Chapter 50: Chapter 49: Lizard Alley and the Peeping Mushroom
In the following time, Ron seriously appraised various peculiar materials for the dwarf, ranging from the pollen of otherworldly plants to the fluids of certain magical beasts, and even some rare mineral crystals.
Each was meticulously analyzed with the ability of [Herb Recognition], providing an accurate evaluation.
[Forgery judged successful! Herb Recognition experience points +1]
[Precise identification! Herb Recognition experience points +2]
...
[Current progress: Herb Recognition (Beginner 43/50)]
Unconsciously, his herb recognition skill was on the verge of breaking through to the next level.
This was much faster than increasing proficiency by assisting Lady Allen in the herb store, perhaps because these materials were hard to distinguish and tested professional level further.
Otto’s expression gradually transformed from the initial merchant-like wariness to one that could almost be called admiration.
"You know, young man?"
After appraising the last material, the dwarf said with a deep meaning:
"You are one of the most talented magic potion apprentices I’ve encountered over the years. More than half of those so-called professional appraisers aren’t as accurate as you."
He took out a crystal bottle filled with silver powder and carefully sealed it:
"This bottle of Moon Shadow Bat Heart Ash, five magic stone fragments, deal. It’s a fifty percent discount from the original price, the biggest discount I can offer."
Ron accepted the price with a smile, calculating the lucrativeness of the transaction in his mind.
Obtaining a bottle of high-quality Moon Shadow Bat Heart Ash at the price of five magic stone fragments was indeed a good deal.
"Young man, you know not to trust others too much, that’s good."
Before leaving the cubicle, Otto whispered to Ron, his blue eyes flashing with shrewdness, completely breaking through the first impression given by his rugged exterior:
"If you really intend to collect all the materials on the list, you will have to take a trip to ’Lizard Alley.’ Although it’s more dangerous there, it’s also a place to find more rare treasures."
He added with deep meaning: "Remember, in the black market, no one will be responsible for your losses. If you buy fake goods, you can only blame your own poor eyesight, as there will always be someone trying to deceive you, just like I did just now."
Bidding farewell to the gray dwarf Otto, Ron and Andre left through the narrow back door of the "Sunset Tavern."
The outside weather had subtly changed, the already not so bright sunlight filtered by the eerie mist unique to the Black Mist Jungle, forming a dark red halo.
These eerie halos enveloped the entire settlement, adding a touch of eerie color to this already abnormal place.
"This time’s harvest is not bad."
Andre breathed a slight sigh of relief, his gaze falling on the crystal bottle carefully held in Ron’s hand, a satisfied smile appearing on his face: "To buy genuine Moon Shadow Bat Heart Ash for five magic stone fragments, people wouldn’t believe it if you told them."
Ron nodded, carefully placing the crystal bottle containing the silver powder into the deep interior pocket, checking twice to ensure the stopper was tight before feeling relieved.
This material, although not easy to evaporate, would quickly lose its efficacy if damp or contacted with certain energy fields.
"Otto was right, we do need to check out Lizard Alley next."
He said in a low voice, with a hint of fatigue: "The items on that list are unlikely to be found in significant amounts in relatively ’safe’ places like the Sunset Tavern."
"Lizard Alley is not like here."
The blond boy’s usual elegant and composed demeanor was replaced by a rare tension:
"It gathers all sorts of desperados, including some apprentices expelled by various schools in the surrounding area for wrongdoing, and even more dangerous alien race mercenaries."
The two passed through a messy bazaar, the air filled with a mixture of smells - boiling potions, baking bread, rotting vegetables, and some fishy odors Ron preferred not to guess about.
Vendors of various races hawked their wares in different languages, forming a noisy background noise.
"Anything specific we need to watch out for?"
Ron asked in a low voice, conveniently avoiding a one-eyed vendor loudly calling them over.
In such matters, Andre clearly had much more experience than he did.
"Don’t easily reveal your true identity, especially as a member of a school."
Andre also lowered his voice, guiding Ron towards a concealed path:
"While those vendors usually don’t attack customers directly, it doesn’t stop them from selling our specific information."
The entrance to the path was crudely framed by a few crooked wooden boards, with a sign written in an unknown language hanging above it.
The intentional ambiguity of the sign already indicated the unofficial nature of the place.
Ron stopped to ponder for a moment: "Do we need to disguise our identity?"
"No need for special disguise, just don’t wear the apprentice badge or the apprentice robe."
Andre pointed at their casual clothes:
"Like now, we just look like two young adventurers from the outside world, or some noble heirs seeking excitement. Such people are common in Lizard Alley and won’t draw much attention."
He smiled slightly, tugging at his plain dark shirt: "However, just in case, we should avoid calling each other’s names."
"Got it." Ron nodded with understanding: "If anyone asks our background... no, probably no one would be that bored."
With their consensus, they passed through the skewed wooden door frame and stepped onto the path leading to Lizard Alley.
The path was winding and twisting, with dark brown mushrooms of peculiar shapes growing on both sides.
A closer look would reveal their surfaces covered with fine hairy substances, emitting a faint glow, providing minimal but sufficient illumination in the dim environment.
"It feels a bit like a deliberately designed route to attract attention."
Ron observed those unnaturally arranged mushrooms and commented quietly.
Indeed, the layout of the entire path had a deliberately orchestrated trace, as if creating a certain oppressive atmosphere.
"You’re half right." Andre responded softly: "These are indeed artificially cultivated, but not to attract customers, but for surveillance."
He pointed at those seemingly ordinary mushrooms:
"These ’Peeping Mushrooms’ can sense the general situation of passersby and transmit information through the mycelium network. Lizard Alley’s managers use them to screen visitors—if you are law enforcement or harbor ill intentions, the mycelium network will quickly sound the alarm."