Facing Sam Widows, the boss who seemed much more polite than during their previous encounter, Furen decided not to criticize him for his earlier rudeness. Instead, he feigned indifference and said, "Boss Sam, it seems you're indeed one of the recruiters for this Extraordinary gathering. So, you're part of the Extraordinary organization behind it, right?"
Sam froze for a moment before letting out a mocking laugh. "Heh, you've got quite the opinions, don't you? That's right, I'm part of that Extraordinary organization. But don't think you can deal with me just because I have a sharp tongue. I'm a Sequence 7 Extraordinary. If you've got a problem, you'd better keep it to yourself."
Furen was genuinely surprised. He hadn't expected even a member tasked with recruiting participants for this Extraordinary gathering to be so powerful. No wonder the organization had eluded the Church for so many years. A peculiar expression flashed across his face as he replied, "So you're that strong. I wouldn't be foolish enough to think about dealing with you."
"Haha, exactly! If you're dissatisfied, just bottle it up. My favorite thing is watching people itching to take me down, only to realize they're not even worthy to carry my shoes. But you don't seem like the kind to endure such indignity, right? After all, you're connected to the 'Scholar.' He's already reached Sequence 7—you're not going to fall short of him, are you? Hahaha." Sam didn't delve further, merely tossing out some sarcastic remarks before stopping.
Furen pondered, wondering why this boss seemed so punchable. Then, a thought struck him—a Sequence that seemed to suit Sam perfectly: "Provoker." Based on this, Furen deduced that the boss was likely a Sequence 7 "Pyromancer," a Sequence that sounded incredibly combat-oriented.
As he thought, Furen asked, "Since you're guiding newcomers like me into the Extraordinary gathering, you should be able to share some details about it and how to participate, right?"
Sam organized his thoughts carefully before replying, a touch of nostalgia in his tone. "Our Extraordinary gathering is different from others. We've purchased a large house next to this tavern, and beneath it, we've set up an enormous underground Extraordinary market, which also hosts the gathering. However, the gathering isn't open to just anyone. Only those I invite are allowed in."
"Hehe." Noticing how intently Furen was listening, Sam chuckled before continuing. "As for how to enter the gathering, you need to show this token to the market's managers. They'll take you to a hidden location where the gathering is held."
While speaking, Sam pulled out an iron item shaped like a cross. Though simple, its scattered decorations gave it a unique aesthetic appeal.
Furen stared at the iron object, feeling as though he'd heard of a similar Extraordinary organization somewhere before. He thought back to the notes left by his father but was certain he'd never encountered an organization like this.
Sam noticed Furen's dazed look and, unsurprisingly, barked at him in his usual coarse manner. "Hey, kid! Snap out of it. This ornament is your pass. Non-negotiable—20 pounds. Take it or leave it. If you want it, you'll probably also want this iron mask and this very stylish robe—30 pounds for both. Total: 50 pounds. Haha, make up your mind fast, kid. I don't have all day!"
With that, Sam seemingly performed a magic trick, producing an iron mask and a crude cloak. He glared fiercely at Furen, as though ready to devour him.
Feeling the intense gaze and an inexplicable chill, Furen thought to himself, This boss! I knew his Sequence wouldn't be easy to deal with, but I didn't expect him to exude such a ferocious aura. Judging by this, he must have more than a few lives on his hands.
Furen had encountered a similar aura before, during an old soldier commendation ceremony in Trier, hosted by Roselle. The ceremony honored those with extraordinary achievements in anti-invasion or revolutionary wars. Only then did Furen realize that killing intent was very real.
Looking at the iron mask and the poor-quality cloak, Furen was momentarily speechless at this illiterate boss calling the cloak a "robe." But knowing Sam's impatient and fiery personality, Furen sighed and said, "Boss Sam, don't rush me. I'll buy these items, as I do want to attend the gathering. But how do I find out when it's held?"
Sam was briefly stunned by the question, then smirked and glanced at Furen. He slapped his forehead and said, "Ah, you ignorant kid, you've scrambled my thoughts. Check the Trier Merchant Evening News, that half-dead little newspaper. Subscribe to it. If you see a notice on the bottom-right corner of page three about collecting crystal stones, the gathering will be held the next day. Just follow what I said, and you'll be able to join."
Sam then switched to a more impatient tone and barked, "Kid, decide already! You've wasted nearly half an hour of my time. If you don't give me an answer soon, I'll twist your head off."
Furen said nothing more. He simply pulled out fifty pounds from his pocket and handed it to Sam.
Sam laughed heartily. "Well, well, kid. So you've got money. If I'd known, I would've raised the price on the spot. But lucky for you, I'm a generous man, so I won't. Now get out of here. In half an hour, this tavern's billiard room will be packed. I won't let you loiter for free." With that, he snatched the money from Furen's hand, carefully placing it in his wallet before leaving the billiard room without a care.
Watching the money-grubbing boss walk away, Furen paid him no mind. Instead, he pulled out a chair, sipping his ordered "Milky Way Brilliance" while reflecting on Sam's actions and planning his activities for the coming days.
Before he knew it, Furen had finished his drink. Seeing that over half an hour had passed, he left the glass in the billiard room and exited the establishment.