Chapter 199 Twin Seas
"Lord, Lord, please wait."
Just as I was wandering around with Lazy Crow, a sharp voice came from behind.
After the interrogation just now, I was in a terrible mood. I turned back impatiently, only to see a short, skinny man standing behind me. He wasn't wearing the Turban characteristic of Lut Gholein Natives on his head, but instead revealed a head of dry, brown short hair. His sharp-mouthed, monkey-faced appearance was set with a pair of shrewd, nimble black eyes. He wore an old white robe that was a bit faded from washing but still clean. The whole person looked exactly like a white Mouse.
At this moment, he was bowing and scraping towards me, his hands constantly rubbing together in front of him, looking eager to please.
"This... this Lord, please wait. My name is Tok, but everyone calls me Mouse. I see that Lord seems to have just arrived. I wonder if you need a Guide? I dare not boast about other things, but when it comes to all the streets and alleys and news and happenings in the entire Lut Gholein City, I, Tok, know everything."
He humbly lowered his Head and stepped back slightly, not daring to look directly into my sharp Gaze. It was no wonder he was afraid; I was currently enveloped in a black Cloak, looking no different from a cruel and eerie Necromancer.
"Oh?"
I glanced at him with considerable interest. I had refused Talen earlier simply because I didn't want to trouble him. But now, a Guide who claimed to know everything about Lut Gholein was automatically presenting himself. This was worth serious consideration. After all, I seemed to be...
I looked around. No need to 'seem' anymore, I could already confirm that I was lost.
"Alright, if your performance can satisfy me, Money will naturally not be withheld. But if I'm not satisfied..."
I casually took out a Gold Coin, flicked it towards him, and then sneered.
"Yes, Lord, I can guarantee that if I cannot satisfy you, I believe you won't find a Guide in all of Lut Gholein who can."
Tok bowed and scraped as he accepted the Gold Coin. He was an idle wanderer who usually made a living as a Guide. Today, he unexpectedly encountered this Mysterious Adventurer who seemed completely unfamiliar with Lut Gholein at the entrance of the Mage Guild. For such big Fish, Tok, who was well-connected with Information, never misjudged. Therefore, he was certain that this Adventurer had not entered Lut Gholein from the direction of the Rogue Encampment or Twin Seas, but had suddenly appeared from within the Mage Guild.
He didn't know about the existence of Remote Teleportation Magic. But his Intuition told him that this person was definitely not simple. So, after much deliberation, he finally mustered the Guts to step forward.
"First, introduce me to the more famous places here," I said, glancing at him indifferently.
Tok knew it was his time to perform. It was either a large income of Gold Coins or losing his Life (he already regarded the other party as a cruel Necromancer). It all depended on his subsequent performance.
"Yes, Lord, speaking of famous places in Lut Gholein, there are four main ones. First is the Palace. You see, that tallest clock tower is in the direction of the Palace. It can be said to be the Mark of the entire Lut Gholein City. Second is the Trade Market. As long as something exists on Sanctuary, you can buy it there, even including Equipment used by Adventurers. Third is Twin Seas. No one can resist the Charm of that magnificent Ocean, and the Ships there are the only means of transportation from here to Kurast Docks. The last one is the place Adventurers like you frequent the most - Adventurer's Paradise, a wide street. There, you can find Inns, Taverns, women... everything an Adventurer needs is there. Besides that, it's also where most Adventurers trade various kinds of Equipment. A Strongest Expert like you definitely shouldn't miss it..."
Clearing his Throat, Tok smoothly and detailedly explained everything to me. Although I didn't know if he was the best Guide in Lut Gholein as he claimed, I could tell from his confident Gaze that he indeed had a lot of research on this place.
For the entire afternoon, at my Request, Tok took me to Adventurer's Paradise. This was the place I was most eager to know about. After a brief tour, I also took a detour around the outer perimeter of the Palace, which truly showed me what magnificent grandeur and opulent splendor meant. Just the imposing and stern Soldiers standing on either side of the heavy Iron Gate, over ten meters high, were enough to make people feel awe-struck, of course, referring to Ordinary People.
Finally, we arrived at Twin Seas Beach. In the twilight, the Harbor was like a layer of Gold spread upon it. The refreshing sea Wind carried a slight coolness. White birds resembling seagulls flew in flocks above the Beach, flapping their Wings. Not to mention me, an outsider, even Tok's shifty Face showed a hint of intoxication and pride.
"Yo, little Mouse, you've found a big customer again."
A tall, sturdy middle-aged man dressed as a Sailor, with a white Turban wrapped around his Head and a Beast Hide Belt Knife hanging from his waist, called out to Tok with a thin Wooden Branch in his mouth.
"Ah, Captain Meshif. God bless, it seems your trip was very smooth. You must have made a lot of Money again."
Tok turned around and saw Meshif loudly directing the crew to unload the Cargo from the Ship. He laughed enviously, seemingly on good terms with this so-called Captain.
"Naturally. How about it? Want to consider working with me?"
Captain Meshif, as he was called, slapped Tok's thin shoulder with his thick, dark arm and laughed heartily.
"Haha, I'll pass. It's too dangerous."
Tok immediately pulled a long Face, unsure if it was because he couldn't bear Meshif's enthusiastic greeting or because he felt Pain at giving up such a good opportunity to make Money. He knew his own limitations. Although sea trade offered Rich rewards, it was truly dangerous. The Twin Seas, which could change at any Time, could instantly wipe out a Fleet led by an experienced Captain.
"Oh right, look at me, I forgot to introduce you." Tok patted his Brain.
"This is Lord Wu. He just arrived in Lut Gholein. This is Meshif. He's one of the few Captains in all of Lut Gholein."
"Hello."
I shook hands with Meshif and finally remembered. Wasn't this middle-aged man the NPC in the Game responsible for transporting Players to Kurast Docks?
"Can I take your Ship to Kurast?" I glanced at the large wooden transport Ship not far behind him.
"You've asked the right person about that. Meshif has been working on the sea for decades, transporting hundreds, even thousands, of Adventurers to Kurast. Taking his Ship is definitely the safest."
Tok chimed in boldly from the side, giving a thumbs-up. After an afternoon together, he found that although this Mysterious black-robed person was cold, as long as he didn't talk Nonsense, he was quite willing to Accept him.
"Don't listen to the little Mouse's Nonsense. No one can guarantee absolute Safety on Twin Seas. And for a Lord like you who has just arrived in Lut Gholein, going to Kurast is too early. Without proof from the Mage Guild and Lord Ryan, I wouldn't have the Guts to take you to Kurast."
Meshif glared at Tok. His steady and reliable Tone made it impossible not to believe him.
"Proof?"
"Yes, just like you had to defeat Andariel in the Rogue Encampment to reach Lut Gholein, in Lut Gholein, you must complete Quests to gain the qualification to go to Kurast."
"I see. I understand."
I nodded slightly in response. As for what Quests needed to be completed, I had already learned from Cain's Book.
The Quests in Lut Gholein are very different from the Game, because it lacks a most important place from the Game, which is the Canyon of the Magi, the location of Tal Rasha's Tomb. Therefore, there is no Arcane Sanctuary or The Summoner to speak of, and even less so the Quest to defeat Duriel.
The replacement Quests are respectively: defeating Creeping Feature on the second level of Stony Tomb; Frenzied Huntress on the third level of Halls of the Dead; Exploding Beetle in Far Oasis; Sand Maggot Queen on the third level of Maggot Lair; Dark Elder in Forgotten City; Fangskin on the second level of Claw Viper Temple. Among these six Mini-Bosses, as long as you defeat three or more and bring the Items they drop, you can go to the Mage Guild and Wise Person Ryan to exchange for Proof and obtain the qualification to go to Kurast.
As for Tal Rasha's Tomb, it remains a Mystery to this day. Legend has it that it is located in the deepest part of the Desert, guarded by the Magic Array of the Horadrim. And to this day, no one has been able to break through the double Protection of the Death Desert and the Horadrim's Magic Array to reach Tal Rasha's Tomb.
Of course, I wouldn't be foolish enough to think that, like in the Game, I could find the Arcane Sanctuary on the third level of the Palace Jail, then defeat The Summoner, and open the Teleportation Door leading to Tal Rasha's Tomb. There is clearly a big Weakness there.
Excuse me, how could an Emperor possibly believe that building the entrance to the Palace Jail on the second level of the Female Quarters within the Palace is the safest? This is clearly Blizzard Entertainment messing around randomly.
However, I still decided to take some Time to ask and see where the so-called Palace Jail is located, and then go explore it. Maybe I could find something, though I didn't hold out too much hope. After all, the people of Sanctuary aren't stupid. They spent thousands of years unable to find something, and I could find it with just a little Knowledge from the Game?
After saying goodbye to Meshif, I was strolling on the Beach when I suddenly paused, stopping my Footsteps. I turned around and said to Tok, who was following behind me.
"Tok, this is enough for today. You can go back."
Saying that, I took out about ten Gold Coins and threw them over.
Tok picked up the Gold Coins from the Ground with a look of ecstasy. He was truly lucky. His Vision was indeed correct. He had been doing this job for so long, and this was the first Time he had met such a generous Guest.
"Thank you, Lord, thank you, Lord..." He bowed his Head, constantly bending at the waist like a humble servant, expressing his gratitude.
"Oh, right, Lord, if you don't mind..."
He paused, then took out a piece of coarse cloth from his wide chest robe.
"This is a rough drawing of the places we walked today. I hope Lord can understand it."
I took the coarse cloth and unfolded it. It clearly had some neat lines drawn on it, with several places specifically marked. After a brief Memory, I remembered that these places were Twin Seas, Mage Guild, Adventurer's Paradise, and the Palace. Although the Map was crude, it was very simple and easy to understand. If this Map was correct, with it, even someone Directionally Challenged like me should be able to find these places quickly.
"Not bad, very good!"
This Map was truly useful to me. I put it away and, in my happiness, tipped him a few more Gold Coins.
"Tell me, how should I find you if I need you?"
"Yes, just go to a Tavern called Hero's Tavern in Adventurer's Paradise and tell any Waiter there. I guarantee I'll appear before you within half an hour."
Tok's Eyes lit up as he put away the Gold Coins, further solidifying his Idea that he had met a big customer.
"Very good."
I lowered my Head and thought for a moment. Seeing that there was no one around, I suddenly unfolded a slowly rotating, dazzling Magic Pattern on the Ground.
"Awoo~~"
In an instant, Little Snow's huge Figure rose from the Void within the Magic Array. After her feet touched the Ground, she let out a long howl towards the sky, then trotted over and affectionately nudged my Cheek with her nose, puffing. She hadn't appeared for almost a month; she must have been quite lonely.
I stroked her Head and played with her for a while, then signaled her to go over to Tok and remember his scent.
"Don't worry, I have no Malice. It's just for extra security."
I said to Tok, who was slumped on the Ground, his pants wet.
"Alright, you can go now. Remember, keep it Confidential."
Riding on Little Snow, I galloped towards the desolate Beach on the opposite side without looking back.
I Summoned Little Snow out for two reasons: first, to remember Tok's scent for future convenience in finding him; second, as a display of Strength. I didn't expect to have the kind of Kingly aura that makes everyone rush to offer their Loyalty and even their Life, so sometimes I had to show a little of my Strength to make them obedient. Tok was a careful person and should be able to help me a lot during my stay in Lut Gholein. As for what to keep Confidential, I think he understood very well.
It wasn't until we reached a deserted Beach that I urged Little Snow to slow down. As a White Light shot out from my chest armor, Little Ghost's noble and Holy Figure appeared before me.
The reason I was in such a hurry to send Tok away was because I felt Little Ghost was about to wake up. This little cutie, a few days ago, due to insufficient Energy and being greedy, ate a Diamond and then fell asleep without saying a word, only waking up now.
What was gratifying was that compared to the last time she slept for over a month, this time was clearly much better.
"Little one, I missed you so much."
I immediately pulled Little Ghost, who was stretching and rubbing her Eyes, looking lazy like a Kitten just waking up, into my arms. Before she could react, I kissed her.
"Mmmph..."
Poor Little Ghost only had Time to let out a confused sound before she went limp in my arms.
"Waaah~~ Waaah~~, I didn't expect to fall into the hands of the Great Lecher."
"Just accept your fate. I'm going to eat you soon." I smoothed the messy strands of hair on her forehead and said with a gentle, smiling threat.
"According to this situation~~~~ Wah!! Could it be... I... I've become your personal military prostitute?"
Little Ghost tilted her cute little Head and thought hard for a while before letting out a short exclamation.
"..."
Help! Someone save me!! I said, Alexander, what kind of Books did you show your Daughter?!! I covered my forehead, almost falling off Little Snow's back.
After finally steadying myself, I thought and thought, and decided I couldn't let Little Ghost be so rampant anymore. I had to counterattack with even more lewd and violent language.
"Not a military prostitute, but a sex slave."
I squinted my Eyes and scanned her from Head to toe with an ill-intentioned Gaze.
"Wah!! Woo~~~!!"
As expected, Little Ghost was struck, lowering her Head. Her moon-colored long hair also drooped listlessly. A historical moment! I, Druid Wu Fan, had finally defeated Complaining Saintess Alice in a language battle! Those with pens, quickly write this down.
"However, now is not the Time to discuss this."
Seeing that Alice was almost completely dejected, I lifted her little Head and said softly.
In her confused Gaze, I picked up the delicate body in my arms and turned 180 degrees, holding her tightly from behind, so she was facing the Sunset slowly sinking below the horizon of Twin Seas.
"Wow~~~~"
Alice let out an exclamation that was both amazed and satisfied. The fiery red Sunset blended with the Holy radiance on her Face, making her even more beautiful and captivating.
A smile suddenly appeared on her Face, a genuine, pure smile from the Heart, making her Face look even softer and gentler.
This was probably the first Time I had seen her smile without a trace of Sorrow.
"Although I've seen it in Books, this is the first Time I've seen it like this."
She leaned gently in my arms, staring entranced at the other shore of Twin Seas.
"..."
"Annoying... annoying, why are you always staring at me? It's rare to see such a beautiful View."
After a long Time, she looked up, only to find me staring blankly at her Face. A blush more brilliant than the Sunset immediately appeared on her delicate, flawless Cheek.
"You look at Twin Seas, I look at you. It's that simple..."
Whether it was me lowering my Face or Alice lifting her Chin, the two figures under the Sunset gradually intertwined again...