Chapter 46: Farewell to Akara (Part 1)

The next morning, I opened my eyes early. The fresh morning air, mixed with the scent of grass by my nose and a slight earthy smell, invigorated me. Gef, who was sleeping beside me, was hugging a big tree not far away, muttering something in his sleep. I wondered what kind of sweet dream he was having. Sweat...

As for Doug, the snorer, he had already been kicked to the other side by Gef and me.

"Good morning, Wu."

I had just gotten up when Sally's voice came over.

She was hanging clothes in the courtyard. I felt a bit embarrassed, thinking I was the earliest to wake up.

"Uh, Aunt Sally, you're up early too. Uncle Lai is lucky to have you."

Due to her lifespan, although Sally was around 40 years old, she didn't look a day older. It felt strange to call her "aunt," but Lai, who had lived under great pressure, looked like a typical uncle despite being about the same age as Sally.

"Aunt Sally, I want to go see Akara. If they wake up, tell them for me." I yawned widely.

"Okay, I know. Come back early, or your breakfast will get cold."

"Yes, I will follow Aunt's orders."

My voice came from outside the wooden fence.

Akara's tent looked so small, making the surrounding small grassy area seem very spacious. The grass was neatly trimmed, and the morning dew hung lightly on the leaves, reflecting the warm morning sunlight in a rainbow of colors.

Outside the tent was a reclining chair. Akara was sitting there, enjoying the morning light. When she heard my footsteps, she didn't show any surprise, as if she had known I would come.

"Young man, the morning sun seems quite nice today. It looks like it will be a good day."

"I agree, Lady Akara."

I smiled lightly and bowed to Akara.

"I'm very sorry to disturb you so early."

"It's fine. When you get old, you can't sleep much and wake up early. But it's nice to enjoy such a beautiful morning and have someone to chat with this lonely old woman."

"Please, come in."

Akara stood up from the chair and entered the tent first.

When she placed a steaming cup of refreshing water in front of me, I was sure she already knew I would come, or at least guessed that someone would. The power of the Great Eye was truly terrifying, and I couldn't help but feel a greater sense of reverence.

We chatted for a while, and then we talked about my training. I half-truthfully mentioned some of the problems I had encountered. I didn't know if she saw through my lies. In front of her damned Great Eye, I always felt very nervous when lying. Fortunately, Akara didn't seem to care much. She still pointed out my shortcomings, especially a small detail about potions stacking, which she mentioned casually but made me realize why the female druid was chugging potions during the fight with the corpse.

After I finished asking all my questions, the atmosphere became silent. Akara didn't speak, just quietly sipping her refreshing water, as if waiting for me to "fall into the trap."

What should I do? To be honest, seeing the strange power of Akara's Great Eye today made me even more wary. I had to think carefully about what I wanted to say. But this matter couldn't be hidden, and if I didn't get Akara's support, even with the bug amulet, it would be of little use in many situations.

"Lady Akara, I want to go train in the Cold Plains."

I was silent for a while before finally speaking, my heart pounding.

After I said this, the atmosphere became silent again. After a long while, Akara, who seemed to have sufficiently piqued my curiosity, suddenly smiled: "Dear Wu, why are you so nervous?"

"I..."

Akara waved her hand.

"Wu, everyone has their secrets. The power of the Great Eye is meant to help others find the right path, not to pry into their privacy. Although I am very curious about your training speed, you are not our enemy, so I will not pry into your secrets. That would be an abuse of the Great Eye's power, a desecration of my faith."

Akara's kind face and gentle smile made me feel both reassured and terrified.

"This old woman, being old, can no longer wait for the process and can only predict the outcome. I believe, Wu, that your strength will bring blessings to us and open up new horizons. That is enough."

Even a fool could understand what Akara meant. I was overjoyed. This outcome was much better than I had expected. I had already prepared for the worst, thinking I might have to reveal the existence of the bug amulet, but Akara didn't pursue it further.

Fortunately, I didn't get carried away. I understood the meaning behind Akara's words.

"Lady Akara, rest assured. My life belongs to the Dark Continent, and my loyalty and honor also belong to the Dark Continent. I will not do anything to harm the Dark Continent." I solemnly swore, adding in my heart—unless forced.

We both got the answers we were satisfied with. I was incredibly happy, and Akara didn't seem to be in a bad mood either. Due to the rules, although she trusted me, she couldn't let me use the portal directly to the Cold Plains. However, she detailed the area where the portal to the Cold Plains was located, giving me a general direction.

Taking advantage of Akara's good mood, I took out the pile of black stuff I had obtained from the corpse's explosion.

"Lady Akara, do you know what this is?"

"Oh?" Akara curiously touched the pile, showing that the Great Eye wasn't all-knowing.

"Ah, these are magic cores and crystal ores."

Akara said with surprise.

"What are they used for? I see a pile of black fragments, but there are two different things in it."

"Magic cores, when ground into powder, can be used to make portal scrolls. As for the magic crystals, give them to Charsi. With these ores, her success rate might be higher."

Pausing, Akara continued, "This pile of fragments, when ground into powder, can make many portal scrolls. Wu, if you don't mind, I hope you can sell these fragments to me."

"Where, Lady Akara has already given me the Book of Portals and the Book of Identification. I'll just give these as a gift to you." I said, a bit embarrassed. I didn't lack gold coins, and these fragments were useless to me, so it was better to do a favor.

"How can that be? This old woman is most afraid of receiving gifts. If someone sees, it could be considered a serious crime of corruption and bribery."

Akara laughed, and I couldn't help but smile. I didn't expect her to have such a humorous side.

"Wu, I know you don't lack gold coins. How about this: I'll trade portal scrolls with you. These aren't something you can buy with gold coins alone." Akara said with a chuckle, pulling out over ten scrolls from a shelf and handing them to me.

"These are all I have now. Take them."

I didn't hesitate; portal scrolls were very useful.

"Is the Book of Identification also made from this magic core powder?"

Out of curiosity, I couldn't help but ask.

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