Dock

Clearly, Lister had no intention of directly defying Antonidas's orders in the usual way. Go alone? Fine, but you never said he couldn't bring a mercenary.

Lister quickly registered a mercenary company at the Dalaran bank, placing Liadrin, Korthira, and the others on its roster. Then he hired Korthira for one silver coin. I'm only bringing one mercenary. This attitude left Antonidas with no way to respond. Even a great mage who had served as a Kirin Tor councilor for decades could only smile bitterly and complain to Krasus, "That little fellow is quite good at exploiting loopholes."

As a ranger, Korthira took Lister to purchase all kinds of necessary equipment: tents, climbing ropes, sleeping bags, realgar to repel mosquitoes. There was no need to worry about potions, but high-calorie, high-sugar food was essential. Hard dry cheese and beef jerky all had to be brought along. There would be no ready-made food there, and getting lost in the swamp would have serious consequences.

"Count." Lister specifically instructed Salorian, "Keep an eye on Aijier for me. No construction is allowed before I return. We must ensure that every blade of grass and every tree remains under our control."

Salorian nodded. "I will."

"I can go too." Liadrin's voice was very soft. She simply felt upset. Her performance in the sewers had not been particularly outstanding, and she wanted more chances to prove herself. But she also knew that Lister did not seem particularly easy to persuade.

"Karel, you didn't participate in that operation either." Lister looked at the rogue. "Korthira and I will go first. You and Liadrin follow behind us. I trust you won't let Dalaran notice."

A confident smile appeared on the assassin's face. "I won't."

The two boarded a ferry first. Lister had bought several ferries and docked them at the pier. Everyone helped carry two large bags aboard. Lister secured his heavy hammer and Ebony Chill, then gave a light wave of his hand. Under the influence of arcane power, the oars behind them began to move on their own. This was one of the many interesting little spells Astaroth had collected, and it was quite practical.

The ferry cut through the waters of Lake Lordamere. Fishermen were already out on the lake early in the morning. They would first reach Dalaran's ferry terminal on Cross Island (Cross Island), then wait to take a steam ferry to the Eastern Swamp.

That was right, a steam ferry. Goblin technology, dwarven craftsmanship, and when the wind was favorable, they could lower the sails. Its speed was truly remarkable. Lister and Korthira arrived at the bustling harbor, which was already incredibly lively. The outside world sent vast quantities of food, magical materials, and gold into Dalaran every day, while Dalaran exported all manner of magical goods and outstanding mages. The prosperity of the docks best reflected Dalaran's economic condition. Lister had passed through here many times, but always in a hurry. Only today did he have the chance to witness its bustle.

"Look." Korthira gestured to the side with his chin. Lister looked over and saw a group of workers unloading the latest newspapers. A faint smile rested on his face. At least he had done something, right?

Two mages arrived with dozens of mage apprentices. One man and one woman, both were fourth-circle official mages. The badges on their chests proved their identities. The dockworkers they encountered quickly stepped aside. In a city of mages, mages were the unquestionable rulers, and the consequences of offending one were severe.

Seeing Lister in apprentice robes as well, they merely nodded slightly in greeting before standing some distance away from him. Lister and Korthira ignored them as well, and both sides maintained a reasonable distance.

Fresh salmon was worth spending one silver coin on. Lister spotted a stall selling salt-roasted salmon and looked at Korthira. The other man smiled. "Fish is part of our diet, but mornings aren't suitable for overly greasy food. Shall we buy one and split it?"

An entire salmon was cut into two large portions. The owner skillfully removed the bones, placed the fish over the fire, and sprinkled it with seasoning. The two bought mint tea and apples from a nearby stall. Including the salmon, it cost only six copper coins, yet the meal was unusually lavish. The considerate proprietress even gave them two thick slices of bread for free. They sat there eating as they waited, and their discussion shifted to methods of smoking salmon rather than serious combat.

The steamship came racing across the water, puffing out "toot toot toot" bursts of steam. The two had already finished eating. The bread and roasted salmon together had turned out to be a rare delicacy, while a sip of icy mint tea after a mouthful of oil and salt was an indescribable pleasure. Each of them slung a large pack over their back and slowly boarded the steamship alongside the apprentices. A dwarf stepped forward.

"Hey, friends!" He strode over from the front, waving his thick, powerful arms. "It is my honor to have you aboard my Flying Petrel! I am Captain Lawente Firebeard!"

The mages looked indifferent, but the dwarf continued his enthusiastic explanation. "It will take at least three hours to reach the eastern shore. Everyone, head into the cabins first and pay your fare."

"Of course." The male mage coldly took out a purse and handed it over. "Count it."

Lister and Korthira also took out the silver coins they had prepared beforehand. After accepting the money, the dwarf ushered everyone into the cabins below deck. They were not too small—three compartments, enough for more than forty people to lean against one another inside. Yes, lean. There were no comfortable seats here, only several flickering oil lamps. When the two went down, a pungent stench hit them so hard that they frowned at the same time. They sat in the first compartment beside a narrow window. The fresh air greatly relieved them amid the filthy surroundings.

"The swamp is no place to be trifled with, elf." The two mages sat opposite Lister and the others. The pair seemed unusually intimate, holding hands in the darkness. Several apprentices beside them were sharing dry bread. One took out some luxurious butter, warmed it over an oil lamp, and let it drip onto the bread. A burnt, fragrant scent spread through the darkness, tangling with the foul odor. The conflict of one nostril wanting to smell it while the other did not was enough to cause a headache. "Disease, rats, and insects run rampant there. If you've read Legends of Dalaran's Sewers, you'll know the situation is much the same as there."

"Thank you for the warning." Lister nodded and took out two packets of herbs, tossing them over. "Air freshener."

The two mages accepted the herbs and sniffed them. The male mage opened one packet and inspected its contents. It truly contained only calming flowers and Winterthorn Grass. He nodded. "Do you have more?"

Lister tossed him another two packets.

"Thank you." He walked through the cabins and gave one packet of herbs to each compartment. When he returned, he sat with the female mage again. The two nestled close together, enjoying a brief moment of peace.

"My name is Yalos, and she is my wife, Anila."

"It is a pleasure to meet you." Lister nodded slightly, then remained still. He did not want to move.

This degree of rocking was no longer much to Lister. The dizziness caused by Belo'vir's teleportation spell was far worse. After long training, he had finally learned how to regulate his own magic power and offset the effects of external forces. His heavy body leaned against the hard wooden wall of the ship, coldness seeping through the wood as he patiently awaited the fate that lay three hours ahead.