“I originally thought this rumor was a scam, but I didn’t expect it to actually elevate my rank. After we return from this mission, let’s go together.”
“This time it’s a bit too rushed. I want to try some of the Lord Demon’s other potions; you should also give it a try.”
George’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “After reaching the intermediate level, at least we will have stronger abilities and won’t have to worry about intermediate monsters.”
Rumors about Eber were spreading in the small town, influencing many people.
While they might not easily believe it at first, as the rumor gained credibility, the first person would eventually give it a try.
Witnessing such a magical power would lead more people to experiment.
Once the seed of curiosity starts to grow, it would spread far and wide.
*
Today, the Magic Association welcomed an esteemed guest.
A mysterious figure wearing a hood that concealed his face, and dressed simply, was seated among the dignitaries. His demeanor was relaxed, yet numerous renowned wizards outside treated him with great respect.
An elderly man with a head full of white hair cupped his hands in greeting, his eyes gleaming with excitement and surprise. He was Alik Lude, the president of the Vistal City Magic Association and a high-level wizard.
“Sir, we have evaluated the invisibility potion you provided, and it is undoubtedly a divine medicine in the eyes of all wizards!”
“Though investigations revealed it only works for those below high-level, if everyone consumes it, it will definitely elevate Vistal City’s defensive power.”
“However, I’m curious, how many doses do you have, and how much do you intend to sell them for?”
The mysterious figure leisurely opened his mouth, holding a bottle of red, iron drink that resembled the cola sold in Lusiann’s shop.
“One thousand gold coins per bottle, no negotiations. I have as much as you need.”
The mysterious figure set a steep price, multiplying it by several hundred times with just a few words.
“Isn’t that a bit too expensive? This price is outrageous!”
The crowd’s expressions shifted immediately, and a young man with a youthful complexion couldn’t help but speak up.
Alik swiftly scolded him, feeling quite troubled; while the potion was important, its limitations were considerable. Without the ability for mass production, it wouldn’t be much use.
He stroked his beard and exchanged several glances with his subordinates, looking very conflicted. “This… one thousand gold coins is not something we can just take; the association needs to deliberate first.”
The mysterious figure stood up from his chair, appearing unwilling to negotiate further.
He turned and walked out of the hall, leaving behind a parting remark that echoed in the chamber: “I will not change the price; decide carefully before coming back to find me.”
A few minutes after the mysterious man left, the previously silent youth spoke up, “I heard there’s a rumor going around in the city. Someone in the Monster Forest is selling unusual potions that can elevate levels. President, what do you think…”
Alik furrowed his brow, thinking for a moment. The price was indeed exorbitant, and mass production was not cost-effective. However, he was reluctant to let go of such a lucrative opportunity.
He waved his hand and told the young man, “You, go follow that person and see what the situation is.”
“Understood, President!”
The man quickly turned and hurried to track down the mysterious figure.
The mysterious man wasn’t walking very fast, taking his time as he made his way deeper into the Monster Forest after exiting the city.
The young man, not daring to slacken his pace, cautiously followed the mysterious figure into the forest.
Many monsters charged at the mysterious man, but each was dispatched effortlessly.
The young man was inwardly astonished; this person must be a warrior of high rank to eliminate low-level monsters with such ease.
Once he got close enough to the abyss, the figure ahead suddenly vanished.
The one following him looked bewildered; after searching for quite some time and failing to find him, he could only return, frustrated, to report his findings.
Behind a large tree, the mysterious man watched as the follower departed, pulling down his hood to reveal his face.
With golden hair and blue eyes, it was evidently Eber.
Eber smiled, admiring the cola bottle in his hand.
In the past few days, he had researched this mysterious drink, and after consuming it himself, it had lost its effect. He had given a few bottles to his teammates, leaving this one behind to bait others.
Surely, those wizards would not overlook such an obvious lead, and combined with the “rumors” spread by Joseph, it would disseminate from top to bottom.
He believed that soon there would be new followers from the Lord Demon.
Chapter 5
Lusiann had just sent off another group of customers and was tallying his gains for the day. Even though many people had only made tentative purchases, he had still earned several hundred energy coins.
As he noted that it was getting late, he was directing the system to close the passage device when he heard the familiar ding once more.
A number of people were transported through the device, and while most previous customers had come alone and dressed simply, this new crowd appeared somewhat intimidating.
Each was equipped with swords and knives, wearing sleeveless vests and belted garments.
As soon as they landed, they began to inspect their surroundings. “Is this the abyss? It doesn’t seem like much.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard rumors that it’s filled with monsters, but it seems fake.”
A man with a scarred face interrupted their chatter. “Enough with the chatter, let’s hurry and complete the task that the president gave us.”
Several of them paused, confidently stepping into Floating Life Grocery Store, where Lusiann stood.
He had black hair and eyes, with slightly squinted peach blossom eyes that detracted from his charm and added a hint of sharpness, as if seeing through everyone’s little tricks.
The shop’s dim lighting illuminated him in a strange manner, casting eerie shadows as the mysterious patterns on the walls seemed to writhe, yearning to break free.
They stared in silence as he withdrew his indifferent gaze, raising an arm as if to do something.