Chapter 39 Iron Hook Tavern

...

Lin Suo had already decided to cut off that line.

Go straight.

For the antique shop expansion, he needs the help of Vice President Colin; their good relationship makes this not a big issue.

On the other hand, he planned to open another source.

This time targeting the food industry.

He wanted to cultivate rice; the coastal soil isn't suitable for crops, but cheating is possible.

Cheating with the Power of Synthesis.

Barren soil can be synthesized into fertilized soil, wild rice can be synthesized into high-quality rice seeds, and if there's time, he could even research food crops containing Magic Power.

For this matter, he needed to find enough wild rice first; he entrusted this task to a Half-Beast adventurer living next door.

Estimating the time, it should take no more than a month to return.

That day.

After finishing his routine training and improving his skill level in Magic Hand, Lin Suo went to the Iron Hook Tavern as usual to gather information.

Iron Hook Tavern is run by a retired female captain from Dan Dong.

She lost a part of her arm, replaced with the classic pirate-style iron hook.

Black hair, brown eyes; a human female through and through, even a mother would approve.

A ripe peach, that's Lin Suo's description of her.

He frequented this place not because he had any thoughts about her, solely for gathering information.

Moreover, she's a rare Peak Knight.

Apart from the Earl Seth he saw initially, this was only the second Peak Knight Lin Suo had encountered; it wasn't as common as picking up a stone and hitting a Peak Knight.

The reason for this thought.

Stems from his understanding of the status of Peak Knights in the Wizard World...

Anyway... it's magical!

Iron Hook Tavern.

Lin Suo pushed the door open; during the daytime, there weren't many patrons, served by waitstaff with the captain standing behind the counter wiping pint glasses.

"Sister Tifa~"

"Little brother Rhein, you're here again."

Lin Suo smiled, ordered a 'Fire', which is just another name for rum at sea.

Every time he saw Captain Tifa,

his mind would invariably recall some events from the 3D area and that all-too-familiar saying,

[Cloud, sorry…]

Every time he heard it, Lin Suo would quip that it needed an addition of the word "again."

If Valia, that youthful Elf girl, was like the serene moonlight rejuvenating his soul,

Then Captain Tifa was like a passionate cinnabar mole, without a glance each day, his energy would drain.

Hmm... wildflowers smell wonderful~

Captain Tifa was forty this year, but as a Peak Knight, her lifespan was extended, and her body, due to years of training, was also very firm and strong.

One wouldn't notice any traces of aging at all.

A stranger would merely think she was just over thirty, at an age full of vigor.

After a sip of Fire,

Lin Suo naturally started talking about recent happenings.

Coastal brawl!

Tifa was much more sensitive to this kind of news than him, quickly telling him about the White Tower and the Ocean Academy recruiting Wild Witches.

And not knowing whether it was an awakening of conscience,

they actually opened two types of Apprentice Level witchcraft for free.

[Water of Purification], [Purifying Evil]

Any wizard participating would receive these two Witchcraft books, but they had to join the cleansing operation on Late Bell Island after learning them.

Advancing Witchcraft as rewards, with some Magic Stones as bonuses.

Lin Suo curiously asked,

"Sister Tifa, why is there a need for cleaning and purification on Late Bell Island?"

"Ah, I heard it's because some deep-sea polluters landed ashore, and recent battles with the Late Bell Church caused the apprentices from the tower and academy to suffer more injuries, hence handed over to the Wild Witches."

Tifa spread her hands, looking exasperated.

"But, there will be official wizards leading the operation, shouldn't be fake."

Lin Suo smirked, his gaze inadvertently falling on Tifa's hooked hand, with this level of intelligence, losing just a part of her arm was indeed fortunate.

To have the Iron Rooster suddenly offer a generous reward,

one could guess there was something fishy with their buttocks.

Regarding the matter of the deep-sea pollution, one must ask Valia, the downtrodden rich young lady.

After hastily downing a fiery drink.

Lin Suo flicked a silver coin and grandly bid farewell.

"Here's a tip, come again next time."

Beside him, Nuoye, a young waiter who was close to Tifa, commented.

"Boss, does Mr. Rhein have a thing for you?"

Tifa looked skeptically at Lin Suo's departing figure, shaking her head.

"No way, I'm too old, and besides, that young fellow seems to be a wizard; every gesture he makes is unique."

"Like an aristocrat."

The young waitress's eyes lit up.

But Tifa cautioned seriously.

"Even if he is interested, it's just for a romantic adventure, he won't be responsible; don't act rashly."

"Alright, I understand."

…

Lin Suo left, originally planning to go directly to Valia.

On his way back, he "just so happened" to encounter a Wild Wizard, engrossed in a book, unknowingly walking into a dark corner.

What a sight, sly and shifty, he must be punished!

A while later.

Lin Suo held the book, utterly engrossed.

The spine of the book was conveniently labeled with four big characters.

[Purifying Evil]

(No killing)

…

Natural Fruit House.

Lin Suo browsed a few pages of the Witchcraft Book, casually stuffing it into his waist pouch (made from a stomach sac).

He went back and directly ate, bothering about nothing.

Valia's fruit shop had three levels, and she often resided on the third floor, right across from Lin Suo's door, hence they had a very good relationship.

Frequently visiting each other.

There was also a little Elf from the Elf Clan in the store.

Mainly responsible for daily updates, transactions, cleaning… well, anyway, Valia held the reins but didn't manage actively.

"Xi Qian, where's Lea?"

The serving girl, annoyed, glanced at him; she wasn't a member of the Nature Language Family, but she had heard of the grudges with the people of Dan Dong.

Seeing her own lady like this made her somewhat resent their inability to understand.

Lin Suo, accustomed to this, asked again.

Xi Qian, the young girl, helpless.

"Miss went to the Nature Association..."

"Thank you."

Lin Suo smiled, about to say goodbye when he suddenly turned back and said.

"Next time, you and your lady can come to my place for a meal, see you."

Xi Qian wanted to say something more.

But Lin Suo had already left the premises.

Leaving her to stew in frustration.

"Who wants to eat your lousy stuff, Miss... gulp~"

Each bloom on its own branch.

Recently.

Repa and Olivia Giant Beast, having received the heritage from the Late Bell Church, were bustling happily.

A certain Snake Demon, after playing its part.

Was strangled on the spot by Repa, its soul destroyed, left like a vegetative person, disappearing after that chaotic night.

He didn't care, perhaps it was shattered by the residual waves of witchcraft, Olivia felt no remorse towards the Snake Demon that had helped her.

Now, to gain a foothold along and near the coast of Koster, connecting with the Dan Dong officials was just one aspect.

The Elf Clan was also a force that couldn't be ignored.

Unless Alder dies, they can't leave the city.

Hoping to take over the benefits of the Monster Salt Swamp is like a eunuch looking into a mirror — utterly nonsensical.

The Monster Salt Swamp stationing actual Wizards from all three sides on a rotational basis was the same.

If people don't go, how can they gain profits?

Nature Association.