The Cycle of Fate

Chapter 177: The Spring

A figure staggered out from the depths of the tomb.

As they entered the range of the candlelight, the figure seemed a bit uncomfortable with the brightness and raised their right hand to shield their eyes.

Like the other tomb guards, this figure wore a blue shirt and yellow pants, but their face was deeply wrinkled, covered in pale brown spots, and their sparse, dry white hair was disheveled. Their eyes were unusually pure black, cold and devoid of warmth.

For some reason, Lumian felt that this elderly tomb keeper's form appeared somewhat blurry, as if their edges merged with the surrounding darkness, remaining untouched by the candle's white light. Their breathing was so faint it was almost non-existent.

The tomb keeper resembled a corpse that retained the ability to speak. In a hoarse and emotionless voice, he said:

"Leave this place!"

Lumian, adopting the tone of a student from the Memorial District, tried to reason with him:

"If this area is open for visits, there shouldn't be any restricted sections!"

The elderly tomb keeper repeated the same words:

"Leave this place!"

Lumian turned his head to look at "Hela," hoping she might have a way to persuade the keeper. If not, his plan was to act directly, subduing or even knocking the tomb keeper unconscious!

The *"Hum-Ha Technique"* would be quite suitable for this kind of task.

"Hela" slowly shook her head and turned to walk out of the tomb.

...

In the underground near the Opera House Arcade Street, Franca looked at the client and tentatively asked:

"What kind of deal?"

The man dressed as a wizard responded sharply:

"I'll increase the payment to 50,000 Ferlins. You will go to the Deep Valley Quarry and create a big commotion, revealing the secret cave.

"If you're willing, we can sign a contract right now. I have a way to ensure the contract binds both parties."

50,000 Ferlins just to create an explosion large enough to collapse the secret cave entrance? It sounds simple... But why hire us for such an easy task and offer such a high payment? The more Franca thought about it, the more suspicious she became.

She subtly turned her head and pulled out a fist-sized grayish-white bag, tossing it into the nearby shadows. She positioned herself as if she were on guard against the man across from her, pretending she couldn't search for something while staying vigilant. Then she said aloud:

"Help me find the seal."

A seal? Jenna emerged from the shadows, catching the small money bag that emitted a metallic clink.

She was puzzled by Franca's words: Wasn't this bag filled with coins and the *Ring of Penalty*?

Franca flashed a smile at the client:

"What are the specific terms of the contract?"

She sensed that the man intended to tamper with the contract using some supernatural ability related to his domain, but Franca was planning to act before any signing occurred! She'd capture him, interrogate him, and then decide whether to agree to the deal.

...

Lumian, puzzled, followed Hela out of the tomb and asked:

"What now?"