The Imperial Ability Society

Without money, there was no way to live. He could stay in the slums, but food was another matter—he still needed money.

These herbs were a tiny bit of capital for his comeback.

Two days passed quickly.

Bal returned every night and went out during the day. Daytime was manageable. Now that the weather had turned hot, the mountains were actually quite cool, but if Bal did not return at night, Dole had to light a fire. Otherwise, he would freeze to death up in the mountains.

When the fourth day came, Bal suddenly rose to his feet and looked toward Duomeng City. "They've crossed the mountain ahead and are coming this way. Let's leave."

Dole knew how terrifying the Ability Society was. If the police department was the government's strongest force, then the Ability Society stood completely above it, even on the same level as the city lord's residence. No professional dared offend the Ability Society. As the Northern Kingdom's sole officially recognized wizard organization, their methods emerged one after another without end. Once they set their sights on someone, almost no one survived.

The Ability Society was so terrifying it could stop a child's crying.

Dole hurriedly moved, packing everything into his backpack. However, the traces of their life here over the past few days could not be erased. He could only wipe away his scent as much as possible and reduce the traces that might reveal it had been him.

These were all minor tricks, but Dole did not hold out much hope. After all, their enemies were the Ability Society. Wizards' investigative abilities were terrifying; not even the tiniest thread or horse hair could escape their eyes.

Fortunately, over the past few days, he had burned his bloodstains, scabs, and other remnants from his body, leaving almost nothing behind. He knew that many spells could curse someone through their remnants. Who knew whether the wizards of Duomeng City possessed such techniques? He did not dare take the risk.

As he packed, he kept a wary eye on his surroundings.

Just then, Dole noticed several figures seeming to appear among the distant mountains. Then, several nearly indistinguishable things flew from their hands and scattered in every direction.

Bal urged Dole once more. With a sigh, Dole came to Bal's side.

Dole's vision blurred, and the scenery around him rapidly swept backward. He had no idea how Bal moved them. He had not even seen him make a motion, yet the two of them had already arrived at a bend at the foot of the mountain. To the left of the bend lay a broad road.

Dole was utterly shocked. Looking around, he realized this was the main official road leading to Duomeng City. Numerous flags had been planted along both sides of the road, bearing Duomeng City's emblem—three mountain peaks.

This emblem was both the symbol of Duomeng City and that of the Link Family. The Link Family held the rare title of hereditary count and were also hereditary city lords. This city could practically be said to belong to the Link Family.

At that moment, Dole saw Bal's body gradually shrink, turning into a filthy, ordinary mutt.

"What are you looking at? Hurry up and disguise yourself. We're going into the city." Bal was somewhat speechless. This guy was making far too much fuss over everything.

Dole came to his senses. He swiftly took the leaf-wrapped ointment from his pack and began smearing it over his face. Then he tugged and pulled at his features, finally smoothing the ointment over his face.

He did not know what he had turned into. At any rate, he was still human, as long as he looked completely different from before.

Bal glanced at Dole's new appearance and said irritably, "Your chin's falling off. Can't you push it back into place?"

Dole could not see what he looked like himself and felt rather helpless. "I can't see it. Besides, couldn't you give me a proper warning? Can't you be a little more reliable?"

He rubbed his chin, trying to make it rounder, then looked at Bal.

Bal rolled his eyes. "Fine. It's not too ugly. Go buy a mirror later and fix this appearance in place."

Naturally, Dole understood the logic. He let out a breath. "Then let's go."

And so, one man and one dog slowly climbed the mountain along the official road.

Duomeng City stood at a high elevation, surrounded by mountains on all sides. The valleys between those mountains converged not far from Duomeng City's gates, forming a long valley that twisted and turned toward the plains outside. It stretched for nearly fifty kilometers, an extraordinarily long distance.

Although Duomeng City's location was terrible, it was extremely important to all of Chris County because it was a city that made money. At least a quarter of Chris County's annual taxes came from Duomeng City. Minerals and ironware were the biggest sources.

Bal had landed not far from the city. Before long, they saw the city's distant outline, the mining roads at its gates leading in every direction, and numerous carriages moving about in orderly fashion. The carriages were loaded with minerals. Processed minerals would be shipped to designated locations, while slag would be hauled away to fill river channels.

It was spring now. The mines were sorting through the ore accumulated over an entire winter, waiting for the Empire's convoys to arrive from outside.

Metal ores were generally sold only to the Empire and rarely to private individuals, unless one's rank was high enough. In Duomeng City, only Count Link, Viscount Aoun, and Viscount Lake held a share of the allotment.

As Dole walked and looked around, he soon arrived at the city gate.

Heavily armored city guards stood watch on both sides of the gate. In the past, Dole had respected these men. Now, when he saw them, all he felt was resentment.

He scanned the area but did not spot Fele. That man did not seem to be on duty today. Dole's gaze turned cold.

The moment he entered the city, a clamorous atmosphere rushed at him. Having lived alone in the mountains for several days, Dole had grown used to solitude. Once he entered the city, he felt somewhat unaccustomed to it. Only after the people behind him urged him onward did he slowly make his way inside.

A bundle was tied at his waist, filled with all kinds of medicine.

He passed through the slums and along Commercial Avenue. Soon, Dole saw Old Ke Smithy and Firi standing outside, soliciting customers.

Firi was the same as before, still warmly receiving customers, seemingly unchanged. Dole stood on tiptoe and peered inside, seeing those familiar old faces.

Verek, Santis, Molai, as well as the first-rank blacksmiths and apprentices. After watching for a few seconds, he sighed and continued onward. His destination was the pharmacy.

Before long, he arrived at the pharmacy where he had bought medicine last time. The sign over the entrance read "Future Pharmacy." He slowly walked inside.

There were quite a few people outside the pharmacy, all lined up to buy medicine. Once inside, he saw that there were also plenty of assistants.

On the left side of the pharmacy stood two benches, where several doctors sat. On the right was the area for purchasing finished medicines, while directly opposite the entrance was where the shopkeeper sat.

This was not Dole's first visit. He checked the prices posted on the wall for the herbs he had, then went directly to the shopkeeper, took out his bundle, and said, "Boss, these are herbs I gathered. Please take a look."

Dole's bundle was bulging, holding quite a lot. The shopkeeper only glanced at it before growing serious, because he spotted a sprig of medicinal herb protruding from the bundle. It seemed to be a high-quality herb.

He looked Dole over a few times. This fellow had indeed come in from outside. There was still dirt on him, and his clothes were unclean, but he was not one of the herbal farmers who came often. He was probably from one of the towns outside. Only in the mountains beyond the city could one find superior-quality medicinal herbs. Lowering his head, he looked at the dog beside Dole and immediately understood. This should be the descendant of a hunter.

He beckoned to someone beside him, having another person take his place, then said to Dole, "Come with me to the back."

Dole hesitated for a moment, then beckoned to Bal and followed the shopkeeper to the rear.

Behind the shop was a corridor with small rooms lining both sides. Each room had someone inside. With a single sweep of his eyes, Dole saw that they were all physicians. This pharmacy also served as a clinic.