Chapter 79: Secrets Hidden in History

Lu Kuan was well aware that only a colossal city like Torrent Harbor possessed the resources to build a grand cathedral and train high-ranking priests; trying such a shortcut in Lava Fort would likely prove futile.

“I’m certain that Old Blind-eye recognized the toxin just now but, for some reason, chose not to speak. That’s why I wanted to ask about his situation,” Lu Kuan said.

Lohr nodded, gently stroking the owl’s silky white feathers, his expression tinged with reminiscence. “Speaking of which, although that fishman is quite old, he hasn’t actually been in Lava Fort for very long…”

About twenty years ago, tensions were high between the Northern Empire and the Silver Dragon Republic to the south; war threatened at any moment, and Lava Fort had entered a wartime state, the atmosphere tense and strained.

At that time, Captain Quinn of the Lava Fort garrison received orders to lead a patrol across the broad waters of the Banyan Grasslands, as that area marked the upper reaches of the Wrathwater River—one of the largest freshwater rivers within the Northern Empire.

Quinn’s mission was to protect the water source from enemy sabotage, ensuring stability in the rear during the war.

“I was serving under Captain Quinn then. One day, during our patrol, we chanced upon Old Blind-eye lying by the lakeshore, barely clinging to life,”

It was clear that Lohr remembered that scene vividly; he described it in detail: “I didn’t trust fishmen—they often ambushed human merchants passing through. Yet Captain Quinn still ordered us to save Old Blind-eye and bring him back.”

“Why was that?” Lu Kuan asked, puzzled.

After all, the reputation of fishmen was one of aggression and violence, especially among the lower, less intelligent ones. Their limited piscine minds couldn’t comprehend peaceful coexistence with other races.

Lohr shook his head. “I’m not sure. All I know is that Captain Quinn brought Old Blind-eye to the lord’s manor, and the very next day declared that he would settle in Lava Fort. He’s been here ever since.”

Lu Kuan, out of habit, stroked his chin and fell into thought.

Even Lohr was in the dark; only those few in high positions at the time knew the truth. The lord of Lava Fort was certainly out of the question—he wouldn’t spare Lu Kuan a glance.

“I suppose Captain Quinn has retired by now? Where could I find him?” Lu Kuan asked after a moment.

At this, Lohr shook his head gently, a trace of sorrow crossing his face. “The captain was killed in that war…”

Lu Kuan was taken aback. He’s already dead?

The trail had gone cold again… Lu Kuan felt his spirits sink, frustration welling up within him.

But then Lohr seemed to recall something, and a smile broke across his face. “Actually, someone comes to mind. She doesn’t know anything about that time either, but if all you want is for Old Blind-eye to help, she might be able to assist you.”

Lu Kuan’s hope was rekindled. “Really? Who is it?”

“The current deputy commander of the garrison, Miss Laila,” Lohr replied with a smile. “She is Captain Quinn’s daughter.”

…

Lu Kuan stepped out of the Hall of Professions and looked up. In the west, the sky was ablaze with sunset, grand and magnificent. The in-game day was drawing to a close, but his tasks had only just begun.

“How fortuitous—Laila is actually connected to the Cleanspring Village quest,” Lu Kuan muttered with a smile. “Seems I’ll need to put on quite the ‘performance’ at tomorrow’s Golden Trial. I must make sure Miss Laila takes notice.”

Dusk was settling in; there was still over half an hour before his meeting with Eternal Paradise as arranged.

He took care of his mail as usual, depositing the pearls he’d found in the underwater cache into the bank, withdrawing some combat potions to keep in his backpack, then found the nearest tavern and rented an empty cooking station.

Lu Kuan planned to use his cooking skill to prepare food with buff effects.

A steady supply of fresh fish made for the perfect cooking material. He selected the best specimens, activated his cooking skill, and, after performing a few standard in-game gestures, waited for several seconds as dishes were freshly prepared.

“System prompt: You have made ‘Charred Softshell Crab.’ Status: Burnt.”

“You have made ‘Cumin-grilled Crucian Carp.’ Status: Normal.”

“Your cooking skill proficiency has increased to 9.”

…

“You have made ‘Charred Softshell Crab.’ Status: Perfect.”

…

“…Cooking skill proficiency has increased to 21.”

Lu Kuan’s goal was the Charred Softshell Crab; he cooked other dishes simply to quickly raise his skill and improve his success rate. It took twenty minutes to prepare the needed quantity.

Seeing that the time was nearly up, he packed his things and headed straight for the open area at the northernmost tip of the lord’s manor.

A branch of the moat circled here, forming a small island at its heart. Even from afar in the night, one could see three dazzlingly bright portals standing side by side atop the island.

Arranged from smallest to largest, the portals glowed pale green, light yellow, and deep red. At each center spun a magical vortex, surging with energy that shot up more than ten meters high.

This was Lava Fort’s dungeon portal. The green portal represented 5-player dungeons, yellow for 10-player, and red—the largest—stood for raids of 20 or more.

Three stone bridges linked the island to the shore, with several mage NPCs stationed at each end, overseeing the transfers. Clusters of players thronged the area, some chatting with the mage NPCs before stepping into the portals.

When Lu Kuan arrived, Dark Paradise’s team had already assembled on one side.

A-Kui and his two companions were there as well, and at least seven or eight male players had gathered around the three girls, chatting animatedly. But when Lu Kuan approached, Qingyi stepped clear of the “encirclement” and came directly to his side.

“You’re here,” Qingyi nodded slightly to Lu Kuan and then fell silent, simply standing quietly at his side.

Lu Kuan scratched his forehead with a wry smile, catching the odd looks from the distant male players. He really had no way to explain himself.

They must have thought he was involved with the beautiful girl, when in truth, there was nothing between them at all…

He’d heard from Dai Guang that, according to rumor, this campus belle of High School No. 13 was mildly autistic, and had barely spoken to any boys in her three years of high school.

Lu Kuan understood that her standing near him wasn’t out of any particular feeling; it was simply that she was ever so slightly more familiar with him than with the others. All he could do was smile ruefully and endure.

A-Kui and Bai Keke soon joined them. Lu Kuan keenly noticed Bai Keke’s boots were now a pair of new, silver-white ones adorned with black gems—the design somewhat reminiscent of summer sandals in real life, revealing her ten adorable, fair toes.