Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 487: Back in Avalanche City

“Done and done.”

Kuldar wasted no time. Despite spending most of his days cultivating in private, Kuldar had spent decades reforming his family’s businesses to turn a greater profit. He knew a good deal when he saw one, even if it included some tough decisions. But the fact that Hurman had already become a part of such a cause was a great sign that it was the right choice.

They didn’t spend much more time with the discussion. Kuldar asked for information suiting his new position and didn’t pry beyond his station, but he was able to zip through plenty of information in a very short period of time because of that.

In the end, Eeole’s name and identity remained a secret to him, which was the same for Hurman. But Hurman stayed behind to discuss a few things and share a drink with his old friend.

Oli, Fulkar, and Zelsh left the Libarn residence and were soon back at the institution’s teleportation circle. With two flashes of spatial energy, the group reappeared in Permafrost Palace. All suns had set but it still wasn’t the early morning, giving them enough time to sleep and relax for the coming day.

Fulkar kept quiet about what had just happened but he was obviously excited. A little jittery and wide-eyed, Fulkar needed to take an ice bath before bed to cool his head.

Oli took the chance to finally get a proper night’s sleep, something he hadn’t had in over a moon. But once morning came, Oli was back to work.

.....

Alone, Oli left the inn. He entered the marketplace without any masks or coverings. However, Oli’s first stop was at a few clothing stands. He proceeded to buy numerous cloaks of various colors and styles. Oli then found a few mask shops and bought a few dozen of those, including a handful of matching sets. Now armed with all sorts of disguises to best keep people off his trail, Oli found a quiet place to adorn a new cloak and mask before returning to the marketplace.

Hidden to the public, Oli left for the smith market. Oli passed the smithy he’d visited the day prior and continued searching for a specific name to appear. However, Oli had no luck.

He had no other choice but to ask around to get a proper lead. But Oli took a few moments to ponder and debate where he should ask. So Oli eventually left the smith market and returned to the central market. Without a second thought, Oli made his way into Icicle Palace and approached one of the reception desks.

“Excuse me, but I would like a new moon catalog.” Flashing his reservation badge, Oli got the receptionist’s immediate attention.

She scurried off and quickly returned with a small scroll. “Here you are, sir. If you have any questions regarding the goods, please feel free to ask. Even if I can’t answer your questions personally, I’ll find someone who can.”

“Thank you.”

Oli walked off to claim one of the empty seats in the reception hall. He sat down and began to thumb through the scroll. It only had one additional item than the scroll he’d received the day prior. But that was to be expected. So, Oli approached the same receptionist once more. “Excuse me, but may I ask if a particular item might be available during the auction?”

“Of course, sir.”

“Will there be any peak-perennial shortswords, ice-based? Preferably crafted by Rykard Willis.”

The receptionist took a moment to think before replying, “I’m not entirely sure. It’s not uncommon for such a sword to appear in the new moon auction, but I’m less certain of it being crafted by Master Willis.”

“Could you check for me, please?” asked Oli, getting an instant bow from the lady as she left the desk.

Oli only waited a couple of minutes before the lady returned with someone else at her side. “Sir, this is one of our top appraisers and exchangers. If anyone would know, he would.”

The thin yet tall man bowed his head and stated, “There should be such a shortsword available during the auction, and it will have been crafted by Master Willis. In fact, we already have the blade in storage so I can guarantee that it will be added to the upcoming new moon auction.”

“Great. Then I need to ask about one more weapon, one a bit more uncommon.” Bowing his head to the appraiser, Oli asked, “Will there be an ice-based, long-pole axe in the auction? Of course, I’m asking for peak-perennial grade and preferably by Master Willis.”

“Hmm... Of that, I can’t answer. So far, we haven’t received such a weapon from Master Willis for the upcoming new moon auction and he has a habit of turning his work in at least one moon in advance in order for us to price things correctly and attract enough attention. So I would venture to guess that there won’t be such an axe available,” explained the man.

Nodding slowly, Oli sighed, “Alright... Thank you for being so clear. Is there a way that I can make a direct request of Master Willis? I tried to find his shop earlier but had no luck.”

“Aww, you must be from out of town,” deduced the man. “He works out of his mansion and doesn’t own a traditional smithy. As for direct requests, Master Willis normally won’t even hear them out, at least not without a proper recommendation. But considering your contributions to Icicle Palace, sir, we can make such a recommendation for a price.”

Smiling under the mask, Oli asked, “And what would that price be?”

“One thousand gold, regardless of whether he accepts your request or not.”

“Very well. Do I pay now or can it be put on my tab?”

The man smiled and bowed. “Considered it on your tab. Is there anything else you’d like to ask of me?”

Oli shook his head and bowed also. “Nothing else. Thank you, sir, for all your help.”

“It’s no problem at all. Please, wait just a moment while we prepare your letter of recommendation,” stated the man, nodding to the receptionist before leaving and getting back to his other duties.