Chapter 159

Chapter 160: Channel Information in the Tavern (Fourth Update, Please Subscribe!)

The surrounding atmosphere suddenly fell silent.

Fels, completely caught off guard by Izay’s reaction, appeared somewhat bewildered after being interrupted.

“Hmm… Why did you stop talking?”

“What do you want me to say?”

In response to Izay’s question, Fels fired back.

All that explanation earlier already covered most of it, right?

Though it felt rather useless… since Izay seemed to know everything already.

“Well, I didn’t expect you to actually meet Mary because of me, so you came here just to inform me. I thought you’d have a secret message from Orario or at least try to test my stance.”

Bored, Izay waved his hand, his speculations dashed.

Looks like he overthought it.

“Not exactly. While testing your attitude towards the heretics was on my mind, after what just happened, I believe I’ve judged your stance already, so there was no need to ask further.”

Spreading out his black gauntlets, Fels explained.

At least, not someone who would expose the identities of the heretics.

Based on how things went with Mary before, even if Izay knew most or all of the secrets, he wouldn’t publicly disclose information about the heretics.

He’s on our side.

For now.

Fels alone can’t make a final decision yet. He needs to discuss this with Uranus and then… uh, no, not spy but monitor for a while longer to reach a conclusion.

“In fact, I didn’t expect Mary’s appearance either. The existence of moss giants was unexpected. Meeting you under those circumstances was purely coincidental.”

As he spoke, the dark hooded figure swayed slightly, as if lamenting the whims of fate.

Fels originally intended to have an uninterrupted environment, just like now, to exchange truths one-on-one with Izay.

“Is that so? That really was a coincidence…”

After hearing his words, Izay responded half-heartedly, feeling a bit speechless.

In the tranquil passage of the Great Tree Maze, the sound of human conversation faded once more, returning to stillness.

Amidst the space formed by branches and grass, Izay’s azure eyes stared into the darkness beneath Fels’ hood.

“Forgive my curiosity, Mr. Elwood, but how did you manage to uncover so many hidden secrets within just a few months of arriving in Orario?”

At this point, the black-robed figure shifted uneasily, driven by insatiable curiosity.

Though aware that he might not get an answer, the rising thirst for knowledge compelled Fels to seek Izay’s advice, even addressing him with respect.

As a sage, the desire to learn about unknown things is ingrained in one’s bones, unchanging with time. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have created the Philosopher’s Stone or resurrection magic.

If he could obtain Izay’s method of gathering intelligence, it would greatly facilitate many aspects of his work.

However, Izay merely shrugged in response to his inquiry.

“I haven’t deliberately collected these pieces of information. If I must say, it’s innate.”

“???”

“Have you heard of the Star of Enlightenment? Surely, a renowned sage like yourself knows about it?”

Suddenly, Izay brought up something seemingly unrelated to the topic.

Pausing briefly, Fels replied solemnly:

“Yes, I am familiar. From the perspective of astrology, it is the brightest star in the sky before dawn, the light in the darkness, symbolizing hope amidst confusion and a beacon guiding the future.”

“I seem to have a special connection with stars. I possess a skill called ‘Star of Enlightenment,’ which grants me ‘revelations.’ Regarding matters concerning my future, it provides me with premonitory dreams.”

“So! Could it be…!!”

“That’s right, exactly what you’re thinking. No one told me, nor did I investigate deliberately. It’s simply something I should know, so I do.”

A mix of three parts truth and seven parts fabrication, watching the black robe sway restlessly, Izay knew he had successfully bamboozled the old sage.

This wasn’t entirely out of mischief.

He also considered that in the future, when dealing with such a sage who constantly monitors the dungeon and the god residing at the Guild Headquarters, there were many areas where they couldn’t avoid each other.

Izay was merely providing himself with a good excuse for his previous and future “unusual” behavior.

This way, even if he acted strangely in Orario in the future, he wouldn’t be summoned for a private chat.

Regarding the matter of the heretics, getting full support from these two elders would be excellent!

…

When the conversation with the sage concluded and he returned to the surface, it was indeed nighttime.

In Orario, the blue twilight and hazy full moon replaced the daylight, accompanied by countless cheers and laughter.

Laborers finishing their day’s work and adventurers safely returning from the dungeon ended their day with fine wine.

Each tavern echoed with joyful cries, followed by roars and loud laughter. Orange lights spilled from open windows, illuminating the paved roads crowded with dancing silhouettes.

Since dinner time for Loki Familia had surely passed, Izay didn’t return directly.

Instead, he walked down the northwest street, enjoying the unique festive atmosphere of Orario while replenishing his food.

The Bountiful Mistress Tavern was bustling with customers during the evening.

“It’s rare to see Mr. Izay visit the shop at this hour. Is something wrong?”

Ryu, serving the requested meal and standing nearby without moving, asked with concern in her cool tone.

“Yes, today I explored the dungeon after a long time and encountered a ‘Reinforced Species’ again. Did you know, Ryu? Again!”

While shoveling food into his mouth, Izay emphasized the word “again.”

“Thanks to that ‘Reinforced Species,’ I left the dungeon much later than usual. Sigh…”

Hugging the empty plate in front of her with both hands, Ryu blinked as she listened to Izay’s complaints.

“That sounds… very exhausting…”

How many times has Mr. Izay encountered the ‘Reinforced Species,’ which is rarely seen throughout the year?

Including the two times during leveling up, this is already the third time, isn’t it?

It seems Mr. Izay has encountered all the Reinforced Species from before and possibly in the future?

There’s nothing much to say about such bizarre luck.

“Right? You feel the same way. My strange fortune…”

“Then why not relax by eating more? I think my cooking skills have improved recently~”

“—Please give me extra servings.”

“Alright, please wait a moment.”

With a graceful bow, Ryu smiled and temporarily left.

Just as Izay prepared to finish the food in front of him…

“Hey, have you heard? Lately, many mysterious monsters have appeared on the continent, and there are quite a few victims, it seems?”

Among the many adventurer customers, someone suddenly chimed in.

Taverns are gathering places for adventurers and also the most frequented spots for idle chatter after work.

In lively taverns, you can hear all sorts of information and anecdotes from around Orario.

The current situation was no exception.

The topics among the adventurers caught Izay’s attention.