"I understand this," Zilvra put the plate aside and clapped her hands, "Let’s begin!"
A few days later, the group arrived in Hanmosidun City without any incidents. Along the way, except for some underground beasts that were crushed into jerky by Deluo and Mep, there were no other attackers. The city remained as it was when they first arrived, with a troop of Gray Dwarves checking the passing merchants at the city gate.
The Mage stepped forward, hoping that their previous visit here would still offer them convenience.
"Stop! The one in the black robe!" a Gray Dwarf shouted loudly, pounding his spear on the ground vigorously, as if it would turn him into a Giant from the mountain tops.
"Put away your spear, fool!" A short, chubby guard ran over and slapped the back of the first guy, "Didn’t you see what robe this gentleman is wearing?"
Only then did Lynch notice his attire. The outfit was given to him by Zilvra, and though the style was outdated, it precisely left a deep impression on the Dwarves.
"It’s just a black robe! Boss! What’s the fear?" The fool marched up to Lynch with large steps, "Where are you from, and what for?"
"I wish to rest in this city," Lynch removed the hood of the Mage Robe, revealing his appearance. "If possible, the Red Mushroom Tavern would be a good choice."
The advancing fool suddenly halted and jumped back a step, hurriedly pulling out a stack of papers from his chest, leafing through them one by one.
Deluo gripped his weapon tightly from behind. If the Dark Elf requested the Gray Dwarves to search for Lynch’s group, these guys would have to comply. Although according to their supplies, they could avoid entering this city, ensuring the group’s safe exit would require time. Especially as turning those clumsy cargo lizards around was already a troublesome task.
"Ah! So you are the person Mr. Koravos mentioned. Welcome back to Hanmosidun City," the Gray Dwarf said, pulling out a drawing to show Lynch, "See, isn’t it?"
Lynch had already seen the content of that paper with his exceptional vision. It depicted a slender Human Mage in robes. Everyone on the continent praises Dwarves as the best craftsmen; their armors withstand countless attacks, and their buildings stand for millennia. Yet, their artistic creations, especially their paintings, are far removed from such talents. Lynch looked at the paper and chuckled quietly: based on that portrait, any slender human in a robe could be mistaken for being "welcomed" into town as ’Lynch’.
However, being the genuine article himself, Lynch had nothing to worry about. He signaled them to lead the way to the Red Mushroom Tavern. The Mage had once stayed there for a time and was familiar with the surroundings, naturally making it his first choice.
Along the way, Lynch kept contemplating the route his group should take next. Leaving Hanmosidun City required getting back on the right track; the route originally drawn by the Little Finger couldn’t be used anymore. This would surely cause the group to disperse. However, the Mage was relieved that, as per his observations over the past days, there didn’t appear to be any spies among the group, unless one was hiding too well.
"Alright, everyone." In the guestroom at the Red Mushroom, Deluo looked at everyone and said earnestly, "Here’s the situation, we’ve reached this Gray Dwarf city, and it’s time to give you the real maps." With that, he took out a few scrolls from his backpack. "From here, there are several exits to the surface, and you may have your own plans. So, here are five identical maps, all routes from here to the surface."
"What do you mean by this?" Gongragan said. "Are you suggesting we have to separate and each go our own way?" The Dwarf dissatisfiedly blew his beard, "I’d say those who escaped together should return to the surface together!" Googlᴇ search nοvelfire.net