by Zhuang Bifan
"Yeah, 5000 gold coins. Are you interested?"
"Y-yes, yes, yes! I am…" Duke replied and nodded profusely. At this moment, Duke really wanted to have two heads to better show his sincerity to deal with Lin Li. It was as though those 5000 gold coins would grow wings and fly away from him if he was a little less sincere…
"I believe you have heard about the Syer Bandits. I want a stack of detailed information on them: their strength in numbers, physical abilities, favorite hideout, name of their boss, their past, the color of u.n.d.e.r.g.a.r.m.e.n.t they like to wear… et cetera. The more detailed, the better it is. If your report is satisfactory, I don't mind increasing the reward to ten thousand gold coins."
"My gosh…" Duke became breathless upon hearing the shocking number.
"But…" After Lin Li threw out the temptation, his words got a sharper twist. "But, if you were to ruin this matter, I promise I would ensure you enjoy the rest of your life.
"Oh, yes. Before I forget, I had planted something on your body. Not to worry, it would not cost you your life. It would only enable me to find you more easily. If I want to, I would be able to chase you down regardless of how far you try to hide yourself. Understand that?"
"Yes…!"
"Very good," Lin Li said as he smiled. He retrieved the coin pouch from Norfeller and fiddled with it in his hands before he threw it to Duke. "The money inside is my deposit. After doing that report, go to that ore shop to look for me," Lin Li said, and pointed to the shop opposite them. "Remember, you only have three days…"
Lin Li spent the next two days in Kaman's ore trading shop.
Since the mage tower in the Black Clouds Town was still under construction, there was nothing he could help with if he were to return at this time. Hence, he decided to stay at Doland City to save himself some trouble. Another reason for staying here was to make use of Kaman's smithy. Having money was admittedly great, but as compared to Old Salatt's blacksmith shop, Kaman's smithy was much more powerful. It had all kinds of facilities and rare tools. In Kaman's words, with the relevant skills, one could create divine-level equipment right in his smithy.
Of course, Lin Li was not there to create any such equipment…
He only took out the leftover magical metals and tried to forge a magical weapon that was barely at the master-level. Since Lasorick could not even recognize weapons made from the rainbow adamantine, it would be a waste to give him better equipment…
On the third day, Lin Li handed the three magical weapons he had forged to Kaman. While he was eating breakfast and wondering if Duke would leave him in the lurch, a worker in the trading shop ran towards him.
"Mage Felic, there's a bandit outside by the name of Duke, claiming that he is your friend. Do you want to meet him?"
"Yes, let him in."
Not long after, the worker brought Duke over.
"Good morning, Mage Felic…"
"Morning, Duke. How is the errand going?"
"It is almost done. Mage Felic, do you want to hear it now?"
"Sure."
"The Syer Bandits was set up by militiamen of Syer Town. Their leader is Vanskore, the formal leader of the militia. 20 years ago, the Syer Town suffered a plague; it's said that around half of the population was wiped out by it…"
Chapter 311 - Librarian
"Hm, carry on…" Lin Li nodded his head as the disaster that had happened then was widely known indeed, and even a foreigner like him had heard people mention it. Half the people had allegedly lost their lives, while the the other half fought to leave the cursed place. The once prosperous Syer Town had been reduced to ruins. Even after 20 years, nobody was willing to step into this place of death.
However, Lin Li had never thought that the Syer Bandits had originally been the militiamen of Syer Town…
"I heard that Vanskore was the first one to discover the spread of the plague…" Duke was a natural at telling stories, and made them feel as if they had gone back to 20 years ago as he pieced the story together.
As Duke recounted what had happened, Lin Li slowly gained a deeper understanding of what had happened during that disaster.
After Vanskore discovered the spreading plague, he notified the head of Syer Town immediately, hoping to find a way to curb the expanding disease. Unfortunately, his warning fell on deaf ears, and the plague was treated like an ordinary illness. Only a few doctors came to conduct an inspection, but nothing happened after that. Vanskore was desperate at that point, but he refused to give up, even going to Roland City to notify the castellan. Sadly, he was only a small leader in the militia, and did not even make it past the gates of the castellan's mansion before he was stopped by guards.
Then, the tragedy happened.
The plague spread with terrifying speed, taking thousands of lives in less than a week. Fear and desperation clouded Syer Town. Everyone wanted to leave this cursed land, including some who had been infected as well…
Their d.e.s.i.r.e to live was so strong that nobody wanted to think about what would happen if the infected ones made it to Roland City. On the morning of the seventh day since the plague started, their exodus began. However, they were met by the army of Roland City…
Thousands of those infected were killed, while the lucky survivors were mostly thrown into dungeons to go through an endless period of quarantine and observation. Only when it was certain that they were not infected were they released from the cold dungeons.
Vanskore and his men were some of the few lucky survivors of that disaster. Vanskore had warned them in time, hence nobody was infected. They later managed to escape Syer Town in the midst of the chaos.
Then, the Syer Bandits were born.
The Syer Bandits started out at the Star Moon Forest, which was located at the north of Doland, and grew from a group of a few dozen men to one of the top 10 bandit groups of the Breezy Plains. Under Vanskore's lead, the Syer Bandits focused on infiltration of various organizations. Their influence had now spread to every part of the Breezy Plains. From castellan mansions to Adventurers Guilds, signs of the Syer Bandits could be seen in every corner of the place. Even the castellan of Roland City could not destroy them with his army, although he had long wanted to remove them.
"This Vanskore is talented indeed…" Lin Li had to give it to this bandit chieftain—he'd managed to turn a small group of bandits into a syndicate of a few thousands in only 20 years, climbing from a wanted criminal to collecting protection fees on large scale. Not everyone was capable of that indeed.
"What about now? Are they still at Star Moon Forest?"
"No…" Duke shook his head. "They moved to the Dragon Mountains after destroying the largest bandit syndicate there. Mage Felic, do you need a map of Dragon Mountains?"
"How do you know I'll need one?" Lin Li looked at Duke suspiciously. He was acting stranger and stranger today; the vivid story-telling earlier had been suspicious enough, and now he even knew to prepare a map when Lin Li hadn't asked for it yet. Since when did he become so observant? If he really was so observant, he wouldn't have tried something funny in front of Norfeller earlier…
"I… I guessed." Duke looked at Lin Li carefully, and squeezed a smile to make himself appear calm, only for the tremble in his voice to give him away.
"Really…" Lin Li's smile turned cold. "Seems like you want a replay of that little fire trick earlier…"
"That's not the case, Mage Felic, p-p-please listen to me…" Duke retreated unconsciously, but as he lifted his foot, he suddenly recalled that he was standing in front of a true mage who was capable of killing him if he wanted to, it would be useless even if he retreated to the gates of Doland City.
"Alright, I'll give you a chance to explain yourself."
"All… all of this information had been given to me by Mr Basel from Doland's library…"
"Mr Basel from Doland's library?" Lin Li frowned; he was aware of this place in Doland.
The Supreme Council had not built a Guild of Magic in the Breezy Plains; hence,
the mages here usually held their discussions in libraries, and those soon became a popular spot for mages in every city. Doland's library was no exception, and Lin Li had always paid close attention to it since it might well represent the highest standard of magic in Doland.
However, the name Basel was unfamiliar to him.
Lin Li had done some preparation like reading information about this place as well as asking around. He tried to get a better understanding of this place through different means, but not once did he hear the name Basel.
"Yes, Mr Basel. He's the librarian of Doland's library and my father's friend, hence he has always been looking out for me. I went to the library after leaving the Adventurers Guild to ask him what he thought of this whole issue…"
"And this Mr Basel told you this story?"
"Yes, Mage Felic…" Duke nodded, and dug out a lambskin scroll from his pocket. "Oh, right. Mr Basel asked me to give you this map as well, he said you'll need it…"
"I see, how nice of Mr Basel. How about this, Duke, help me find out when he's free so that I can thank him over a meal."
"Ok…"
After sending Duke away, Lin Li stayed in his room to study the map closely. Judging from the fresh ink, he could tell that it had been drawn in the last couple of days, maybe even after Duke had approached him. However, the lines of this map were quite distinct, with detailed labels. Based on it all, it was hard to imagine that it had been drawn in a rush.
It was too detailed—everything from a forest and a ditch to every tree on Dragon Mountains could be seen on the map. This looked impossible to Lin Li; the only plausible explanation would be that this Mr Basel had already known Dragon Mountains very well since a long time ago. Otherwise, it was impossible for him to draw such a detailed map in such a short amount of time.
If that was the case, things were going to get interesting…
Why would a librarian know the hiding spot of the Syer Bandits so well? Even a fool could make the connection.
"Seems like I'll have to get involved in this…" Lin Li smiled, and rolled up the map to put in his pocket.
Duke was quick. It had barely been two hours, but he had already brought back Basel's reply.
"Mr Basel said that there's no need for a meal, but if Mage Felic has the time, he is welcome to visit him at the library."
"Haha, seems like Mr Basel can't wait, either…" Lin Li smiled secretly as he let Duke lead him and Norfeller to the library.
The library was near the castellan mansion, and was the place with the best environment in the whole of Doland City. Clean and spacious roads, a plaza paved with marble right in front of the library's door, sparkling fountain and pigeons flying around… all of these elements added to the sacred air of this place, a treasure cove of knowledge. Mages in long robes carrying thick books hurried across the plaza. Judging from the High Elves Print on the covers of the books, they had to be advanced spells.
The trio crossed the plaza and approached the door of the library. Before they could tell the guard what they came for, he had already welcomed them respectfully.
"Welcome, esteemed Mr Mage. Mr Basel would like to invite you to the meeting room at the second floor where he is waiting for you."
Chapter 312 - Free Lunch
The library's hall was quiet as the mages sat on both sides of the long table, holding thick magic books in their hands as they buried their heads in them. Nobody spared a glance when the four of them walked in through the entrance, treating them like little more than flies buzzing nearby.
The four crept through the library's hall, and followed the stairs to the second floor. The guard who led them knocked twice on a false door before they heard a hoarse voice coming from the other side.
"Please come in. "
Lin Li smoothed the creases in his robe before he pushed open the door.
The meeting room was sort of small, with tall rows of bookshelves lining both sides of the room. Books of every genre imaginable filled the shelves, and they could almost smell the ink as they stood in the room. The thick carpet they stood on felt soft and clean; with a coffee table and a few bamboo chairs, the room looked well-designed even though the layout was simple. On the other side of the room was a balcony, which allowed the rays of the setting sun to shine into the room, casting it in a layer of glittering gold.
An old man sat serenely in the evening rays as he slowly rocked the bamboo chair to an unknown rhythm. On his left sat a small coffee table with a teapot and four teacups, while a green magic staff leaned on his right. The gem sitting atop the staff was not all that shiny, but the magical waves coming from it made Lin Li hiss unknowingly…
"Good evening, Mage Felic," the old man spoke in a slow and mild manner, a twinkle of a smile in his eye as he looked at Lin Li.
"Good evening, Mr Basel." Lin Li bowed to the old man on the bamboo chair with a hand on his c.h.e.s.t.
"Please take a seat, everyone, no need for formalities. Just treat this like your home…" The old man entertained them warmly, but his gaze remained on Lin Li as he spoke. Only when everyone took a seat did the old man start speaking again. "If I'm not wrong, Mage Felic, you joined the House of Andoine half a year ago, and through Andoine, you joined Jarrosus' Guild of Magic. Oh, right. At the first level certification, you maintained magic for 28 minutes, didn't you? Impressive, I've lived to this age, but I've yet to see any other mage capable of this feat…"
Lin Li sat quietly as he listened closely, however, his mind was nothing like his calm exterior. Honestly speaking, a feeling of unrest was brewing in his mind—not even in his dreams did he think that anyone would know everything about him so well!
This was impossible; his ability to maintain his magic output for 28 minutes had been classified as a secret by Gerian, and not even the Supreme Council had any idea of it, so how did this Basel get to know of it? As for his joining of the House of Andoine, that was even more unbelievable…
This was his biggest secret, and nobody else besides Andoine knew of it.
Andoine would never tell anyone of it for fun; of course, neither would Lin Li do it himself. The problem was, if nobody had let this secret out, where did this Basel hear it from? Surely divination did not exist in this world?
"Haha, it seems Mr Basel knows me very well…" Even though Lin Li was smiling, his smile looked very stiff; it felt as though he had caught someone staring at him as he showered.
Right now, Lin Li felt very exposed…
However, the peeping Tom who sat in the bamboo chair did not look the least bit apologetic.
"Haha, that was too much of a compliment, Mage Felic. I only know these trivial things…"
"Mr Basel, you're too humble…" Lin Li smiled stiffly as he scolded him in his mind. Trivial things? You know too much for it to be trivial…
"No, no, no, I'm not being humble, there are many things I do not understand. For example, how did you become a level-16 Archmage even though you did not know a single thing about magic just half a year ago? For example, how were you able to master both pharmacology and smithing? To be honest, Mage Felic, I think you're full of secrets, and the more I know, the less I think I do…"
Norfeller and Duke sat quiet and unmoving like a couple of statues. Of course, Norfeller showed no reaction. As a high-ranking Vampire, he was indifferent to everything unless it threatened the one he made a blood oath to. As for Duke, it was because he was dumbfounded…
Joining the House of Andoine? Maintaining magic output for 28 minutes? While Duke did not understand any of those, he did hear "level-16 Archmage" very clearly. Hell, level-16 Archmage? Even the most powerful Archmage in Doland's Castellan Mansion might not beat that.
Duke had never thought he would have such luck—he was not even looking, but ended up pickpocketing a level-16 Archmage. As he thought back to what happened then and that terrifying skit, Duke felt himself break out in cold sweat…
Thank god I was smart and didn't do anything stupid.
If not, I wou
ld have died at least ten times by now…
"Frankly speaking, I'm taken aback…" Lin Li brushed his nose as he smiled awkwardly. "But, Mr Basel, I'm sure you didn't invite me over just to scare me?"
"Haha, I hope you don't misunderstand me, Mage Felic, I only said that to show my sincerity. As you can see, I am nothing more than an old man, and have nothing against you. I invited you over today to discuss a good deal."
"Oh? I wonder what kind of deal you are referring to, Mr Basel?"
"No hurry, Mage Felic, I'll tell you the details later. First, however, if I may ask, is it true that the Supreme Council appointed you the President of Breezy Plains' Guild of Magic a month ago?"
"Yes, that is true, but as you can see, I've just arrived in the Breezy Plains, and haven't had the chance to start on anything. Besides a newly built tower and some less than friendly acquaintances, I haven't got anything. If you are looking to make a deal in this area, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed…"
"No, no, no…" The old man shook his head, and continued speaking in a slow and mild manner. "Mage Felic, I think you've misunderstood me. While my deal is related to you being the President of Breezy Plains' Guild of Magic, it's somewhat different from what you're thinking of. Frankly speaking, I want to ask if you'll need some manpower after the tower has been built…"
"Manpower?" Lin Li's eyes lit up at the mention of that. "You're saying that you can provide the Guild of Magic with military support of some sort?"
It was no wonder that Lin Li was so worked up—military strength was of utmost importance to the Guild of Magic now. He had no choice—the power dynamic of the Breezy Plains was incredibly complicated, and nobody knew when something might happen. Just like what Lin Li had said earlier: besides a barely finished tower, all he was left with were a few acquaintances he was not even on good terms with. If he were to get in trouble, Norfeller would not be sufficient; hence, he needed a strong army—only then could he guarantee himself peaceful days in the Breezy Plains.