Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel.
Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff
******
During the intelligence sharing session, Dan Heng spoke the most, followed by March 7th and Stelle, with Bochang contributing the least.
This was quite normal, as Bochang was still a newcomer.
Moreover, his minimal input also stemmed from being the last to speak; much of the common information had already been covered by Dan Heng, Stelle, and March 7th.
"We have a general understanding of the Overworld's situation, but regarding the Underworld..." Dan Heng shook his head slightly, "The path down is blocked, guarded by numerous Silvermane Guards. We can't get through."
March 7th suggested, "Why don't we directly approach the Great Guardian? As the ruler of this city, she likely wouldn't want to see the calamity of Stellaron spreading unchecked. Once she knows the full extent of the problem, I'm certain she will assist us."
The rifts caused by Stellaron had already spread into the city itself. If this continued unabated, Belobog would face severe consequences.
"You're right, but... what if our enemy is among the Rulers? Wouldn't exposing ourselves recklessly be unwise?" Bochang refrained from explicitly naming Cocolia.
As crew members of the Astral Express, both Dan Heng and March 7th were aware that Stellaron could influence people's minds. They had encountered it numerous times before.
"True enough, March. Do you recall the last time we were wanted fugitives here?" Dan Heng spread his hands, reminding them of past experiences.
March 7th scratched his head helplessly. "So what should we do now... continue gathering information? Or go check out the Underworld?"
"Let's find a way to visit the Underworld. That Sampo is from there, isn't he? Bochang likely has doubts about the local rulers due to Sampo's warnings. It seems Sampo knows quite a bit; meeting him might be a good option."
Dan Heng spoke at length.
With no objections, it was settled that they would proceed to the Underworld.
"However... before that, we need to find a place to stay. Obtaining access to the Underworld is likely not something that can be accomplished quickly." Dan Heng's gaze swept over the three others. "So..."
"So, we're going job hunting, right?" March 7th pressed his fingers against his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
Dan Heng calmly replied, "No... March, haven't you forgotten? I mentioned earlier that Shields here can be exchanged for Credits... One Shield can be converted into fifty Credits."
The Shield was Belobog's currency, while Credit was the universally accepted form of exchange across the cosmos.
Despite Belobog having lost contact with the universe and receiving hardly any visitors,
It's even possible to exchange back to Credits.
This is truly hard to believe.
However, considering that many years ago, Belobog was a highly prosperous area within the universe, with numerous spaceships passing through daily, until the disaster struck seven hundred years ago...
So it makes sense that Credits are still used as currency here.
There's nothing surprising about it after all.
"Ah, I see..." March 7th scratched their head, "I wasn't paying close attention earlier."
March 7th had assumed that Credits couldn't be used here, which led them to suggest working for money. They didn't expect Credits to still circulate... However, upon hearing that one Shield equals fifty Credits, March 7th quickly engaged in mental calculations.
"If one Shield can buy a loaf of bread and ten Credits can also buy a loaf of bread, then... if I exchange fifty Credits for one Shield, I'm essentially losing forty Credits."
Stelle concluded, "In other words... earning one Shield is equivalent to gaining forty Credits."
At this point, Bochang finally gained a slight understanding of the purchasing power of Credits.
"Don't worry, after completing the Trailblazer task, Himeko will reimburse us..." Dan Heng remained unconcerned. "So right now, we need to exchange for Shields."
"Alright, I'll follow your lead."
March 7th had no objections.
The four of them proceeded together, following Dan Heng to a location where they exchanged several hundred Shields.
With this amount...
They could comfortably survive here for multiple days.
Next, Dan Heng led everyone in searching for clues on how to reach the Underworld.
They scoured Belobog's Overworld throughout the day.
It wasn't until evening that Dan Heng found some promising leads.
By March 7th, both Stelle and Bochang were utterly exhausted.
"Let's call it a day for now and continue tomorrow," Dan Heng said, pausing. "Bochang, after all that running... did you learn anything?"
"Probably... just a little bit?" Bochang blinked uncertainly.
"That's good," replied Dan Heng. "As long as there is progress, it's fine. Tonight, let's rest at this inn."
Although only one city remained on this planet,
there was still a need for inns.
The reason was simple—not everyone had their own houses. Many who couldn't afford homes had to reside permanently in inns, seeking shelter from the elements.
"It looks somewhat rundown..." March 7th observed the worn-out decor ahead with a sigh.
Dan Heng glanced at her briefly.
"If you want to stay somewhere pricier, that's fine as long as you're willing to pay for it. Just keep in mind... if the expenses become too high, Himeko won't cover everything. Let's save where we can."
"Alright, alright..." March 7th shrugged helplessly, and the group of four entered the inn.
The wooden floor creaked beneath their steps, seemingly alerting the owner to incoming guests. Under everyone's gaze, a middle-aged woman emerged from behind the counter and greeted them, "Welcome to our humble establishment. Four guests in total, correct? How many rooms do you require?"
"Two rooms," Dan Heng replied while producing several Shields. "Just for one night."
During their earlier exploration, Dan Heng had already inquired about the prices here, so there was no need to ask again.
"Great! Here are the keys for rooms 207 and 208. Please go upstairs to the second floor and find your rooms based on the numbers."
After confirming the payment, the innkeeper handed over two room keys.
Two rooms were allocated - naturally, Bochang and Dan Heng would share one, while March 7th and Stelle would take the other, as previously agreed upon.
Naturally, Bochang and Dan Heng would share one room, while March 7th and Stelle would take the other - this had been agreed upon beforehand.
They entered their respective rooms separately.
Turning around, Dan Heng asked, "Since we have some time now, Bochang, would you like to learn how to use a spear?"
"It's fine, but considering the space here, won't it be too cramped for training?"
The wooden floor creaked with each step. Honestly... Bochang worried that if he exerted too much force, he might accidentally break through it.
"When starting to learn spear techniques, you only need to focus on the basic stances; excessive strength isn't required, nor is there a specific need for a large area."
Dan Heng crossed his arms, having already retrieved a long spear from his space equipment.
"Alright," Bochang agreed.
With the black-haired youth's consent, Dan Heng tossed the spear to Bochang.
"Your own spear is outside right now, not convenient to retrieve. For now, you can use this one."
"No problem."