The carriage rolled through the serene countryside under the clear sky as William brooded in deep thought and reclined in his seat.

 

System, can you analyze General Ja'aduk's memories to see if there are any instances of dark elvish necromancers in Samara? I know demonic monsters are over there, but I can't remember seeing any dark elvish necromancers in his memories. Can you check if I missed anything?

 

[Ding* Analyzing memory files...

 

[Ding* No mention of dark elvish necromancers in Samara.

 

Moj Dak dismissed the story as embellished, and my examination of General Ja'aduk's memories confirmed the warlock king's intention to release the initial seal, setting the demonic monsters free. Currently, nothing rivals their power except for their overlords, the demons themselves. Still, I can't help but question the true might of the dark elvish necromancers, as described in the novel.

 

[Ding* General Ja'aduk's memories yield no evidence to substantiate this notion.

 

I'm aware the warlocks hold them in low regard, but the novel paints dark elvish necromancers from Gemlock as vehemently anti-human. The prospect of them joining forces with the warlocks could indeed pose a dire threat to this world.

 

A minute passed in contemplative silence.

 

Perhaps I'm overthinking this. In a world brimming with magical creatures, conflicts of varying degrees are likely commonplace. If it were anything truly dire, Moj Dak would have surely mentioned it.

 

As he pondered the potential threat of dark elvish necromancers, his gaze drifted outside the window, revealing a transformation in the scenery.

 

The mundane grasslands and lush meadows gave way to small settlements and distant towering structures. As the path curved gently to the left, the carriage approached two colossal gates adorned with a glistening gold hue. In no time, William found himself amidst the vibrant bustle of a sprawling metropolis, teeming with individuals from all walks of life.

 

The city's edge was a tapestry of merchants and modest shops, while the skyscraping behemoths loomed in the distance, their sheer enormity visible only from afar. It became evident that humans were not the sole denizens of this place, as William's eyes roamed he noticed people of various races—elves, halflings, hobbits, demi-humans, and even a few dwarves—moved about the scene, their presence adding to the city's lively atmosphere. Stalls lining the city's edge showcased a diverse array of wares, from enchanted weaponry and protective armor to exotic spirit herbs, intricate cultivation scrolls, enigmatic formation flags, and unfamiliar magical artifacts.

 

Shortly, the carriage arrived at a station, where Nin Li gracefully descended from her seat and swung open the coach door.

 

"Young Master, I recommend leaving the carriage at the station. That will allow us to wander the area freely on foot and see the sights at our own pace," Nin Li suggested politely.

 

William offered her a nod and an appreciative smile. "Very well."

 

An attendant promptly approached, and Nin Li handed over 100 silver coins. In return, he assumed control of the carriage after providing her with a token.

 

Nin Li turned her attention to William, her captivating green eyes inquiring. "Where would you like to begin, young master?"

 

William's gaze drifted down to his shabby attire, and he tugged at his rumpled collar. "I need to purchase new attire. I can no longer endure wearing this puppet's garb."

 

"As you wish, young master," Nin Li responded with a graceful gesture, indicating the bustling street ahead. "Straight to the garment store it is. I know the perfect place that sells stylish attire at a reasonable price."

 

Nin Li took the lead, guiding William through the vibrant marketplace. They walked amidst a scene straight out of a medieval tale, where the scent of herbs and spices intermingled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread. The stalls lining the cobblestone streets were draped in colorful canopies, their wooden frames laden with an array of enchanted trinkets, weapons, and exotic curiosities.

 

Giant banners bearing mystical symbols and vibrant patterns danced in the breeze, casting dappled, ever-shifting shadows on the bustling shoppers. It was a place where old-world charm met arcane wonders, where merchants and buyers haggled over the price of rare elixirs, while in the background, blacksmiths hammered away at magical weapons.

 

Amidst the diverse crowd, the voice of a dwarf merchant echoed, drawing attention to his display of ornate runestones. Elves in intricate robes browsed through books filled with forgotten spells, while young halflings darted between shoppers, their nimble hands swiping at any unattended magical baubles.

 

As they strolled deeper into the market, William couldn't help but admire the magical atmosphere. He marveled at a stall with glistening potions, each vial catching the sunlight and casting a myriad of colored sparks on the wooden counter. Further down the bustling street, a group of demi-human traders proudly displayed exotic herbs and crystals, which sparkled and glowed with enchantment. A tower of shining steel armor adorned with glowing inscriptions towered over the market square, showcasing the meeting point of craftsmanship and the arcane.

 

Nin Li continued their journey through this enchanting tapestry, allowing William to absorb the captivating scenes and sounds of the marketplace. Amid the vibrant marketplace, William's curiosity got the best of him.

 

"This place is incredible!" William exclaimed with enthusiasm, his eyes darting around as he took in the vibrant sights and sounds of the busy marketplace. "But I had no idea that 600 silver coins would be considered so little here. I mean, the cheapest thing I saw was a rather ordinary-looking spirit herb priced at 40 silver coins - hardly a bargain!"

 

Nin Li nodded understandingly and responded with a casual shrug, unfazed by his surprise. "Well, here in the city, haggling is not only expected but essentially required. So initial asking prices can often be reduced substantially through negotiation. As for 600 silver coins - for basic goods like food, medicine, and daily necessities, that amount still goes a fairly long way. But for more valuable items like magic herbs, potions, or artifacts, it's barely anything. For regular common folk, that amount is enough to get by comfortably. But a key disadvantage of being a cultivator is our needs tend to be much more expensive."

 

William materialized a coin pouch from his interspatial ring, holding it up questioningly and giving it a slight shake so the coins audibly clinked. "This is all I have - just 600 silver coins. Do you think I can buy decent clothes with this amount?" he asked, his excitement shifting to crestfallen realization.

 

Nin Li's eyebrows shot up in surprise as she scrutinized the pouch he presented. "Only 600 silver coins?" Her tone carried disbelief and disappointment. "I intended to escort you to an affordable magic clothing shop. Given your status as a mortal realm cultivator, I assumed exorbitantly priced shops were out of reach, where a single garment can cost up to a few thousand high-concentration soul stones. However, even the humblest vendors in the seedy corners would demand over 600 coins for the simplest accessory."

 

She sighed apologetically. "My sincere apologies, Young Master. I wrongly assumed you had at least a few thousand low-tier soul stones. But I should have realized that was impossible since you arrived empty-handed, with only the clothes on your back and that magic sword. Now that I think about it, Master Moj Dak must have given you this coinage to shop today. But having not visited in over a century, his sense of prices here is outdated."

 

Nin Li bowed her head. "I'm truly sorry; I meant to update him on current prices, but he's always busy and won't come to the city with me." Her voice was tinged with chagrin. "We'll need to try regular non-magic shops instead. They won't be wear-resistant or magic-proof, but it's better than nothing for now. I'll inform Master of this when he returns from his expedition. Again, my sincerest apologies, Young Master."

 

Their conversation carried on as they weaved through the marketplace, but soon, the noise of a large crowd in a nearby alleyway grabbed William's attention. The sound of excited chatter and cheers grew louder as they approached, and William couldn't resist investigating. He made a sharp turn into the alley, with Nin Li following suit.

 

As they got closer to the bustling alley, the crowd became denser, requiring some polite shoving and maneuvering. Eventually, William found himself right in front of the action.

 

"What's going on here?" William inquired; his voice laced with curiosity. Nin Li responded with a shrug, mirroring his intrigue. The further they ventured into the alley, the denser the crowd grew, necessitating a series of polite yet firm nudges and shoves from William to progress. Finally, he managed to penetrate the human barrier and catch a clear glimpse of the focal point.

 

Before him unfolded a gritty boxing match, an unusual atmosphere tinging the encounter. William's discerning eye observed the fighters – one towering, robust, and oozing strength, the other waning and broken. The hulking combatant dominated, striking with a relentless fury that left his adversary battered and bloodied, the stark contrast in physique creating a disturbing imbalance in the brawl.

 

As the contest played out before him, William couldn't help but notice the raucous cheers and excitement emanating from the spectators. Amidst the uproar, he heard Nin Li's enthusiastic shout, "Ah! Sweet! A fight! I want in on this!"

 

"Gambling?" William mused, piqued by the idea.

 

I'm fairly new to this sort of thing, and it seems General Ja'aduk, who spent the majority of his life on the battlefield, had a similar lack of experience in these matters. System, can you shed some light on this?

 

[Ding* System can predict the outcome of various forms of gambling with approximately 70% accuracy.

[Ding* With complete information about the involved parties, materials used, game rules, and environmental conditions, the System can achieve up to 99% accuracy.

 

Why not a full 100 percent?

 

[Ding* The System must always consider unexpected external factors; in reality, nothing can be predicted with absolute certainty.

 

How about this match then?

 

[Ding* The System is 99 percent confident that the fighter with the larger physique will emerge victorious.

 

Hmm, no surprises there, William sighed.

 

All of a sudden, Nin Li's voice cut through the ambient noise as she called out to a man in a brown coat, "Hey, I want in on this fight! My money's on the big guy!"

 

The man, unfazed, replied, "Too late, lady! This fight's about to end. You can bet on the next one."

 

"Aw, shit!" Nin Li shouted, stomping her foot, pouting her lips, and crossing her arms in frustration.

 

Meanwhile, the bigger, muscular fighter landed a devastating uppercut, sending his opponent airborne for a split second before crashing to the floor.

 

"Yeah!" bellowed Fazulu.

 

The crowd's reactions were mixed, some elated and others bitterly disappointed. William observed the man in the brown coat, presumably the fight promoter, striding into the ring.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen," he boomed, his voice commanding attention, "behold your victor – Fazulu!" The crowd exploded into a chorus of triumphant chants, a deafening "Yeah! Fazulu! Fazulu!" filling the air.

 

With a smug grin, the fight promoter continued, "Now, brace yourselves as Fazulu faces our reigning champion, Zino!"

 

The crowd's allegiance shifted like a whirlwind, their fervent chants now echoing "Zino! Zino! Zino!"

 

"Place your wagers!" the fight promoter thundered.

 

Amidst the buzz of the spectators, hushed conversations spread like wildfire:

 

"Zino is a formidable opponent, a true peak mortal realm cultivator."

"Don't underestimate Fazulu!" an ardent Fazulu supporter retorted, unwilling to let Fazulu's prowess be overshadowed.

"I've heard Fazulu used to be a battle-hardened soldier."

"Is that so? Well, then, my money's on him."

"Count me in, I'll bet on Fazulu."

 

"Most folks seem to favor this Fazulu character," William murmured to Nin Li.

 

Nin Li exuded confidence as she explained, "I understand what you're thinking, Young Master. However, these folks lack the finesse of real gamblers. The prudent choice is the safer bet, even if the potential gains are modest. Betting against the odds might make you rich, but it's a risky venture. If you win, though, you'll double your money."

 

"Are you placing a bet?" William inquired, eyebrows raised in surprise.

 

"Certainly! My wager goes on the champion – it's as good as won. While the rest squander their coins on that Fazulu, I'll be pocketing the rewards. Hey, Young Master, pass me those 600 silver coins of yours. I can double our fortune," Nin Li proclaimed, exuding an aura of assurance.

 

William, still uncertain, mustered a hesitant smile and responded, "I think I'll bide my time and see how this unfolds."

 

Nin Li shrugged and declared with unwavering self-assurance, "Very well, but I could have doubled your fortune. Regardless, I'm taking the plunge," before dashing off to pursue the fight promoter. "Over here, Mr. Promoter! 200 silver coins on the champion, Zino!" she shouted, presenting her pouch of coins.

 

Once the assurance of no further bets came, the fight promoter re-entered the ring.

 

"All bets are in! Let the showdown commence! In the blue corner, presenting Fazulu, the challenger at the pinnacle of the mortal realm!" he declared, pointing dramatically to Fazulu.

 

The crowd erupted once more, their fervent chants of "Fazulu! Fazulu! Fazulu!" resonating through the alleyway. A buzz of anticipation filled the air.

 

"In the red corner, presenting the reigning, undefeated champion, also at the pinnacle of the mortal realm – Zino!" the fight promoter proclaimed, this time directing attention to Zino.

 

Once again, the crowd cheered in unison, exclaiming, "Zino! Zino! Zino!"

 

As the fight promoter gracefully exited the ring, the referee's voice cut through the mounting excitement. "BEGIN!"

 

The fighters, Fazulu and Zino, approached each other with palpable tension. Their eyes locked, determination etched into their expressions. The crowd held its collective breath.

 

The fight began with a flurry of strikes, both combatants displaying incredible speed and skill. Fazulu's punches were thunderous, each landing with ferocious intent. Zino, the reigning champion, showed his prowess with a flawless defense, weaving through Fazulu's attacks.

 

Round after round, the match continued, each fighter giving and taking, neither willing to yield. The crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as the fighters circled each other, unleashing a barrage of powerful blows.

 

In the third round, the tension peaked. Fazulu, determined to unseat the champion, launched a flurry of rapid punches, pushing Zino to the brink. The crowd's roars grew deafening as the fighters exchanged devastating blows.

 

Then, in a fraction of a second, Zino executed a perfectly timed uppercut, delivering a finishing blow that sent Fazulu into the air before crashing onto the mat. The crowd's collective gasp was followed by a moment of stunned silence.

 

And finally, the alley erupted in a cacophony of cheers, screams, and applause as Zino stood victorious.

 

[Ding* Anomaly detected.

 

The fight promoter returned to the ring, raising Zino's arm in a victor's pose as the crowd chanted his name.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, your champion – Zino!" he proclaimed.

 

The majority of the crowd seemed dejected, except for a select few, much like Nin Li, who had fervently shouted, "Punch him! Punch him! Yeah!" throughout the match.

 

Nin Li sported an ear-to-ear grin as she dashed to claim her hard-earned winnings. "Yes! I won...I won...I'm a gambling genius," she gleefully muttered, speeding away.

 

Meanwhile, William remained more preoccupied with the anomaly that had arisen.

 

System, what anomaly did you detect?

 

[Ding* Incorrect information was conveyed regarding the subject [Zino].

 

Zino? The fighter? What exactly was incorrect? I didn't notice anything unusual during the fight.

 

[Ding* At the beginning of the match, it was stated that the subject [Zino] was at the pinnacle of the mortal realm. However, during the fight, for a fraction of a second, he elevated his cultivation from the pinnacle of the mortal realm to a six-star initial stage of the bronze realm.

 

"Are you implying that Zino cheated?" William exclaimed, taken aback, his words unintentionally escaping his thoughts.

 

A growing murmur rippled through the crowd as they began to catch wind of his words.

 

"Did that kid just accuse Zino of cheating?"

"I think that's what he said."

"Now that you mention it, that punch did seem unnaturally quick."

"Are they really suggesting Zino cheated?"

"Perhaps we should demand a refund."

 

The spectators who had lost their bets latched onto William’s comment, even though they hadn’t detected any cheating themselves.

 

The fight promoter's unease swelled as a surge of disgruntled spectators approached him.

 

Zino, attuned to the escalating situation, rapidly moved to the fight promoter's side, shielding him from the irate crowd as a few individuals made a desperate attempt to climb into the ring.

 

Before things could spiral further out of control, a commanding voice reverberated through the alleyway - solemn yet dripping with menace. It imposed an instant, uneasy silence upon the tumultuous scene.

 

"Who's asking for a refund?!"

 

The rowdy crowd fell quiet in an instant.

 

William shifted his gaze toward the source - a dapper yet brawny middle-aged man, his eyes devoid of warmth as they pierced through the throng. A glint from his gleaming gold tooth cut through the hazy cigar smoke. Though he stood alone, six even more imposing figures loomed behind him, garbed in sharp black suits and exuding an aura of palpable malevolence. With casual arrogance, the man ground out his cigar beneath the heel of his immaculate white shoes. Each step sent his pristine white fur coat billowing dramatically, revealing the stark white suit beneath.

 

"What's all this, Lester? Enlighten me," he directed at the fight promoter, his gaze scanning the crowd critically.

 

"B-Big Boss Xuan, here's what happened...They're accusing Zino of cheating and demanding refunds," the promoter explained timorously.

 

Wasting no time, the man whipped his furious gaze upon the crowd. "Nonsense! Who would dare taint my ring with dishonesty? Who makes these accusations?"

 

An eerie, uncomfortable silence descended.

 

"From your telling silence, I gather no one actually witnessed this alleged cheating," Big Boss Xuan declared, sardonic satisfaction etched on his features.

 

A momentary hush settled uneasily over the crowd, pleasing the crime boss. He bit down on his cigar, the smoldering ember and heavy quiet reinforcing his dominance.

 

But this silence was abruptly shattered by a bystander - the same loudmouth who had climbed into the ring making the most vociferous accusations earlier. Fearing for his life, he shouted out, "That's not true! This kid right here claimed he saw Zino cheating!" He pointed an accusing finger directly at William.

 

Instantly the rest of the crowd erupted, eager to redirect the notorious kingpin's wrath.

 

"Yeah, it was him!"

 

"That kid! He's the one saying Zino cheated!"

 

"He's the accuser!"

 

William's eyes widened in dismay as he'd been stealthily trying to slip away unnoticed. But now he found himself unable to escape the crowd's collective attention. Reluctantly he met Big Boss Xuan's icy gaze.

 

The crime lord locked eyes with William, his unsettling grin stretching wider.

 

"Is that so?" he purred menacingly, cracking his knuckles.

 

"Boy, why don't you share with us all exactly how Zino supposedly cheated?"

 

The six ominous figures flanking Big Boss Xuan shifted their focus to William, radiating palpable menace and sending a chill through the tense crowd.

 

William's unease grew under their scrutiny, his eyes darting about nervously. "I...um...I only thought maybe Zino cheated. I didn't actually see anything," he stammered unconvincingly.

 

In a flash, Big Boss Xuan materialized directly before William, his preternatural speed betraying his cultivation level. He loomed over the boy, casting a formidable shadow. "What I'm hearing is that you made a baseless accusation?" he growled.

 

William swallowed hard but attempted to maintain some composure. "Y-yes. I apologize. It was just a bad joke."

 

"A joke?" Big Boss Xuan boomed skeptically. He plucked the cigar from his mouth and crushed it in his muscular hand with a resounding crack, sending a tremor through the alley. Turning to address the crowd, he declared, "This kid now claims it was all in jest!"

 

The crowd collectively groaned, casting scornful glances at William.

 

You just couldn't resist snitching, could you? William shot the man who'd pointed him out an irritated glare, his attempt to slip away unnoticed now thoroughly foiled.

 

Unsure how to proceed, William began fidgeting anxiously. "I...um..." he stammered.

 

Hushed whispers now rippled through the crowd, ratcheting up his nerves.

 

"This kid's in deep trouble..."

"Maybe Big Boss Xuan will let it slide because he's just a kid."

"Have you met Big Boss Xuan?"

"What's happening? Is he going to kill the kid?"

 

Big Boss Xuan edged closer, mere inches from William now, exuding intimidation. "Which is it - did you see Zino cheat or not?" he demanded, locking his chilling gaze on the boy.

 

Before William could respond, realization dawned on Big Boss Xuan's face. He pulled another cigar from his coat and lit up. Inhaling deeply, he blew a cloud of pungent smoke right in William's face. "Wait a minute - you lost money here tonight, didn't you kid? Is that what this is really about?"

 

William awkwardly mumbled, "No, I didn't lose anything..."

 

"No no, you definitely lost coin here tonight. Because winners don't come complaining!" Big Boss Xuan asserted smugly.

 

Abruptly, a surge of fiery spirit welled up in William - the indomitable influence of General Ja'aduk's warlike personality.

 

"I didn't win anything either. I haven't made a single bet," he stated bluntly, a hint of irritation in his tone now.

 

"Then what the hell are you doing here, kid?!" Big Boss Xuan snapped. "Because the only people here are gamblers and fighters. If you're not a gambler, you must be a fighter!"

 

He jabbed an accusatory finger at William. "And if you are a fighter," Big Boss Xuan continued, his grimace menacing, "then you should be in the ring, fighting Zino. In fact, you are going to fight Zino!" he declared with a malevolent tone.

 

The crowd erupted in hushed exclamations of disbelief.

 

"He's really going to make the kid fight Zino?" murmured a voice nearby.

 

"That's just cruel, even for Big Boss Xuan..." another whispered, their tone tinged with sympathy.

 

"This kid is about to learn a painful lesson," remarked someone else, their voice laden with foreboding.

 

William held Big Boss Xuan's gaze steadily for a moment. "I'm only a one-star Mortal Realm," he asserted bluntly.

 

Big Boss Xuan smirked mockingly. "Not to worry, kid. Zino will go easy on you."

 

However, this taunt cut through William like a knife, igniting a spark of indignation that flared within him, his muscles tensing as he fought to maintain his composure. General Ja'aduk's indomitable spirit was not one to suffer insults lightly - not from former superiors in the Diamond Realm, and certainly not from the likes of Big Boss Xuan. The suited men's menacing glares only added fuel, stoking the warrior's simmering rage.

 

You dare disrespect me, you worthless scum? William seethed inwardly, his thoughts now laced with venomous contempt. Fine then. I'll make you regret ever crossing my path!

 

From the darkest depths of his mind, Ja'aduk's thunderous laughter echoed, an ever-present reminder of the relentless, unyielding nature of the warlock general that had fused with his own identity.

 

With an audacious smirk, William locked eyes with Big Boss Xuan. "Alright, Xuan. How about a wager then?"

 

The boldness in William's tone clearly irked Big Boss Xuan, who struggled to restrain his anger, teeth grinding in frustration.

 

"You're betting against yourself now? Go right ahead," he retorted through gritted teeth.

 

William waved Nin Li over. "Nin Li, come here please."

 

She hurried to his side, voice low and fraught with apprehension. "Young Master, what are you doing? These people are dangerous!"

 

"Don't worry, I have a plan. Listen closely. Take these 600 silver coins and add them to your 400. Then place a bet on me to win," he whispered, pressing a hefty coin pouch into her hands, brushing aside her concerns.

 

Nin Li's eyes widened in dismay. "What?! You still intend to fight him, despite the difference in strength?"

 

"Just follow my instructions," William affirmed, brimming with unyielding confidence.

 

Unable to defy her young lord, she nodded and clutched the pouch tightly.

 

William stepped into the ring, mentally preparing for the imminent battle. He noticed Big Boss Xuan deep in hushed conversation with a subordinate, gesturing animatedly in his direction. Despite straining to overhear, their words were drowned out by the crowd's thunderous commotion. Moments later the underling vanished from sight.

 

Just then, Zino reentered the ring, eyes glinting with determination after downing some restorative pills. His return coincided with the underling rejoining Big Boss Xuan and whispering something to him covertly. William kept his focus there as an ominous grin slowly spread across the crime boss's face.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, a special announcement!" Big Boss Xuan bellowed smugly. "For this bout, I'm offering incredible odds of 1000 to 1 for the kid, and just 2 to 1 for Zino! Get those bets in now!"

 

The crowd gasped collectively in astonishment, momentarily hushing the entire venue. William shifted his gaze back to Zino, carefully sizing up the muscular fighter's physique and demeanor.

 

[Ding* The system detects a significant influence from General Ja'aduk's personality.

[Ding* The system advises caution due to potential psychological trauma from Ja'aduk's personality.

 

Silence! William commanded inwardly as the General's aggressive nature surged within, eager for the imminent battle.

 

Anticipation crackled through the crowd with electric intensity as the extraordinary match loomed. The sheer weight of expectations pressed heavily upon William's shoulders. Anxiety gnawed at him as he considered the potentially dire consequences. But once more, he forcefully dispelled those doubts as Ja'aduk's indomitable will ran through him.