Scepter

Part 22

The liontail tree is just a type of tree that grows underwater, and its branches happen to resemble the tail of a creature called the mottled lion on the Orlin continent.

The liontail tree prefers aquatic environments and is relatively rare, but it doesn't hold much significance for ordinary people. Only mages would use it as an ingredient for certain magical potions.

Compared to magic crystals, the liontail tree doesn't hold as much attraction for swordsmen. For Feizel and the others, magic crystals mean a large sum of money. Even though they already have Count Marlin's sponsorship, for an adventuring team like theirs, who live off uncertain incomes, no one would turn down money.

"Your Excellency Chris, could you allow us to follow as well?" Feizel asked cautiously. He knew his request was a bit much, considering their deal only involved finding Sofia, and now that they had found her, it meant Chris and his group's task was completed, and they still hadn't paid the remaining six hundred gold coins!

Chris surprisingly was accommodating, though not gentle in his methods. After understanding which people they wanted to send down, he waved his staff and one by one, threw them into the water, allowing the swordsmen to experience what Feizel had just gone through.

But for Daniel, whether it was magic crystals or liontail trees, they no longer held much allure for him. He just couldn't give up on searching again. Afra volunteered to stay on the shore to look after the elf baby and the count's daughter.

The elf baby seemed eager to dive into the water, struggling incessantly in Afra's arms to reach Yannick. Unable to fulfill its wish, it was about to cry loudly, but the black-robed mage ruthlessly suppressed it. With a silence spell, the elf baby's mouth opened wide, but no sound came out, only tearful eyes staring at the black-robed mage.

Unfortunately, the person it most wanted to be held by seemed to have not noticed its distress. Yannick was busy comforting Afra: "Afra, don't take it to heart. Daniel is just in a bad mood; he's not really blaming you."

"I know," Afra forced a smile. "Thank you, Yannick. You're a good person. I apologize to you again for Asur... it's a pity he's not here."

Thank the Goddess of Light he's not here.

The priest said silently in his heart, then put on a reassuring smile. "Look, Sofia has been missing for so long, and she's been found. Maybe they're just trapped somewhere else."

He wanted to offer a few more comforting words, but was promptly dragged away by the black-robed mage.

"Why do you always waste time on trivial people and matters?" the black-robed mage asked.

"This isn't trivial. Afra is our teammate, and I think maintaining team stability and harmony is necessary. Don't you think having one more mage friend could reduce the risk to my future life?" the priest reasoned quite convincingly.

The black-robed mage replied, "No, I'd prefer to see you spend time on studying magic."

He had long known that all worldly affairs were insignificant before this teacher. The priest touched his nose wisely and remained silent.

The process was smoother than they imagined; there were no monsters guarding the treasures. Clusters of liontail trees grew peacefully at the bottom of the lake, next to them were countless magic crystals. Various fish and algae lived here, weaving through the silver-blue lake water, creating a world of their own.

It was a magnificent and breathtaking sight, even Feizel and the others couldn't help but look around a few more times.

The magic crystals were the lowest grade, appearing as a faint silver-white under the reflection of the lake water, which was beautiful. For Feizel and the others, this was already enough. They didn't need to search for higher-grade magic crystals to embed in their staffs. So even though these were the lowest grade, collecting a few more could still fetch them some money.