57: Evil Axe leaves the team; intelligence and choices

"Captain, how did you know we could get out through that cave opening?"

Evil Axe lay on his back at the cave entrance, panting heavily, "Did you mark it too?"

Ronan shook his head and said, "I didn't mark it. It was simply the opening Red Star chose."

Red Star had schemed to harm people multiple times, so his familiarity with the tunnel layout was beyond doubt.

As soon as they entered, they found the passage had one main tunnel and several smaller paths.

Ronan wisely chose the main tunnel. Combined with Evil Axe's frantic sprinting, the two of them managed to run out.

Halfway through their escape, a thunderous explosion had already sounded from the plaza behind them.

Fortunately, the entire cave passage was relatively stable, and the collapse wasn't as fast as imagined, allowing the two to escape successfully.

"Captain, Drill Mouse and the others... they're dead," Evil Axe suddenly spoke up.

The image of the Halfling who always called him 'boss' appeared before his eyes,

along with the figure of the Female Dwarf who kicked him out and threw herself, along with the enemy, into the black hole.

"I know."

Ronan unconsciously tugged on his pack, which still held Ash Leaf's original body.

Given the physical strength and regenerative abilities of a Calamity Beast, Ash Leaf must still be alive.

"Captain, there's something I want to tell you."

Evil Axe took a pouch from his chest,

"These are Red Hammer's belongings. I want to return them to her family."

"Are your injuries healed?" Ronan suddenly asked.

"Not yet, but it shouldn't be a problem on the road." Evil Axe tried expanding his chest. Aside from the pain, he felt his body was holding up.

Although he had drunk a beginner healing potion, the damage he suffered was multifaceted.

Not only had he experienced flesh being devoured and life force draining, but his soul had almost detached from his body.

Even so, Evil Axe currently looked like he was doing alright.

It could only be said that the Dwarf's resilience was simply too profound.

"Where is her home?" Ronan asked.

His exploration of this world's map was currently limited to the Moonless City region.

"In our Dwarves' ancestral homeland, Lonely Mountain Gundabad."

"How long would a round trip take?"

"Just the journey itself would probably take about three months," Evil Axe thought for a moment and said.

"Then be careful. I'll wait for you in Moonless City."

Ronan sighed inwardly. For a while, he would have to survive alone.

"Alright, Captain."

...Two days later.

Ronan walked alone into the Adventurers Guild hall.

"Lord White Night, your spirits don't seem high today."

Although only a few days had passed, Alice clearly sensed he seemed much more subdued than before.

"Thank you for your concern, Alice." Ronan composed himself and asked,

"Do you buy high-value items here?"

"Of course, Lord White Night." Alice quietly put on her glasses,

"Whether it's high-value equipment, skills, magic, or even unique information, the Guild can buy it back at a certain proportional value."

"Information too?"

Ronan was very curious. If he compiled a detailed report of the cave incident as information, how much would it be worth?

"Yes. The Guild has a clear internal classification system for information. The value can vary immensely depending on the level..."

Alice adjusted her glasses and was about to continue when Ronan interrupted:

"Sorry, Alice. I wanted to ask, what level is information related to pollution classified as?"

Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Alice's eyes.

Immediately, she lowered her head, searching through related information, and said:

"Information related to pollution is classified as Special Grade, with extremely high value."

"Not only is this the case for our Guild, but it holds the same value level in the other major institutions as well."

Alice pushed her glasses up and smiled,

"However, I suggest you prioritize selling the information to the Guild. It might be beneficial for your Adventurer rank."

Ronan couldn't help but express surprise: "Pollution-related information is that valuable?"

He had encountered it so many times before, it always felt like Polluters were more common than Goblins, something everyone knew about... "I do have some information related to pollution. I wonder how much it's worth?" Ronan cautiously inquired.

"One moment, Lord White Night. If you wish to sell high-grade information, it requires a specialist for appraisal and pricing. Please follow me."

Alice stood up, her ample chest swaying as she guided Ronan towards the interior of the hall.

Ronan understood immediately.

Of course. If he just blurted out the information right in the hall, there would be no point in selling it.

It's like spending 200 points to buy a piece of news. Even if many people know it, you wouldn't voluntarily run to a tavern and openly tell everyone.

That's human nature.

That's why Ronan never considered going to places like taverns to obtain free information.

If useful information could be gained in such places, then institutions like the Adventurers Guild that sell information would have no ground to stand on.

Only two kinds of people can obtain information in places like taverns.

One is hunters casting bait to fish, the other is conspirators spreading information with ulterior motives.

Ronan followed Alice into a room inside the hall.

The room was small, only slightly larger than a cubicle, with dim lighting.

Inside sat an old man with a full beard, wearing a hood. The dim light fell on the hood, making it hard to see the old man's face clearly.

Alice gestured an invitation at the door, and Ronan entered.

Seeing someone enter, the old man placed a copper pocket watch on the table, then gestured for Ronan to speak.

"Hello. I have a series of pieces of information related to pollution. There's so much, I'm not sure where to start..."

"It's fine, Adventurer White Night. Please take your time and narrate."

Hearing it was Special Grade information, the old man began a one-on-one conversation with Ronan.

He always asked key questions at the right moments, continuously guiding Ronan to recount the entire private mission.

Of course, regarding Ronan's personal privacy, the old man avoided those topics as much as possible.

At first, the old man's expression was normal as he listened slowly to Ronan's account.

But when Ronan mentioned the altar and a large group of Polluters, his expression became very serious.

His eyes widened, and he subconsciously held his breath, as if trying to memorize every word Ronan said for later analysis.

When Ronan mentioned the spatial wormhole, magic circle, and illusory human face, the old man's expression instantly changed.

"What?!" He immediately stood up, his gaze switching back and forth between Ronan and the pocket watch on the table.

With an incredulous look, the old man picked up the copper pocket watch and said,

"No lies. The source is reliable..."

"You, sir. This information is extremely important. I must report it to the Manager immediately. I hope you don't mind."

Ronan shook his head casually, "Go ahead, I have no objections."

Not long after, a dignified-looking middle-aged human entered the room.

He had a serious expression, his black hair neatly combed back. His thick lips, pressed into a straight line, parted as he spoke:

"I am the Manager of the Moonless City Adventurers Guild branch. Given your Adventurer status, you may address me as Sir Morgan."

"Let's skip the pleasantries and focus on the information itself. Would you mind orally recounting the events once more?"

As he spoke, Manager Morgan took out a solid gold pocket watch from his robes and placed it before Ronan.

This must be a higher-grade lie detector... Ronan thought to himself.

So, he recounted everything he could say once more, very systematically.

After listening to Ronan's account, Manager Morgan's face darkened slightly. He remained silent, clearly realizing the severity of the matter.

After a moment of thought, he addressed Ronan very solemnly:

"Beginner Adventurer White Night, the information you have provided is of immense value and has been verified as valid. Therefore, I present you with two choices."

"First, according to the information classification, this is rated as Special Grade. Currently, it could be exchanged for roughly five hundred Gold Dragons in currency..."

"Second, I can tell you that this information is extremely important. I will report it to the higher authorities. The reward for you will then be decided by the higher authorities."

"Which do you choose?"