Chapter 38: Bountiful Harvest
After half a day had passed since Sein awoke, he summoned the willpower to stand and climbed out of the rock shelter.
He had remained there for an additional half day primarily for his stamina to recover. While waiting, he also meditated to replenish his mana and focus..
For initiates like Sein, magic was their ultimate source of power.
Although he felt somewhat depleted at this point, he was confident in his ability to cast two more spells.
Besides, his Acid Wand had also been recharged and was ready for use. Embark on a quest to the commencement at n0v#lbin★
Barring any unforeseen misfortunes, such as encountering another high-level magical beast on the short journey back to the city, Sein believed he could handle any other challenges that might arise.
Upon leaving the rock shelter, Sein immediately retraced his steps to the main road leading back to Mystralora City.
All traces of his previous encounter had been erased, including the lifeless body of the underdwarf and some of the spoils he had discarded.
Even the faint traces of blood had dissipated into the stale underground air.
The Underworld had its own unique rules and scavengers, which explained the necessity of Sein’s hasty departure from the scene earlier despite his paralyzing injuries.
With no inclination to dally, Sein swiftly made his way toward Mystralora City.
Due to the fact that he was traveling at full speed, only half a day had passed when Sein caught sight of the city walls and other recognizable landmarks of Mystralora City.
Although the feelings Mystralora City typically evoked among black magic initiates were cold and somber, Sein always experienced a sense of peace and familiarity upon returning to the city after completing a quest.
Despite his current status as an intermediate initiate, Sein still entered Mystralora City through the same special passageway as always.
Perhaps because he had recently survived an attack by an underdwarf and had nearly met his end, he now gazed at the underground demihumans waiting in line on the main road to enter and exit the city with undisguised distaste and rejection.
Unlike the last time he walked through the special passage, the intermediate and junior initiates near the city gates wisely held their tongues as Sein passed through.
Sein was in a pretty sorry state at the moment. Not only was his magic robe tattered and torn, he bore several scars on his body, and his face had a sickly pallor.
If Bousse were to handle the negotiation, each of these three Green Plume Eggs could potentially fetch as much as a hundred autrum.
A conflicted look crossed Sein’s face after listening to Bousse.
Just moments ago, he harbored nothing but intense resentment toward the underground demihumans, but now, he was contemplating the prospect of financial gain in their dealings.
However, Sein’s inner conflict was short-lived. He was, after all, a money-oriented man.
Moreover, the underdwarf who attacked Sein might not have hailed from the demihuman tribes that might potentially purchase the three Green Plume Eggs.
It was entirely plausible that, as these demihuman tribes grew in strength, they might assist Sein in vanquishing the underdwarf’s tribe.
In the Underworld, racial conflicts were common.
While humans in Mystralora City enjoyed the protection of black mages, demihumans and dark creatures native to the Underworld constantly sought to conquer and annex.
After some calculations, Bousse valued Sein’s goods at a high price of nearly five hundred autrum, which doubled Sein's initial expectations.
The immense value of the three Green Plume Eggs left Sein astounded.
Clearly, the demihuman tribes aimed to acquire these eggs not only for raising Green Plumes but also to breed more Green Plumes as mounts and harvest more eggs in the future.
The demihumans residing near Mystralora City were generally shorter in stature.
Although adult Green Plumes were not suitable as mounts for humans, they were just right for those demihumans.
Due to the considerable sum involved, Bousse was unable to provide full payment immediately.
He promised to pay Sein once he had sold the merchandise.
Despite Bousse’s offer of a partial advance payment, Sein declined and promptly prepared to return to the academy to turn in his quest.
As he prepared to leave the store, Bousse called out to him.
“Hey, catch! It’s a gift from me. Get well soon!”
Bousse tossed a small red vial toward Sein, who immediately recognized it as a basic healing potion crafted by Marie.
With a grateful wave to Bousse, Sein hastily made his way back to the academy.