A reward of a thousand gold coins and an Epic-grade equipment piece; Howard was instantly enticed by the lavish offer.
Even Tana slightly raised her brows, casting a puzzled look at Athena.
Only Wales remained unperturbed, speaking calmly, “This isn’t about the money. The journey from Adia City to Crimson Dragon City alone requires at least half a month…”
Before he could finish, Athena interjected with a smile, “Two thousand gold coins!”
“The amount of gold coins doesn’t matter,” Wales retorted, unswayed. “Given my unique status, I can’t spare that much time. You should seek someone else’s assistance.”
Unyielding, Athena raised her offer, “Three thousand gold coins!”
At this, both Howard and Tana couldn’t help but swallow hard, their throats dry. This sum was staggering, even to them.
Especially for Howard.
Ever since awakening his supreme talent and after facing numerous crises, he had only managed to earn two or three hundred gold coins.
Yet, Wales’s asking price for one assignment was reaching three thousand coins.
Wasn’t the disparity a bit too vast?
What Howard didn’t realize was that at certain tiers of power, gold coins lose their significance, leading many to spend freely.
The hard truth was that the most elite skill books and equipment were so coveted that no one was willing to part with them.
Even if you were to possess billions in gold coins, no one would be willing to sell to you. 𝑖.𝘤ℴ𝘮
Seeing Wales remain unmoved, Athena nodded gracefully, “From the looks of it, you must hold a unique position. Perhaps a member of the Alliance or maybe a mentor within the academy?”
“And what if I were?” Wales shot Athena a fleeting glance.
Athena chuckled, “Who knows? Maybe I could arrange for you to have that much-needed time.”
Upon hearing this, astonishment painted the faces of Howard, Tana, and Wales.
Manipulating the academy’s schedule wasn’t an extraordinary feat; building a good rapport with the dean might achieve that.
But for Athena to dismiss the Alliance so effortlessly, what did that imply?
Perhaps she had backing from an even more formidable power.
However, why would such an influential figure seek assistance in Adia City?
Wouldn’t it be simpler to head directly to the heart of the Alliance and enlist escorts there?
With questions swirling in his mind, Howard remained silent.
Yet, it was Wales who voiced the uncertainty, “If you have such powerful connections, why come to Adia City for escorts?”
“The regulations within the Alliance are too restrictive, and the distance to the Crimson Dragon City is considerable,” Athena replied with a light chuckle. “Besides, everyone knows that the Nightshade’s headquarters is in Adia City. What I seek is someone who can move discreetly, concealing their tracks and aura, to chart a path for me, ensuring a safe return to the Crimson Dragon City. Overwhelming strength isn’t a prerequisite.”
Athena’s words illuminated the situation for Howard, making it clear that this group surely harbored grand ambitions.
And undoubtedly, their strength was nothing short of formidable.
After a prolonged hesitation, Wales finally spoke, “If you agree to two conditions, I can arrange for you a pass to the Crimson Dragon City and find a safe route for your journey. And you won’t have to pay three thousand gold coins — two thousand will suffice.”
“Oh? What are these conditions?” Athena’s curiosity was instantly piqued.
“Firstly, I wish to bring along a student of mine. Secondly, instead of the Epic-grade equipment, I’d prefer an S-level skill book — the Spirit Veil Skill,” Wales began. “The Spirit Veil Skill isn’t expensive, just rare. Given the capabilities you’ve demonstrated, I believe you can procure it.”
He continued, “Moreover, you can remit the payment once we arrive in Crimson Dragon City. But I’d need the Spirit Veil Skill before we depart.”
Hearing Wales’s terms, Athena mused, “I was expecting you to make a much larger demand. Surprisingly, this actually saves us money. I agree. I’ll get the Spirit Veil Skill as soon as possible. When shall we meet again?”
Wales nodded, “In seven days, right here.”
“Very well. Until then,” Athena replied, giving a slight bow to the trio before turning on her heel and departing.
After a moment of silence, Tana couldn’t help but question, “A reward of two thousand gold coins… Could this be a trap?”
“Who would lay such a trap for me?” Wales replied with an air of tranquility.
He knew his worth.
Apart from his exceptional tracking and investigative skills, his combat prowess wasn’t particularly outstanding, and he didn’t possess any treasures.
It wasn’t worth someone’s effort to entrap him in this manner.
“She must’ve come to Adia City seeking your reconnaissance skills,” Tana reflected. “Indeed, every time the Alliance explores new ruins or dungeons, they rely on you to scout the way. The moniker ‘Ravenous Wolf’ certainly has made its mark.”
Hearing this, a thought stirred within Howard.
It seemed that within the vast scope of the Alliance, Wales held a considerable stature, even if not earned solely through raw power.
For someone of such high standing to be this kind to him — wasn’t that a good sign?
Howard even had an inkling that when Wales mentioned bringing someone along, he might be referring to him.
Even if he didn’t receive any rewards, being involved in such an endeavor would undoubtedly hone his skills and strengthen him.
Yet, with Wales keeping his intentions close to his chest, Howard felt it would be impolite to pry.
What if he was wrong?
The embarrassment would be insurmountable.
“Both of you should leave now,” Wales began, swaying his drink gently in his hand, almost ushering them out. “And remember, never let this young man undertake missions on his own. The tasks here aren’t as straightforward as they seem.”
While Tana, in terms of both strength and status, was overshadowed by Wales, she didn’t dare rebut.
She only shot him a fleeting, dismissive glance before pulling Howard away.
It wasn’t until they left what seemed to be a tavern-like establishment that Howard realized he hadn’t really understood the dynamics inside, which piqued his curiosity even more.
The unknown always kindled the most intrigue.
However, this encounter with Wales had put Howard at ease. .𝒎
Although he was still uncertain about the exact reasons behind Wales’s kindness, he was now sure of one thing: Wales bore no ill intentions towards him.
Otherwise, even as a student with awakened supreme talent, if he were to encounter Wales in the wilds, his fate would be sealed in death.
Upon returning to the academy, Tana waved dismissively, letting Howard head back to the dormitory alone.
By then, Nick and Mike were already nestled in their beds.
Seeing Howard return so late, curiosity arose in their eyes. “Boss, where’ve you been? Why’d you come back so late?”
“Speaking of which,” Mike chimed in, “I’ve already sent word to our family. In a short while, when they send someone over, we can guide them to catch the humanoid Butterfly Fae. We’re bound to make a fortune from this venture!” he said with a smirk.
“Hm?”
“Boss, why do I smell alcohol on you?” Nick, having a sharp nose, exclaimed in surprise.
Nick and Mike, both from prominent families and accustomed to the luxuries of life, were no strangers to taverns.
With feigned indignation, Mike said, “Boss, you went to a tavern and didn’t invite us?”
Chuckling mischievously, Nick added, “Wonder how the tavern girls of Adia City are. Their beauty, their hospitality…”
Exchanging a glance, both Nick and Mike revealed a sly grin.
With a dismissive gesture, Howard replied, “Shallow thinking. Is it impossible to imagine that a tavern might offer more than just pretty faces? Perhaps I went there for information?”
At that, the playful demeanor of Nick and Mike transformed instantly.
They looked at Howard with a newfound seriousness. “Boss, what information were you after?”
“I’ve heard from our elders,” Nick pondered, “that the curriculum of Holy Abyss Academy changes every year. But why the tavern? Are we gearing up for another expedition?”
Mike quickly added, “That doesn’t make sense. We’ve just finished our assessments. We should be training within the academy for a while.”
It had to be said, Nick and Mike, despite their often frivolous demeanor, were not without wit — even if it was just a sliver.
Keeping an air of mystery, Howard grinned, “It’s classified. You’ll find out soon enough.”
With that, he climbed into his bed, shutting his eyes to the world.
Seeing their leader’s reticent mood, Nick and Mike didn’t dare pester him further and soon drifted off to sleep.
After Nick and Mike had drifted into a deep slumber, Howard quietly opened his eyes.
With a subtle flicker of thought, he summoned the interface of his god-tier synthesis talent, producing the Bronze-grade legguard he had previously purchased.
[Ding! Congratulations, awakened Howard. Synthesis successful. You’ve acquired Silver-grade equipment: Spirit Bear Legguard!]
[Ding! Congratulations, awakened Howard. Synthesis successful. You’ve acquired Gold-grade equipment: Giant Bear Legguard!]
[Ding! …]
…
[Ding! Congratulations, awakened Howard. Synthesis successful. You’ve acquired the Supreme Artifact: Beastwhisperer Legguard]
With the appearance of the first Supreme Artifact, a radiant, multicolored glow burst forth, filling the entire dormitory.
Alarmed, Howard quickly stashed it into his Storage Bag.
If he were to wake Nick and Mike, that would certainly spell trouble!
Swiftly glancing over to ensure they remained undisturbed in their sleep, Howard let out a silent sigh of relief, thinking, “I really need to find a way to move out of this communal dormitory. If I continue synthesizing equipment or skill books here, I’m bound to be discovered.”
The matter of his supreme talent wasn’t to be taken lightly.
Even to those closest to him, Howard was unwilling to disclose his secret, let alone to mere dorm mates.
Gathering his thoughts, Howard refrained from taking out the Beastwhisperer Legguard.
Instead, within his Storage Bag, he checked its attributes.
The moment the properties of the Supreme Artifact surfaced, an astonished expression washed over Howard’s face.
This content is taken from 𝘪𝘳.𝘤𝑜