Still too green.
An efficient and pleasant exchange had cleared up almost everything about the various parties involved. In its wake came concern for Lady Selena's situation.
Honestly, it wasn't that she'd been careless. Her enemy was simply too cunning.
From the perspective of that vampire demigod, she had chosen almost the most cautious approach possible, yet she'd still fallen victim to the trap.
Sometimes life was just that unfair. Once you entered the shop, getting out in one piece was nearly impossible.
Ultimately, she'd trusted people far too easily.
The moment she accepted guidance from a treacherous scoundrel, certain things had already been set in stone—like her Tool Person status.
By contrast, the mastermind behind it all had reaped a bountiful harvest.
The garden had grown exceptionally well during this trip.
In the darkness, Fu Qian recalled everything he'd gained along the way since returning.
He'd found the Greedy Worm, learned of An Jing's plan, and even reached the place Lord Solondir had been searching for.
He still couldn't see how it related to the Sea of Ashes, but the light's very nature was already fascinating.
Most importantly, Lady Selena's pay-to-win behavior seemed likely to offer useful guidance for his explorations to come.
"Didn't you consider going inside to try it? A guess is still just a guess, and it's only my side of the story. Even if I'm not deliberately misleading you, that doesn't mean I know the truth."
As Fu Qian imagined the promising possibilities, the old man beside him continued speaking, curious that Fu Qian could remain so composed.
"I'm not interested."
Fu Qian shook his head without hesitation.
The old man's claim had been startlingly honest. He'd even stressed that what he knew might not be the truth, even if he wasn't lying maliciously.
Besides,