Chapter 170: [A Divine Item Has Appeared!]

As the campfire crackled, casting dancing shadows on the damp tunnel walls, Strax, Cristine, and Yennifer settled around the flames.

The atmosphere was a bit... strange...

For Strax, who only knew Cristine, it was quite unsettling to think there were two of her... or rather, that she was an identical twin... It was really unsettling to see because, all the time he had known Cristine, he never thought she could have a sister!

The warmth of the fire contrasted with the cold, damp air of the tunnel, which was actually colder than he had expected.

"We will need to be extremely careful," Yennifer said, breaking the silence.

She pulled a small bag from her clothing and began unrolling a detailed map of the auction. The paper was crumpled but still legible. "The auction will be held in a part of the mansion that is rarely used. Heliot should be there, preparing the items and organizing the bids."

Cristine leaned in to look at the map. "The auction will take place in an underground hall that has been converted into a kind of pavilion. The main entrance is well guarded and monitored, so we will need to use one of the secret entrances. It's here," she pointed to a section of the map marked with a specific symbol, "it's one of the ones we use to access the tunnel."

Strax examined the map carefully, his eyes scanning the marks and symbols indicating security areas and critical points. "How exactly do we plan to infiltrate the auction? And where do we find Heliot?"

"Heliot will be at the center of the hall, coordinating the sale of the information and items. He has a seller named Bahga Alehiu, a Desert Nomad. The main hall is surrounded by a series of corridors and smaller rooms where the items are stored and where he can hide if necessary," Cristine explained. "We have to be quick and precise.

We will enter through one of the secret entrances, use the corridors to reach the hall, and blend in with the guests."

Yennifer nodded, confirming the plan. "The entrance we'll use is one of the least monitored, but still, we need to be prepared for any unexpected events. The hall is filled with mercenaries and guards protecting the auction. If we are discovered, things could get complicated quickly."

Strax nodded, his eyes fixed on the map. "And what about what Heliot is selling? Does he really have what he claims to?"

"Yes," Yennifer said, her voice heavy with regret. "He has a complete dossier with details about the murder of your brothers and the mansion's layout. This dossier is being auctioned along with other rare and forbidden items, I heard it from the superiors."

As Strax looked at the map, he couldn't help but wonder, "And what about your revenge motive?" Strax asked, his curiosity evident. "I know Cristine is seeking revenge, but I'd like to understand the context better."

Cristine looked at Yennifer, who nodded, giving her permission to continue. "I'll tell you," Cristine began, her voice filled with emotion. "Our mother was murdered when we were still very young. She was a prominent figure in the assassin society. Her death was brutal and happened under circumstances that seemed like a warning to anyone who tried to oppose them..."

Yennifer picked up a small wooden box next to the fire and opened it, revealing some mementos and old documents. "Our mother was killed on the orders of one of the leaders of the Black Society. She just wanted to leave that assassin life, but... apparently, they didn't take it well..."

And so... she told the whole story of their lives... Strax listened intently, his expression hardened by the grim details of that day...

"I understand why you want to end this." He commented stiffly.

"Exactly," Yennifer confirmed. "We have already eliminated almost everyone who was involved that day... Only..."

[Divine Item Emerged!]

The notification flashed in front of his eyes repeatedly, as if the System were going crazy. Strax felt a wave of shock and excitement at the same time.

"Dear!" He heard two voices together, clearly his dear sneaky dragons, who were listening to everything. "Get that immediately! If you eat it, you can permanently change your race! Forget all this physical stuff!" They shouted in unison as if it were predestined.

"W-What?" He stammered, hearing what they said...

"Exactly! If it's a Dragon Heart, it can replace your human heart! Of course, we still need to check the provenance of this heart, but once you level up two or three more times, you can definitely change your race!" Tiamat said, clearly more excited than Ouroboros, though Lust Dragon was just as thrilled.

"With your cultivation speed, in one or two years! Yes! You'll be able to... Hm!!!! Just thinking about it makes my legs go weak!" She shouted, completely confusing Strax with what she meant by "weak legs"...

"A Dragon Heart..." Strax repeated, his tone almost reverent. "I never imagined I would have a chance to get one of these."

Cristine and Yennifer exchanged quick glances, recognizing the significance of the item. "Yes, the Dragon Heart is an artifact of immense power... Although we suspect it's a petrified heart," Cristine explained. "It is said to have exceptional magical properties and can be used to create powerful artifacts or significantly enhance a being's power."

Yennifer nodded. "That's exactly what you're thinking. And the two-thousand-year-old ginseng is known for its rare and powerful medicinal uses. These items are invaluable and can shift the balance of power in any situation."

Strax felt a surge of determination and excitement. "If I can secure these items, not only will I be helping with the mission, but I'll also gain access to resources that could potentially enhance my power and abilities."

For him, aiming for the top... This was simply perfect...

If he took the Dragon Heart... Yes, the Dragon Heart was extremely valuable... but what could not be ignored...

'The ginseng can heal that elf... With this... it will be easier to get the remaining ingredients and create the homunculi for Tiamat and Ouroboros... although I'll still need to find a flesh body for them afterward... but my focus, besides getting stronger... is to have my lovely dragons in my hands...

Yes, that will be necessary.' He thought calculatingly. Despite the thrill of finding something like this, he knew things weren't perfect, but...

With that heart... "I can leave this weak body and significantly increase my cultivation levels..."

[Divine Item Emerged!]

[Divine Item Emerged!]

The message kept appearing, as if waiting for him to say something... "Alright, I'll help you with your revenge." Strax said, smiling.

[Mission Updated: Purge the Evil and Claim Your Reward!]