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Join the ServerThe Mayor enthusiastically stepped forward, shaking hands with each of them before sighing deeply.
“I’m not sure if it’s fortunate or unfortunate, but welcome to Wilted Leaf Town in the Deathly Wilderness!”
****
The Deathly Wilderness was, in fact, quite famous, though not for anything good, as its name suggested. Its notoriety stemmed from a unique geological structure, which caused the flow of magic to form a colossal, self-contained magical array.
Any creature within the Deathly Wilderness would lose their sense of direction, their minds steadily weakening over time. Even the local flora had mutated, becoming not only aggressive but also highly poisonous.
Resolving these anomalies would require a complete reconstruction of the immense earth vein, yet no one could predict what such a drastic change might bring. It could potentially improve the wilderness, but it could also make things far worse.
Of course, a greater reason for inaction was simply that no one wished to change it. The land here was barren—vast, yet devoid of any potential for development. The peculiar earth vein demanded immense resources to establish a stable settlement, quickly turning the area into a forbidden zone.
Knowing their location, however, the adverse effects of the Deathly Wilderness posed no real threat to Theodore and his companions.
To escape the grasp of the earth, one merely needed to embrace the sky. After numerous adventurous tests, the maximum height at which the Deathly Wilderness’s negative effects radiated was found to be approximately 2,600 meters.
Ordinary creatures might struggle to maintain such an altitude while traversing the boundless Deathly Wilderness. But Theresia was a dragon, a Black Dragon renowned for her endurance, making it no difficult feat for her to carry them away.
Their current predicament presented only two challenges. Firstly, they needed to pinpoint their exact location and ensure a swift departure from the Deathly Wilderness without encountering any enemy ambushes. Secondly, they had to uncover the identity of those who had targeted them.
After all, there was no logic in constantly guarding against a thief. Even if they couldn’t deal with the enemy this time, knowing who was behind the plot would allow them to reclaim their advantage.
One did not strike a smiling face, and given that the Mayor might be the only ‘normal person’ they encountered, Theodore felt it was crucial to treat him with respect. “To find you, Mayor, in the Deathly Wilderness is indeed a stroke of luck.
To be honest, we’ve run into some trouble and found ourselves lost here. Now, we wish to leave. Would you be willing to assist us?”
The Mayor nodded, then a troubled expression crossed his face. “It seems you’ve already learned a good deal about Wilted Leaf Town from those drunkards, so I’ll spare you the platitudes.
I am willing, of course. However, traveling back and forth across the Deathly Wilderness is no easy task, and it will incur significant expenses on my part.”
At these words, the three companions burst into laughter.
The Mayor, bewildered, asked, “Why do you two find this amusing?”
Larkin offered a charming, mischievous smile. “To be frank, I am the Tenth Prince of the Aral Empire.”
Theresia’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “You might not believe it, but I am the princess of the Elven Kingdom! Here, take a land deed for the upper reaches of the World Tree.”
“Hmm…”
“And this is…”
“This is the Black Dragon Lord, a true dragon, and the newly appointed Holy Dragon Lord of the Holy Light Church. What do you say? Shall we have the dragon race and the Holy Light Church jointly issue you an honorary certificate?” Theodore explained, gesturing towards Theresia.
Theresia nodded repeatedly, an arrogant expression on her face. “Mhm, that’s right.”
The Mayor’s expression instantly stiffened. ‘This wasn’t how the script was supposed to go!’
‘You were supposed to say, ‘Then, Mayor, what kind of help can we provide to compensate you?’
Sweat visibly formed on his brow, dripping down, only to be replaced by more. Alicia kindly inquired, “Are you alright? You’re sweating so much. Are you ill?”
The Mayor placed his now-drenched handkerchief aside, calmly explaining, “I’m sensitive to heat; I tend to sweat easily when it’s warm. Don’t mind…”
Before he could finish, a chill wind swept through, instantly encasing him in frost. The Mayor shivered, looking towards Lola, who held a magic staff. “What are you doing?”
“Aren’t you afraid of the heat? Sweating so much isn’t good for your health, so I’m cooling you down. No need to thank me.”
‘I still have to thank her?!’
The Mayor’s internal fury blazed, but the sudden physical cooling allowed him to concoct a rather good excuse. “Thank you, but no need.”
First, he made Lola stop her torment. Then, still trembling, the Mayor said, “I can tell you all come from extraordinary backgrounds, but please don’t fault me for being overly suspicious. I prefer tangible benefits over those that are unseen and untouchable.”
Theodore didn’t prolong the poor man’s suffering. Instead, he shrewdly asked, “It seems the Mayor has already decided what price he expects us to pay.”
The Mayor smiled. “Don’t worry, it’s just a small favor. I trust you’ve heard of Crimson Flame Crystals?”
The Mayor’s question forcibly roused Lola, who had been lost in confusion.
“Crimson Flame Crystals?!”
The Mayor nodded, his gaze profound. “Indeed, Crimson Flame Crystals. They are one of the seven most precious crystals on the continent, possessing the purest fire magic. They are the ultimate material for crafting high-grade equipment and can instantly transform an ordinary luxury item into a treasure coveted by the powerful. They are, in essence, priceless.”
“And a massive Crimson Flame Crystal mine just happens to be located near our town.”
With a wave of his hand, the Mayor’s subordinate immediately placed a briefcase on the table behind him and opened it. Inside, countless thumb-sized crimson crystals lay within the specially designed case. The tavern’s previously cool temperature rapidly rose, as if golden flames constantly burned within the crystals.
The frost on the Mayor’s body instantly receded by more than half, leaving him with an expression of pure relief. Theodore and Lola’s gazes were immediately drawn to them.
Lola even drooled, saying, “Even such a small piece is worth tens of millions of gold coins, and it’s a high-grade material for gold and magic equipment.”
Theodore said playfully, “How truly astonishing. Looking at the town’s dilapidated exterior, one would never imagine a Crimson Flame Crystal mine nearby. But is it truly wise to offer this to outsiders like us?
Such an invaluable treasure is bound to attract the covetous gaze of many powerful entities. For instance, my companions here, the Black Dragon and the elf, are already struggling to suppress their urge to plunder and pillage.”
The Mayor said meaningfully, “In such a desolate place, not even Crimson Flame Crystals could save the town. But, while it can’t revive the town, it can cure the ailments of some of its people.
Few remain in this town now, and a share for each would be enough for them to live in luxury. When you all depart, I also intend to gift each of you a piece of land.”
Theodore raised an eyebrow and asked, “If that’s the case, why don’t you simply take them yourselves? Do you still need our help?”
The Mayor smiled wryly. “Of course, we do. Crimson Flame Crystals possess pure fire magic, which attracts various magical beasts to this ore. If it were just ordinary magical creatures, I could certainly handle them.
However, a formidable creature has recently arrived, and our town’s current strength is simply insufficient to deal with it. As for recruiting outsiders, on one hand, we fear they’ll demand exorbitant prices or simply swallow us whole.
On the other, the moment they hear ‘Deathly Wilderness,’ they become suspicious of our motives, thinking we’re up to no good. Honestly, we’ve been attacked and threatened multiple times outside.
Caught in this dilemma, we’ve been forced to stubbornly guard this town. Time has become a demon for everyone remaining here. As you’ve seen, those drunkards are practically going insane.”
Theodore posed a question. “Aren’t you afraid we might betray you?”
The Mayor burst into laughter. “One needs to be alive to enjoy good things. Without us, can you even leave? That you’ve arrived here alive is fate.
Why not help us deal with that formidable creature? Afterwards, we won’t just send you off, but also present each of you with a Crimson Flame Crystal.”
Theodore said meaningfully, “Does Lord Clown approve of you doing this, Mayor?”
The Mayor gave a sinister smile. “Lord Clown only cares that the Crimson Flame Crystal mine can be successfully exploited. A certain amount of loss is acceptable to that lord.”
Theodore did not ask further. Instead, he said, “Then take us to that mine now. Let’s see if we can deal with it today.”
The Mayor shook his head. “That ore worm’s movements are usually unpredictable. We painstakingly tried to find a pattern and discovered it will appear in an empty part of the mine tomorrow. How about I fulfill my duties as a host today and welcome everyone? What do you say?”
Theodore nodded. “Of course, that sounds wonderful, hahaha. The Mayor has made such thorough arrangements, what reason do we have to refuse? We appreciate your trouble.”
“Hahaha, it’s truly wonderful that you all are willing to help!” The Mayor exclaimed, genuinely delighted. “However, your arrival was quite sudden. Please stay in town tonight, and we will depart for the site inspection tomorrow.
There are plenty of empty rooms in town; I’ll find someone to arrange…”
Theodore abruptly interrupted. “Arrange? We’ll just stay at your house, Mayor. The houses outside look absolutely dreadful, and I have rather strict requirements for my living environment. Of course, this is just a suggestion, but my companions seem a bit displeased.
Oh dear, if no one stops them, they might do something unreasonable.”
It was then that the Mayor noticed that throughout their conversation, only Theodore had been speaking animatedly with him, while Theresia and the others were huddled around a nearby table, holding a complaint session.
Aesop sharpened his two large cleavers, a fierce glint in his eyes. “The food culture here sounds infuriating. I don’t even need to taste it to know those disgusting Chira monkeys wouldn’t eat it. My twin blades are eager to slaughter some pigs.”
Larkin gritted his teeth. “I feel the same. Those drunkards earlier were completely lost in their stupor, not listening to a word I said. This Mayor isn’t exactly unwilling to believe me, but if I could, I’d bring an army to flatten this place.”
“Mr. Larkin, perhaps an army won’t be necessary. Their brains and bodies have already been hollowed out by alcohol and drugs.” Alicia’s fists clenched, audibly cracking. Though a smile graced her face, her voice was terrifyingly calm as she said, “To dare impersonate barbarians, these are no ordinary townspeople. We must strike hard.”
Lola proposed, “The architecture here doesn’t conform to my aesthetics at all. And they dare ask us to work for them? Can I use magic to blast it flat?”
Theresia stammered, “Kill, kill, kill, them all.”
The Mayor: “…”
‘Where did this extremely evil bandit group come from? Theoretically, aren’t they supposed to be the villains?’
Theodore patted the Mayor’s shoulder. “Of course, if you can satisfy all their demands at once, that works too. I’m a flexible person.”
“No need. I’ve just thought it over carefully, and it would indeed be inappropriate to have important guests sleep in such a godforsaken place outside. I will now take you all to my humble abode for a temporary stay.”
Though the Mayor desperately wished to keep these troublesome individuals out of his dream home, who knew what these lawless people might do? It wasn’t impossible that Theodore and his group were merely putting on an act, but the real question was, could he afford to take that risk?
Clearly, he could not! Lord Clown’s mission was paramount. It was only for one night; even if they were utterly wicked, they wouldn’t be *too* outrageous, would they?
Theodore clapped his hands, laughing. “That’s wonderful then! Mayor, please go make the arrangements. I’ll go persuade my companions.”
“Alright.” The Mayor left, a face full of worry.
The excitement doesn't stop here! If you enjoyed this, you’ll adore The Moon Reflected In The Water. Start reading now!
Read : The Moon Reflected In The Water
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