The way back to the inn was simple. All he had to do was step out of the cavern.
Chenosli's arrangements had been extremely thorough. He had even posted a diagram of the exit on the wall, evidently afraid that the transaction purchased with his life might fail to go through.
But the problem was that this transaction came with no guarantees.
For Cheng Shi, it was completely nonbinding.
Even if he changed his mind now and reneged, taking When Fear Arrives and the "Alchemy Notes" for nothing, these followers of the Buds of Chaos seemed to have no way to stop him.
But Cheng Shi had no intention of reneging, nor could he.
Because killing Morkius was very likely the answer to this trial.
His death was a sacrifice offered to death, the key to ending the trial.
"These people... Could they have calculated that I'd do this?"
He didn't dare think too deeply about it.
To determine his identity and purpose based on only two days of observation—someone like that would be among the very best anywhere.
Even without anyone's favor, given a chance to start over, he would inevitably become a hero in his own right.
But now...
Was it worth it?
Even if it wasn't worth it, then...
What does it have to do with me?
As long as I get something out of it.
Cheng Shi gave a self-mocking chuckle, picked up the "Alchemy Notes" from the table, and put them into his portable space before leaving without looking back.
When he opened his eyes again, he had already returned to beneath the bar.
The night remained deep, and the hall was silent and empty.
Cheng Shi hid the dagger on his person and silently made his way toward the second floor.
Only half an