Chapter 141: Left or Right?

Chapter 141: Left or Right?



Rain surveyed the area and noticed that each staff member's desk had a wooden stand, the size of a pencil box, with signs that read 'Sergeant Exchange', 'Lieutenant Exchange', and a half-enclosed window labeled 'Captain Exchange'.

There were two or three people at the 'Sergeant Exchange' window, while the 'Lieutenant Exchange' window was empty.

Without hesitation, Rain walked straight to the 'Lieutenant Exchange' window.

The female staff member at the window was taken aback by Rain's youthful appearance but stood up respectfully to greet him, "Please show your credentials, sir."

Rain presented the badge of the Deputy Sheriff of Flashgold Town to the girl with a single ponytail.

"Please wait a moment."

The ponytailed clerk took the badge from Rain and began to verify it against the roster on her desk.

Several young men at the Sergeant Exchange window also looked at Rain with envy.

Rain flipped through the thick booklet and saw the title on the cover: 'Imperial Security and Guard Force Merit Points Exchange Booklet (Lieutenant)'.

Naturally, Rain turned to the Armor and Equipment section.

Dressed in a black robe and hood, Rain quickly got out of the carriage and began searching carefully, using the tavern as the center point.

Refined black tung oil is a product of high-concentration black tung oil mixed with other special drugs, suitable for formal knights practicing the Bear Breath Technique.

At that moment, Rain thought of the formulas in the 'Beast Taming Journal'.

As he continued to flip through the booklet, Rain came across the entry for Savage Beast Meat.

It seemed that he would need to ask Baroness Crowley about the location of the 'Bat Market' later.

"Certainly, sir. For the Chrome Iron Knight Armor Set, which size do you require? We currently have the 180, 185, and 190 sizes in stock, and you can collect them immediately." The ponytailed clerk inquired.

It was surprisingly easy to get in.

The standard Knight Armor Set was affordable, readily available, and could be claimed on the spot. However, if it was made of rare metals, especially custom-made Knight Armor, the cost was high, and the production time was lengthy.

But in the 'Lieutenant' booklet, there were many more breathing techniques available for exchange, with a total of seven or eight different kinds.

Additionally, Rain planned to spend a thousand merit points to custom order a set of high-grade Knight Armor made from a material called Water Film Steel, which was resistant to high temperatures and corrosion.

The signboard of the shop read 'Lilith's Divination Shop', but despite it being daytime, the iron gate was locked, indicating no intention to open for business.

Hmm? This booklet was much larger and thicker.

Rain's primary purpose for coming today was to look for high-grade Knight Armor.

"Please follow me, sir. Since it's a custom order, we'll need to take your measurements for height, weight, and other dimensions."

As Rain was being measured in the changing room, he caught sight of two people dressed as City Guard officers through the door crack, entering the Supply Office hall.

At first glance, the Bat Market didn't seem much different from the regular market outside.

However, the addition of the word 'Refined' and the higher exchange price than black tung oil caught Rain's attention.

The silver-gray armor looked much better than the standard Plate Armor.

After all, such news came at least eight times a year, and not once had it been true.

After this exchange, Rain was left with only 39 merit points, a significant drop, feeling like he had 'gone back to square one'. — Rain had already changed into the new Chrome Iron Knight Armor in the changing room before leaving.

Rain thought for a moment and said, "A set of Chrome Iron Knight Armor."

Hearing Rain's response, both Jennie and Agatha were slightly disappointed.

Strength Potion: A combat potion that, with a high probability, temporarily increases the user's strength by one to two percent for a short period. The duration and effect vary greatly depending on the user's constitution and limit-breaking level.

It seemed that a nearby alley had a closed shop with a bat symbol on its sign.

"Um, Lord Rain, do you wish to custom order a high-grade Knight Armor Set?" The young female staff member asked again.

Rain nodded and replied, "Yes."

Rain's heart leaped with joy as he approached to inspect the armor closely.

Hmm? Refined black tung oil? Rain narrowed his eyes, noticing another secret potion for the Bear Breath Technique.

This was when the carriage's presence proved useful.

Of course!

Could it be that his body's functions had improved significantly after entering the Extraordinary realm?

This couldn't help but disappoint Rain a little.

Rain was both amazed and delighted by this discovery.

At this moment, the scene before Rain's eyes was vastly different from what he had seen outside.

Ryan had acquired the extraordinary profession of an Arcane Apprentice, and now he was attempting to craft the recipes from the Beast Taming Journal.

For some reason, Ryan suddenly found the female clerk squatting before him, taking measurements, incredibly alluring.

After some thought, Ryan decided to exchange 200 Merit Points for a set of durable Chrome Iron Knight Armor, an eight-piece set priced at 200 Merit Points.

For example, in the exchangeable breathing techniques, Ryan vividly remembered that in the Sergeant Exchange Book, there was only one set of military breathing techniques.

The young lady before him, Agatha, had a few freckles on her nose, but it didn't detract from her beauty; instead, it gave her a lively and cheerful aura.

However, as Ryan watched the stream of people entering and exiting Frank Tavern, he decided to step inside and see if he could gather any useful information.

Soon, the young female staff member's expression of surprise deepened, and she said, "Hello, Ryan. You have a total of 1,489 Merit Points."

But as Ryan took a step forward, he instantly sensed something amiss! It was as if he had entered a bubble, and after a ripple, he vanished into the alley.

All of Ryan's physical data was meticulously recorded.

Apparently, this was the Bat Market.

After a quick glance, Ryan had a clear understanding of the Knight Plate Armor.

They were all hard to earn but incredibly easy to spend.

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 much attention to them.

"Hello, Ryan," Agatha said, her face slightly blushing as she offered a lady's bow.

As for Lagra, since she had never expected to enter the extraordinary realm so soon, she had never mentioned anything about it. Upon realizing this, Ryan quickly understood.

Suddenly, a flash of insight struck Ryan's mind.

There was no issue in dealing with the muscle expansion caused by a Peak Knight's 'Break Limit'.

Since there was refined black tung oil, he naturally wanted to purchase two bottles to aid his practice of the Bear Breath Technique.

"Yes, sir," the girl replied.

When Ryan returned to the Crowley Family Manor, he ran into Jennie and her friend Agatha right at the entrance.

"I only heard about the Bat Market from my advisor, and it seems to be near Frank Tavern in the County City. But I'm not sure of the exact location," Jennie explained.

"Ryan, this new set of knight armor you're wearing is so cool!" Jennie complimented him.

Ordinary black tung oil cost 30 Merit Points per bottle and could last for about a month.

Although Hamilton had previously advised Ryan not to exchange for Savage Beast Meat, Ryan thought that the situation had changed.

After eliminating leather armor and chainmail, the only option left was the Knight Plate Armor.

Just as Ryan was making a guess, Agatha quickly waved her hand in denial, saying, "Ryan, don't listen to Jennie. I just feel like I've heard of this place before."

"The estimated time for customization is two months, Ryan. Is that acceptable?"

This gave Ryan the feeling of 'searching for someone in a thousand places, only to find them at the dimly lit corner'.

Bat!

After some thought, Ryan said to the clerk with the ponytail, "Another hundred pounds of Savage Bear Meat, please."

The reason was, of course, considering the Black Flame Cult.

Moreover, this place seemed to be an open-air market, not as Ryan had initially imagined, with guards or the need to recite a specific incantation or know a password to enter.

And if it got damaged in battle, the repair costs would be enough to buy several sets of Knight Plate Armor.

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

For example, Ryan's own Bear Breath Technique, as well as the Panther Breath Technique and Wolf Breath Technique he had heard of before, were all available here.

Ryan glanced casually and then averted his gaze.

Hmm? Measurements needed? Alright, high-end goods are different! Ryan followed the ponytailed clerk to a nearby private room, similar to a fitting room.

They were all expensive, and even basic breathing techniques required a thousand Merit Points for exchange.

Seeing that the girl was younger than him but could exchange for high-end custom Knight Plate Armor, Ryan was impressed.

"Yes, sir," the girl said with a sweet smile, recording the order.

After entering the extraordinary realm, the corresponding secret potions needed to be updated as well, but the refined black tung oil was much more expensive.

So, before the agreed-upon time in the evening, Ryan, clad in a loose black robe, rode the Crowley Family carriage to Frank Tavern.

"Thank you, Miss Agatha, but it's not necessary. I think I can find it now that I have a general idea of the location."

"Ryan declined politely.

"Indeed, my thoughts were correct. With the backing of the Empire, as long as my level steadily improves, the resources I can obtain will also increase."

Upon opening the booklet, Ryan discovered that the major categories were not much different from the previous 'Sergeant' booklet, but the content of the sub-items was far more extensive.

Could it be that this is a store that only opens at night?

"Zelko, have you heard? Recently, the relationship between the Empire and the Federation seems a bit tense, and the Empire's naval movements are rather frequent."

"Oh, Ryan, regarding the 'Bat Market' you asked about last time, it seems my friend knows where it is."

"This is your exchange booklet, you can exchange any item listed in the booklet."

"Hmm? If it's news from an insider within the Imperial Navy, then it's quite credible." The young man named Zelko became visibly more serious, pondering for a moment before speaking.

If the search area was limited to a few hundred meters around Frank Tavern, Ryan believed he had a high probability of finding it.

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

Seeing the two 'Lieutenants' behind him, Ryan couldn't help but smile.

However, if money was not an issue, then all the aforementioned drawbacks would no longer be drawbacks.

These specially crafted knight armors naturally came at a high price. Some offered exceptional defense, while others could resist special types of damage, such as fire, acid, and the like.

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

This area was located in a busy street with a high footfall.

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

If it were this way, Ryan's seemingly 'huge' 1489 merit points wouldn't be enough.

The two of them seemed to be waiting for something, not in a hurry to do business, and were currently chatting.

Ryan saw them hand him a booklet the size of an A4 paper, as thick as a fingernail.

"Okay, 100 pounds of savage bear meat for 50 merit points, I'll deduct it for you."

"Oh? Really? That's great!" Ryan's eyebrows rose, and he couldn't help but smile.

As for the muscle expansion during the surge, the knight plate armor took this into account in its design, so the lining was made of soft and elastic multi-layer lambskin.

Indeed, merit points were money.

Additionally, the daily maintenance costs were also a significant expense.

"Sir, please spread your arms."

Ryan saw various armors made of different materials for different purposes.

Now it seemed that it wasn't the case.

Indeed, as soon as he entered the alley, Ryan spotted a shop at the end of the alley, with a blacksmith's sign featuring a slightly obscure bat pattern.

At this moment, he only had 89 merit points left.

The previous booklet was for 'Sergeant' exchanges, and naturally, there weren't many items to exchange, nor was there a need for secrecy. They could be exchanged at the Supply Office in Shiny Gold Town.

Ryan decided to leave the carriage nearby and search around Frank Tavern first.

The 100 pounds of savage bear meat and the plate armor were directly placed on the carriage by Ryan.

Ryan saw the beautiful eyes of the two noble ladies light up.

When he saw the potion category, he paused and randomly picked one to look at.

Although his mental energy was high and his perception was keen, he was also very susceptible to various noises and foul odors. This area was in a civilian district, crowded and noisy, with poor sanitation.

"Just take it."

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

"Yes." Ryan nodded in confirmation.

Just as she thought Ryan had finished this exchange, Ryan spoke again, "Plus, a custom-made high-quality knight plate armor made of water film steel."

The genuine version is available at 69shu.com! 6=9+shu_ba

Ryan took a quick glance through the carriage window.

"Oh, Ryan, this is my friend, Agatha Wiggins, the daughter of Baron Wiggins." Jennie introduced.

The ponytailed office lady quickly began her serious measurements.

"Okay, Ryan, I've noted it down for you. Do you have anything else you'd like to exchange?" The girl said respectfully.

What Ryan had seen earlier was probably an illusion array or a magic 'deception'.

After searching around Frank Tavern for a while, Ryan realized that he might have thought too simply.

Just now, he had thought that Miss Agatha was also a 'fellow practitioner'.

The refined black tung oil was exchanged for 100 merit points per bottle.

In comparison, ordinary black tung oil was suitable for knights of lower levels.

Previously, he had heard that Kuzma, the former sheriff of Shiny Gold Town, had been transferred there.

The bustling pedestrians and the continuous hawking created a lively atmosphere. Many people from various professions, including mercenaries, were coming in and out of Frank Tavern, making it seem quite bustling.

Ryan immediately turned around and quickly walked towards the alley he had just seen.

"Let's make it 185 pounds!" Ryan decided to buy a slightly larger one, as he was still growing.

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

In theory, with the right materials, creating potions wouldn't be too difficult for him to improve upon. Was it the Eagle Federation across the sea?

As the female clerk measured his leg length while squatting, her pretty face suddenly flushed, and she looked up to ask, "Sir Ryan, normally, do you prefer the left or the right side for that?"

Ryan was quite far from the two, but his keen perception allowed him to hear their conversation clearly.

However, Ryan reconsidered and took a closer look at Jennie's friend. She seemed to be more than just a simple noble lady.

After about twenty minutes of traveling by carriage, Ryan arrived at the entrance of Frank Tavern.

Savage Bear Meat: A type of Savage Beast Meat rich in energy. Long-term consumption can slightly increase constitution and strength.

No wonder he had felt the effects of Black Tung Oil weakening lately. He had even considered increasing the dosage, but the real issue was the source.

"Sir Ryan, do you need me to inquire further?" Agatha asked, her large, watery eyes glancing at Ryan.

After some thought, Ryan decided to knock on the door to inquire. It was the only place he knew of with a bat symbol nearby.

Ryan, of course, didn't agree, saying, "Miss Jennie, the Bat Market isn't a place for a noble lady like you. I'm just curious and want to take a look."

Even specific breathing techniques and corresponding secret potions for cultivation were available for exchange.

However, the Lieutenant level offered a much wider range of exchange options, but these could only be obtained at the County City Supply Office.

The main challenge now was acquiring the raw materials.

"Two bottles of Refined Black Tung Oil," Ryan said to the female clerk with a ponytail.

Hearing the word 'custom-made,' the other female staff members also glanced over curiously.

"Sir Ryan, should we accompany you there?"

"Miss Agatha, you're too kind. Even so, you've already helped me a great deal," Ryan realized.

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

"Sir, for 100 pounds of Savage Bear Meat, would you like it delivered to your home, or will you take it now?" the ponytailed clerk asked.

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

"It seems I'll have to come back tomorrow."

After all, his mental energy had already reached 17 points, making his perception extremely sharp.

[Note: May cause side effects such as muscle soreness for several hours.] Constitution Potion: A supplementary potion that, when consumed for a week, can improve the constitution of the drinker to varying degrees, typically around 10%.

Reading the description, Ryan understood.

Soon, he spotted the Savage Bear Meat he had tried once before.

When Ryan and the ponytailed clerk emerged from the changing room, the two City Guard officers stopped their conversation, seemingly not wanting Ryan and the others to overhear.

At that moment, Ryan, with free time, flipped through the exchange catalog again.

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

"It's possible, but I'll need to make a separate protective cup. I'll make a note of it," she said, her face flushing slightly as she spoke and made the record. [Note: A supplementary potion from the Royal Apothecary Association's Minster Province Branch, worthy of trust.] It seemed that the profession of an apothecary was indeed lucrative everywhere.

Ryan nodded again.

Soon, Ryan squinted and examined the scene carefully.

Hmm? Left or right side? Ryan was initially puzzled but followed the clerk's gaze and immediately understood. "Could it be placed in the middle?" he asked, clearing his throat.

Seeing this, Ryan felt delighted! Moreover, he increasingly believed that his trip to the County City was a fortunate one, and perhaps the Crowley family was indeed his lucky charm.

For example, the Black Tung Oil required for Ryan's Bear Breath Technique was available in the Lieutenant's catalog.

"Agatha, I don't think I need to introduce Sir Ryan to you again. You've already witnessed his prowess on the training ground this morning," Jennie said with a smile.

"Is that so? I'm hearing about this for the first time," said a young man named Zelko, sounding unconvinced.

However, upon closer observation, one would notice a significant difference. Like Ryan, most passersby wore hoods, seemingly unwilling to reveal their origins or identities.

Secondly, although the Bat Market was bustling, the noise level was low. Conversations were conducted in hushed tones, as if people didn't want others to overhear.

This caused Ryan to furrow his brows in concern.

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

March 3rd: The editor-in-chief of the Donkey App highly recommends that readers use their monthly votes for this chapter if they have them. Thank you in advance! ^_^

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end