Chapter 48
Chapter 48: The allure of gold coins
After departing from Fabian, Han Shuo’s path took him straight to the outskirts of the Dark Forest. He took paths that their group had all taken before.
During his journey, Han Shuo continued to practice magic. Having gone through the reforging of the “solid realm”, it was as if Han Shuo had been reborn. Now that his magical training had bore fruit, the magical yuan could travel to all parts of his body according to his will.
There were nine levels in the world of demonic magic, and Han Shuo had now reached the “open passages realm”. The training for the “open passages” and “solid” realms differed slightly. This was a realm that primarily focused on the expansion of the body’s meridians, greatly increasing the width and durability of the meridians. In every instance of training, the process of “opening passages” filled his body with splitting agony, as if there were insects biting and gnawing within the meridians.
The first three levels of demonic magic of solid, open passages, and molded spirit were the most foundational realms. Training became increasingly difficult as one progressed, but with the experience of training in the “solid realm”, Han Shuo already understand that agony and inhumane torture accompanied his magical training. The inhumane pain of the “open passages” realm was also within his expectations. He used magical yuan to repeatedly expand his meridians without letting up for a second, basing it purely on indomitable will.
After twelve days of training and traveling, Han Shuo still hadn’t run into Fanny and the others along the way. He finally made it out of the Dark Forest alone and made it to the town of Drol again when dusk fell.
Compared to a month ago, Han Shuo had weathered through the trials of the Dark Forest, and since then his strength, mindset, and appearance had all undergone drastic changes. Han Shuo was now over 170 cm, and although his body wasn’t too muscular, he was no longer thin and scrawny.
After baptism by fresh blood, Han Shuo had greatly improved both his pluck and knowledge. His entire aura was also undergoing mysterious changes. He was slowly changing under circumstances that even Han Shuo himself wasn’t even aware of.
At dusk, the town of Drol was enclosed in a happy, carefree atmosphere. Many adventurers had returned from the Dark Forest. Some wore expressions of sorrow, having lost companions, while others had satisfied smiles on their faces due to obtaining rich rewards, and they planned on a thorough night of depravity within the town of Drol.
When it was dusk, Han Shuo first came to the place where Gene and the others had borrowed and stabled their battlesteeds. He observed the place from a distance and noticed that the battlesteeds that they had spent money to borrow were still present. He immediately understood that Fanny and everyone else probably hadn’t returned to Drol yet.
The din was loud and deafening within the hotel and neon lights flashed randomly on the roof. Adventurers and merchants had formed small groups and had congregated on the tables and chairs within the hall, loudly chattering about their adventures.
These people’s faces were flushed red and they held wine glasses in their hands, drunkenly calling out and conversing without any reservations. Delicacies were placed everywhere on the tables and a few young male and female waiters continuously threaded the throng, serving them more fragrant wine and dishes.
Han Shuo made a beeline for the only empty table in the corner of the hall and sat down. A shy young waiter quickly walked in front of Han Shuo afterwards and asked politely, “Excuse me, what would you like?”
“Good wine, good meats, give me some of both of them.” Han Shuo fished out one gold coin and flicked it into the waiter’s serving platter with his thumb, commanding loudly as he opened his mouth.
When the server saw the gold coin land, his eyes immediately brightened and he immediately bowed even more respectfully. He put away the coin without a change in expression and smiled with a gentle voice, “Yes sir, please wait just a moment, it will be up right away.”
One should enjoy themselves when they had wealth to spend. Han Shuo lazily lounged against the chair and sized up the various adventurers and merchants in the hall with slitted eyes. Some of these had possibly just returned from the Dark Forest, or were about to enter to Dark Forest. Some of them had just escaped from danger, whereas others were planning on heading into unknown perils. They were all releasing their energy in great waves, enjoying the depravity of the town of Droll to their heart’s content.
After a while, the shy server placed a bottle of light purple wine, three large platters of meat, and two bowls of fruit on Han Shuo’s table.”
“This is Purple Leylan, the most renowned wine in the town of Droll. Adventurers all love drinking this, I hope you will be satisfied with it.” The waiter pointed at the bottle of light purple wine and introduced it after placing everything on the table. He then bowed and retreated.
Han Shuo couldn’t wait and grabbed a piece of meat and started tearing away at it. Although it didn’t taste as good as the ones he’d prepared, it was still quite good. He twisted the top off the wine bottle and gulped down a large mouthful of Purple Leylan. The luscious sweetness also embodied a certain fire to it, and a mellow aftertaste was left in the mouth after it had travelled down to the stomach, bringing another kind of enjoyment to Han Shuo.
Good wine indeed, Han Shuo complimented. When he raised his head to look around, he suddenly saw two familiar figures walk in the door — Claude and Irene.
Claude and Irene scanned the area, searching for an empty seat. Both started when their gazes landed on Han Shuo, after which they actually started walking towards Han Shuo in pure coincidence.