Upon hearing the voice, Chloe blinked and perked up.

That's great!

I was just looking for some magical beasts to imprint on when you guys delivered yourself right to my door.

I'm not afraid you don't have ideas, I'm just afraid you won't be willing!

He can actually grant that wish directly.

Walking on water – this is actually a level three magic. The basic principle is to wrap your feet in magic and then walk on water using the effects of the magic.

This kind of magic is not only very practical, but also very useful for showing off, so Kroya learned it very early on.

Without saying a word, he began to carve marks on the two fiery horses, naturally placing the marks on their hooves.

Having already engraved countless times, Kroya was already highly skilled and finished engraving in a short while.

A notification came—

[Engraving successful, Fiery Horse - Hooves (Walking on Water)]

This magical beast can walk on water; the duration of its movement depends on the amount of magic power it possesses.

The introduction is quite concise, just one sentence.

However, this magic doesn't seem to be anything special; it doesn't have the effect of changing the body's structure or shape, and it can be summarized in one sentence.

"Let's go to the beach!"

Kroya waved his hand enthusiastically, deciding to experience it for himself.

He had ridden dolphins in the sea, but he had never ridden a horse before, and he was indeed eager to try it.

……

Soon, he arrived at the beach with Explosive Horse, pointed to the sea and said, "You guys go up and try it out first."

The fiery horses cautiously approached the sea, a faint magical aura shimmering around their hooves.

Then they stepped onto the sea.

The magical light held them up, ensuring they wouldn't fall into the water.

"Neigh!" They became excited after realizing they wouldn't fall into the water. They first took cautious steps, then started running at full speed.

This kind of magical beast is adapted to all kinds of environments, and can walk on slopes and mountains as if they were flat ground.

So they quickly adapted to the rolling waves.

It can even use the momentum to run faster and faster.

Kroya watched from the side, nodding frequently.

After running for a few minutes, the taller of the two fiery horses ran up to Kroya, bent its hooves, and made a bowing gesture.

"Does this mean I'm going up there?"

"Neigh~" Fire Horse nodded.

Without hesitation, Kroya mounted his horse and quickly regained his balance.

With a tug on the reins, he shouted, "Giddy up!"

The Fiery Horse shot off like an arrow, riding the waves and galloping freely across the sea.

The sea breeze and dampness blowing in his face were blocked by Kroya's magic, and the wind caressed his cheeks as he enjoyed the exhilarating experience of galloping on horseback.

It was really quite enjoyable.

The wind caressed my body, I felt free and unrestrained, I just needed to run forward, and the world seemed to become much wider, and my heart opened up.

He gripped the reins of the Blazing Horse, while placing one hand behind its head and continuously channeling his magic into it.

Make sure it doesn't suddenly fall into the water because it's lost its magic while running.

To be honest, as he watched the fiery horse gallop across the waves, running wildly on the sea, he even thought... it would be great if there were a downpour and a tsunami right now.

The feeling of maneuvering through danger must be much more exhilarating than the current calm and tranquility.

But it's just a thought.

If it were truly in that chaotic magical environment, it would be questionable whether the Fiery Horse could even successfully control the magic; it might fall into the sea after only a few steps.

After clearing his mind of these chaotic thoughts, he focused on enjoying the time spent riding a horse at full gallop.

His hearty laughter echoed across the sea from time to time.

……

Half an hour later, Cloa dismounted from her horse, still feeling unsatisfied, and stood on the ground.

The fiery horse was panting heavily, but its eyes were very bright, clearly showing its great joy at being able to gallop across the sea.

"Not bad, not bad." Kroya patted its head. "Go find your master. Take them out to sea sometime."

The two fiery horses nodded and turned to gallop towards the military camp.

He watched the fiery horse gallop away, thinking he could buy more through Estner's channels, since the Mage Association had plenty of these magical beasts anyway.

The breeding technology for Fiery Horses is quite advanced at the Mage Association, and a Fiery Horse can be bought for a few dozen gold coins.

Horses are an indispensable resource.

Once we have enough Fire Horses, and each of my soldiers has one, should I consider sending them to explore the sea?

Imagine having dolphins following you underwater, fire horses running on the surface, and crafting magical artifacts for ranged attacks—that scene sounds amazing!

"~~~"

He hummed a little tune happily as he continued his inspection.

We arrived at the coconut tree first.

As he approached the coconut tree, he saw a strange-looking slime hopping around on the ground.

Its plump body was filled with water, and it diligently watered each of the coconut trees, then picked up the fertilizer next to it and used its tentacles to fertilize them.

The movements were quite practiced; it's hard to tell how many times they've done it before.

Under its meticulous care, the coconut trees grew lush and verdant, brimming with magical energy. Even without using the Celestial Spirit Imprint Technique, one could sense their pleasant mood.

"...You really know how to enjoy yourself."

Kroya pursed his lips, his gaze inadvertently noticing that there seemed to be someone sitting in the grass, completely focused on the ground and oblivious to Kroya's arrival.

"Um?"

This person looks like Jamie, an apprentice.

What is he looking at?

Kroya followed his gaze downwards and saw some gray ants on the ground. Each one was two or three centimeters long, with yellowish-brown patterns on its body, and was considered relatively large for an ant.

They were using their sharp mouthparts to cut and carry a piece of coconut meat, working together quite well; some ants were cutting, and some were carrying.

Working together, in just two or three minutes, they carried the coconut meat, which was hundreds of times larger than them, back into their nest.

"It's actually a demonic insect."

Kroa learned through the Astral Imprint Technique that these ants were a type of Level 1 magical insect called "Grey Demon Ants".

Judging from its name, this ant probably doesn't have any special abilities. It can only be considered a first-level magical insect because it contains magical power.

"Ants."

He wondered if this level-one demonic insect was of any use.

These magical insects, like ants, actually possess many admirable qualities. For instance, they are incredibly hardworking and capable of carrying small items, as well as detecting the concentration of magic energy in their surroundings.

Wait... are you probing for magic?

An idea suddenly popped into Chloe's mind.

Could we use them to help us find rare materials or minerals in the soil or sea?

The smaller the magical insect, the more sensitive it is to changes in its surrounding environment and magical energy, because this is how it survives.

As the coral reef base on the seabed grows larger and its coverage expands, some mineral deposits with extremely small reserves buried on the seabed will gradually be revealed.

Just two days ago, he had obtained the magic for finding mineral deposits from the Astral Crystal Turtle and was now struggling with how to use it.

He originally intended to send the earth-stealing rats to search for it.

Once a crystal turtle begins nourishing a mineral vein, it cannot leave at will, making it clearly unsuitable for traveling around.

But now that I think about it, aren't ants the best prospectors?

They are so numerous that they can burrow anywhere in the soil—the digging speed of these ants is absolutely unimaginable—they seem to be born to do it.

He could also take this opportunity to test the combined power of his newly learned elven magic, Natural Communication, and Serenade of Tranquility.

I will provide them with an absolutely comfortable living environment and plenty of food, as well as the magic and materials needed for their advancement.

In return, they help each other find potential mineral deposits on the seabed and magical veins underground.

While Chloe was pondering, Jamie noticed that the lord had actually graced them with his presence and quickly bowed.

"My dear mentor!"

The reason he was addressed this way was that Chloe had already taught him meditation techniques, so logically and emotionally, he should call her his mentor.

"Hmm." Chloe wasn't angry that her thoughts had been interrupted.

Frankly speaking, with his current increased strength, he no longer needs to deliberately use any means to establish and consolidate his authority.

So he actually looked gentler than before.

"You've learned meditation techniques quite well; keep up the good work."

Kroya casually made a compliment, walked to the front of the ant nest, and gently hooked his finger on the ground.

The soil immediately churned up, but the ants inside were not harmed; they were simply all brought to the surface by the soil.

This naturally included a rather pale and delicate queen ant.

It was clearly somewhat panicked.

However, he was soon immersed in the tranquil serenade and the influence of Kroya's mental power.

Taming the queen ant is naturally the quickest method.

(End of this chapter)