In the sewers (thanks to everyone for the tips)
According to information within the Nighthawks, the "Apothecary" is Sequence 9 Extraordinary, capable of concocting medicines to treat diseases, and possesses good resistance to toxins.
The Fat Apothecary's herbs were planted in the sewers of the Backlund Bridge Borough, some distance from here, so they rented a carriage to try and resolve the matter as quickly as possible. Luther could probably stay conscious for another hour or so, which, even with the travel time, would be enough.
The two chatted briefly in the carriage.
The Fat Apothecary only said his name was Darkwill, but when Luther asked about his specific background, he seemed hesitant.
He was unwilling to answer. Perhaps it was because Luther had acted so terrifyingly before, making him wary.
"Do you know of any places nearby where extraordinary individuals can trade, or any gatherings?"
Luther was too lazy to explain to him, so he simply changed the subject and asked about the information he wanted.
"Oh, that's simple. There are many Beyonder Gathering in Backlund. They usually agree on a date and place, and attend in a senior-mentoring-newcomer format," said the Fat Apothecary, Darkwill. "I know of at least two. Once this matter is settled, I can take you there."
That would be perfect.
Luther nodded.
The carriage stopped at a secluded alleyway in the Backlund Bridge Borough, and the two men got out and walked into the alley.
"Hmm? It seems someone has been here."
Darkwill took a few steps and suddenly said.
Luther looked in the direction he was looking and saw a dark sewer opening at the end of the alley, the cover of which had been deliberately opened.
I went over to take a look and found that the marks were a bit old, indicating it wasn't opened recently. In other words, either the people who went in forgot to close it when they came out, or those people went in and never came back.
"Who else have you told about this place?"
Luther asked.
"I only told that guy Hoorn."
Darkwill said, his round face trembling with nervousness, "So, he wasn't lying to me, and his underlings really are all dead inside?"
Luther gave him a wary look.
"Normally, I should ask you for more money on the spot, otherwise I won't go down."
"Um... okay, then I'll give you a few more doses of treatment potion; they're very effective."
"I don't need the medication, just give me an extra 10 pounds."
Luther replied without hesitation.
"OK!"
Darkwill hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and nodded.
It seems that the following medicinal herbs are really important to him.
Once the price was agreed upon, Luther didn't delay any longer. He went to the wellhead, looked back at Darkwill, and said, "Let's go."
"Do I want to go down too?"
"If you don't go down, who will show me the way?"
Luther said.
Darkwill's face turned troubled, because Luther said did make sense, but he really didn't want to go down.
"... Then you have to protect my safety, you absolutely must!"
He hesitated for a long time, until Luther seemed a little impatient, before he finally agreed.
The two walked to the edge of the dark alley and climbed down the ladder on the side wall.
As they went deeper, a warm yet foul odor immediately enveloped them, along with the sound of flowing water. After climbing about four or five meters, they reached the bottom of the ladder and stepped onto flat, damp ground.
The taste was normal, and there was no biogas buildup.
Luther thought to himself, "That makes sense. If there were biogas, the herbs the Apothecary planted would have died long ago."
So he confidently activated the Lamb Soul within him, causing crimson fireballs to ignite around him, illuminating the dark underground environment. The damp walls reflected the light, displaying a strange, crystalline texture.
Luther took a few steps and looked around.
The space below... is surprisingly spacious.
A century ago, Backlund was hit by a massive Plague. Due to the blockage of the groundwater system, drinking water was contaminated, leading to a large number of citizens contracting the Plague (historical fact). After the disaster, the Loen authorities began to renovate the groundwater system, creating the extensive underground water network we see today.
After descending from the well, there was a narrow alley with a dome that sloped downwards, with the sound of water at its end. After exiting the alley and dropping about five or six meters, the view suddenly opened up before him.
An underground river flows through a channel paved with bricks and cement, wide enough for boats to navigate.
The stench grew increasingly pungent, and the flowing water was mixed with an unknown amount of filth.
Is it really a good idea to grow medicinal herbs in a place like this?
Luther turned and gave Darkwill a wary look. "That's something we're going to eat."
"What's wrong with that? Some herbs just like dark, damp places."
Darkwill, who had been nervously observing his surroundings, immediately straightened his back when Luther questioned his professionalism. "Besides," he said, "Planting herbs requires fertilizer, and fertilizer is even dirtier."
As he spoke, he took out a bottle of ointment from his pocket and applied it to the area below his nose, where the philtrum immediately turned dark, resembling a thick beard.
"Something to neutralize the odor, would you like some?"
He handed the ointment to Luther Zedao.
Luther shook his head in disgust, and with a slight use of Flesh and Blood Magic, the tissue inside his nasal cavity proliferated, immediately reducing his sense of smell.
"It's not poisonous, don't worry."
"Apothecary," said Shan with a smile.
"I said I don't need it, hurry up and give me directions."
Upon hearing Luther's words, Darkwill quickly put away the ointment, stepped forward, and led the way for him.
The two gradually fell silent, simply walking on, accompanied by the sound of the underground river flowing beside them. At the edge of the light created by the fireball, rats, insects, and other creatures squeaked and fled.
Um?
Luther's ears twitched slightly, as if he had heard some strange sound.
"Almost there."
Darkwill whispered.
The two turned a corner and came to a recessed space, about half the size of a room, which seemed to be where the sewer cleaners stored their tools. However, the tools were now placed aside, replaced by several rows of wooden shelves of varying heights, filled with flowerpots filled with soil and various herbs.
This is probably Darkwill's herb room.
Luther looked at the Fat Apothecary and noticed a look of horror on his face, because the herb room contained more than just herbs.
Several enormous, obese, and bizarre creatures were clinging to the shelves, gnawing on the herbs.
Sensing the firelight, they all turned their heads, revealing sharp mouths, twitching noses, and bloodshot eyes.
Mutant rats?
Luther looked at them and thought to himself.
These mice are about the size of small pigs, and I don't know why they turned out like this.
Upon seeing Luther and his companion, instead of fleeing, they squeaked excitedly, jumped off the wooden frame, and charged towards them at incredible speed.
The first rat had already rushed up to Luther, its mouth wide open Greed, ready to devour Luther's Flesh; its overgrown teeth were clearly visible in the firelight.
"Boom!"
A fireball shot out and entered its mouth.