Chapter 61 - 58: The Pool of Radiance of the Resurrected Old Ship
Chapter 61: Chapter 58: The Pool of Radiance of the Resurrected Old Ship
Elorin City Hall.
The mayor, Auseliman, a tall and dignified middle-aged Druid with a long flowing beard and luxurious clothing, warmly shook hands with Da Fei. Attendants served fruit wine, and the two men laughed heartily, raising their glasses in celebration.
Auseliman praised, “Mr. Da Fei, as a member of the Human Race who has traveled far across the ocean to support the development of our Elf Clan, what kind of spirit is that? That’s the spirit of internationalism! Mr. Da Fei is a noble man, a pure man, a man who has transcended low-level taste! Mr. Da Fei is a role model for the youth of our Bright Alliance! Let’s toast to Mr. Da Fei’s contributions!”
Da Fei chuckled, “Thanks for the praise, Mr. Mayor. Cheers!”
Auseliman smiled, “Sir’s products will need at least half a year to be cultivated. After six months, it will be time for Sir to achieve great ambitions. You are the first one to invest in our city, so we should offer you the greatest discount. Not only do you hold a fixed quota of 20% of the Golden Spearfish, but you also receive a 20% discount on purchases.”
—System Prompt: You have obtained the achievement “Elorin City’s First Investor” and have secured a fixed quota of 20% of the Golden Spearfish.
Da Fei laughed, “Thank you, Mr. Mayor.” This is the advantage of being the first! Half a year is just half a month in real-time, right? The holidays will have passed by then. But surely the reward isn’t just some reputation and discounts, right? What else is there? I want the real deal!
Auseliman laughed, “However, half a year is a long time to wait, which could result in a significant loss of business opportunities for a merchant. As compensation, Mr. Da Fei, feel free to make any requests you have now, and if it’s within my power, I will do my best to fulfill them.”
Da Fei’s spirit lifted! This is the real deal! Ordinary citizens meeting the mayor—if you don’t push your agenda, seek favors, and negotiate debts, are you even living your life properly? My requests must be life-changing, game-changing; I have to think clearly and make a thoughtful choice!
What do I urgently need now?
Mr. Mayor, can you give me a hundred Jade Dragons? Holy crap! That’s crude! Haven’t seen much of the world.
Mr. Mayor, how about sending me a dozen Divine Artifacts? Not bad!
Mr. Mayor, how about a troop of legendary Female Elf heroes? That’s even more exciting, huh!
Mr. Mayor, how about gifting me a territory and a castle? Now that’s flashy!
Mr. Mayor, how about a few secret part-time jobs? Damn! Do I really take him for a genie? Are NPCs backed by the system that generous?
At this moment, Catherine, by his side, whispered in his ear, “Ship…”
Ship? Da Fei suddenly realized, that’s the most reliable request. I don’t want soldiers, land, or artifacts; as a merchant, asking for a special kind of ship shouldn’t be a problem, right? As the mayor, such a small favor should be within your grasp, right?
Da Fei cleared his throat and said, “Mr. Mayor, my ship is a special vessel, but it’s very old. Could you possibly help me get a new one? I can pay for it… get a mortgage, pay in installments.”
Auseliman laughed heartily, shaking his head repeatedly.
Da Fei’s heart sank. Could it be that special ships are indeed beyond the reach of just any mayor?
Auseliman clapped his hands, and an attendant entered, saying, “What can I do for you, sir?”
Auseliman produced a card and spoke with gravity, “Take my name card and invite the Great Druid of the Druid Guild, Elder Marthadil. Our city’s honored guest has important matters to discuss with him.”
The attendant bowed and departed.
Seeing this, Da Fei got the sense that this Great Druid was not a minor figure, not only did the mayor have to use his name card to make the invitation, but he also had to disclose the reasons to him first. Big shot, indeed! But extending such an invitation indicated hopeful prospects, and Da Fei was instantly excited.
Auseliman sighed, “Perhaps this is an opportunity, perhaps Mr. Da Fei could create a miracle!”
Da Fei asked in surprise, “What does sir mean?”
Auseliman opined with a sigh, “We Druids believe that every tree has a spirit, and even deadwood can see spring again. So even if Mr. Da Fei’s ship is old and decayed, it might still have a chance of being rejuvenated!”
Da Fei exclaimed in delight, “I see! Thank you, Mr. Mayor!” Deadwood revived! Damn, I really did come to the right place in the Elf Kingdom, where they specialize in wood! From what he’s implying, does this mean my ship is going to be rejuvenated? It might even come to life!
Auseliman shook his head and sighed, “But it won’t be that easy, Mr. Da Fei. You’ll need to discuss the details with the Great Druid Elders.”
Seeing his expression, Da Fei suddenly felt a strong sense of being duped rush towards him.
Da Fei said in astonishment, “Is it really that troublesome? How about just giving me the special ship materials and I’ll have the shipyard build it…”
Auseliman said indifferently, “We are Elves, we are Druids, the guardians of the forest. We do not cut down rare trees, please understand, Mr. Da Fei.”
Da Fei chuckled dryly, “My apologies, haha.” Damn it! If I had known this, I might as well have contributed to the Human Kingdom where we cut down trees without a second thought!
Just then, a hearty laughter came from outside the door, “The guest that the mayor has asked to see must be quite extraordinary indeed!”
The mayor hurried to the door to personally welcome them, “Elder, please come in!”
An elderly Elf with a slender figure, clothed in a flora-camouflaged robe, and bearing white hair and beard, holding a colorful glowing staff, entered the room with a light and composed air, “Is this young friend our city’s distinguished guest?”
Damn it, looking at the Hero Aura beneath his feet and his old age, he’s definitely a hidden Legendary Hero.
Da Fei hurried forward to greet him, “It is indeed me.”
Auseliman said, “Mr. Da Fei wishes to resurrect his special ship that’s nearing the end of its lifespan. I believe this is an opportunity.”
The Great Elder squinted at Da Fei, nodding repeatedly, “Impressive, to become a navigator at such a young age, your future knows no bounds.”
Da Fei chuckled, “You flatter me, Elder.”
The Great Elder nodded, “Navigator may be a new profession, but it is certainly the bravest, the wisest, and the most adventurous one in the world. This arduous task is most suited for you!”
An arduous task? Da Fei suddenly had a bad feeling.
The Great Elder continued, “To resurrect your ship, the most direct and reliable method is to go to the Pool of Radiance. That is where the sap from the roots of the World Tree gathers underground to form the Earth Sea. It is the Sea of Life, the source of nutrients for the World Tree. However, the Earth Sea is too close to the center of the earth. It is inevitable to come into contact with Demons from the Underworld Abyss, contaminating the Pool of Radiance and depriving it of vitality. In response, the World Tree’s roots have initiated a Protection Barrier for self-preservation, preventing the invasion of more powerful Demons, but also blocking our stronger forces’ reinforcements. This stalemate cannot continue indefinitely; we need a young Warrior to lead a team into the Pool of Radiance, to drive out the Demons and purify the pool. Then, the rejuvenated vitality of the Pool will breathe new life into your ship, and it will be greatly strengthened too!”
——System Prompt: The Great Elder of the Druid Guild in Elorin City has issued you with an Epic Quest “Purifying the Pool of Radiance.” Do you accept?
——Task Hint: The Pool of Radiance is located beneath the Elf Kingdom’s World Tree on Hero Continent, its contamination is a concern for the Elf Kingdom. The World Tree’s Protection Barrier only allows heroes below level 30 to enter. The Elf Kingdom is looking for eligible heroes across the land to enter the barrier and purify the Pool of Radiance.
——Task Hint: Player and Vice Hero must not be above level 30 to undertake this quest.
——Ah spit! Da Fei almost coughed up blood! Even ship repair results in an Epic Quest! I knew it, there’s no such thing as a free lunch; were you guys planning to double-cross me?
“My friend, what do you think?” asked the Great Elder, eyeing Da Fei in a way that made him feel rather uncomfortable. Coach, I just wanted some ship materials!
The mayor added, “To be honest, this task is extremely arduous and risky; it’s perfectly understandable if you choose not to accept it.”
But this is an Epic Quest from the mayor! As a commoner, how often in one’s life does one get the opportunity to meet the mayor? This is the chance I traded precious goods for, a chance to repair my ship; no player would decline, not to mention a Master like me.
Naturally, Da Fei had nothing more to say, “I accept!”
——System Prompt: You have accepted the Epic Quest “Purifying the Pool of Radiance!”
The Great Elder and mayor clapped in admiration, “Truly a promising young Warrior indeed!”
(I’m asking for all kinds of support, school’s starting—have all my classmates arrived yet?)