Chapter 85: Journey to Blackstone Town
Chapter 85: Journey to Blackstone Town
"Ahem, it's like this," Clark cleared his throat, explaining, "In the adventure manual we produce, the creatures in adventure areas are classified into factions, and all creatures fall within a nine-grid system."
"For instance, that unicorn in the Black Forest was categorized as 'lawful good,' primarily based on its act of defeating vampires and subduing them underground."
"On the contrary, the vampire is 'lawful evil.'"
"And there are other representative examples, like the tree sprites, classified as 'true neutral.' As for you..."
Clark paused, then continued, "Provisionally categorized as 'lawful neutral.' Not bad, fitting for your role as a merchant. However, this is just an initial assessment; I'll stay in the Black Forest for a few days, explore other areas, make more observations. Perhaps I'll drop by occasionally. Hope we'll get along well!"
Faction divisions.
I'm not a dungeon boss.
Adventurous areas, in essence, are wild territories independent of major organizations. They might exist within a faction's territorial boundaries but are somewhat autonomous from that influence.
The adventurer economy is a significant pillar in this world. Political organizations not only refrain from eradicating adventure areas but also deliberately maintain them, ensuring sustainable development.
The Black Forest suffered from inadequate protection due to early human civilization's weak sustainability awareness, being overexploited.
Though Huami currently resides in an adventure area, fundamentally still a human, yet categorized among the creatures of the adventure area.
It felt odd, but upon careful consideration, it seemed fine. Eventually, I accepted Clark's explanation, retracting the raging swarms of bees on both sides.
"So, can you remove these little guys from me now?" Listening carefully, Clark's voice trembled slightly. "They're adorable, really, it's just... I've had a slight fear of these little bugs since I was a child."
"..."
He's even afraid of small bees.
If I switch them to Southern giant roaches, he might turn into a sprinting monkey right away.
Huami let a few agonizing bees and fiery bees fly back.
"Phew—thanks." Clark finally relaxed, quickly readjusted, and said, "About those three potions, their effects, the descriptions are 'calming aid,' 'beautification,' and 'capacitance.' I can understand the first two, but what does 'capacitance' mean?"
"You can buy and try them," Huami replied calmly.
"Then one of each!"
Clark was exceedingly generous, stacking 32 gold coins on the windowsill.
Glittering, blindingly bright.
The other two adventurers who hadn't left yet were wide-eyed.
They had never seen so much gold in their lives, probably wouldn't again. Every glance was a treasure.
Huami remained composed, pocketing the coins in the ring's space, albeit feeling slightly astonished.
Is this how Star Raters make money?
They're ready to give away 32 gold coins without blinking an eye, just like Alyss, both loaded.
But Alyss makes sense; after all, she's a top-tier architectural designer, quickly and efficiently completing a three-day greenhouse extension with excellent quality. She deserves the earnings.
But Star Raters... What's their secret?
Clark held three bottles of honey in his hands, noticing the dumbfounded looks of the two beside him. He grinned at them and said, "I can claim 50 gold coins for this trip."
Hmph.
No wonder he's not concerned; it's the guild's money.
The three present instantly felt a lot more balanced.
Looks like the adventurers' guild makes a lot of money. Huami pondered.
The adventure industry in this world might be more developed than he imagined. However, because of the desolation of the Black Forest, with few adventurers, it gave him a false sense of tranquility.
Which is good.
With fewer unexpected events, it provided ample time for farming and beekeeping, allowing him to actively manage his schedule and follow his plan.
Clark stowed away the other two jars of honey, holding the Thunderflower Honey in his hand, carefully observing it in the sunlight, exclaiming, "What a beautiful hue."
Two adventurers couldn't resist their curiosity, leaning in to examine the magical elixir filled with enchanting colors.
This is a 20-gold-coin potion, lucky to get a close look; who knows, they might even gain some financial luck.
Clark then unscrewed the lid.
A sweet yet not overwhelming aroma wafted out.
Taking a deep breath, all three couldn't help but feel mesmerized.
Clark marveled, "Surprisingly not pungent, even somewhat pleasant... This is the first potion I've actively wanted to taste."
Sipping a small amount in front of the envious eyes of the other two, he savored it with closed eyes.
The stubbled man, eagerly watching him, swallowed and asked, "How does it taste?"
"Mm~~"
"..."
The taste was indescribably wonderful, leaving both of them salivating.
However, what intrigued them more was its effect; surely, it couldn't be worth 20 gold coins for taste alone.
After swallowing, Clark's pupils slightly dilated.
"Hmm? This feeling..."
Quietly sensing his own condition for a moment, he immediately retrieved a palm-sized glass bottle from the storage space.
Inside was lightning.
A thundercloud hovered at the bottle's mouth, constantly emitting silent flashes of lightning.
Clark descended the steps to an open space, forcefully smashing the bottle against the ground.
A crisp sound, the bottle shattered into pieces.
A thundercloud rapidly gathered above him, followed by a rumbling—
Bolts of lightning struck down toward him relentlessly.
Instantly, he was enveloped in a flurry of lightning and thunder, his figure flickering, seemingly transformed into light in an instant.
The two adventurers were dumbfounded.
This was clearly an offensive item. Why was he using it on himself?
Could the potion have affected his mind?
Glancing back at the cloaked merchant, seeing him maintaining his earlier demeanor, calmly watching the Star Rater self-inflicting, appearing entirely unsurprised.
Something's wrong.
Could he be doing this intentionally?
The potion was supposed to cloud people's judgment; this was a shady store!
As the thought arose, the thunder and lightning ceased.
They witnessed the Star Rater, unharmed.
His complexion was even rosier, a satisfied smile on his face.
The hair that had gotten ruffled gradually settled down, and with spirited steps, he returned to the window.
"How does it feel?" Huami inquired.
"I feel full of power!" Clark clenched his fist, eyes gleaming.
Huami nodded, "That's the 'capacitance' state."
"Ah, absorbing the power of lightning to restore one's own state, that's what 'capacitance' means," Clark observed his palm, wearing an ambitious expression. "With this potion, maybe I could even challenge the unicorn..."
Huami gave him a deep look, offering a piece of advice, "Don't be reckless."
"Haha, just kidding, kidding. I probably know where the limit lies." Clark stowed away the Thunderflower Honey, "Well then, farewell, Bee Speaker. The Black Forest is vast; I need to explore other places... Maybe, I'll consider taking a stroll in the unicorn
's territory, although I wonder if it would allow me near..."
Muttering to himself, he gradually distanced himself.
The two adventurers were amazed, experiencing the magic of the potions sold here.
Unfortunately, the price was beyond their imagination.
"Continue exploring as planned?"
"What's left to explore for a single gold coin? Let's go home!"
Satisfied, the two retraced their steps.
Watching their fading figures, Huami fell into contemplation.
"Blackstone Town... while there's still daylight, I'll pay a visit."
Even though the blessings of the Mother Goddess had already been planted in the greenhouse, the upcoming cultivation work was crucial.
Aside from necessary environmental adjustments and magical nurture, soil fertility needed enhancement.
With sufficient funds now, buying things from the town like fertilizers, to cultivate flower spirits, every aspect had to be meticulous.
"Off we go!"
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