An Evolving Threat

Xia Lin pulled the sightseeing guide he had bought in Nirose from his Space Bag and flipped to the last few pages.

"Found it." He pointed to a short passage. "Look, there's an entry on the botanical garden. It's only a few lines, but at least it proves the place really was a tourist attraction."

Kade leaned in. "Royal Botanical Garden, established in the year 1767 of the Divine Calendar. Covers approximately three hundred acres and cultivates rare magical plants from across the continent. Recommended visit: half a day. Admission: three silver coins. That's all?"

"That's enough." Xia Lin closed the book. "It means the garden must have a dedicated visitor's guide."

"You think we can find clues in that?" Celia asked.

"Exactly." Xia Lin nodded. "It'll show the layout and where the plants grow. That's crucial to planning our operation."

Xia Lin hurried out of the guild and found a yawning newsboy on the street corner.

It cost him a full three silver coins to buy a faded copy of the In-Depth Guide to the Royal Botanical Garden from the boy's stock of old goods.

"It's the edition from five years ago," the newsboy explained. "Who goes to that cursed place anymore? They stopped printing it ages ago. You're lucky I even have an old copy."

The five of them found a quiet corner near the city gate and spread out the yellowed guide.

"Look here." Xia Lin pointed to an area on the map. "Screaming Mandrake Woodland. Note: Please wear the soundproof earmuffs provided by the guild."

Kade's face darkened. "Mandrake Mushrooms. We'll need Sonic Defense Pine. Their screams can shatter a person's soul."

"And here's Whipper Gallery," Xia Lin continued. "Visitors are advised to keep away from the living vines on either side."

"Vine Whippers," Sera said.