Kithira District.. One of the most well-known districts of the capital, Rathna. Out of the 87 districts, this was one of the exclusively famous areas of the capital because this entire district played a vital role in the commerce related to medicinal herbs, ingredients required for potion crafting, alchemy and various pharmaceutical sectors.
Although it wasn't the main hub, the market spread around this district was already four times bigger than what Flavot city could offer.
Two men, one young while the other one old, treaded from the crowded streets that were bustling with nearly 10 thousand people buying, selling and exchanging money and resources for whatever they wanted at different shops and vendors.
"Excuse me, do you know where the headquarters of Darvin Alchemy Enterprise is?" asked Albestros to a passing Mithrans.
"Sorry, never heard of it. You can ask the nearby shopkeepers. They should know better." replied the mithrans telepathically..
To Kahn, it felt odd talking with someone other than himself or his subordinates telepathically. And that too when the person next to him didn't even have eyes, ears or a mouth. The pale white skin also made it look like a monster a ghostly creature.
There was always a time for a first.
[I should hunt for their kind and absorb their abilities.. Maybe I could upgrade Hive Mind and Hunter's Intent to the next level.] thought Kahn.
Luckily, the Mithran couldn't hear his thoughts or Kahn would be charged with attempted murder.
The old man went to a nearby shop and talked with the owner. But when he returned.. His expression turned grim.
"What happened?" asked Kahn.
"The Darvin Alchemy Enterprise no longer exists. They say it was shut down a couple of years ago." explained Albestros.
"Then what do we do? Do you know where he lives?" asked Kahn.
Technically, they didn't need to rely on anyone. But what Kahn intended to do was make a good connection with this friend of the old man.
Because he learned from Albestros that this friend of his was actually a Grandmaster Alchemist.
And naturally, a Grandmaster Alchemist would have a big reputation and connections in every place. Befriending such a person would only help him in the long term if he ever decided to deal in the pharmaceutical business after setting up their Blacksmithing Enterprise first.
Because at the end of the day.. Those who make weapons to hurt you.. And then also make the medicine to cure you earn the most. It's a neverending loop and a good business strategy for the type of world Vantrea was.
And to someone like Kahn.. It was like a goose that would lay the golden eggs for him.
"I do. I don't know if he still lives there but we should at least check it out." spoke Albestros and both the men went to the nearest flying ship hub.
Although the fares were 8 times of what they'd have to pay for traveling via a magic train, the flight was just as comfortable and saved them hours of traveling time.
After they finally reached a different district named Rukon, the duo finally visited a high-class society residential area. There was not a single small house in this area.. Only luxurious bungalows and villas. Kahn felt like they were indeed going to meet a bigshot given how the estates in this area looked like.
But when both the men finally reached the destination.. Their eyes were filled with shock.
They now stood in front of a mansion.. But compared to the other housings they had seen so far.. This place looked more like a ruin.
Weeds and trees growing out of shape, the road leading towards the main estate was hardly looked after, plenty of overgrown grass and hardly managed garden.
Kahn was instantly reminded of the old blacksmith's house was when he first met the man.
"Are you sure it is the right place?" asked Kahn to the old blacksmith.
"Yes.. But the last time I came here.. It looked more pristine and well managed. But now.. It looks like it is abandoned." replied Albestros.
"Let's see if someone still lives here." he said and both of them crossed the rusted gate and walked towards the main door.
Ting! Ting!
They knocked on the doorbell.
"Coming.." a hoarse and weary voice came from the inside.
A sound of loud footsteps was heard from the inside and the 4 meter tall wooden door was finally opened.
Kahn was a little surprised after looking at the figure that opened the door.
The one who stood in front of them was a humanoid figure with wooden arms and legs and looked like a completely withered… Tree.
"Huh.. Is that you, Alby?" asked the tree person.
"Long time no see, Prithvi. You look… wait, what happened to you?!" exclaimed the old man.
The current appearance of this Grandmaster Alchemist looked like a plant that hadn't been watered for weeks and was about to die.
This 4 meter tall figure was walking using a stick and had a hunched back.
"Please come inside first. We can talk after that." spoke the tree man.
The disheveled figure of this person was even worse than Albestros when they first met.
Unlike the former, this person's house at least had enough furniture for them to sit on.
After taking a seat.. Albestros asked Prithvi..
"What happened to you? The last time I saw you all those years ago.. You looked full of life. And now you look more like…" before he could finish, Prithvi spoke.
"Like dried timber."
"I didn't mean it like that.." spoke the old man.
"Who is this young man? He can't be Gerald. He was far younger if I remember correctly." asked Prithvi.
"I am groot."
"I mean, I am Kahn." he quickly replied again.
"This is someone who has helped me greatly. I wouldn't even be able to meet you after all those years if not for him."
"But first.. Tell me exactly what happened to you?"
"There's no point in hiding the truth from you, my old friend. The truth is…"
Prithvi's face turned somber and full of pain as he delivered his words.
"I'm going to die soon."