A Foodie's Taste Buds

"Are these people not afraid of sea monsters anymore?" Su Ming asked in surprise.

"Now that they know sea monsters are actually zombies, the Federation isn't as helpless as it used to be," Xiwo explained. "Though they lack necromancers to cast the Reverse Zombie Spell, mages of other schools also have spells that affect zombies. Their ability to protect themselves has improved significantly."

"They got off cheap." Zijin regretted selling the sea monster analysis report for fifty thousand gold coins.

The price had actually been enough, and could even be considered extortionate. The problem was that Su Ming had agreed to deliver the report before receiving payment. Sure enough, once the merchants had obtained and verified the research report, they promptly forgot all about paying.

"It's fine. There are some debts we can make the people who owe them regret." With MK71's material information in hand, Su Ming was full of confidence.

"Zombie creatures are weak against mental effects, and that's still true even after they've been improved," Zijin said. "Mental spells can be used against them."

"But sea monsters are so huge. What mental spell could affect one?" Xiwo asked.

The scholar handed Xiwo a sheet of paper bearing a large-scale water spell. "A new spell I wrote, Cradle of the Sea."

The old elf looked it over and tried simulating its casting. "The requirements are a little high. It uses the agitation of the seawater to amplify the effect and hypnotize sea monsters. Was this spell adapted from the Cradle Spell you invented?"

"Cradle Spell? The one that relaxes the target and helps them sleep?" Su Ming asked. "I didn't expect you to study that, Zijin."

"I did it to shuck lychees," Zijin replied.

"No, wait. We're speaking the common language, right?" Su Ming asked, puzzled. "Why would