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Chapter 46: Sunset Tavern & Gray Dwarf Ao Tuo
Chapter 46: Sunset Tavern & Gray Dwarf Ao Tuo
Morning sunlight streamed through curtain gaps, bathing the room in golden streaks. Luo En had already emerged from his meditation when his eyelids fluttered open again.
He'd obtained permission from Madame Ellen before departing yesterday. Today, he'd finally attempt to seek those special materials in the Black Market.
As this thought solidified, he retrieved the glowing parchment once more, carefully scanning the recorded items:
Eye Liquid of the Dream-Devouring Spider, Heart Ash of the Moon Shadow Bat, Crystalline Moss, Night Talk Pollen.
Most of these substances had appeared on the "Prohibited Trading Items" list inside the elementary apprentice handbook he'd received during his recent certification.
"These materials definitely require unconventional Black Market channels."
Just as he pondered strategies, urgent knocking echoed through the room.
Opening the door revealed Andie in practical dark casuals, golden hair tied back simply - clearly prepared for their "unofficial activities."
"Good morning, esteemed ally", the blonde greeted with teasing formality before barging in and closing the door with a muted thud. "Got today's itinerary figured out yet?"
Luo En nodded toward the parchment spread across the bed. "Primary objective: locate these materials. At minimum, we need to establish their approximate sources."
Andie leaned closer, eyes narrowing as his brows furrowed. "Good heavens. What kind of potion-making is Madame Ellen planning? Even 'The Tongue Moss of the Thirsty Dead' appears on this list."
"You recognize this?" Luo En asked, surprised.
"Of course. That's premium-grade material for curse-based advanced spells", Andie's expression darkened. "They say you must strand a living person in a desert until they dehydrate to death to extract properly potent specimens for spellcasting mediums."
A chill ran through Luo En. Whatever potion Madame Ellen intended, it clearly belonged to no benevolent category. Yet he quickly resolved - having already committed, he'd see it through.
"Fortunate that I have this walking encyclopedia who knows a little about everything", Luo En clapped Andie's shoulder. "Otherwise I'd have no idea where to begin searching."
"The honor of aiding Young Master Luo En is mine", Andie smirked. "Regarding Black Market affairs, I do have certain... privileged insights."
He glanced skyward. "These days present perfect timing. Every month during this period, 'Sunset Tavern' hosts a special trade fair. We should test our fortune there."
Luo En swiftly packed essential belongings - Mana Shard Fragments, defensive weapons, and several self-brewed potions. The pair then slipped quietly from the apprentice dormitory area.
Through seldom-traveled paths, they gradually distanced themselves from the Academy's core zones, heading toward commoner settlements and markets at Black Mist Jungle's periphery.
"Watch for watchers", Andie warned in hushed tones. "Though the Academy doesn't formally prohibit apprentices from Black Market zones, they certainly won't decline fresh Mana Shard Fragments delivered conveniently through arrests."
So-called entrapment operations, Luo En mentally nodded while heightening environmental awareness.
Through his multi-occupation advantages, his keen perception detected increasingly chaotic mana fluctuations the further they walked toward Black Mist Jungle's outskirts. Disordered energy traces wove through the air like a unique atmospheric tapestry.
After navigating winding alleyways, they reached a dilapidated two-story wooden establishment.
"Here we are - 'Sunset Tavern'", Andie tilted his head toward the creaking sign above the entrance. "Outwardly just another drinking den, but actually the safest underground trading hub in this region."
Pushing open the groaning wooden door unleashed a heady mix of alcohol, tobacco, and exotic races' natural musks. Luo En wrinkled his nose, struggling to acclimate to the suffocating intensity.
The tavern's dim interior barely illuminated by magic crystal lamps buzzed with a strange harmony of whispered conversations and clinking goblets.
Misshapen exotic races clustered together - mountainous frames hunched in corners sipping from wooden basins, diminutive figures draining goblets larger than their heads. Their clandestine murmurs and solitary drinking created an atmosphere both mysterious and perilous.
Luo En's gaze swept the crowd, noting human figures in various garbs - exiles' tattered rags, nobles' luxurious robes, hunters' practical leathers. All shared sharp, watchful eyes.
"There", Andie tugged Luo En's sleeve, voice barely audible while gesturing toward the bar. "See that gray dwarf? That's Ao Tuo - a reliable intermediary I know."
Following his gesture, Luo En observed a grizzled-bearded figure barely waist-high to ordinary humans seated on a barstool. His appearance resembled a weathered rock granted life - gray-brown skin etched with countless calluses gripping the beer mug as if it held immeasurable worth.
Approaching the bar, Andie signaled the bartender before murmuring to Luo En, "Allow me first. Ao Tuo dislikes direct inquiries from strangers."
Two murky foaming beverages arrived promptly. Luo En accepted his cautiously, detecting a pungent sourness beneath the froth.
Andie sipped his casually. "Long time no see, Mr. Ao Tuo. Today's barley brew remains as wretchedly undrinkable as always."
Without lifting his gaze, the dwarf tapped his calloused fingers rhythmically against the mug - a coded signal. "Which old friend graces our humble establishment?"
His voice rasped like grinding stone.
"The Highlands Ore Vein Guide you procured last time proved invaluable", Andie responded in a specific cipher. "Regrettably, I had to abandon it after encountering minor complications. Such a rare treasure lost..."
At this, the dwarf finally raised his head. Piercing blue eyes gleamed beneath thick brows - surprisingly intelligent against his rugged exterior.
"Ah, Your Highness", he murmured, cautiously scanning surroundings. "Looks like you've acquired new... special requirements?"
(End of Chapter)
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