Friendship Amongst Men

The city Lord's treatment is over after three days. He only needs to use treasures that boost vitality, and he would regain his strength.

The rest of the people in the mansion are kept in the dark about the recovery of the city lord, including the pharmacist who is clamoring to see the city lord. However, Muriel kept refusing, angering the pharmacist to the point of resorting to threats. Muriel was so angry that he asked the butler to respectfully throw them out. This angered the proud pharmacist even more, leading them to spread the news of the city lord's illness and how the young city lord wants to kill his father in order to take control of Serene City.

This led some people to start a protest against Muriel, accusing him of committing parricide. Due to the formidable guards of the city lord's mansion, they dared not cause too much chaos. Later, they received a warning from the city guards for disruption and were arrested for incitement and causing a ruckus. After interrogation, it was found out that they were paid by Alfred's personal servant.

Everything was playing according to the plan of the City lord. The servant beside Alfred was secretly arrested by the secret guard of the city lord. After using the carrot and stick method, he finally agreed to allow two people to infiltrate the Kramer house disguised as servants. The head of the Kramer family's birthday is coming, and invitations have been sent out. Even the city lord mansion received an invitation.

"Young city lord, it's time to fulfill your promise. My brother has healed your father. Why haven't we received the energy source water?" asked Alex, scrutinizing Muriel as if he would default on his debt.

"My apologies. I have been busy these days, and moreover, my father allowed me to take you to the Treasury to pick one item each," said Muriel.

"The city lord understands the way, unlike some people who want to default on debts," Alex said, throwing jibes at Muriel.

Muriel brought out a box and passed it to Devin. "This is the energy source water."

Devin opened the box and checked it, even using the appraisal technique to confirm. Alex asked Devin with his eyes if it's the real deal, and Devin nodded.

"Please follow me to the Treasury to pick the items of your choice," Muriel said as he stood up.

The city lord's Treasury is big and heavily guarded. It showcases the foundation of the city, with most of these items accumulating from different generations. There are a variety of weapons, techniques, ores, magic crystals, materials, ingredients, and more.

Devin could feel a powerful aura emanating from the items. If anyone were to attempt to steal anything, he wouldn't be surprised if they ended up dead without even knowing how.

Devin's intuition told him that learning other techniques might not be compatible with his origin aura, so he didn't waste time on it. He focused on browsing the material section, where he noticed a magical plant. Magical plants are different from medicinal plants. They are rare and possess mystical or supernatural properties that go beyond the scope of medicinal plants. They have enchanted properties and the ability to enhance or manipulate magical energies, unlike medicinal herbs, which possess milder energy that is not as volatile.

Devin used his identification skill on the plants, and he couldn't help but smile.

[Pink Lily: a magical plant that can be used for marrow cleansing.]

Devin's smile deepened as he now had all the ingredients needed for marrow cleansing. He and Alex could now cleanse their bodies. This was the last ingredient he needed. The formula popped up on the pharmacopeia.

"I have made my choice. I will take this plant," said Devin.

"Are you sure?" asked Muriel.

Devin nodded confidently. If he missed this opportunity, he might never come across these magical plants again. His luck was on his side.

Alex also made his choice, picking a technique that would help him improve his perception.

They left the Treasury, and as they were heading out, Muriel also invited them to visit his own private Treasury as a sign of friendship. He mentioned that his Treasury might not be as elaborate as the family's, but he had accumulated a modest wealth from gifts and his own exploration.

Devin and Alex didn't refuse; they could see this as an extension of goodwill from Muriel.

"I forgive you," Alex said as he patted Muriel on the shoulder.

"Thank you, Master Alex," Muriel replied with a fake bow, rolling his eyes.

Devin laughed at their antics. "Then, as friends, can we drop the 'master'? It's a mouthful," suggested Devin.

"Not bad. It makes me feel less stuffy," said Alex.

"No problem," Muriel agreed as he led them into his courtyard. Muriel's courtyard was large and had its own training ground. It was evident that he practiced there every day.

Muriel's Treasury may not be as extensive as the mansion, but it still offers a variety of items.

"This time, Devin picked a dry seed. It looks dead," Muriel observed as he saw Devin's choice. "I remember buying this seed when I visited the capital last year from a foreigner who was doing blind boxes. I thought I was unlucky when I opened the box, but I didn't want to throw it away. Moreover, no one can tell what kind of seed it is. I even tried planting it, but there were no results."

"I will pick this seed. I like challenging things," Devin confidently stated.

"Are you sure it's a dead seed?" Muriel questioned, trying to confirm.

"I am sure. I'm also a collector, so things like this intrigue me," Devin replied.

Alex looked at the seed in Devin's hand but didn't say anything. He knew it must be something valuable. Didn't Devin also use the same approach when buying the scaleless fruit?

"Well, whatever the result turns out to be, let me know," Muriel said.

"No problem," Devin thought. In his mind, mini Devin was doing backflips. According to his identification, the seed is a space walnut seed - an item storage walnut. It can be used to store items, except those with life.

Devin didn't care about the life aspect. As long as it could store items, this could be a way to earn gold coins. He wished everyone would invite him into their Treasuries.

Alex picked a lightweight chainmail made from good quality material and enchanted to provide protection from physical attacks while allowing for agility.

Devin, wanting to reciprocate goodwill, also gifted Muriel 5 Emerald Fern Stones. They enhance the physical body when used in potions.

"Thank you. I really needed these. I'm about to breakthrough in my practice, and they will come in handy," Muriel expressed his gratitude.

A guard came to inform them that the city lord wants to see them.

"Please have a seat, everyone," the city lord said. "I have sent a message to the royal capital, and they will be sending two experts to assist us in case there are elites from the Order of Shadows involved. I have also sent the worm sample to them and explained the situation. With their resources and capabilities, I hope they will able to research it and develop a magic tool to scan for these worms in the body. I wouldn't put it past these crazy people to use the worms to create disaster."

Alex then asked about the investigation regarding the other families involved.

"So far, we haven't been able to confirm any collaboration between these families and the Kramer family or the organization. However, I wouldn't rule anything out at this point. I don't believe the organization would have only one plan. Therefore, I have decided to keep all of them under surveillance. It will stretch our manpower, but it's necessary."

Devin then spoke up, revealing their plan to go undercover to gather information.

"We can't ask you to do that. You have already done so much," the city lord disagreed.

"Don't worry, city lord. It's our choice, and besides, your manpower is already stretched thin," Alex assured.

"Alex is right, and we are the best choice for this task. We also have a means to protect ourselves. We are not recognized by any of these families, and our strength doesn't pose a threat to them," Devin added.

Phillip pondered the situation and could see the merit in their plan.

"Fine, but you must prioritize your safety. If you feel your lives are threatened in any way, back out immediately," Phillip emphasized.

Devin and Alex agreed, but in reality, they had no intention of backing out. Not only did they need to ensure their safety for their personal well-being, but they also had to stay involved in the heart of the matter. How else would they secure their reward?