Chapter 377: The Tavern

Helag emerged from the ground in a safe, deserted spot—a small pit overgrown with weeds.

He glanced at the distant city silhouette and drank a Changer’s Potion.

His appearance shifted to that of an average-looking man, unremarkable in the Land of Dawn.

This look was common, easily lost in a crowd.

Helag donned a plain black robe, completing his basic disguise.

Now, he appeared as an ordinary wizard, with nothing distinguishing him.

Disguised, Helag used Shadow Corner to become a shadow, silently approaching the city.

Once the city was within Deep Blue’s detection range, Helag stopped to observe.

The city had a wall, but it seemed more decorative than defensive.

The gates were open, guarded by only two men, with weak defenses.

Helag, seeing this, grew more cautious.

Such weak defenses indicated the city’s leaders were confident in their strength, not relying on walls.

The city, unlike Silvermoon, had an outer wall against the polluted zone.

Internally, threats were minimal.

City safety relied on manpower and wizard towers.

Like Silvermoon, this city had many wizard towers throughout.

Helag, as a shadow, circled to another side, finding no gate or guards.

He saw a dense residential area, clearly a poor district with cramped, low houses.

The area was crowded, with low living standards.

After scouting, Helag moved on.

The crowded area wasn’t suitable for sneaking in.

Though he saw no official wizards, caution was wise.

Continuing, Helag found a less populated area.

It appeared to be a market, chaotic, likely a place for residents to buy and sell goods.

Reaching the wall, seeing no one, Helag climbed over as a shadow, landing inside.

Once inside, he dispelled Shadow Corner, blending in as a pedestrian.

In the city, using Shadow Corner was risky; many powerful wizards were present.

Being spotted using stealth magic would raise suspicion.

Walking normally drew no attention; no one would question a passerby.

Most cities in the Land of Dawn had no curfew; Silvermoon’s taverns were open 24/7.

After observing, Helag confirmed there was no curfew and entered under cover of night.

His priority was gathering information, identifying the city and its ruling wizard organization.

Without a communication stone, information was harder to obtain.

But in the city, Helag knew where to find information.

Wrapped in his robe, Helag shivered as the cold wind blew.

After two streets, he turned a corner, finding a lit tavern.

A lamp above the door cast a warm glow, illuminating the entrance.

Approaching, Helag heard the tavern’s lively noise.

In the cold, dark night, the noise felt welcoming.

Helag entered, letting in a gust of cold air.

He quickly shut the door, blocking the wind.

Dusting off, Helag saw the bustling tavern, filled with people drinking and chatting.

Few noticed him; those who did quickly looked away.

Helag seemed like any late-night patron, unremarkable.

Only the waitress paid him mind, a young woman in black stockings approached, tray in hand, asking, “What can I get you?”

Helag glanced around, noting the drinks were similar to Silvermoon’s.

He ordered, “A butterbeer, please.”

After ordering, Helag found a quiet corner to sit.

The waitress soon returned, placing a butterbeer on his table.

Sitting alone, Helag drank silently, avoiding conversation.

Others left him be; his solitary drinking signaled a desire for privacy.

As he drank, Helag listened to the tavern’s chatter.

Amidst the noise, he sifted for useful information.

“Sord City.”

Listening, Helag learned the city’s name.

He had Deep Blue check the database, learning about Sord City.

As expected, it was an Eye of the Storm city.

Sord City, on the Land of Dawn’s western edge, was large and powerful.

It dwarfed Silvermoon, five times its size, with a large population and strong internal power.

Seeing the massive wall, Helag knew the city was significant.

Such walls were unnecessary for small cities.

In his mind, Helag visualized the Land of Dawn map, locating Sord and Silvermoon.

The cities were far apart, making return difficult.

Helag knew a direct route to Silvermoon was unlikely.