Chapter 462 463-City of Innocence

Chapter 462 463-City of Innocence

The intelligence of the white wolf king far exceeded his expectations.

"Can you understand what I'm saying?" Howard asked.

If it wasn't just a fluke, then the white wolf king must be capable of understanding human language.

The white wolf king nodded.

Howard fell silent.

He didn't recall the white wolf king demonstrating such a level of intelligence during their confrontation in the Silverwind Prairie.

Back then, although the white wolf king knew to employ strategies and tactics, those were still confined within the realm of combat instincts and didn't showcase anything more complex.

Was it concealing its intelligence?

Or had it experienced something during this time?

With a mind full of questions, Howard stood up.

Even if White's behavior was peculiar, he wasn't in a position to delve into the secrets behind it right now.

Filling his stomach was the more pressing matter.

Returning to the kitchen, Howard quickly sorted through the ingredients and familiarized himself with the various kitchen utensils.

"I hope I won't end up making some sort of glowing, dark cuisine."

Holding an ingredient carefully in his hand, Howard chuckled self-deprecatingly and got to work.

...

When Nula awoke, the sky had already turned completely dark.

The room was filled with a thick darkness, like a completely isolated space.

This inexplicably gave Nula a sense of security, as if she were in a secret corner unknown to anyone else.

It took her back to a time long, long ago, when she was still naive and unaware.

Back then, her greatest happiness was simply having a full belly.

It was much later that she realized the world wasn't as simple as she had thought.

Why can't people live simpler lives? The low rumble of her stomach pulled her back to reality.

Looking outside, she saw a faint light emanating from the kitchen, and the vague scent of food wafted in, spreading curiosity within her like wild grass.

Howard is cooking? Does he know how to cook?

Getting out of bed, she walked into the courtyard, guided by the dim moonlight.

White was lying on the ground, ears perked up, resting.

Bending down, Nula rubbed its ears and smiled at the suddenly alert White.

"Are you hungry?"

White opened its mouth, curled its tongue, yawned, and nodded.

"Alright, wait here, I'll go see how Howard's doing."

Nula straightened up and walked briskly towards the kitchen.

The kitchen door was ajar, and Nula paused outside.

From within came the small sounds of cooking, the clink of a spatula against the pot ringing clear.

"Sounds like things are going well?"

Gently pushing the door open, Nula peeked inside.

Howard, wearing an apron, stood at the stove, his movements light and swift as if dancing to a silent rhythm.

Two steaming dishes were already set aside on the stove, and it looked like a third was about to be served soon.

Nula pushed the door open, tiptoed inside, and walked up to the stove.

Although the device's function was not particularly outstanding, its utility was undoubtedly significant.

After trying out the crystal and getting familiar with its operation, he stored it in his ring.

"To answer your earlier question," Nula said with a smile, "Sorona. It's the place in the northwest province of Silverwind Kingdom where all novice adventurers inevitably go. There, you can get anything you want, as long as you have the money and strength."

Sorona, Howard had heard the name before, from Antalya.

A lawless land, City of Innocence, a sanctuary of freedom.

"It doesn't sound like a very nice place."

"Of course, it's a city that doesn't appear on the map of Silverwind Kingdom. The king knows of its existence but has no power over it. In its slave market, you can see people of any race, even juvenile dragons!"

"It is backed by an eternal shadow."

Although Nula didn't elaborate, Howard could somewhat grasp her meaning.

"It sounds like an interesting place."

Howard stroked his chin, a smile appearing on his face.

"Don't underestimate it. Everyone who has underestimated its level of chaos is already dead."

With that, Nula waved her hand, advised him to rest early, and turned to leave.

Howard watched Nula's retreating figure, then looked at White lying on the ground, and found a place to sit.

He wondered how Ali and the others were doing.

...

Left Ridge Street, Gold Coin Inn, backyard.

"Are you really sure about this?"

Antalya stood at the doorway of Ali's room, observing the elf silently packing her gear with a calm gaze, as if she was merely setting off on a long journey rather than a voyage towards death.

But the truth was that this was indeed a journey towards death.

"I know what I'm doing."

Ali's movements didn't stop, nor did her voice, "If Howard and I could stand together against Red Eye, why can't I join him in stealing a dragon egg? Having one more person is always one more solution."

Antalya remained silent.

She had read the letter Ali mentioned, so she knew what burdens this young elf carried.

Being a survivor herself made her all the more sensitive to death.

"Then all I can say is take care on your journey." Antalya sighed.

She had no position to stop Ali, all she could do was persuade or choose to help her.

If Ali was determined to go, then persuasion would be futile.

It would be better to think of ways to help her.

"I will." Ali stopped packing, turning to look at Antalya.

No, behind her.

Antalya turned around to see Jelia standing silently behind her, her eyes coldly reflecting light.

Since waking up from her unconscious state and learning that Howard had left on his own, she had been like this.

"I'm going too."

Her voice was not loud but carried an undeniable determination.

"The journey is dangerous, you should stay at the inn. We'll protect you well!"

Antalya reached out to touch Jelia's hair, but the little orc stepped back, her gaze unflinching.

"I want to go."

Ali looked at Jelia, paused, then nodded: "We leave tomorrow morning."