Evil Red Dragon

After settling them in, Alecto left the hotel alone.

He walked slowly along the main street, his eyes scanning the shops on both sides.

General stores, tailor shops, bookstores... until they stopped in front of the Adventurers' Guild.

Alecto stepped inside.

A spacious hall with a long row of counters on the left and several receptionists sitting behind them.

The right-hand wall was covered with notice boards, which were posted with various assigned tasks.

From collecting herbs to hunting monsters, from escorting caravans to finding people and items, the range of tasks is vast.

A long table and wooden chairs were placed in the center of the hall, where many adventurers were already sitting together talking in hushed tones. Ale and dried meat were laid out on the table.

Alecto walked straight to the counter.

The person in charge of reception was a young woman in her early twenties with brown hair tied in a ponytail and a professional smile on her face.

"Hello, what service do you need?"

"I want to buy two maps."

Alekto said:

"A world map, and a detailed map of Graystone Town, the more detailed the better, ideally including the terrain around Graystone Town, the distribution of major monsters, and the known areas."

The girl nodded:

"There's only one world map, which costs 5 gold coins, but we have three detailed maps."

"Standard version, covering 300 miles around Graystone Town, marking major roads and common monster habitats, priced at five gold coins."

"Advanced version, the range is expanded to 500 miles, adds warnings about uncertain mineral vein locations, main growth areas of magical plants, and some dangerous areas, priced at 10 gold coins, the last one..."

She looked apologetic.

"Those maps are usually custom-made, drawn by the guild's intelligence department based on explorers' records. They are expensive and take a long time to complete."

Alecto asked, "How long will it take to customize? How much will it cost?"

"The fastest time is 5 days, and the cost is around 100 gold coins."

The girl took a leather booklet from under the counter and flipped through it:

"If you need it urgently, we can provide a collection of the latest hand-drawn maps by adventurers. It was redrawn based on the intelligence submitted by the Frostwolf Squad, which returned last month, and covers an area of ​​about 600 miles."

"While not entirely accurate, the information is up-to-date. This collection is priced at 18 gold coins."

Alector pondered for a moment:

"I want that compilation. Also, I need to buy some intelligence."

"Please speak."

"First, any information regarding the sap of the Tree of Life and Stardust is welcome. Second, has there been any large-scale military movement or unusual events in Graystone Town recently? Third…"

He lowered his voice:

"I want to know which magic item shop in town has the largest stock and what its reputation is like."

The girl's expression turned serious.

She took out a form and a quill pen:

"Intelligence inquiries require registration and are charged according to their value."

"The first two items you mentioned are considered high-level intelligence. The base fee for each item is ten gold coins. If there is specific information, the price will increase depending on the content."

"The third item is general business intelligence, and the fee is five gold coins."

Alecto took twenty-five gold coins from his dimensional bag and placed them on the counter: "Check first."

"Please wait a moment."

The girl put away the gold coins and led Alecto through a small door at the back.

A moment later, she came in with a man.

The man was thin, wearing a dark gray robe, with crystal glasses perched on his nose, and holding a thick stack of documents in his hand.

"I am the guild's intelligence chief."

The man pushed up his glasses:

"Would the guest like to inquire about the sap of the Ancient Tree of Life, Stardust, and recent developments in Graystone Town?"

"That's right."

The man opened the document and slid his finger across the page:

"The sap of the Tree of Life... The last publicly recorded transaction was 3 years ago at an auction in the capital city of Kalando, where one milliliter sold for 45 gold coins."

"It is said that the source is located deep within the Elven Royal Court, guarded by high elves for generations, and rarely leaks out. In the past year, there have been two counterfeit transactions on the black market, but there are no records of genuine items."

He looked up at Alecto:

"If you need it, we can keep an eye out for relevant information, but we cannot guarantee its timeliness. This information will cost fifteen gold coins."

Alecto nodded: "Continue."

"Star Sand, produced in the Starfall Desert, has an annual output of less than 100 tons, most of which is monopolized by major mage towers and alchemy associations."

"The most recent transaction was about six months ago, when the owner of Evergreen Potions Shop in Graystone Town bought 10 grams, supposedly for a request from a VIP customer. The market price is about 8 gold coins per gram, but there's no market for it."

The man paused:

"This intelligence costs 20 gold coins because it involves local transaction records."

"Okay, what's the latest news about Graystone Town?"

"That makes things complicated."

The man closed the file:

"Two years ago, Princess Elena, the thirteenth princess, passed through this place, and the Silver Wing Knights took full control of the town's defenses. Just one month later, the princess left, but the Knights' leader, Miss Isa, remained and has not withdrawn since."

"On the surface, it's about strengthening border defenses, but according to our observations, the Knights seem to be secretly protecting something. The specific target is unclear, but their actions are significant."

"Furthermore, since the princess arrived, an abandoned mine outside the town has been designated a restricted area and heavily guarded. Many people have tried to approach it, but they have all been turned away."

The man looked at Alecto meaningfully:

"This information costs 30 gold coins. By the way, a friendly reminder: if you're planning to do anything in Graystone Town, it's best to keep a low profile."

Alecto then produced another 65 gold coins:

"I want both the map and the intelligence."

"A wise choice."

The man gestured for the girl to fetch the map, while he quickly wrote a note and handed it to Alecto:

"Here is the business intelligence you requested. The largest magical item shop in Graystone Town is the Treasure House. It has a powerful background and is said to be related to the royal family. It does have the most abundant inventory, but its prices are also the highest."

"Secondly, there's Gongyuefang, which specializes in enchanting weapons and armor. Evergreen Potions Shop, while mainly selling potions, has a wide reach as a chain store and occasionally sells magical materials as well."

Alecto took the note and glanced at it. Just then, the girl came over with two maps.

"This is your map, along with a copy of the Frostwolf Squad's exploration notes."

Alecto unfolds the top map.

Black, red, and blue inks are used to depict winding mountains, rivers, and forests, with dense markings that convey a great deal of information.

The notes section is a record of the team's observations, written in messy handwriting, but detailed in content.

"good."

He put away the map: "Goodbye."

By the time we left the Adventurers' Guild, the sun had risen higher.

Alecto stood on the steps, his gaze sweeping over a shop diagonally opposite.

Evergreen Potion Shop.

He remembered what the man had said, and thought he might give it a try.

Pushing open the wooden door of the potion shop, the copper bells on the lintel rang out with a clear, tinkling sound.

The shop was filled with a complex aroma of herbs. Several thick books were spread out on the long table in the center, and some alchemical tools were scattered around them.

The old man behind the counter heard the bell, looked up, and pushed up his round-framed glasses.

"Welcome! What kind of potion or something would you like?"

Alecto walked to the counter:

"I'd like to find out some information."

The old man put down his work and wiped his hands on his apron:

"Asking for information? This is a pharmacy, not an information broker."

"You have many connections."

Alecto casually tossed down a gold coin: "About some rare magical materials."

The old man glanced at the gold coins, then looked Alecto over again.

The red-haired youth before them, though dressed in ordinary leather armor, possessed an upright posture, calm eyes, and a faint aura of magical energy emanating from him…

He's a mage, and a high-level one at that; such a sight is rare here.

"Please sit down."

The old man pulled a stool out from behind the counter: "What do you want to know?"

"Sap from the ancient tree of life, and stardust."

Alecto sat down: "The price is negotiable."

The old man raised an eyebrow: "These two things are hard to find. What do you need them for?"

"Save people."

Alecto gave a brief reply.

The old man pondered for a moment:

"I really have no way to get the sap of the Tree of Life, but as for Stardust... I do have 10 grams, but that was pre-ordered by someone else, and I don't have any right now."

"Who made the reservation? Can we still contact them?"

"We cannot disclose details due to guest privacy."

The old man shook his head:

"However, if you urgently need it, I can keep an eye out for news about it for you, but let me be clear beforehand, it's a very murky business, hard to tell what's real and what's fake, and the prices are outrageous..."

Just then, the shop door was pushed open again, and the copper bell jingled.

The newcomer was a woman with long, dark brown hair draped over her shoulders. She had delicate features and eyes like dark purple gemstones.

She was wearing a large purple robe and carrying an empty wicker basket.

Her hair was blown by the wind, brushing against the corner of her lips. In that instant, it was hard to tell whether her hair was softer or her eyes were more alluring.

The moment the woman entered, Alecto felt a sharp blade against his neck, and his whole body screamed in danger!

The magical energy within his body trembled, his breath-concealing technique was pushed to its limit, and his aura was completely locked.

At the same time, he adjusted his posture, lowered his head slightly, and let the red hair on his forehead partially cover his eyebrows and eyes.

The woman seemed not to notice Alecto by the counter.

She walked straight to the counter and placed the empty wicker basket on it:

"Old Ethan, where's what I asked for?"

The old man laughed and said:

"It's already prepared for you, Helena, it's in the back."

"Put it in Isa's account."

Helena spoke lazily, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over Alecto.

Her gaze lingered on him for a moment.

The young, red-haired mage, with a sharp profile and a straight nose, was looking down at the map scroll in his hand, completely absorbed in his own world.

But Helena's intuition told her that this person was somewhat special.

It's not a matter of the strength of the magic, but rather a certain sense of mystery.

She had met many talented young men, but one like him was rare.

And... he's actually quite her type.

"Who is this?"

Helena suddenly spoke, her tone casual.

The old man quickly explained:

"This is my guest. He's passing through Greystone Town and came to inquire about some materials."

He then turned to Alecto: "This is Miss Helena, a distinguished guest of our shop, and also an important figure in Graystone Town now... uh, very important."

Alecto then raised his head and met those captivating eyes.

"Hello, nice to meet you."

Helena smiled slightly.

"Where are you from?"

"Traveling in the north."

"A wandering monk..."

Helena leaned against the counter, observing him with great interest:

"I overheard you guys talking about Stardust earlier? What do you need it for?"

"Save people."

Alector's answer remained brief.

"Who is worth spending so much money to save?"

Helena pressed on, a hint of inquiry flashing in her eyes.

Alecto said slowly, "A friend."

"friend……"

Helena chuckled lightly: "Your friend certainly has a lot of influence. But speaking of which, I can't get the sap from the Tree of Life, but as for Stardust... I do have some on hand."

Alecto's eyes flickered slightly: "Can you sell it to me?"

"No~~~"

Helena covered her mouth and chuckled, becoming even more interested.

This person is really funny; they won't talk to me unless I tease them. Am I that scary? So many people want to date me, but I haven't paid any attention to them...

Come to think of it, all these years have passed, and she has never actually experienced what it's like to be with a man. She only knows a little about it from her sisters, who describe it as some kind of heavenly bliss, making people forget all about life...

There's no time like the present!

I've finally found a little guy I like, I can't let him go!

She suddenly changed the subject:

"Are you a mage? What's your specialization?"

"Fire magic, with some defensive magic as a secondary skill."

"Fire element..."

Helena drew out the sound, then suddenly stretched out her hand:

"Let's get acquainted? My name is Helena, a level 5 mental mage."

Alecto looked at the hand extended in front of him.

His fingers were long and slender with neatly trimmed nails, but there were fine calluses on his fingertips and between his thumb and forefinger, marks left from holding the staff and handling alchemical implements for a long time.

He hesitated for a moment, then reached out and gently shook hands.

"Alex, Level 5 Fire Mage."

His hands were steady, his palms were dry and warm, and he would let go of her hand immediately upon touching her.

Helena smiled triumphantly:

"Greystone Town has been rather unsettled lately. The Knights are cracking down hard. Be careful, a stranger like you might get targeted."

"I will be careful."

"Where are you staying?"

"Hotel".

"That place..."

Helena tilted her head:

"The conditions are so-so. Would you like to find another place? I have a small courtyard in the east of town with a few empty guest rooms. It's quiet and would be quite suitable for a monk."

The implication in those words is quite obvious.

Old Ethan listened in stunned silence.

Although Helena is usually easygoing, I've never seen her be so proactive with any man before.

Alector shook his head as if he didn't understand:

"No need, I'm used to staying in hotels, thank you for your kindness."

got rejected.

Helena raised an eyebrow, showing no anger whatsoever; instead, her interest only intensified.

That's interesting, really interesting.

"Whatever you want."

She waved her hand and turned to old Ethan:

"Take out my stardust, I'm in a hurry."

Alecto's expression flickered, then returned to calm.

"Right away!"

Old Ethan quickly slipped into the back room.

The shop fell silent for a moment.

Helena leaned against the counter, her gaze fixed on Alexo, from his red hair to his shoulders, and then to the hand holding the map scroll.

Alecto lowered his head again, unfolding the map as if the lines on it were more attractive than the beautiful woman before him.

Helena's gaze lingered on Alexios.

She has seen far too many men.

Nobles, mages, knights... the first thing they thought about when they saw her was how to get her into bed.

Their pursuits were reserved, passionate, and hypocritical, but Alec was completely different.

All I felt was indifference and distance; they completely ignored me, especially considering my appearance...

Helena felt a strong urge to try it.