Chapter 79: Chapter 20: Top-level Task_2
"Isn’t it obvious? The young miss grew up under my care; ever since she was born, the head entrusted this task to me. I couldn’t believe it myself at that time, after all, we’re hardly anyone of significance within the Court of Justice! You should get moving; time is of the essence."
One shadow among the two vanished in a quick action, while the other silently followed behind Ah Dai and Xuan Yue.
Strolling along, Xuan Yue said excitedly, "Ah Dai, imagine if we complete this task, our mercenary level might skyrocket! We might even become Special Class Mercenaries - sounds fun, doesn’t it? Teehee." It seemed she had already forgotten about the conflict with Ah Dai in the morning, her mind filled with anticipation for the adventure.
They had already retrieved the Tian Gang Sword from the Mage Guild. Ah Dai had no objection to Xuan Yue accepting this task; the only term imprinted deep in his mind was ’Top-Grade Crystal’. "Miss, I have a question," he voiced.
In a great mood, Xuan Yue said, "Go ahead, ask."
Ah Dai inquired, "Miss, do you know what a Top-Grade Crystal looks like? How can we find it if we don’t even know what our target looks like?"
Xuan Yue gave a mysterious smile, leaned in close to Ah Dai’s side, glanced around cautiously, then whispered, "Never thought you’d start questioning things! Of course, I know what it looks like, or else I wouldn’t have taken on this task."
In surprise, Ah Dai asked, "You know?"
Gloating, Xuan Yue said, "Certainly! Don’t forget, my father is the Red Bishop of the Church; there’s nothing I haven’t seen. Look." She extended her magic wand in front of Ah Dai, pointing to the transparent gem inlaid on it, whispering, "This is a Top-Grade Magic Crystal."
Ah Dai had never paid mind to Xuan Yue’s magic wand. Now that she mentioned it, he couldn’t help but take a closer look. The barely foot-long wand, from surface-level observation, seemed nothing special. Its white body gleamed with a polished shine, quietly transmitting a sacred aura. Coalesced at the sharp conical tip, the top of the wand was crowned with wings of similar material. Lightly curved, the wings formed two arcs that closely resembled angel wings. In the middle of those wings, the topmost point of the wand, housed a transparent gem roughly the size of an egg. The gem seemed to contain a liquid that under sunlight, reflected weak rays of light. Pointing to the central gem, Ah Dai asked, "You’re saying, this is the Top-Grade Magic Crystal?"
Xuan Yue nodded, "Indeed! That’s what my father informed me. He wouldn’t lie; don’t you believe that?"
Ah Dai closely inspected the transparent gem at the center of the magic wand, but found nothing peculiar. Xuan Yue explained, "The Top-Grade Magic Crystal gives off a unique energy fluctuation. I will undoubtedly recognize it upon sight. They said we didn’t have a warrior among us, little did they know, you are one! Teehee, let’s hurry; we first need to arrange some food, then set off."
Ah Dai accompanied Xuan Yue to the steamed bun shop owned by the portly boss. Glancing at Ah Dai, she said, "You love steamed buns, don’t you? Let’s gather enough for the road." Saying this, she made her way towards the shop. Ah Dai paused, a subtle ripple of feeling passing through his heart. He didn’t say anything and simply followed.
As soon as he saw Ah Dai, and Xuan Yue, the portly boss exclaimed excitedly, "Ah Dai, you’re here! I was just thinking about returning the extra money you gave me. What you gave me yesterday was too much; those buns aren’t even worth a single Gold Coin!"
Ah Dai raised his cloak and, with a foolhardy grin, said, "Uncle, please keep it; it was only right of me to give you that."
Xuan Yue leaned closer and asked, "Boss, how much are the buns?"
The portly boss replied, "Two for one copper coin, miss. You’re with Ah Dai, you can take as many as you like. The money Ah Dai gave me yesterday is more than enough."
Xuan Yue giggled, "I am going to need a lot! You know, he can eat quite a bit."
The portly boss chuckled and replied, "Take as many as you’d like. Eat to your heart’s content."
Xuan Yue glanced at Ah Dai. After seeing the portly boss, Ah Dai had returned to his usual daft demeanor. So, he is still angry with her! How petty. His icy cold demeanor was quite uncomfortable. To ensure his continued loyalty, briberies would be necessary.
Contemplating this, Xuan Yue held out a finger towards the portly boss and said, "I want a thousand steamed buns."
Ah Dai and the boss simultaneously turned to Xuan Yue in surprise. The boss, taken aback, almost tripped. He exclaimed, "What? A thousand steamed buns?"
Xuan Yue giggled at their shocked faces, "Yes, a thousand! And I want them by tonight. This way, even if he eats ten a day, he’ll have enough to last more than three months."
The portly boss, still shocked, stammered, "Bu.. but... a thousand, a thousand steamed buns... How will you carry them all?"
Xuan Yue replied mysteriously, "Well, that’s none of your concern. Just have the one thousand steamed buns ready for us. I’ll handle the payment. Ah Dai, let’s go; we still need to procure other items." With those words, she tossed a purple crystal coin to the boss and pulled Ah Dai away by his sleeve.
Ah Dai was also curious; one thousand steamed buns would weigh at least two or three hundred pounds. Although he was not concerned with the weight, carrying a large bag of steamed buns on an adventure seemed ludicrous. But he did not ask; he knew that even if he did, Xuan Yue might not answer him. As long as the buns were prepared, all would be revealed.
