Chapter 378: The Private Room

Helag sipped his butterbeer, contemplating how to leave Sord City and reach Seranthiel’s territory.

He considered seeking help from the Array Masters’ or Potion Masters’ Associations but dismissed the idea.

Though these associations spanned the Land of Dawn, each city’s management was usually local.

In Silvermoon City, for instance, Israel and Barren were Seranthiel members holding positions in the associations.

Thus, Sord City’s associations were likely managed by Eye of the Storm members.

Helag couldn’t risk contacting them.

He knew if the second-level wizard survived, he couldn’t reveal himself.

And if Buck was alive, he’d recognize Helag too.

Checking his mental map, Helag noted a city called North Slope within Eye of the Storm’s territory.

North Slope was a crucial hub, connecting to all parts of the Land of Dawn, including Seranthiel.

The nearest Seranthiel city was Silver Beach; reaching it meant entering Seranthiel’s domain.

Helag planned a route: Sord City to North Slope, then to Silver Beach.

This was the shortest, most efficient path.

The challenge was safely reaching Silver Beach.

In the Land of Dawn, cities were typically connected by airships.

Residents could buy tickets to travel between cities.

Merchants also used airships for trade and transport.

While ordinary residents could buy tickets easily, Helag couldn’t without identification.

This was a problem with no clear solution.

If all else failed, he’d risk sneaking onto an airship.

However, airship security was tight, making infiltration difficult.

Helag pondered these issues while sipping his drink.

He remained vigilant, noting new developments from the tavern’s private rooms.

The tavern’s second-floor private rooms were quieter, each a separate space.

These rooms had protective arrays, ensuring privacy and preventing eavesdropping.

People often discussed semi-private matters in these rooms.

While the arrays blocked typical surveillance, they couldn’t block Deep Blue’s detection.

Through it, Helag observed the rooms clearly.

He noted four occupied rooms but initially paid little attention.

Room One hosted a physical altercation, which Helag found amusing.

Room Five’s conversation caught his interest.

***

Tavern’s Second Floor, Room Five.

“Mr. Sam, isn’t 2,000 magic stones a bit steep for just delivering something?” A slender, mustached man inquired, looking troubled.

Across from him sat a burly man with a beard and a scarred face.

Sam sneered, “Just delivering something? I don’t ask what you bring; I just handle the delivery. But do you think I’m clueless? If Eye of the Storm finds out, we’re dead!”

“This box may seem small and easy to deliver, but do you realize the risk involved?”

The mustached man nodded reluctantly, unable to argue.

Sam leaned back, “2,000 magic stones, not a stone less. As usual, no stone transfers. Once I have the stones, I’ll get this to Gulatine without asking questions.”

The mustached man hesitated, pained, “Fine, 2,000 it is. I’ll bring them tomorrow night.”

Sam’s expression softened slightly, forcing a smile that looked menacing with his scar.

He poured the man a drink, “To our successful partnership, my friend!”

The mustached man, though bitter, raised his glass.

Downstairs, Helag watched, curious about the small wooden box’s contents.

The box, made of special material, blocked conventional magic detection.

Through Deep Blue, Helag saw inside: a wooden carving of a mummy-like figure.

The real interest lay within the carving: a blood-red insect.

“Abyssal cultist…”

Helag, familiar with Abyssal cultists, recognized their work.

The mustached man was likely a cultist, and Sam seemed an underworld figure in Sord City, involved in smuggling.

Many items were banned in the Land of Dawn, including necromancy materials, which required registration and official sale.

Despite restrictions, necromancy materials circulated through smuggling.

Smugglers were often underworld figures with strong connections, enabling their activities.