Chapter 25: Searching for Clues
After finishing their meal, Vlad left the restaurant and made his way toward the heart of the Third Ring, soon arriving at the headquarters of the Information Ring.
The headquarters was a six-story tower constructed from dark stone, sprawling across several hundred meters. Tens of glass windows on each side were adorned with intricate crystal artwork depicting legends and myths from countless cultures.
Above all of its four entrances, a dark eye symbol loomed, silent and watchful.
Dozens of people moved in and out of the building, a steady stream of activity. Among them were ordinary folk, wealthy merchants, and even hardened mercenaries, each drawn here to sell or buy a piece of knowledge they deemed valuable.
The Information Ring was a private entity that dealt with all forms of knowledge, whether trivial or profound.
It bought and sold everything from simple details, like the location of rare herbs, to the darkest, most well-guarded secrets buried deep within history.
Nothing was beyond their reach, and for the right price, nothing was off-limits.
The price was not just gold coins, as barter was their preferred trade method, exchanging knowledge for knowledge, favors, rare items, or services of equal value.
The Information Ring offered knowledge in two distinct forms: common and exclusive.
Anyone could buy common information; exclusive information, however, was sold only once. Once purchased, it was removed from their records entirely and never offered to another soul again.
They were trusted because, while a private entity, everyone knew the Information Ring had the backing of the Human Emperor.