Invaders

Linsey's stance was so clear.

Without needing much explanation, the old man smiled slightly and followed him toward the Plant Shop.

Stepping into the shop, the old man's eyes swept around, and he couldn't help but exclaim in amazement again:

"Can so many plants be cultivated?"

"Only Ascender, could create a forest and even change the environment of Wasteland, right?"

"..."

Linsey wanted to correct that statement.

Strictly speaking, he is still a Fourth Stage awakener.

But now I find it somewhat laughable to say such things myself, so I just acquiesced to it.

Linsey led the way, and the group went directly to the reception room on the second floor.

He and the old man sat down, while the two young men stood straight behind them, like two guards.

Linsey proactively poured the old man a cup of tea:

"Sir, I can tell you've come with good intentions."

"And if I'm not mistaken—you should know a lot about what happened on this land, right?"

The old man nodded in praise:

"My Lord, your insight is truly astonishing."

Linsey smiled and shrugged:

"The Awakened's abilities and sufficient age—combining these two factors, it's not difficult to deduce these things."

After saying that, Linsey introduced herself.

"Also, don't call me Lord, my name is Linsey."

"As an elder, you can simply call me by my name."

The elderly man still maintained his respect:

"Lord Linsey, I am Ryan."

"A poor fugitive who has been hiding all these years, only able to protect a small group of people."

Linsey shook her head and said:

"In today's Wasteland land, being able to protect oneself and even take care of others is a remarkable achievement."

"Mr. Ryan, please tell me why you've come."

The old man dared not be careless and explained his purpose in detail:

"A few months ago, I heard that a territory called the Banyan Forest had appeared in the east. The Wasteland at present could not possibly support such a large plant community, so I was curious. After hearing about your management of the territory, I became even more curious, so I came to see for myself."

At this point, Ryan couldn't help but sigh:

"You can probably tell that I am quite old now and have at most 10 years left to live. Before I die, I want to at least arrange a place for these children so that they can live for a while longer."

Linsey nodded knowingly.

So these people, like other refugees, came to seek refuge in the Banyan Forest.

However, they had other companions, and these three were the ones who went ahead to scout.

Linsey began to express her opinion:

"I can assure you that the Banyan Forest welcomes all friends with good intentions."

"If you'd like to bring someone in, I'd certainly welcome it!"

Ryan looked somewhat agitated.

Linsey raised her hand and made a pressing motion before asking:

"However, it's a rare opportunity."

"Since a wise man like you has come, there are some things I would like to ask you for answers to."

Ryan was fully aware of this:

"You want to ask how Moon Weeping Mountain Range fell to this state?"

Seeing Linsey nod, the old man continued:

"The battles Righteous Walker go without saying. They were the ones who brought about the destruction of several major cities in this world. And just when we thought we would have a chance to catch our breath after the battle lines were pulled back to the Dust Road World, the Invaders suddenly appeared again."

"While the Righteous Walker fighting each other, the Invaders ran rampant and even unleashed a plague. I thought the world was completely over, but for some reason, the escalating plague suddenly ended. I, an awakened being of little strength and no value, also managed to survive the escape."

—The Invaders.

Upon hearing this word, Linsey frowned.

He is no longer the novice adventurer he once was; he has a basic understanding of various factions in the world, including the Invaders.

The Invaders possess a powerful force in the World Main City.

Their skills are quite dangerous, and some are even infamous. They have achieved their current status through sheer ability!

According to publicly available information.

The techniques of the Invaders are powerful even at low levels, and the stronger ones can even have the power to infiltrate and assimilate the world at will.

Some of these individuals are extremely dangerous, even possessing the ability to devour the Essence and skills of others.

Even if one occasionally appears, it is a major scourge on the world, and even the Invaders's own World Main City must take it seriously.

Linsey summarized the information Ryan had provided.

He had already set his sights on the Abyss School, but unexpectedly, he heard this surprising name from this eyewitness.

He tried asking:

"Mr. Ryan, have you ever heard of the Abyss?"

The old man shook his head:

"No."

Ryan was still able to know about some things happening in the Moon Weeping Mountain Range because of his age and his status as an Awakened.

But this ancient history comes from tens of thousands of years ago and has long been buried in the past.

He naturally had no way of knowing.

Hearing this, Linsey, sitting opposite him, frowned.

Seeing Linsey's appearance, Ryan misunderstood the Lord's thoughts and offered a suggestion:

"Lord Linsey, if you would like to know more, I may know a good place."

"I heard that the messengers did not destroy the Messenger Hall in this world before they left. You may be able to get some detailed records there."

"After all, as you know, messengers are always the most reliable."

Linsey immediately became interested:

"The Messenger Hall in this world wasn't destroyed or occupied?"

Ryan nodded:

"Basic skills have been preserved there."

"Ordinary people can't get in, and those who can aren't particularly interested in paper books."

Over the decades, the people living on that Wasteland land came to regard it as a place they could disregard.

Linsey pressed on:

"And the exact location?"

Ryan immediately replied:

"It takes an ordinary person a week to get there from the east of the Teleportation Courtyard."

"However—I also heard when I was young that powerful messengers could make a round trip in a single day by traveling that route."

By this point in their conversation, Linsey had gathered enough information to be quite satisfied.

After a long journey, the old man in front of them was already quite tired.

Linsey realized this and prepared to end the conversation, then went out to arrange accommodation for the other party.

Just as he got up to lead the way, the trouble he had just experienced resurfaced in his mind.

Linsey casually asked:

"Mr. Ryan, do you know about Cinnabar Mine?"

The old man was somewhat puzzled:

"Cinnabar?"

Linsey explained simply:

"It is a red mineral that is toxic and should not be consumed by humans."

Ryan's dormant memories have been awakened:

Are you referring to a material used for seals?

"If I remember correctly, there was indeed such a mine in the West, but that was a long time ago."