CH102

Helag could accept the half-year timeframe for analyzing the slate. Since he couldn't read the content yet, he would let Deep Blue take its time.

He limited the magic consumption to 30% daily to ensure he could handle any emergencies, as he wasn't in the safe confines of Moonlight Forest.

Helag needed to maintain at least 70% of his magic to be combat-ready.

Using too much magic daily for the slate could leave him vulnerable, unable to cast even three shields in an emergency.

"Deep Blue, start analyzing the slate content during my meditation sessions, pausing after consuming 30% magic."

[Task recorded.]

After setting up the analysis task, Helag examined the slate from the side, focusing on its material.

Initially, he thought it was ordinary stone, but now he noticed it seemed like a stone containing gold, a type he had never seen before.

The slate was extremely hard. Helag pressed it and felt its resistance, likely impervious to regular knight-level attacks.

Great knights might be able to damage it, given their diverse and powerful techniques.

Reflecting on the strange events in Creek Valley Town, Helag felt the slate was likely connected.

He suspected moving the slate had caused the memory changes in Miro and others, affecting even the records in Stormwind City.

This was just a guess, and Helag couldn't be certain.

After observing the slate without further insights, he stored it back in his spatial ring.

The next morning, Helag called Ed to drive the carriage as he planned to visit the Adventurers' Guild in Ryan City to gather information on Moonstone Grass.

The Kingdom of Doris was too vast for a thorough search.

The Adventurers' Guild, spread across the Karag Continent with numerous members and information channels, was his best bet.

The guild operated independently of any kingdom but collaborated with all, visible in every city.

The Ryan City guild, like the one in Stormwind City, had a dedicated five-story building.

The layout of the first-floor hall was similar, giving Helag a sense of being in a chain store.

He found the task counter and queued up. When his turn came, he met a young man named Ward behind the counter.

"I want to post a task to find information on Moonstone Grass," Helag stated directly.

Ward took a paper and noted the details. "Any specific reward or time limit?"

"Ten gold coins for anyone providing valuable leads. No fixed time limit; the task ends once I obtain Moonstone Grass," Helag replied.

Ward nodded. "Understood, sir. The guild requires a fee of one-tenth of the task reward. Is that acceptable?"

Helag placed a gold coin on the counter. "No problem. Post the task as soon as possible and notify me immediately if there's news."

Ward checked the coin and handed Helag a paper. "Please fill in your contact details and name. We'll notify you as soon as we have information."

Helag wrote down his current address, completing the process.

The task would now be listed in the Ryan City guild, visible to all adventurers.

With many people searching, the guild's resources would be much faster than Helag searching alone.

***

After posting the task, Helag returned home, continuing his routine of eating, meditating, and studying. He brewed a new batch of Starry Sky Potion when the previous one ran out.

Judy and Ed efficiently handled household chores, freeing Helag from those concerns.

Half a month later, Ed's slave mark had almost disappeared, expected to vanish completely in a few more days.

Ed was deeply grateful to Helag, diligently fulfilling every task.

Helag suspected Ed would even sacrifice himself without question if asked.

***

Another half-month passed.

One day, while meditating, Helag suddenly opened his eyes.

Someone was knocking at the door. Ed quickly answered, finding a young man in his twenties.

"What do you need?" Ed asked.

The visitor was Ward from the Adventurers' Guild. "Hello, I'm here for Mr. Geralt. We have news about his task."

Ed replied, "Please wait a moment. I'll inform my master."

"Thank you," Ward said politely.

Ed's face had fully healed, and no one would mistake him for a slave now.

Helag, already aware, came out before Ed could inform him.

"Sir, there's a…" Ed began respectfully.

"I know," Helag interrupted, heading to the door.

"Is there news?" Helag asked Ward.

Ward nodded. "Yes, Mr. Geralt, we have news about your task."

"Can you verify its authenticity?" Helag asked, wary of false leads.

Ward assured him, "Rest assured, Mr. Geralt. We verify all information before notifying you. I guarantee it's genuine!"

His confident smile and firm tone reassured Helag.

"Can I meet the person who took the task?" Helag asked.

Ward's assurance eased Helag's concerns. The Adventurers' Guild, a large organization, was unlikely to have issues with such matters.