The red path, known to be more of a trail for a one-man journey, was located in the neighboring kingdom led by a tyrant of a king. The path that originated from the Northwest side of the Blaphemos Woodland was undoubtedly closed off. No one ever dared to approach the entrance except for equipped officials who exploited their claim to the 'safe land.'Looking up to ask for confirmation of his second guess, he was met with another cough instead. Harsher this time, and it definitely made the adventurer lose more blood – if that nasty black goo still counted as blood anyway.“You idiot,” Cherry grumbled in annoyance to mask her worry. “Seirin-shi, you’re such an ignorant fool.”Glaring at the weary adventurer, the mage tried to use her healing magic to help the guide.“Aye, it’s fine. There is no need.”Serein waved her free hand in dismissal, trying not to croak out her reply and tainting her own words with a rasp that would definitely cause these people to give her even more unnecessary

“Ah, our sleeping beauty is awake? I apologize for not noticing your holy presence, your highness.”Glancing, Serein could see the mage getting seated, presumably having been eavesdropping for a couple of moments ago from how stable her breathing was now compared to someone who supposedly just woke up from their deep slumber.“Cut the flattery, Serein-shi.”Cherry, who didn’t know the reference to ‘sleeping beauty,’ thought that it was mere flattery when it was more of a form of teasing from the adventurer. Not that it mattered much–“Back to my question, what’s with Sirens? Are you planning to hunt something that has vanished for the past decades?”—Well, technically, she’s not exactly right about this.After all, Serein did remember one Siren that was planned to be in her original novel. Though she had forgotten the Siren’s name and the exact timeline on when the MC should meet them, that adventurer remembered doing a lot of research about the said being before putting them into the

“...Um, Serein-shi?” The words quivered in the air, carrying the weight of uncertainty. Gil, the one-legged knight, hesitated, his voice laced with discreet nervousness. To him, the air around them seemed to tighten as he grappled with the consequences of their actions, his gaze shifting anxiously, fearing repercussions from the formidable dragon.“Aren’t we going to get… Terminated by Cevahir-min for… Well… This?” His whispers was so low, it was barely audible.He can't help but feel increasingly worried. His mind spirals, anticipating the worsening situation. After all, given Cevahir's proximity and protectiveness, that half-blood would undoubtedly hunt them down for abducting one of his little brothers soon.“What do you mean? We did nothing, though?” The corners of her mouth tugged upwards as her eyes twinkled in mischief, “He told us to leave without him, and that’s exactly what we did. We haven't committed any wrongdoing, so why would Cevahir-min hound us?Ah.Finally picking up

Serein could hear the hooded creature smiling as he placed the clay tablets into a purple-ish portal next to him. The Broker’s smile went even wider as he then offered, “Now, dear customer, would you fancy some of these booster potions? Or maybe a couple of scrolls of ancient spells? The newest weapon in creation? Perhaps one made by the dwarves? An Elven bow, maybe? Or even a dragon’s heart~! I have everything you need! Restoration spell~? Reanimation potions~? From black magic, white magic, to the most unthinkable curses, you name it, and I shall provide~!”—Cheerful it might sound, but there’s something more going on behind the scenes, and that something is heavily manipulative.Hypnotism is probably the closest term there is since the brokers couldn’t go as far as brainwashing someone. That being said, they are able to pull back someone’s memory and replay it in their target’s mind as a ‘reminder’ and a motive for these people to buy more items from them.Serein wasn’t aware of th

“Ah yes. That smell seems to come from that street-food stall over there. Would you like to have some? You’ve shared your meal before; it’s only right to return the gesture, right?” Serein asked in a casual tone, deliberately halting her steps, turning towards Cevahir as if seeking his opinion rather than that of the unseen being on his shoulder.“Yes! I’d like to try those good smelling food!”Serein couldn't suppress a smile as she observed Cevahir's lips twitching in annoyance. In that moment, a realization dawned on her, prompting a crucial understanding.‘He couldn’t say no~’And judging from how there was no wind before this, Serein could only assume that the smell was brought by the breeze caused by Aiston. She can easily tell that this is the help that the ancient spirit was referring to.Well, in any case, she’s taking the two hatchlings, Sam and Pam, as ‘hostages’ while Cevahir must have known that he couldn’t act recklessly with his distinctive magic. After all, why else