Sand Mage of the Burnt Desert Chapter 605

Brielle, who had been scrutinizing the drug’s composition with her skill for some time, knit her brows.

“This isn’t derived from the brain of a Rainbow Beetle?”

The vast majority of drugs are fabricated using the brain of a Rainbow Beetle as the primary substance.

While minor variations in composition occur based on additional ingredients, the core material remains almost invariably the same.

Typically, the brain from a single Rainbow Beetle is sufficient to produce enough drugs for a thousand individuals.

In essence, crafting drugs from just one Rainbow Beetle can yield immense profits.

No byproduct from any other monster can rival this level of efficiency.

This remarkable productivity was the fundamental reason behind the Rainbow Beetle's status as the principal ingredient in medicinal concoctions.

However, the primary component of the drug extracted from Veron’s body was distinctly not the brain of a Rainbow Beetle.

Regardless of how meticulously she examined it, not a single trace of Rainbow Beetle could be detected.

Furthermore, none of the materials familiar to Brielle were present.

Every constituent was something she had never encountered before.

“Someone has pioneered a new formulation.”

The creation of drugs necessitates extraordinarily precise craftsmanship and unwavering concentration.

Even for an alchemist as skilled as Brielle, simply concocting it in one attempt using a single application of her skill was not feasible.

It demanded the amalgamation of countless materials and extensive research to successfully develop a viable drug.

This laborious undertaking required a significant investment of time.

A novel type of drug could never be brought into existence through the solitary efforts of one individual.

Brielle focused her mind intently and proceeded to analyze the drug's components, one by one.

Drip!

Heavy beads of perspiration continuously trickled down her forehead.

The amount of drug extracted from Veron was rather limited.

Should she falter, there would be no subsequent opportunity to perform the analysis.

She absolutely had to identify all the components in a single, decisive attempt.

With her concentration reaching its zenith, Brielle activated her skill.

In that very moment, sharp throbs pulsed at her temples as a deluge of information flooded her consciousness.

The majority of this information pertained to materials Brielle already recognized. Yet, the most critical ingredient was indeed different.

‘The scent gland of a Spike Mole?’

A frown creased Brielle’s brow.

The Spike Mole was a creature that inhabited the deep strata beneath the sand, similar in its subterranean dwelling to a Sandworm.

It was roughly the size of a human, but its habitat hundreds of meters below the surface meant that most individuals were entirely unaware of its existence.

Even Brielle had only ever heard its name mentioned, never having actually laid eyes on one.

Consequently, she possessed no knowledge regarding its physiology or any of its byproducts.

A scent gland, as its appellation implies, is an organ tasked with storing fragrances.

It appeared that the Spike Mole possessed an internal organ specifically for the retention of its scent.

“So, an individual has extracted the scent gland of a Spike Mole and utilized it to formulate a drug.”

Having consolidated her thoughts, Brielle promptly made her way to Levin’s Solver Office.

The Solver Office buzzed with activity, akin to a bustling marketplace.

“Still no intelligence regarding the youngsters handling the demon beast hunting expeditions?”

“Dispatch additional personnel. They claim they are safeguarding other sectors? Are you still peddling that preposterous excuse? Disregard it. No, formally request collaboration from those scoundrels as well. If they refuse to assist or interfere, inform them we shall annihilate their entire organization.”

“Risk your lives and hold onto this: our people have vanished.”

The vociferous shouts of the young individuals were so pronounced they could be heard well beyond the confines of the building.

Upon Brielle’s entrance, she observed Levin intently studying a map of the slums, his expression grim.

“Have you uncovered any leads?”

Levin responded with a shake of his head.

“Not yet… It is proving exceedingly difficult to track those who were hunting Rainbow Beetles.”

“It wasn’t a Rainbow Beetle.”

“Then what was it?”

“The primary component was the scent gland of a monster designated as a Spike Mole.”

“A Spike Mole? Such a monster exists?”

Levin appeared perplexed.

This was the first instance he had ever encountered the creature's name.

“I analyzed it using my skill. I am certain of it.”

“So, it is a monster we have no prior experience with. This implies it is quite rare.”

“Precisely!”

“A byproduct derived from such a beast would not be found circulating in the general marketplace. We must direct our efforts toward the Goblin Market.”

Levin immediately proceeded to the Goblin Market and encountered Yoo Sehee.

“A Spike Mole? Is there truly a monster of that nature?”

Yoo Sehee tilted her head in questioning.

This was also the first time she had heard of its existence.

She promptly summoned the Black Lion to ascertain whether any Spike Mole carcasses had recently been brought into the Goblin Market.

The Black Lion swiftly confirmed the matter with the merchants and returned.

“They state that no mole-like monster has been brought in.”

“Are you absolutely certain?”

“I verified this with every single merchant.”

The merchants operating within the Goblin Market would never dare to deceive Yoo Sehee.

Any instance of concealment would risk their immediate expulsion from the market.

“Then the source does not originate from the Goblin Market.”

“It is possible it was processed elsewhere and then brought in.”

“Elsewhere…”

Levin lapsed into contemplation for a brief period.

Numerous demon beast hunting teams operated within Neo Seoul.

They were dispersed throughout the vast desert, actively hunting various monsters.

The primary routes for transporting the spoils of these hunts back to Neo Seoul were the Magic Stone Mine and the Steel Fortress.

In the past, hunted beasts were loaded onto vehicles for transport, but with the establishment of the portal, they are now taken to the Steel Fortress or the Mana Stone Mine before being teleported.

This has led to a marked decrease in transportation expenses.

Levin addressed Brielle, saying,

“Let’s make a stop at the Steel Fortress first, and then proceed to the Mana Stone Mine.”

“Got it!”

Brielle readily agreed without any hesitation.

The two then utilized the portal to make their way into the Steel Fortress.

Determining the number of monsters that had entered the Steel Fortress was not a complex task.

Urtian lent his full cooperation.

Regardless of how powerful an Awakened individual or a faction might be in Neo Seoul, they were compelled to adhere to Urtian’s directives once inside the Steel Fortress.

A single command from Urtian could result in the forfeiture of their base there, ensuring their willing compliance.

Lists detailing the monsters they had captured thus far were presented. However, a Spike Mole was conspicuously absent from every submitted list.

Now, only the Mana Stone Mine remained as a potential location.

Without delay, the pair utilized the portal, heading directly to the Mana Stone Mine.

The portal had been installed at a recently developed open-pit Mana Stone Mine.

What was once a desolate barren landscape had been transformed into a formidable fortress.

Imposing walls completely enclosed the open-pit mine, and within its confines, a multitude of workers were actively extracting mana stones.

The Mana Stone Mine served as a central hub of operations.

Not only mana stones but also monsters hunted in the vicinity were processed here before being transported to Neo Seoul.

Consequently, monster hunting teams were stationed at this location.

Following the installation of the portal, there had been a notable increase in the number of hunting teams deployed.

The challenge, however, was that, unlike the Steel Fortress, the command structure here was not unified.

To obtain any information, they would need to conduct their investigations personally.

Levin and Brielle immediately set out to accomplish this.

＊＊＊

Zeon was seated at Klexi’s shop, leisurely sipping his tea.

“You certainly have a lot of free time. The children are going to such lengths to find the culprit—don’t you feel any sympathy for them?”

“Not in the slightest.”

“Tch! Such a cold-hearted individual.”

Klexi clicked his tongue in response to Zeon’s resolute answer.

Despite Klexi’s evident displeasure, Zeon calmly continued to savor his tea.

After fixing Zeon with a prolonged stare, Klexi’s attention was drawn to the teacup in Zeon’s hand.

The delightful fragrance emanating from it captured his interest.

The tea Zeon was drinking was not something Klexi had provided.

All Klexi had offered was a vessel of hot water and a teacup; the contents were Zeon’s own.

“Where did you acquire that?”

“Why do you ask?”

“It possesses such an exquisite aroma.”

“Does it?”

“It doesn’t smell artificial… It doesn’t seem like something produced in Neo Seoul…”

“Would you care for a cup?”

“Why even ask? Just hand it over.”

“Very well.”

Zeon offered a smile and proceeded to prepare another cup of tea for Klexi, using the leaves he had brought.

The tea Zeon possessed had been brewed from leaves gifted to him in the World Tree Village.

It was a special token from the High Elves.

“Whoa! What is this?”

Klexi’s eyes widened considerably after taking a sip.

With a single taste, his mouth felt revitalized, and his mind became remarkably clear.

It was an almost spiritual sensation, as if his very soul was undergoing purification.

He had consumed countless teas and coffees throughout his life, yet this was the first time he had encountered a flavor of such unparalleled quality.

“Is it… good?”

“Good? Are you jesting? Where did you obtain this? You must introduce me to the source.”

Appearing almost intoxicated with delight, Klexi spoke with palpable excitement.

In his advanced age, his appetite and desire for material possessions had waned.

If he had one indulgence remaining, it was the appreciation of fine tea.

To an individual like him, the tea Zeon offered was akin to a taste of paradise.

“I apologize. The location of its origin cannot be disclosed at this time.”

“Ugh! So, I won’t be able to enjoy this again?”

Zeon produced a small pouch containing tea leaves, which he had carefully stored in his subspace.

“I had a feeling you might say that, so I brought this along for you. It’s not a substantial amount.”

“Heh! Just as I expected, you are the only one who remembers me.”

“I shall bring more on my next visit.”

“My sincere thanks.”

“Then, I must be on my way now.”

“Are you heading home?”

“No, I have another place I need to visit.”

“Understood. Travel safely.”

“Yes, I will return.”

Zeon departed from Klexi’s shop with a light step.

It felt as though he had, even in a small way, reciprocated the kindness of Klexi, who consistently prepared food for him whenever he embarked on an expedition.

His next destination was Neo Seoul.

“What brings you to our establishment, Mr. Zeon?”

The individual who greeted him was Mandy, a supervisor within Neo Seoul.

“I was merely passing through.”

“Is that so?”

“Yet, you appear to be quite occupied.”

Zeon’s gaze swept across the room.

Mandy’s office was overflowing with stacks of documents.

“It is currently audit season, which leaves me rather swamped.”

“Do supervisors also handle such tasks?”

“As a supervisor, I am expected to assist. When there is a shortage of personnel, I frequently step in.”

“I comprehend.”

Zeon offered a nod.

Mandy was an elf possessing a dual nature. Her alternate persona, Eloi, was known for her aggressive and impetuous behavior, whereas Mandy herself maintained a calm and rational demeanor. She was exceptionally well-suited for the demands of audit work.

“Have you had the opportunity to visit the Steel Fortress yet?”

“Not yet,” Mandy replied, her expression tinged with dejection.

She had been too consumed by her administrative duties within the city hall to make the journey.

“In that case, I presume you are unaware of the Primordial Forest as well?”

“There is such a place?”

Mandy’s eyes widened in surprise.

The Primordial Forest had not yet been opened to the general public. Access was restricted, with only a select few granted entry via the portal.

A handful of individuals, including Jin Geumho, Seo Taeran, and a few elves were the extent of those present. Naturally, Mandy was not among them.

“It’s a forest where Dark Elves and humans coexist,” Zeon stated.

“A genuine forest actually exists?” Mandy inquired, surprised.

“Indeed. A child named Haru was instrumental in its revival, and it has since flourished. We should visit together when the opportunity arises.”

“Would that truly be acceptable? I mean, it’s not that I have any objection,” Mandy responded.

As a half-elf, the prospect of entering a forest was naturally appealing to Mandy.

Zeon offered a smile. “Of course.”

Currently, their endeavors were significantly aided by the city hall, a fact made possible by Jin Geumho and Seo Taeran. However, prior to that assistance, Mandy had provided them with invaluable help.

Many matters had been successfully resolved thanks to her contributions.

“And this… Zeon presented Mandy with a pouch of tea leaves.

“What is this?” Mandy asked, curious.

“Tea leaves harvested by the elves of the Primordial Forest,” Zeon explained.

“Truly?” Mandy’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Yes.”

Just as the High Elves of the World Tree Village had offered gifts, the Dark Elves of the Primordial Forest also wished to present Zeon with something.

The very tea leaves he was now giving to Mandy were a token from them.

“Thank you. For such a precious item…” Mandy’s eyes began to mist over.

These were not conventionally produced tea leaves; they were directly harvested by elves. To elves, such items were considered treasures of immeasurable worth.

“I shall treasure it. I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”

“I’m not giving it with any expectation of repayment. I must take my leave now,” Zeon replied.

“Already?” Mandy sounded disappointed.

“Yes. Well then…” Zeon bid farewell.

As Zeon turned to depart from Mandy’s office, his gaze landed upon a document resting on the desk.

The words inscribed on it immediately seized his attention.

—An attempt to smuggle monster byproducts via the portal has been discovered. High-ranking City Hall officials are suspected of involvement. An audit is deemed necessary.

“What is this?” Zeon questioned, his brow furrowed in confusion.