Luscan, the northernmost city on the entire west coast of Ferren.

Since the uprooting of the original ruler, the Arcane Brotherhood, and the massive purge of all pirates and criminals who have entrenched here, it has become the most populous and economic region in the entire North.

Because of the forced immigration before Zuosi, as well as the mass murder of orcs and the emancipation of slaves, a city cluster with a total population of more than 300,000 was forcibly created in this land.

Although according to the eyes of modern earth, this population can only be considered a slightly larger town at best.

But for Fei Lun, whose productivity is relatively backward, this scale can be regarded as one of the few.

On the entire west coast, it is estimated that only the port of Carlin in the south, the capital of Am, Azkatra, the royal capital of Tesser, Zazespor, and the famous Waterdeep City, can be compared.

Of course, simply a large population was not enough for Luskan to become prosperous in such a short period of time.

The fundamental reason for this is that these residents are effectively organized, either working on farms outside the city, or tearing down and rebuilding the originally chaotic city, and earning a stable salary through their work.

In other words, they have money in their hands and can buy all kinds of daily necessities that they need.

If there are people, money, and demand, a stable market will naturally be formed.

Merchants traveled thousands of miles from the south to bring grain and various daily necessities to this place to sell, and when they left, they would buy furs, handicrafts, precious wood, furniture, rare herbs, cold water pearls, and so on.

Due to the scale effect, the produce of other surrounding towns is also transported by river and land to the market in Luskan for sale.

With a thriving market and a stable order, a city will naturally attract a steady stream of outsiders to settle down.

Whether it is those adventurers who want to make a fortune or make a name for themselves, or ordinary people who come to beg for a living, they have brought unprecedented vitality to Luskan.

It is a new city, a city where you can see hope every day, a city where you can become an official or even an aristocrat regardless of your background as long as you have the ability and ability.

Although in the eyes of some historic nations and ancient nobles, the "Kingdom of Nälanthal" that ruled Luskan was nothing more than a new nation founded by whitewashed pirates, relying entirely on a monopoly on maritime trade to maintain a strong army, it is uncertain how long it will last.

But the Dark Elf Ranger Tristor Duchden loved it so much that he would come by almost every two months to take a look and enjoy a drink in the tavern and listen to the other guests around him brag about their adventures.

Although his dark skin and white hair can occasionally cause a little trouble, he does not need to worry about violent conflict or eviction.

Because he is not the only Dark Elf in the city, there is also a team of Dark Elf mercenaries who have fled to the surface from the Dark Regions and are also hired by the Luskan City Government to patrol the streets at night to hunt down suspicious spies or saboteurs.

Although the inhabitants of Luskan do not have any affection for these legendary drow elves, and even think that the people of the town hall and the mage tower are crazy, otherwise how could they hire such a group of dangerous people.

But Trist was somewhat happy to meet such a group of compatriots in the surface world.

In particular, the fact that the other party had abandoned the distorted and sick values of the Dark Elf society and chose to cooperate with the rulers of the surface cities to actively integrate made him feel that his fellow citizens might not be so hopeless.

At least after leaving their homeland, they were able to survive in another way.

Just as the legendary ranger took a sip of mead to moisten his throat, the tavern's closed door was suddenly kicked open.

A dozen cloaked figures walked in from outside.

They were both male and female, and the only thing they had in common was their dark skin and white hair.

There is no doubt that these are the Dark Elves who have been hired to patrol the streets of Luskan at night.

The first woman, tall and muscular, threw a money bag directly on the table and commanded the tavernkeeper, "Serve my men the best wine and steaming stew at once." The damn weather is almost freezing. ”

"Wait a minute!"

The tavernkeeper opened the bag and glanced at the coins in his eyes, and quickly gestured to the kitchen.

In a few moments, several steaming cauldrons were lifted out of it and placed on the table.

In addition to this, there are several bottles of rum that is a specialty of the Nälancer Islands.

The dark elves, who had been frozen to the point of stiffening their hands and feet for a long time after a long time of cold wind outside, didn't care about any elegance or non-elegance at this time, and directly picked up spoons and buttered bread slices and began to cook, and poured a sip of strong wine when they were thirsty.

Looking at the cold blue lips of this group of compatriots, Trist couldn't help but ask: "The first winter on the surface must be difficult for you, right?" ”

"It's not just hard. I felt the biting cold wind and snowflakes outside, which could even freeze my ears alive. Compared to the warm underworld, the living environment here is a bit harsh. The leader of the Drow woman rolled her eyes angrily.

Trist couldn't help but smile and comforted: "Don't worry, the coldest days are about to pass." After a month or two at most, the weather will start to warm up slowly. At that point, it will be much easier for you to patrol. ”

"That's at least three months or so of ice over. I've checked with others and Luskan won't start to thaw until April, during which time we'll all have to brave the cold wind and patrol the night. Damn it! Sometimes I really want to spread my thighs and hook up with the real masters of the city with the hundreds of special skills I've learned in the dark elf society, and then I don't have to work so hard. ”

As she said this, the drow woman lifted her cloak to reveal her plump and bumpy figure, causing many of the male guests in the tavern to swallow their saliva subconsciously.

"I advise you not to do that. Because the real masters of this city may even be more dangerous than those who hold power in the Dark Elf City. Trist admonished earnestly.

"Oh? So you know the real owner of this place? ”

The Drow woman's eyes lit up instantly, and her body leaned forward slightly, with a curious look on her face.

Because she had realized that in the city of Luskan, the nominal supreme ruler, King Eric, did not actually have much power.

Municipal councils, while exercising executive and judicial powers, do not control the army.

Out of sensitivity to the ownership of power, this female Drow has long realized that the true power of the kingdoms of Luskan and Nelanthel is actually firmly controlled by a huge invisible black hand.

But she didn't know who the owner of the black hand was.

Just as Trist was about to popularize some relevant content to this fellow dark elf, a distorted black shadow suddenly appeared out of thin air, and said in an extremely low and hoarse voice: "Trist Duchaden, the master is in the mage tower in Luskan at this moment, and he wants to see you." ”

"Now?"

Looking at the high-level shadow that appeared in front of him, the ranger showed a very surprised expression on his face.

He knew that all the shadow creatures in the area around Luskan were under the control of the Shadow King Elinia.

And there is only one person who can be called the master of these terrifying creatures, and that is the true master of the west coast of the Faren continent - Zuo Si.

"That's right, right now. Alternatively, these of your drow brethren can come along, and the master may need them. ”

With that, the high-level shadow creature instantly turned into a cloud of shadows and disappeared into the darkness.

Undoubtedly, this sudden scene made the Drow woman seem to realize something, and immediately squinted her eyes and asked, "Is the master of that monster's mouth just now the real ruler of this city?" ”

"Do you really want to know?" Trist asked meaningfully.

"Of course! Every dark elf woman is in pursuit of strength and power from the moment she is born, and I am naturally no exception. What's more, even if I escaped to the landmark world, I didn't want to spend my life on endless patrols. The drow woman lifted her chin slightly, revealing an ambitious expression.

"In that case, then come with me. But I hope you don't regret it. ”

With that, Trist stood up, tightened his cloak, and walked straight out of the tavern and disappeared into the dark streets.

The Drow woman and two of her most trusted men followed.

The two sides kept a distance of about ten meters from one after the other, and it didn't take long for them to come to the place where the mage tower was.

Since the previous war had nearly leveled the island where the Arcane Brotherhood's main tower was located, the river channel on both sides of the city had already been completely filled in and turned into a raised hill.

The tree-shaped mage tower, which was originally a little twisted and weird, has also been transformed and expanded several times into its current umbrella shape.

With more than 200 mages and at least 400 apprentices living here on weekdays, it is the third largest gathering place for arcane spellcasters in the entire Northland after Waterdeep and Silvermoon on the surface.

Of course, the reason why so many people can be gathered is naturally one of the huge magical knowledge and spell reserves, and the strong support of the Church of the Goddess of Magic.

Many wild monks in remote villages have heard the recommendation of the pastor of the church, so they will come all the way to find out.

As a result, when they saw the staggering amount of books in the library, these mages said that they could no longer walk.

Influenced by his father Zaknavan in his early years, Trist has always had mixed attitudes towards arcane magic, ranging from a sense of awe of this power to the callousness, ruthlessness, cruelty, and recklessness of the mages.

In his opinion, mages are an extremely dangerous and selfish bunch.

If you can, it's best to try to avoid dealing with them.

Especially the huge mage tower in front of him, he couldn't help but think back to the days when he lived in Morsoblay City.

"Dark Elves, please indicate your identity and purpose."

The golem guarding the doorway suddenly stretched out its thick arms to block the ranger's path.

"I'm Trist-Duchden, and I'm here at the invitation of my master." Trist unhurriedly reported his name.

He didn't pay attention to the strange looks of the people around him, or he was used to it.

"Triester Duchaden? Yes! Please come in, the host has been waiting for you in the reception room for a long time. ”

After confirming the identity of the visitor in front of him, the golem immediately made a way and made a gesture of invitation.

"Thank you very much."

The Ranger responded politely, and then walked into the Mage Tower with a few of his compatriots behind him.

Just as one of his feet stepped on the stairs, he suddenly felt the world spin in front of him.

Next Second......

The whole person appeared directly in a warm reception room, and the fireplace next to it was even burning with red firelight, which made people feel indescribably warm and comfortable.

On the table was a pot of hot tea and a few high-end looking snacks.

A very young-looking human is sitting on a couch teasing a fat, strong orange cat in a very pleasant position.

If it were somewhere else, when Trist saw the scene in front of him, he would think that some rich young master was playing with his pet.

But he knew very well that the young man with black hair and black eyes in front of him was the double elect of the goddess of magic and the goddess of poison and disease, a tyrant who dared to order a purge of the entire Luskan, and a terrifying plaguebringer who could bring the Northland orcs to the brink of extinction in a single move.

But it was also under the rule of the other that Luskan ended its history as a pirate, a city of crime, and a place of exile and ushered in a new life.

Prosperous trade, a stable situation, a safe environment, a clean administration, relatively fair and just laws, and even the thieves' guilds, which were so common in other cities of Faerun, completely ceased to exist here.

Privately, Trist once compared rulers he knew.

Erastro Silverhand is undoubtedly the most brilliant and charismatic of all, and under her reign Silvermoon City has always been known for its prosperity and wealth.

Coming in second place is naturally Zuo Si, who has risen rapidly on the West Coast in recent years and has taken control of maritime trade.

Although, strictly speaking, he himself never came to the forefront, but only hid behind the scenes to manipulate the situation.

However, it is an indisputable fact that all the cities and villages under his rule have risen from poverty and become rich in a short period of time.

Compared with the above two people, his friend Dwarf King Bruno is really a little far behind.

Just as Trist was silently looking at Zuo Si, Zuo Si was also looking at the most well-known dark elf on the Feren continent.

I have to say that the height and weight of "Cui Sanye" are really not worthy of his record.

Because this legendary ranger is only 1.6 meters tall and weighs only about 60 kilograms, he belongs to the typical dexterous warrior.

Especially with two slender arms, it is estimated that even a slightly heavier weapon cannot be wielded.

It was hard for Zuo Si to imagine how a person like this could kill monsters like giants and demons with more than 20 strength attributes in melee combat.

In fact, in terms of personal base attributes, Trist should actually be more suitable to be a mage or a priest than a warrior.

Because his intelligence and perception attributes are as high as seventeen points, while his strength attribute is only thirteen points.

Yes!

You read that right!

A genius with seventeen points of perception and intelligence attributes was actually forcibly cultivated into a warrior.

Thinking of this, Zuo Si couldn't help but ask in a slightly regretful tone, "Have you ever thought about what you would be like today if you had chosen the path of magic?" ”

"The Path of Magic? Then I may become as sinister and cunning as the other dark elves, and I will not even be aware of the evil of my own race, let alone flee the dark lands to live on the surface. Trist smiled and shrugged his shoulders in response.

"That's right. Nice to meet you, Trist Duchaeden. Zuo Si took the initiative to stretch out his right hand.

"I'm glad to meet you, too, Lord Soth."

The Dark Elf Ranger followed suit with his right hand.

After a brief handshake, the two sat down on the couch in the reception room again.

Zuo Si poured a cup of hot tea for the other party, and then asked with a smile: "You should know, what did I call you here for today, right?" ”

Trist hurriedly nodded: "Of course." The last time you met with me, your men said that you wanted a map to Morsoblay and the Dark Regions. ”

"And what is your answer?"

Zuo Si raised his head and looked into the eyes of the Dark Elf Ranger.

"I want to know, what are you going to do when you get this map?" Trist cautiously probed.

"Originally, I didn't have any special plans, but I was simply interested in the social form of the dark elves and the unique environment of the dark region, and I wanted to take some time to take a look. But for now, I need to head to the Fungal Forest to find a druid named Angel Poisoncore. ”

Zuo Si didn't hide anything, and generously stated his purpose for going to the dark region.

Because only by successfully capturing this great druid and even the legendary druid, can he go to the deep well of the soul to start his god-making plan.

"Looking for someone?"

Trist froze slightly.

Zuo Si nodded with a smile: "Yes." This druid was once a devotee of Talona, the goddess of poison and disease, but later turned his back on his faith and chose to worship Zugmoi, the fungal lady, and was engaged in some very dangerous and terrifying research. It is my job to find and crush his plot. Of course, it's even better if you're willing to lead the way yourself. ”

Trist quickly recalled the surrounding terrain in his mind, touched his chin and explained, "As far as I know, the fungal forest is just south of Morsoblay City, part of the Northern Dark Realm. It's not easy to get there. ”

"You mean we have to travel through your hometown of Morsoblay?" Zuo Si's eyes flashed with a hint of playfulness that was not easy to detect.

"That's right. There's nothing more dangerous in the Dark Regions than getting close to and walking through a dark elf city. Especially since my identity is still so sensitive, it is easy to cause extra trouble. Trist laughed bitterly and laughed at himself.

But Zuo Si spread his hands disapprenosingly: "It doesn't matter! If you're willing to lead the way, I'll be more than happy to take care of any trouble you might have along the way. And I promise to play a sinister, cunning, and evil dark elf perfectly, and I will never show the slightest flaw. ”

"Do I still have the right to refuse?" Trist couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"Of course not. You'd better hurry up and draw a simple map now, I'm going downstairs to talk to your compatriots, preferably in the form of a small mercenary group. In this way, even if you enter Mosoblay City, you can move between the major families as a mercenary. ”

With that, Zuo Si stood up and handed a quill, a box of ink, and a few pieces of parchment to the Dark Elf Ranger.

Although the latter seemed a little resistant, he finally did not refuse, picked up a pen and paper and began to sketch out the intricate tunnels......

(End of chapter)