The next stretch of time was spent with Robb carefully appraising a variety of unusual materials for the dwarf—everything from the pollen of otherworldly plants to fluids from magical beasts and rare mineral crystals.
Each item was thoroughly analyzed using his [Herb Identification] skill, and he provided accurate evaluations every time.
[Forgery detected! Herb Identification +1 EXP]
[Accurate Identification! Herb Identification +2 EXP]
…
[Current Progress: Herb Identification (Beginner 43/50)]
Without realizing it, Robb was close to leveling up the skill. It was progressing far faster than when he assisted Lady Elena at the apothecary, likely because these materials were more ambiguous and demanded real expertise.
Otto's expression shifted—from a merchant's guarded wariness to something bordering on admiration.
"You know, kid…"
The dwarf said with deliberate weight after Robb had appraised the last item:
"You're one of the most naturally gifted alchemy apprentices I've seen in years. Half the so-called professional appraisers out there couldn't be as accurate as you've been."
He pulled out a crystal vial filled with shimmering silver powder and carefully sealed it:
"This bottle of Moonshadow Bat Heart Ash—five magic crystal fragments. Half off. That's the best deal I can give you."
Robb accepted the price with a smile, mentally calculating the value of the transaction.
Five fragments for a high-quality vial of this rare material—it was a solid bargain.
"It's good that you don't trust people too easily, young man."
Just before Robb left the back room, Otto leaned in and said quietly, a sharp gleam in his blue eyes that belied his rugged exterior: "If you really want to complete the full list, you'll need to visit Lizard Alley. It's riskier, but it's where the rarest treasures are found."
He added with pointed emphasis: "Remember, in the black market, no one's responsible for your losses. Buy a fake? That's on you. Someone's always ready to deceive you—just like I did earlier."
After parting ways with Otto, Robb and Andrey exited the Sunset Tavern through a narrow back door.
The sky had subtly changed. What little sunlight remained was filtered through the Black Mist Forest's dense mist, casting a strange reddish hue over everything.
That eerie light cloaked the entire marketplace, giving the already unnatural place a twisted, otherworldly ambiance.
"Not a bad haul this time,"
Andrey sighed with a hint of relief, eyeing the crystal vial Robb held with care. A satisfied smile played on his lips.
"Five stone fragments for real Moonshadow Bat Heart Ash? No one's going to believe that if we tell them."
Robb nodded and carefully stashed the silver powder deep in his inner coat pocket. After checking the seal on the stopper twice, he finally relaxed.
While not volatile, the material could still lose potency if exposed to moisture or certain energy fields.
"Otto was right—we'll need to head to Lizard Alley next."
Robb said in a low voice, fatigue creeping into his tone.
"With how rare these ingredients are, places like the Sundown Tavern—'safe' as they are—can only get us so far."
"Lizard Alley isn't like this place."
Andrey's demeanor shifted. The usual grace and ease of the golden-haired noble were gone, replaced by a rare, visible tension.
"That place is a haven for outlaws—former apprentices expelled from nearby orders, mercenaries of questionable race and loyalty… even worse."
The two of them passed through a chaotic market square. The air was thick with an overwhelming blend of smells—boiling potions, baked bread, rotting vegetables, and some foul stench Robb didn't care to identify.
Vendors of various races barked out sales pitches in a dozen languages, creating a deafening wall of noise.
"Anything specific I should watch out for?" Robb asked quietly, dodging a boisterous one-eyed merchant.
Andrey was clearly the more experienced one in this domain.
"Don't expose your real identity—especially not your affiliation with any order."
Andrey answered in a hushed tone, guiding Robb toward a narrow path hidden behind a row of stalls.
"Most vendors won't come at you directly, but that doesn't stop them from selling out your info to someone who will."
At the path's entrance stood a crooked wooden archway made from scrap planks, with a strange sign hanging above it, painted in an unrecognizable script.
The message was deliberately cryptic—clearly marking the place as unofficial.
Robb paused, thinking.
"Should we disguise ourselves?"
"No need to go overboard," Andrey replied, pointing at their casual clothes. "We're already dressed like two young adventurers—or maybe nobles out for a thrill. That type's common in Lizard Alley. We'll blend in better this way."
He smiled slightly and tugged on his simple dark shirt.
"Still, just to be safe, let's avoid using real names."
"Got it," Robb nodded. "If anyone asks where we're from… Actually, no. No one's that bored."
With their cover story set, the two passed through the crooked arch and onto the trail leading into Lizard Alley.
The path twisted and turned, lined on both sides with strange dark-brown mushrooms.
Looking closer, Robb saw their surfaces were covered in fuzzy filaments that gave off a faint glow—just enough to light the dim environment.
"Feels like someone deliberately set this path up to be dramatic."
Robb muttered as he studied the odd arrangement of fungi.
Indeed, the whole setup seemed staged—designed to create pressure, a looming sense of danger.
"Half right," Andrey replied. "These mushrooms are cultivated on purpose—but not to impress."
He gestured to the glowing fungi:
"They're called Watcher Shrooms. They can detect the general state of whoever passes by and transmit that info through their mycelial network. The Alley's gatekeepers use them to screen visitors. If you're a law enforcer or carry hostile intent, the network will raise an alarm almost immediately."
"So... they're basically fungal snitches?"
"Yup. The moment you lie, they spore on you."
"..."
[Author's Note - Trust no shroom. Especially the ones that gossip through mycelial Wi-Fi.]