Chapter 141: Left or Right?

Chapter 141: Left or Right?



Ryan surveyed the area and noticed that each staff member's desk had a wooden stand with a pencil box-sized sign, indicating 'Officer Exchange', 'Warrant Officer Exchange', and a half-enclosed window labeled 'Lieutenant Exchange'.

At the 'Officer Exchange' window, there were two or three people waiting, while the 'Warrant Officer Exchange' window was empty.

Without hesitation, Ryan walked straight to the 'Warrant Officer Exchange' window.

The female staff member at the window, seeing the noticeably young Ryan approaching, was initially taken aback but still stood up politely to greet him, "Please show your credentials, sir."

Ryan presented the emblem representing the Deputy Sheriff of Shangjin Town.

"Please wait a moment."

The ponytailed office girl received Ryan's emblem with both hands and then began to verify it against the roster on the table.

Soon, the young female staff member's expression of surprise grew even more, and she said, "Hello, Ryan. You have a total of 1489 Merit Points."

"Here is your exchange catalog. You can exchange for any item listed in it."

The girl handed Ryan a catalog the size of an A4 paper and the thickness of a fingernail.

Hmm?

The catalog was much larger and thicker than before.

After taking it, Ryan noticed the words on the thick catalog's cover: 'Imperial Security and Guard Corps Merit Point Exchange Catalog (Warrant Officer)'.

Seeing the word 'Warrant Officer' twice, Ryan couldn't help but smile.

"As expected, my thinking was correct. By steadily advancing my rank, I can acquire more resources in the future."

The previous catalog was for 'Officers', so naturally, there weren't many items to exchange, and there was no need for secrecy. Exchanges could be made at the Shangjin Town Armory.

However, at the Warrant Officer level, there were many more items available for exchange, and exchanges could only be made at the County Armory.

Flipping through the catalog, Ryan found that the major categories were similar to the previous 'Officer' catalog, but the sub-items were far more extensive.

For example, in the category of exchangeable breathing techniques, Ryan distinctly remembered that in the 'Officer' catalog, there was only one set of breathing techniques called 'Military Breathing Techniques'.

However, in the 'Warrant Officer' catalog, there were seven or eight different breathing techniques listed, each with a hefty price tag.

Even the breathing techniques alone required a minimum of a thousand Merit Points for exchange.

For instance, Ryan's own 'Mammoth Breath Technique', as well as the previously mentioned 'Shadow Panther Breathing Technique' and 'Swift Wolf Breathing Technique', were all included in the catalog.

Moreover, the catalog even offered the corresponding secret potions required for practicing specific breathing techniques.

For example, the 'Mammoth Breath Technique' required Black Walnut Oil, which was available in the 'Warrant Officer' catalog.

This discovery both amazed and delighted Ryan.

Hmm?

Refined Black Walnut Oil? Ryan narrowed his eyes, noticing another potion designed to complement the 'Mammoth Breath Technique'.

The refined oil was more expensive than the regular Black Walnut Oil.

The regular oil cost thirty Merit Points per bottle and could last for about a month. In contrast, the refined oil cost a hundred Merit Points per bottle.

After reading the description, Ryan understood!

Refined Black Walnut Oil was a product of high-concentration Black Walnut Oil mixed with other special drugs, suitable for advanced practitioners.

This explained why Ryan had felt the effects of the oil weakening over time and had considered increasing the dosage.

Upon entering the Extraordinary realm, the corresponding secret potions also needed to be upgraded, but the refined oil was significantly more expensive.

As for Lady Klaya, she had never expected to enter the Extraordinary realm so quickly and thus had never mentioned this aspect. Ryan pondered this briefly and understood.

Since refined oil was available, Ryan naturally wanted to purchase two bottles for his 'Mammoth Breath Technique' practice.

"Two bottles of Refined Black Walnut Oil," Ryan said to the ponytailed office girl.

"Okay, Ryan. I've noted your request. Are there any other items you wish to exchange?" the girl asked politely.

Ryan nodded, "Yes."

He had come to see if there were any high-quality Knight Squire armor available.

So, Ryan naturally turned to the armor section of the catalog.

Various types of armor crafted from different materials and for different purposes were displayed, a dazzling array.

After excluding the chainmail and other armor types, the remaining options were all Knight Squire armor.

After a brief perusal, Ryan had a clear understanding of the Knight Squire armor options.

The standard Knight Squire armor sets were affordable and in stock, available for immediate collection. However, those crafted from rare metals, especially custom-made sets, were not only expensive to order but also took a long time to produce.

Additionally, the maintenance costs were substantial.

And if the armor were to be damaged, the repair costs could easily exceed the price of several standard Knight Squire sets.

Ryan thought about it and decided to use 200 merit points to exchange for a set of durable chrome iron knight plate armor. This set was an eight-piece set priced at 200 merit points.

Additionally, he planned to spend 1,000 merit points to custom-order a set of high-quality knight plate armor made from a special material called water film steel, which was resistant to high temperatures and corrosion.

The reason for this was, of course, the Black Flame Cult.

With these purchases, Ryan's seemingly 'huge' 1,489 merit points would be significantly reduced.

At this point, he would only have 89 merit points left.

Indeed, merit points (money) were hard to earn but incredibly easy to spend.

After some thought, Ryan said, "A set of chrome iron knight plate armor."

"Sure, for the chrome iron plate armor set, Lord Ryan, which size do you need? We currently have the 180, 185, and 190 models in stock, and you can get them immediately," the ponytailed clerk asked.

"The 185 model, please!" Ryan decided to get a slightly larger size, as he was still growing.

He didn't want to end up with a set that became too small after just a month.

"Yes, Lord Ryan." The girl smiled sweetly and noted down the chrome iron set.

Just as she thought Ryan had finished his exchange, she heard him say, "Plus, I'd like to custom-order a set of high-quality knight plate armor made from water film steel."

"Lord Ryan, are you sure you want to custom-order a set of high-quality knight armor?" the young female staff member confirmed again.

Hearing the word 'custom-order,' the other female staff members nearby glanced over curiously.

Several young people at the officer exchange window also looked at Ryan with envy.

They couldn't believe that someone younger than them was ordering a custom set of high-quality knight plate armor.

"Yes," Ryan confirmed with a nod.

"The custom order will take about two months, Lord Ryan. Can you accept that?"

Ryan nodded again.

"In that case, please follow me. Since it's a custom order, we'll need to measure your height, weight, and other dimensions."

Huh? Measurements?

Well, that's what sets high-quality goods apart! Ryan followed the ponytailed clerk to a nearby private room, similar to a fitting room.

The clerk quickly began taking careful measurements.

"Sir, please extend your arms."

"Height 180 cm, chest circumference 130, leg length..."

Ryan's physical data was meticulously recorded.

When measuring his leg length, the clerk, who was squatting, suddenly blushed and asked, "Lord Ryan, which side do you usually prefer for that area?"

Huh?

Which side?

Ryan was initially confused but then followed the clerk's gaze and immediately understood. "Cough, can it be placed in the middle?"

"Yes, we can do that. We'll just need to make a separate protective cup. I'll make a note of it." The clerk said as she recorded the request, her face also turning slightly red.

For some reason, Ryan suddenly found the clerk squatting before him quite alluring.

Could it be because his body had become more attractive after entering the extraordinary state, significantly enhancing his physical appeal?

As Ryan was being measured in the fitting room, he caught sight of two City Guard officers through the door crack, entering the armory hall.

Ryan glanced at them casually, not paying them much attention.

Although the City Guard and the Night Watch were both part of the Empire's internal security forces, they operated on separate lines, and Ryan had never interacted with the City Guard, so he didn't pay them much mind.

The two officers seemed to be waiting for something, chatting leisurely without any apparent urgency.

"Zelko, did you hear? The relationship between the Empire and the Federation seems a bit tense lately, and the Empire's naval movements have been quite frequent."

"Is that so? I haven't heard about it before." Zelko, the younger man, seemed skeptical.

After all, such news came up at least eight times a year, but none of them had ever been true.

"My nephew was originally stationed at the Lancaster Naval Base, but he's been transferred to our county. That's what he told me." The middle-aged officer, seeing that Zelko didn't believe him, added another sentence to bolster his credibility.

"Hmm? If it's coming from someone within the Imperial Navy, the credibility is quite high." Zelko's expression turned more serious, and after a moment of thought, he said.

Although Ryan was at a distance from the two officers, his keen perception allowed him to hear their conversation clearly.

The Federation?

The Eagle Federation across the sea?

Tensions?

Is there going to be a war?

Unlikely.

After some thought, Ryan realized that if a war were to break out, Maistre County would still be in danger, as a large portion of the county borders the sea, like Fishing Harbor Town, which is right by the coast.

Previously, he had heard that Shangjin Town's former sheriff, Kuzma, had been reassigned there.

As Ryan and the ponytailed clerk emerged from the changing room, these two City Guard officers immediately stopped their conversation, seemingly not wanting Ryan and the others to hear any related news.

Ryan returned to the service window and waited for the clerk to record his request.

At this moment, Ryan, with some free time, flipped through the exchange manual again.

When he reached the section on potions, he paused and randomly selected one to read.

Gigantic Strength Potion: A combat potion that, when consumed, has a high probability of temporarily increasing the user's strength by one to two percent for a duration that varies based on the user's constitution and limit-breaking level.

(Note: Side effects include muscle pain and other symptoms that may last for several hours.)



Constitution Potion: An auxiliary potion for cultivation that, when consumed regularly for a week, will increase the user's constitution to a certain degree, with the extent of improvement varying from person to person, typically around ten percent.

(Note: Produced by the Royal Alchemist Association's Minster Province Branch, this auxiliary potion is trustworthy.)



It seemed that alchemists were indeed sought-after everywhere.

At that moment, Ryan thought of the recipes in the 'Beast Taming Journal' and its recipes.

He already possessed the extraordinary profession of a Sorcerer Apprentice, and now he had attempted to create the potions mentioned in the journal.

The only issue was the difficulty in obtaining the required materials.

It seemed that he would have to ask Lady Crowley about the location of the Bat Market later.

As long as he had the ingredients, potion-making shouldn't be too challenging for him.

As Ryan continued flipping through the manual, he came across the section on Savage Beast Meat.

Soon, he spotted the Raging Bear Meat that he had consumed before.

Raging Bear Meat: A type of savage beast meat rich in energy. Regular consumption can slightly enhance constitution and strength.

Although Hamilton had previously advised Ryan against exchanging savage beast meat, Ryan thought that the situation was different now.

After some consideration, Ryan said to the ponytailed clerk, "Another hundred pounds of Raging Bear Meat, please."

"Yes, sir. One hundred pounds of Raging Bear Meat will cost you 50 merit points. I'll deduct them from your account."

"Sir, for this hundred pounds of Raging Bear Meat, would you like it delivered to your home, or will you take it with you now?" asked the ponytailed clerk.

At this moment, the convenience of having a carriage became apparent.

"I'll take it with me now," Ryan replied.

"Yes, sir," the clerk responded.

After this exchange, Ryan was left with only 39 merit points, a significant decrease from his initial balance.

---

When Ryan left the armory, he had already changed into a brand-new set of chrome iron plate armor in the changing room.

The silver-gray armor looked much better than his previous plate armor.

The hundred pounds of Raging Bear Meat and the plate armor were loaded onto Ryan's carriage.

Upon returning to the Crowley family mansion, Ryan encountered Jenny and her best friend, Agatha Wiggins, right at the entrance.

The two noble ladies' beautiful eyes lit up as they saw Ryan.

"Sir Ryan, this new set of knight armor is truly magnificent!" Jenny praised.

"Thank you!" Ryan's mood naturally improved upon hearing the girl's compliment.

"By the way, Sir Ryan, this is my best friend, Agatha Wiggins, the beloved daughter of Baron Wiggins," Jenny introduced.

"Agatha, you've already seen Sir Ryan's impressive figure this morning at the training ground," Jenny said with a smile.

"Hello, Miss Agatha," Ryan greeted with a smile.

The Agatha in front of him had some freckles on her nose, but it didn't detract from her beauty; instead, it gave her a lively and cheerful aura.

"Hello, Sir Ryan," Agatha said, her face slightly flushed, as she curtsied gracefully.

"By the way, Sir Ryan, regarding the Bat Market you asked about earlier, it seems my best friend here knows where it is," Jenny said.

"Oh? Really? That's wonderful!" Ryan's eyebrows rose, and he couldn't help but feel delighted.

However, Ryan reconsidered and took a closer look at Jenny's best friend. It seemed that she wasn't an ordinary noble lady.

Just as Ryan was pondering, Agatha quickly waved her hands and denied, "Sir Ryan, don't listen to Jenny's nonsense. I just feel like I've heard of this place before."

"I only overheard my family's advisor mentioning the Bat Market, and it seems to be near Frank Tavern in the county town. But I'm not sure of the exact location," Agatha explained.

"Miss Agatha, you're too kind. Even with this information, you've helped me tremendously," Ryan realized, understanding the situation.

A moment ago, he had thought that Agatha was also a fellow adventurer.

Now, it seemed that wasn't the case.

"Sir Ryan, do you need me to inquire further to get a clearer idea?" Jenny asked.

"Agatha's big watery eyes looked at Ryan and asked."

"Thank you, Miss Agatha, but no need. I think since we've determined the general area, I should be able to find it," Ryan politely declined.

After all, his mental power was quite strong, and his perception was exceptionally sharp.

If he narrowed the search area to within a few hundred meters of Frank Tavern, Ryan believed he would most likely find it.

"Sir Ryan, then let us two accompany you?"

Ryan naturally wouldn't agree. "Miss Jenny, the 'Bat Market' isn't suitable for a noble lady like you, and I'm merely curious and want to take a look."

Hearing Ryan's response, Jenny and Agatha were both a little disappointed.

So, after agreeing to return before dusk, Ryan donned a large black robe and boarded the Crowley family's carriage, heading towards Frank Tavern.

After about twenty minutes of riding, Ryan arrived at the entrance of Frank Tavern.

Ryan peered out the carriage window to observe.

The tavern was located on a bustling street with heavy foot traffic.

The area was filled with the sounds of people coming and going from the tavern—civilians, mercenaries, and others, creating a lively atmosphere.

Ryan decided to search the area around the tavern first.

Dressed in a black robe, Ryan put on his hood and quickly got out of the carriage, beginning his search with the tavern as the center.

After searching the area around Frank Tavern, Ryan realized that he might have underestimated the task.

Although his mental power was high and his perception sharp, he was also easily affected by various noises and unpleasant odors. This area was a civilian district, crowded and noisy, with poor sanitation.

Half an hour passed, and Ryan still hadn't found the so-called 'Bat Market.'

Disappointed, Ryan thought, "I'll have to come back tomorrow."

However, as he watched the flow of people in and out of the tavern, Ryan decided to go inside and sit for a while, hoping to gather some useful information.

After all, taverns were usually places where news spread quickly.

As Ryan walked towards the tavern, he muttered to himself, "Bat Market, bat..."

Suddenly, a flash of insight struck Ryan.

Of course!

Bat!

Could the bat be a symbol or sign of some sort for this market?

Ryan recalled a small alley he had just passed through, where a closed shop had a bat on its sign.

He immediately turned around and quickly walked back towards the alley.

Indeed, as he entered the alley, Ryan saw a shop deep within with a faintly obscured bat pattern on its iron sign.

Ryan's heart leaped with joy, and he approached the sign to examine it closely.

The sign read 'Lilith's Divination Shop,' but it was locked during the day, seemingly not intending to open for business.

Could this be a shop that only opened at night?

After some thought, Ryan decided to knock on the door and inquire, as this was the only place nearby that he remembered having a bat symbol.

However, as Ryan took a step forward, he instantly sensed something amiss! He seemed to enter a bubble, and after a ripple, he disappeared into the alley.

The scene before Ryan's eyes was vastly different from what he had seen from the outside.

From the outside, it appeared to be a small, closed divination shop, but upon entering, he discovered it was actually a hidden market!

Clearly, this was the 'Bat Market.'

What Ryan had seen earlier was likely an illusion created by some sort of divination or sorcery.

Additionally, this place didn't seem to have a dedicated guard, require a specific incantation, or need a password to enter, as Ryan had entered quite easily.

This made Ryan feel that his search had finally paid off, and perhaps the Crowley family was indeed his lucky star.

Soon, Ryan narrowed his eyes and carefully surveyed the market.

At first glance, the Bat Market didn't seem too different from an ordinary market.

However, upon closer inspection, significant differences became apparent. Like Ryan, most people here wore hoods, seemingly unwilling to reveal their origins or identities.

Furthermore, although the market was crowded, the noise level was surprisingly low. Conversations were hushed, as if people didn't want others to overhear their discussions.

This caused Ryan to furrow his brows.

If this were the case, it wouldn't be very welcoming for newcomers like him.

March 3rd, the editor of the Donkey Hoof app encourages readers to vote with their monthly votes if they have them. Thank you in advance!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end