CHAPTER 48: CHAPTER 48 SALTWATER SWAMP

However, after taking this tour.

Aiven now has a certain understanding of the general prices at the Crow Market and won’t be completely in the dark, getting ripped off without knowing it.

One point to particularly note is that the universal currency used for transactions in the Crow Market is the same as outside, which is also using the Golden Lion and Silver Bull. Because high-purity gold, silver, and other precious metals are inherently rare spellcasting materials, and also useful for the Extraordinary.

"Fortunately, I still have some Golden Lions."

Buying the Extraordinary Trait of the Blue Flag Demon Shark didn’t require Aiven to spend money himself. Now he still has gold bills with a total denomination exceeding three thousand Golden Lions, which is already a fortune that can ensure ordinary people live a well-off life if not spent wastefully.

However, Aiven was somewhat disappointed that the level of goods sold here seemed not to be very high, and most of the Extraordinaries at the market were fairly ordinary in strength.

When Aiven activated his Spiritual Power attribute, the Data Visualization also updated. Although he couldn’t tell the strength of others’ Spiritual Power at a glance, he could make a rough judgment based on his own senses.

Among them, Tier 1 Extraordinary of apprentice level accounted for ninety-nine percent, and there were very few of the Knight Profession like himself. Most were on a magic system professional path that had already undergone spiritual activation.

But to someone like Aiven, who was already an Official Knight, most of these people were weaklings.

As apprentices in the Wizard profession, they could cast spells or hold rituals using potions or pre-prepared witchcraft tools, known for their uncanny unpredictability.

But in cases of unexpected combat, their straightforward attack power might not even be as high as an ordinary sailor holding a firearm.

This is also the awkwardness of magic system professions at the apprentice level. Ninety-nine percent of those unfortunate enough to be caught and executed by the Church were at this level.

If Aiven hadn’t pursued a dual path, this would also be the problem he would face.

Having scanned the stalls once, Aiven turned his gaze to the obvious shop-like areas around the Crow Market.

Just like how businesses with long-term fixed assets outside seemed more reliable than roadside stalls, his intuition told him there should be more high-end items there.

But when Aiven casually walked into the first shop, the scene inside left him slightly taken aback.

This shop turned out to be a divination hut.

And the "Zorro" he hadn’t seen since entering the Crow Market was now sitting grandly behind a table with a Crystal Ball, acting as the Divination Master.

With a red curtain adorned with gold tassels drawn in front and the incense smoke curling up like clouds, forming a mysterious and enigmatic atmosphere even within the Wizard Community, it inevitably caused one to hold their breath.

Moreover, "Zorro’s" attire had changed again, his face completely covered by a silver mask inlaid with a White Crystal, draped in a white robe, and adorned with various ornaments, exuding a very androgynous style.

In the deliberately created mystery, strangers couldn’t even discern his gender or age.

"’Zorro’ is actually a Divination Master?!"

This discovery was somewhat beyond Aiven’s expectations, but it also explained how he knew about the Leon’s Diary hidden on the supply ship without the Quartermaster’s knowledge.

Moreover, whether in the previous life’s fantasy works or this life’s understanding of the Extraordinary World, the prophetic school’s Divination Masters are not known for their combat prowess.

No wonder he hadn’t seen him use any witchcraft methods during the battle that night.

"Hello, customer! Would you like a divination?" A voice emerged that was so androgynous it was hard to distinguish gender; whether it was Aiven’s illusion, he always felt a strong sense of anticipation in the words.

"As long as it doesn’t exceed Level 1 specificity, whether an object or a person, my Divination Art is quite accurate, you know." Seeing Aiven’s hesitation, "Zorro" added another sentence.

"Alright then, you might as well help me take a look." Aiven did have something he needed reliable information on, and considering the "acquaintanceship," Aiven didn’t mind giving "Zorro" a chance.

The Crow Market truly deserves its name as the gathering place of the magic system professions. Just in previous rounds collecting herbs, Aiven had already gathered ingredients for the "Bird Language Potion," which can enhance a Knight’s digestive and absorption abilities, except for one material.

But this last material, the saltwater crocodile scale, couldn’t be found at the market. Maybe he could find the answer here with "Zorro," and even if something went wrong, it wouldn’t be a big deal; he could just look elsewhere.

According to "Zorro’s" instruction, Aiven sat opposite him.

"You don’t need to tell me what you need.

Just look at my Crystal Ball, then visualize your question; the more detailed and profound, the better the effect.

Afterward, I will tell you the answer."

With "Zorro’s" calm tone, Aiven stared at the Crystal Ball resting on a piece of oak heartwood on his table, trying hard to visualize the shape, texture, and function of the saltwater crocodile scale.

"Alright. Five kilometers to the northeast, you can find what you want."

Quickly, Aiven was awakened by "Zorro’s" voice, snapping out of a meditative-like state.

Just now, Aiven actually felt his Spiritual Sense had intertwined with this Crystal Ball for a moment, even causing a brief lapse in focus; luckily, "Zorro" had no malicious intent, or the consequences could have been dire.

Slight cold sweat emerged from his back.

Hurriedly paying the Divination Fee, the still shaken Aiven didn’t talk much with "Zorro" but turned and quickly left the divination shop.

Walking outside in the market, Aiven suddenly remembered he hadn’t had the chance to ask "Zorro" whether he could divine the whereabouts of his sister Anita due to the panic.

However, knowing there was such an extraordinary guy among people he knew, Aiven believed it wouldn’t be hard to find him next time.

"Strange, why does this person feel a bit familiar?" Watching Aiven’s back, "Zorro" also felt a mysterious sense of familiarity towards him.

But just as he said himself, his current Divination Ability cannot affect objects or individuals with strength exceeding Level 1, and besides being a Wizard Apprentice, Aiven is indeed a Level 2 Extraordinary Knight.

...

Early the next morning, Aiven prepared the map, dry rations, and necessary gear, then set out for the destination foretold by "Zorro’s" divination.

The "Whale Potion" can greatly accelerate Aiven’s speed of extraordinary transformation. Originally, he didn’t want to reveal himself, which is why he hadn’t started collecting materials. Now, by a stroke of fate, he’s just a step away from his goal, and Aiven doesn’t want to waste any more time.

So, after learning the location of the last material, he couldn’t wait to set off directly.

The map shows that five kilometers to the northeast is a swamp not far north of the harbor.

Because of the low terrain frequently causing seawater backlogging, along with various creatures inhabiting it, the sea has turned into a complex saltwater swamp over the years.

The swamp houses various swamp creatures, like water birds, leeches, venomous insects, water snakes, fish, and of course, the saltwater crocodile that Aiven needs.

Aiven isn’t sure if "Zorro" knew about this.

But to arrive at such a conclusion without being explicitly told by him about his needs already proves that compared to those "masters" of the previous world, Zorro sure has some skills.

Although this area already belongs to undeveloped wilderness, fortunately, the map bought from Crow Market indicates the dangers here aren’t great, easily manageable for an Official Knight.

"Splash——"

Aiven was very glad he had prepared a pair of high leather boots to avoid close contact with the foul-smelling mud or dirty water that probably harbors countless bacteria and parasites.

The terrain of the swamp is really indescribable. Places that look like ground could just be mud, while seemingly watery spots can be firm. Even with the aid of spiritual power enhancing his senses, Aiven fell victim several times.

Not to mention the well-camouflaged pythons, annoying flying insects, and poisonous thorns—dangers lurk everywhere in this swamp.

"They can hide way too well!"

After nearly two hours of traversing the saltwater swamp, the continuous patches of land had disappeared, leaving only low island clusters amidst waves and dense water plants.

Here, Aiven finally found traces of saltwater crocodiles on a muddy ground.

With initial clues in hand, the rest was straightforward.

With the aid of data visualization, Aiven’s tracking ability was no less than any experienced hunter. It was just a matter of time before finding these creatures.

After searching for more than ten minutes.

Soon, Aiven discovered several sunbathing saltwater crocodiles on a sandy area protruding above the water. Moreover, they embodied the extraordinary world’s animal tradition of being exceptionally large!

Looking at their log-sized bodies, thick scale armor, and teeth longer than daggers, Aiven didn’t think engaging in a bare fight with these giants while in his transformation phase was a great idea.

Fortunately, the difference between humans and animals is the ability to use wisdom and tools.

Aiven took a plump water bird hunted on the way, hid a hook with four barbs inside its belly, tied securely with a strong rope, then tossed it to the group of crocodiles from afar.

Splash——

Water splashed everywhere as the free meal spurred a frenzy among them.

Unfortunately, during the scramble, the water bird was torn apart, and the hook dropped out.

The first attempt ended in failure.

Having anticipated such an outcome, Aiven hunted another water bird, repeated the trick, and threw it directly at a lone crocodile’s mouth. The greedy giant didn’t hesitate and bit down.

Crunch!

What’s the sheer force of a crocodile’s bite? It pierced through both its jaws.

Even Aiven couldn’t help but shrink his neck: "That must’ve hurt!"

"Ow——"

"Roar——"

It’s a sight to create heartache and tears for those who witness and hear it. The intense pain made it struggle and roll, sending sand, dead branches, twigs, and stones flying under the powerful force of its limbs and tail.

Then Hunter Aiven took a step back as Fisherman Aiven took the stage.

He relentlessly controlled the rope, neither loosening too much to let it out of sight nor tightening too much to give the crocodile a chance to break the rope.

It’s a contest of endurance.

Finally...

After half an hour of stand-off, with the crocodile doing a "death roll" due to intense pain, the giant finally floated motionless in the water.

Heave——

Aiven used force to drag it ashore, took out a sharp dagger, and meticulously collected enough scales from his prey.

Only then did Aiven breathe a sigh of relief, realizing that even though he had surpassed human limits with rapidly elevating attributes, contending with such a massive opponent for this long was indeed strenuous.

Yet ultimately, he emerged victorious.