Wizard: Starting with Dealing with Magical Plants

Chapter 286 Trading

After passing through several darker and more heavily guarded alleyways, they arrived at a simple, unadorned three-story stone building built against a huge rock pillar.

There were no signs at the entrance of the stone building, only two shadowy figures, each with a deeper aura and wearing a metal mask, standing silently.

The shadowy hand that led the way nodded to the guard, pushed open the heavy wooden door, and gestured for Roland to go inside.

Inside the door was a spacious and simple hall, with bright and soft lighting, and a faint, invigorating aroma of incense in the air, completely different from the atmosphere of the submerged town outside.

An elderly man, dressed in a simple black robe, with gray hair, a gaunt face, and gentle yet wise eyes, sat behind a large wooden table, holding a roll of yellowed animal skin paper, seemingly reading it.

Hearing footsteps, the old man raised his head, looked at Luo Lin, and a gentle smile appeared on his face.

"Welcome to the sunken town, stranger." The old man's voice was soothing and clear, with a reassuring rhythm. "I am the temporary manager here. You can call me Morpheus."

"Please sit down."

Rowling sat down in the chair opposite the old man as instructed, while Ellie stood beside him somewhat reservedly.

Morpheus's gaze lingered on Rowling for a moment, especially on his face covered by a strip of cloth and his left hand hanging naturally, before he nodded.

"The Hand of Shadows reports that a young wizard with considerable strength has arrived in the town, but he is seriously injured and carries a peculiar aura." Morpheus put down the parchment in his hand and placed his hands on the table. "I'm a little curious—the fact that he was able to get here, crossing swamps and poisonous miasma, says a lot."

Would you mind telling me where you come from and why you're here?

"Of course, if it's inconvenient, you don't have to say."

Looking at the old man before him, whose demeanor seemed so out of place in the sunken town, Rolin pondered for a moment before slowly speaking: "I came from the Shadow Raven Tower, but left due to some unforeseen circumstances."

"Encountering a powerful enemy in the wilderness, severely wounded, and marked by some kind of automatic tracking unit."

"I came to the sunken town to heal my wounds, resolve the markings, and find a way out of the swamp and into the human realm."

He was concise, but he revealed enough information.

His origins in Shadowraven Sanctuary and the fact that he is marked by automatically tracked units all indicate that he is an unusual individual with a troublesome past.

After listening, Morpheus's eyes flashed with understanding, and he nodded.

"Shadow Raven Tower—no wonder." He seemed to know something. "In recent years, the interior of the tower has not been peaceful."

"Automatic tracking units—are those ancient relics? They're definitely a nuisance."

He paused, then looked at Rolin: "Your injury looks like it's healing quite well."

"But that marking—is indeed a problem."

"That madman Glenn the Skinner might have a way, but he's not in good shape lately and probably can't help."

Luo Lin remained silent, simply waiting for the other party to continue.

Murphy had summoned him specifically; it certainly wasn't just for casual conversation.

Sure enough, Morpheus changed the subject: "I invited you here out of curiosity, and also because—perhaps we can make a deal."

"What kind of deal?"

"You are injured, but your foundation of strength remains, and—I can see that you have considerable potential," Morpheus said slowly. "The sunken town needs fresh blood, and it also needs capable people to handle some things—things that are not convenient for the Shadow Hand to handle directly."

In exchange, I can offer you safer shelter, help you find a way to remove the mark, and even—

Once you have recovered from your injuries, I will provide a safe path out of the swamp and onto the Dustwind Plains.

"There, there is a wizarding organization that, while not as large as the Shadow Raven Tower, has a relatively free atmosphere and places more emphasis on practicality and research—the Secret Language Council."

"With your abilities and experience, you should be able to find a place there."

Luo Lin's heart stirred slightly.

Secret Council?

That's a new name.

Based on the description, it seems to be more suitable for his current situation, where he needs to conceal his identity while also eager to continue improving and researching.

"What do I need to do?" Rowling asked.

"For now, you don't need to do anything dangerous." Morpheus smiled. "You just need to stay here and recover from your injuries. If necessary, you can help us identify some ancient artifacts or energy structures that are difficult to identify from ruins or battlefields."

"In this respect, you, who come from the orthodox education of Santa Barbara, should have an advantage over us self-taught ones."

"Once you recover and the mark is removed, if you wish to leave, I will keep my promise, ensure your safe departure, and provide you with a letter of introduction to the Secret Language Council."

This condition sounds quite generous.

It's almost a one-sided protection and assistance, in exchange for some knowledge-based help.

But Rowling understood that there is no such thing as a free lunch.

Morpheus was probably not only interested in Morpheus's appraisal skills based on his "Santa origins," but also in his potential and the information he might bring about regarding ancient artifacts and internal changes within the Shadow Raven Tower.

However, given his current situation, it is indeed an offer that is hard to refuse.

"Okay," Rowling nodded in agreement, "but I need the freedom to move around and assurances of my companion's safety."

"Of course," Morpheus said gently. "You can continue to stay in the old mole's room; the fee is waived."

.

"Within the sunken town, the Hand of Shadows will ensure your basic safety."

"As for freedom—as long as you don't break the town's rules or try to explore sensitive areas, you can move around as you please."

"However, I suggest you don't leave the town area for the time being; it's not safe outside."

He paused, then added, "Regarding your marking, I'll have someone continue to monitor Glenn's situation and also check the town's inventory records to see if there are any other possible methods."

"Also, Bruno, the old dwarf who owns the blacksmith shop specializing in rust and sparks, has some unique insights into energy metals and runes. Perhaps you could let him see the fragments you brought back; he might make an unexpected discovery."

Morpheus was very thoughtful.

Rowling stood up and nodded slightly to Morpheus: "Thank you. The deal is done."

Morpheus also stood up, a gentle smile on his face: "It's been a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Rollin—how should I address you?"

"Luo Lin is fine."

"Alright, Rollins." Morpheus nodded. "Then I won't bother you any longer."

"Get some rest. If you need anything, feel free to come to me or tell the Hand of Shadows."

Rowling took Ellie and left the administrator's stone building.

The shadowy hand that had guided them reappeared and silently escorted them back to the old mole's lair.

Back in the room, Ellie finally breathed a sigh of relief, a look of joy on her face: "Mr. Rowling, Mr. Morpheus seemed like a very nice person? Are we—safe now?"

"For now," Rowling said, walking to the window and looking out at the eternally dim light of the sunken town. "But we can't rely entirely on the kindness of others."

"The foundation of a transaction is value."

"We must restore our strength as soon as possible, resolve the issue, and demonstrate sufficient capability and value."

He turned to Ellie and said, "I'm going into seclusion for the next few days to fully recover from my injuries."

"Don't relax either. Continue practicing the 'Azure Wood Spirit Gathering Technique,' and at the same time familiarize yourself with the handwritten book of swamp plants that you bought today."

"The sunken town is a dangerous place, but it's also a good training ground."

"Adapt to it, utilize it."

"Yes, Mr. Rowling!" Ellie nodded vigorously, her eyes filled with fighting spirit.

Luo Lin walked to the bedside and sat down cross-legged.

With the assurance and resource support from the manager Morpheus, he could finally focus all his efforts on fully recovering from his injuries, and even—attempt to break through the bottleneck of the mid-stage of the second ring.

The mark on his wrist remained a potential threat, but at least in this shadowy place of the sunken town, he had temporarily found a foothold.

The road ahead is still shrouded in mist, but at least the path beneath our feet is a little clearer and more solid.