Lizard Alley: Peeping Mushroom

Over the following period, Ron diligently identified all kinds of strange materials for the Dwarf, from pollen gathered from plants of another world to the bodily fluids of certain magical beasts, and then to some rare mineral crystals.

Each one was carefully analyzed through his Herb Identification ability, and he gave an accurate assessment.

Fake item identification successful! Herb Identification experience +1

Precise identification! Herb Identification experience +2

Current progress: Herb Identification (Beginner 43/50)

Before he knew it, his Herb Identification skill was actually about to break through to the next level.

This was much faster than the rate at which he had improved his proficiency while assisting Mrs. Allen at the Herb Shop. Perhaps it was because these materials were difficult to distinguish from counterfeits, making them a greater test of professional expertise.

Otto's expression gradually changed from a merchant's wariness into something that could almost be called admiration.

"Do you know, young man?"

After the final material had been identified, the Dwarf said meaningfully:

"You're one of the most talented Potion Apprentices I've encountered over the years. More than half of those so-called professional appraisers aren't as accurate as you."

He took out a crystal bottle filled with Silver Powder and carefully sealed it:

"This bottle of Moonshadow Bat Heart Ash, for five Magic Stone Fragments. Deal. That's half the original price. This is the biggest discount I can offer."

Ron accepted the price with a smile, calculating how worthwhile the deal was.

For the price of five Magic Stone Fragments, he had obtained a bottle of high-quality Moonshadow Bat Heart Ash. It was indeed a pretty good deal.

"Young man, it's good that you know not to trust others too much."

Before leaving the compartment, Otto whispered to Ron. His blue eyes flashed with shrewdness, completely overturning the first impression created by his rugged appearance:

"If you really want to collect every material on that list, you'll have to make a trip to Lizard Alley. It's more dangerous there, but it's also where you can find more rare treasures."

He added meaningfully, "Remember, in the black market, no one will take responsibility for your losses. If you buy a fake, you can only blame yourself for having poor judgment. There will always be people trying to deceive you, just like I did earlier."

After bidding farewell to the Gray Dwarf Otto, Ron and Andre left through the narrow back door of the Sunset Tavern.

The sky outside had already undergone a subtle change. The not particularly bright sunlight was filtered through the strange mist unique to the Black Mist Forest, forming a dark-red halo.

These strange halos enveloped the entire settlement, adding a touch of demonic color to this already abnormal place.

"This time, our gains are pretty good."

Andre let out a slight sigh of relief. His gaze fell on the crystal bottle Ron was carefully holding, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face. "We got genuine Moonshadow Bat Heart Ash for five Magic Stone Fragments. No one would believe it if we told them."

Ron nodded and carefully tucked the crystal bottle containing the silver powder deep into his inner pocket. Only after checking twice to ensure the stopper was secure did he finally relax.

Although this material did not evaporate easily, it would still rapidly lose its medicinal effects if exposed to moisture or certain specific energy fields.

"Otto was right. We really do need to take a look around Lizard Alley next."

He spoke in a low voice, with a trace of fatigue in it. "We can probably find only a very small portion of the items on that list in a relatively 'safe' place like the Sunset Tavern."

"Lizard Alley is nothing like this place."

Andre's expression turned serious. The elegant composure usually displayed by the blond youth vanished, replaced by a rare tension:

"All kinds of desperadoes gather there, including Apprentices expelled by the various nearby Schools for committing offenses. There are even more dangerous foreign mercenaries."

The two crossed a chaotic marketplace. The air was filled with a mixture of smells—boiling potions, baked bread, rotten fruits and vegetables, and several foul, fishy odors Ron did not want to speculate about too closely.

Vendors of different races hawked their wares in different languages, forming a noisy background din.

"Is there anything in particular we need to watch out for?"

Ron lowered his voice and asked, casually avoiding a one-eyed merchant who loudly called out to them.

When it came to matters like this, Andre's experience was clearly far greater than his own.

"Don't easily reveal your true identity, especially your identity as a member of a School."

Andre lowered his voice as well, guiding Ron toward a secluded path:

"Although those merchants usually won't attack customers directly, that doesn't stop them from selling specific information about us."

At the entrance to the path, several crooked wooden boards had been assembled into a crude doorframe. A wooden sign covered in writing in an unknown language hung above it.

Unable to make out its meaning, Ron realized that this deliberate ambiguity already revealed the area's unofficial nature.

Ron stopped and pondered for a moment. "Do we need to disguise our identities?"

"No need to disguise them deliberately. Just don't wear your Apprentice Badges or Apprentice Robes."

Andre pointed at the plain clothes he and Ron were wearing:

"Like this. We look like two young adventurers from the outside world, or the offspring of some minor noble out for a thrilling experience. People like that are common in Lizard Alley, so we won't attract much attention."

He smiled faintly and tugged at his simple dark shirt. "Still, to be safe, we'd better avoid calling each other by name."

"I understand." Ron nodded slightly in realization. "If someone asks where we're from... No, actually, no one should be that bored."

The two reached an agreement, passed through the crooked wooden doorframe, and stepped onto the path leading to Lizard Alley.

The path wound and twisted, with strange, dark-brown Mushrooms growing along both sides.

Up close, one could see that their surfaces were covered in fine, downy material that continuously emitted a faint glow, providing little but sufficient illumination in the dim surroundings.

"It feels a bit like a route deliberately designed to attract attention."

Ron observed the unnaturally arranged Mushrooms and commented in a low voice.

Indeed, the layout of the entire path bore traces of deliberate design, as if it were creating a certain oppressive atmosphere.

"You're half right," Andre replied softly. "These were indeed cultivated by people, but not to attract customers. They're here for surveillance."

He pointed at the seemingly ordinary Mushrooms:

"These 'Peeping Mushrooms' can sense the general condition of those passing by and transmit information through their mycelial network. The managers of Lizard Alley use them to screen visitors—if you're law enforcement or carrying hostile intentions, the mycelial network will quickly sound the alarm."