Chapter 102: Dréimire
They continued working until the light began filtering through the thick canopy above the lake. Irwin had managed to finish four of his cards by then, keeping them in his pocket with the others.
Except for Balarn, the others were stumbling as they headed inside the main chamber from which the scent of hot food emanated. The table had been moved into the center of the room, stools around it, and a lot of food laden atop. Yogog sat at the head, biting into a thick slab of meat while the six guards were sitting spread out and eating.
Irwin thudded down beside Greldo, who hadn't waited either and was digging into what looked like a vegetable stew. A long, thin piece of meat lay on a plate beside him, and he kept taking a bite and pulling a face.
"So, find anything useful?" Irwin asked, wondering what was wrong with the meat.
Greldo grabbed his mug and drank deeply before responding.
"There's a mercenary guild here that puts out bounties for specific cards and even has missions to help clear out beast-nests and demon towers."
Irwin nodded as he piled up some food on top of his plate. Balarn had told him about those things, and he wasn't surprised that Greldo was interested.
"And you? Did you find me a good fire resistance card of some sort? This heat is stifling, and I want a good rest."
Irwin shook his head, swallowing a bite of surprisingly flavorful stew.
"No. I checked all of them, but there are no body enhancement cards at all, and Ambraz said none of those we saw were upgradeable to get it either."
"Hah," Yogog barked, spitting some food across the table. "Don't even bother! The cards we get for free are all regular, common ones. If you want anything special, body improvement, rare resistance types, good weapon cards, or anything else that's actually useful for anyone with long-term planning, you will have to buy them. And trust me, even the quartz cards aren't cheap."
"Fantastic," Greldo snorted. "Well, you better hurry up with those cards so you can get me one then," he muttered, giving Irwin a sad smile.