Chapter 018 – Artisan Protection Association
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"Boss, look, there's a cottage over there!"
He was about to walk over.
"Don't go, Mobley!"
Dean suddenly stopped the tall man's impulsive move.
"Come with me, immediately!"
Dean said as he quickly retreated from the forest.
Mobley didn't understand, but still obediently followed Dean's footsteps.
Until they were completely out of the woods.
Mobley couldn't help but ask, "Why did we retreat? In my opinion, we can set fire to this place! I can feel that it's full of vitality. If the fire burns strong enough, we might be able to make a big progress on the legendary path!"
Dean also showed interest.
But soon.
He shook his head, "I have told you and the others in the Brotherhood many times, the most important quality of an arsonist is restraint! It's easy to indulge in the desire to burn, but it's not easy to come out unscathed."
"Observe this forest carefully, it's obviously recently cultivated, and there's that cottage—I just sensed the taste of a domain in the woods! This means that there is at least one powerful druid nearby, and Blackwood is probably killed by him."
"Before knowing his level, I don't want to fight a high-level druid in his domain!"
Mobley scratched the back of his head, unconvinced, "But I haven't heard of any powerful druids in Rolling Stone Town."
Dean looked at him impatiently, "Intelligence needs to be updated. Tonight, we will deal with it outside, gather information in the city tomorrow, make preparations, and then take action!"
"Understood?"
Mobley reluctantly said, "Okay, okay, you're the boss, I'll listen to you."
The two bypassed the oak forest.
Their figures gradually disappeared into the night.
At the edge of the forest.
Matthew's figure quietly appeared.
On his shoulder.
A fairy of the oak tree was chattering and talking.
"These two are not good people... They are probably Blackwood's accomplices, members of the Silver Frost Brotherhood?"
Matthew glanced at the task bar.
The progress of the maintenance task did not update.
But he didn't take it lightly.
In his opinion, the system is not almighty. Perhaps the task will only update its progress after he collects enough information.
Compared to that.
He would rather trust his intuition.
"Did you remember the appearance of those two?"
Matthew asked the fairy on his shoulder.
The fairy showed a proud expression, then rubbed against Matthew's earlobe and showed an extremely enjoyable expression.
...
The next day.
Guard Unit.
Smack!
Two lifelike portraits were slapped on Blade's desk.
Blade was still eating breakfast. When he saw Matthew, he wiped the bread crumbs off his beard and quickly asked, "Are these two people suspicious?"
Matthew nodded, "They may be related to the arsonist of the farm fire."
Blade stared at the portraits, "I see, I will mobilize people to secretly track them. If they really have any problems, I will take them down!"
"But today is the opening day of the Spring Festival Market, and there are a lot of people in town. I need to prioritize ensuring the safety of the people."
Matthew understood.
He wasn't worried that Blade wouldn't be a match for those two. This captain of the Guard Unit was already a peak third-tier warrior at a young age, and defeating Blackwood was a piece of cake.
Not to mention, he had many team members, excellent weapons, and complete equipment.
It is well known.
Fights below the fifth tier still follow the common sense of most people.
Except for magic professionals who can create miracles, in a fight between warriors, the side with more people and better armor will always win!
Although Rolling Stone Town is a remote and poor place, it is not lacking in elite warriors. It is said that the Blood Flag Lord Raga himself is a fourth-tier warrior!
What is really lacking here is spellcasters.
"These two portraits are well done. Can you introduce the artist to me?"
Blade looked at the two portraits and said.
Matthew couldn't help but tease, "The oak tree fairies are probably the most picky creatures in the world when it comes to appearance, and their princess is even more exceptional. They prefer handsome guys and young boys."
"As for you, Blade, not to offend you, but you look at least forty years old... Unless you shave your beard, they probably wouldn't want to see you."
Blade immediately became displeased:
...
"Hey, don't talk nonsense. My mom praised me for looking energetic when I left this morning! And what's wrong with my beard? Don't you think it makes me look manly? As for age, I'm only twenty-four this year! Same age as you, Matthew!"
...
Matthew shrugged:
"Say hi to Liz for me."
With that, he left the Guard Unit.
...
Trade District.
Agricultural Products Street.
Today is the opening day of the Spring Festival Market.
Farmers from the surrounding farms and villagers gathered here.
The streets were crowded with people.
Matthew squeezed through a cart loaded with white radishes and lettuce leaves.
And arrived at a corner of the market.
Under a shack.
To read the uncut version, go to [p𝘢wread.com].
A young man with long hair was staring at the waists of passersby with a flickering gaze.
"Jeff! Stop looking, no one can protect you if you steal again!"
Matthew slapped him on the shoulder without hesitation.
Jeff was startled.
"Matthew, it's you? Um, I didn't plan to steal anything, I was just looking..."
He explained.
Seeing that Matthew didn't mean to argue with him, he breathed a sigh of relief:"Is it still oak tree seeds, right? By the way, the growth green liquid is gone, and the previous druid is gone. I haven't found a new source yet."
Jeff is a merchant.
He travels between Rolling Stone Town and Guardian Heights, making a living by selling specialties from both places.
His prices are fair, but unfortunately, he is not honest and has been caught stealing several times.
Last time he was caught, he should have been sentenced, but Matthew found Blade to help smooth things over.
At that time, Jeff was extremely grateful and promised that he would never steal again.
However, Matthew did not believe him easily. If it weren't for the scarcity of merchants traveling to Guardian Heights, and the fact that only the druids there had the oak tree seeds he needed, he wouldn't have helped him.
...
He picked two small bags of seeds as usual.
Matthew frowned slightly after a quick look:
"The quality of these seeds is not very good."
"Really? No way!" Jeff was nervous. "I asked for the best seeds. That fat guy told me that these were leaked from the Druid Order and the quality is absolutely excellent... Damn it, I knew human words couldn't be trusted!"
Matthew shook his head.
He has been involved in the oak tree field and naturally knows it well.
These seeds appear plump and vibrant on the surface.
But they seem to have been violently damaged internally.
The germination rate of these seeds is less than one in ten.
This is completely different from the quality of the seeds Jeff provided before!
"Did you buy them from the human merchants in Guardian Heights?"
Matthew pondered.
"Yes, I just told you. The previous druid is gone, and it seems that there have been some troubles in their forest... Matthew, you don't want this batch of goods, do you?"
Jeff said with a sad face, "Then I might really have to go back to my old business!"
Matthew glanced at him without hesitation:
"It's up to you, but no one will help you if you get caught next time."
Although he said that, Matthew still accepted this batch of goods at a price that was twenty percent lower than the market price.
After all, no one in Rolling Stone Town except him would buy oak tree seeds.
Jeff has helped him many times, and this is the first time he made a mistake.
"Next time you go to buy seeds, you must find the local druids. The humans there are no different from us. It's too common to pass off inferior goods as superior ones."
After the transaction was completed, Matthew warned.
"I understand, but unfortunately, I can't tell the quality of the seeds." Jeff said regretfully, "But I have news about the 'germination spell' you asked me to inquire about before. If you need it, I will buy the spell book directly next time I go there."
Matthew nodded.
The druid's germination spell can accelerate the germination of seeds.
Mastering this spell can greatly improve the efficiency of tree planting.
After all, the steps of tree planting are interconnected.
If one link is affected, the overall efficiency will decrease.
"By the way."
Matthew was about to leave when he suddenly remembered Jeff's dark history as a thief and asked another question:
"Can you pick locks?"
"I can... but I haven't done it in a long time." Jeff answered.
"Can you open this lock?"
Matthew handed him the book of the Guardian's Chant.
Jeff took the spell book, knocked on the padlock, listened for a while, and then shook his head:
"I'm afraid not. This is a complex lock, and my skills definitely can't open it."
"But I can find an axe to help you break it open."
Break it open?
Are you kidding?
If that happens, most of the spells recorded in the book will probably be automatically destroyed.
"No need, thank you."
Matthew calmly took back the spell book.
Jeff reluctantly looked at the silver edges on it:
"Why don't you try the Artisan Protection Association? They also have locksmiths there."
"The Artisan Protection Association?"
Matthew knew that there was such an organization in Rolling Stone Town, but he was not very familiar with it.
His wooden house was built by someone recommended by Blade, and he didn't pay much attention to it himself.
"Yes, it was established by Mr. Richard, the head of the association. It is said to protect the legitimate rights and interests of artisans. Many carpenters, stonemasons, and workshop workers are members of the association."
Jeff said admiringly, "Mr. Richard is a true gentleman, isn't he? He is one of the few people in the five-member committee who is willing to do practical things. Artisans all love and respect him."
"The association building is north of the Artisan District. You should know the way, right?"
Thanking Jeff for his suggestion, Matthew made his way through a pile of tomatoes, spinach, and pig dung.
At the market.
It seems that there are more and more people.
...
The building of the Artisan Protection Association is deserted, in stark contrast to the bustling trade district.
Matthew followed the guidance of the receptionist and arrived at the locksmith's office on the second floor.
The door was open.
"Knock, knock, knock!" He knocked on the door and looked inside.
There was only one man in the office, about thirty years old.
The man was dressed like a gentleman, sitting upright, reading a thick book.
"Mr. Richard?"
Matthew was somewhat surprised, "I thought this was a gathering place for locksmiths."
Richard put down the book and joked, "So it's Mr. Matthew, who is just one step away from being an outstanding citizen. Please come in."
"You're right, this is indeed the room for locksmiths, but they are all in the trade district now, enjoying the Spring Knowledge Festival. You know how it is."
Matthew nodded slightly.
He was about to say goodbye.
Richard suddenly asked, "Are you looking for someone to pick a lock?"
Matthew nodded.
"Well, what kind of lock is it? Is it for home use or..."
Richard hesitated.
Matthew simply took out the Guardian's Chant.
"A complex lock for a magic book." Richard's gaze was sharp, "Huh, did you accidentally lose the key?"
Matthew honestly said,"It's not that complicated, I'm just its new owner."
Richard nodded thoughtfully.
Then he remained in this position for a long time.
Matthew found it a bit strange.
After a long while.
He heard Richard stuttering:
"Uh, hand it over, let me take a look for you."
Without hesitation, Matthew handed over the book—
Richard had an excellent reputation in the town, he wasn't worried that the other party would tamper with his spell book.
But the other party's behavior was indeed a bit strange.
"Could it be that he's a lock enthusiast, but his skills are not refined, and he's afraid that I'll blame him if he breaks it?"
Matthew thought so.
Richard's fingertips had just touched the steel lock of the Defense Psalm.
But with a 'pop'—
The lock actually opened by itself!
...
In the office.
It was quiet.
"What the! This lock was already open! How could you be so careless?"
Richard said with a laugh.
Matthew stared at him silently.
Half a minute later.
"Or it could just be luck? It seemed to open by itself..."
A hint of regret flashed in Richard's eyes.
Matthew was still gathering his thoughts.
But Richard had already said with relief:
"Let's just say I helped you open this lock, how about treating me to a drink at the Green Vine Tavern?"
Matthew agreed: "Deal!"
Then he glanced at the record bar.
...
「Prompt: Richard used Master Thief to open the 'Defense Psalm' for you!
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Note: Master Thief, a fifth-level thief ability, can unlock 95% of physical locks in the world and 60% of magic locks below the fifth level with bare hands.」
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