Ch. 49 - Lizard Alley, Peeper Shrooms

Over the following stretch of time, Robb diligently authenticated a variety of unusual materials for the dwarf, from otherworldly plant pollens to certain magical beast fluids, to rare mineral crystals.

Each was carefully analyzed through his [Herb Identification] ability, and he delivered accurate assessments for every one.

[Forgery detected! Herb Identification EXP +1]

[Precise identification! Herb Identification EXP +2]

...

[Current progress: Herb Identification (Beginner 43/50)]

Without realizing it, his Herb Identification skill was on the verge of breaking through to the next level.

This was far faster than the progress he made assisting Lady Elena at the herb shop, perhaps because these materials, with their mix of genuine and counterfeit specimens, posed a greater challenge to his professional ability.

Otto's expression gradually shifted from his initial merchant's wariness to something that could almost be called admiration.

"You know something, young man?"

After the final material was appraised, the dwarf said with significance.

"You're one of the most talented potioneering apprentices I've encountered in years. More than half the so-called professional authenticators out there aren't as accurate as you."

He took out a crystal vial filled with silver powder and sealed it carefully. "This vial of Moonshade Bat Heart Ash, five Mana Crystal Fragments. Deal. That's half the original price, and the deepest discount I can possibly offer."

Robb accepted with a smile, mentally calculating how favorable the trade was.

Five Mana Crystal Fragments for a vial of high-quality Moonshade Bat Heart Ash, that was genuinely a solid deal.

"Young man, the fact that you don't trust too easily, that's a good trait."

Before they left the private room, Otto murmured to Robb. His blue eyes glinted with a shrewdness that completely shattered the first impression his rugged exterior gave.

"If you truly want to collect everything on that list, you'll need to visit Lizard Alley as well. It's more dangerous there, but it's also where you'll find rarer treasures."

He added meaningfully. "Remember, on the black market, nobody is responsible for your losses. Buy a fake, and you've only your own eyes to blame. There will always be someone trying to deceive you, just like I did."

Bidding farewell to Otto the gray dwarf, Robb and Arnor slipped out through the Sunset Tavern's narrow back door.

Outside, the sky had undergone a subtle change. The already dim sunlight was filtered through the Black Mist Order's eerie fog, producing a dark reddish halo.

These strange halos hung over the entire settlement, adding an otherworldly tinge to an already abnormal place.

"Not a bad haul this time."

Arnor breathed a small sigh of relief, his gaze falling on the crystal vial Robb was carefully gripping. A satisfied smile crossed his face. "Five Mana Crystal Fragments for genuine Moonshade Bat Heart Ash, nobody would believe it if you told them."

Robb nodded, tucking the vial of silver powder deep into an inner pocket. He checked twice that the stopper was tight before relaxing.

This type of material wasn't prone to evaporation, but exposure to moisture or certain energy fields could rapidly strip its potency.

"Otto was right, we do need to check out Lizard Alley next."

He spoke quietly, a note of fatigue in his voice. "Most of what's on that list probably can't be found anywhere as relatively 'safe' as the Sunset Tavern."

"Lizard Alley is nothing like this place."

Arnor's expression turned serious. The golden-haired prince's usual elegant composure vanished, replaced by a rare tension.

"It's a gathering spot for all manner of outlaws, including apprentices expelled from various factions in the region for misconduct, and even more dangerous non-human mercenaries."

The two cut through a chaotic open-air market. The air was thick with a cocktail of smells, boiling potions, baking bread, rotting fruit, and some acrid odors Robb preferred not to speculate about.

Vendors of various species hawked their wares in different languages, creating a cacophonous backdrop.

"Anything in particular I should watch out for?"

Robb asked in a low voice, casually sidestepping a one-eyed merchant loudly beckoning them over.

On matters like these, Arnor's experience clearly far outstripped his own.

"Don't reveal your true identity, especially not your faction membership."

Arnor kept his voice equally low, guiding Robb toward a concealed side path.

"The vendors usually won't go after customers directly, but that doesn't stop them from selling our detailed information to others."

The path's entrance was framed by a few crooked planks nailed together into a crude doorway. A wooden sign hung from it, inscribed in an unrecognizable language.

The meaning was indecipherable, and this deliberate obscurity made the location's unofficial nature perfectly clear.

Robb paused, thinking briefly. "Should we disguise ourselves?"

"No need to go that far. Just don't wear the apprentice badge or the apprentice robe."

Arnor gestured at both their outfits.

"Like this, we look like a couple of young adventurers from the outside world, or minor nobles' sons out for a thrill. That type is common in Lizard Alley and actually draws less attention."

He smiled faintly, tugging at his plain dark shirt. "Though as a precaution, we should probably avoid using each other's names."

"Understood." Robb gave a knowing nod. "If anyone asks where we're from... no, nobody would bother asking something that pointless."

Having reached agreement, the two passed through the lopsided wooden frame and set foot on the path to Lizard Alley.

The trail wound and twisted. On both sides grew a strange species of dark brown mushroom.

Up close, their surfaces were covered in a fine, fuzz-like substance that continuously emitted a faint glow, providing sparse but adequate illumination in the dim surroundings.

"It feels like this route was deliberately designed to draw attention."

Robb observed the unnaturally arranged mushrooms and commented quietly.

Indeed, the entire path's layout had a distinctly artificial quality, as though crafted to create an atmosphere of oppression.

"You're half right." Arnor responded softly. "They are cultivated, but not to attract visitors, to surveil them."

He pointed at the seemingly ordinary mushrooms.

"These 'Peeper Shrooms' can sense the general profile of anyone passing by and relay the information through their mycelial network. Lizard Alley's operators use them to screen visitors, if you're an enforcement officer or carrying hostile intent, the network triggers an alarm almost instantly."

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