Looking down from their vantage point, they beheld a smooth stone-paved road adorned with lush flower beds.
The street was rather sparse, exuding a certain solitude.
Flanking the road were modern-like lampposts, each topped with luminous stones.
If it weren't for the diverse array of beings traversing the street in the absence of plastic advertisements, Fong Ha might have believed that Ruer had transported him back to Earth.
"Welcome to the Tanya Merchant Allianc's outpost number 032.
" Ruer observed as the two regarded their surroundings with curiosity, he continued, "My lords, the Tanya Merchant Alliance conducts its business only in the morning.
Once the formalities are completed, you may explore this place at your leisure and even consider staying overnight.
Indeed, let us prioritize our official matters first, Fonga replied.
Ruer nodded and led the two towards the central edifice ahead.
Chapter 146.
The love of 20 coins, the unusual combination of humans, beastmen, and undead did not attract the attention of others.
One might say that such peculiar pairings were not uncommon in this place.
A fairy with dragonfly wings was kissing a burly beast man in a nearby alley.
Their passionate display rekindled the belief that love transcends race and physique.
20 battle coins.
What? Fungha withdrew his gaze turning towards Rer.
Ruer glanced at the couple in the shadowy alley and remarked you can find such women in taverns or ins.
20 to 100 battle coins can fulfill all your desires.
Be it elves, fairies, or even female trolls, those in good shape could even provide companionship for the night.
Goodness.
Fonggho cast another look at the couple in the alley.
Realizing that this was not love, it was a transaction.
Are these people residents here? He continued to inquire.
Residents? No.
Settling here is not so simple.
Most of those lingering are here for business just like us.
Ruer explained, "The Merchant Alliance's outpost is a neutral zone constructed as a concealed area across the continent.
To reach here, one must use a teleportation array or scroll.
Those who come are members of the Merchant Alliance, typically staying for a day or two.
As they conversed, they continued walking, traversing layers of streets until they arrived at the city center.
Before them stood a stone fortress built of gray white stone, flanked by two fully armed soldiers.
When a beast man with dark red skin and horns reminiscent of legendary demonic warriors, after a brief inquiry and inspection, the guards did not impede their passage, allowing the trio to enter the fortress.
The corridor, crafted from white marble, gleamed with a pristine luster, adorned with various portraits that added an artistic ambiencece to the long passage.
Upon entering the hall, they found it bustling with a diverse array of peculiar races, each clustered in groups.
engaging in conversation and attending to their affairs in an orderly manner.
Following behind Ruer, Fong Ho felt as though he were at a bank conducting business.
At that moment, Fong Hao sensed someone watching him.
Turning to the side, he noticed a human also gazing in his direction.
Their eyes met, both noting the Lord s book at each other's waist.
Upon confirming they were both from Earth, the man approached Fong Ha.
The man was tall and slender with a sun-kissed skin dressed in athletic attire.
"Hey, from Earth," he inquired, still seeking confirmation despite seeing the Lord Book.
"Indeed," Fonghao nodded.
"How remarkable! The first time I meet a fellow countryman is right here," the man continued.
Fonghao shared in the astonishment, having always believed that his progress outpaced that of other lords.
He thought he was the first to engage with the Eye of Heaven Merchant Alliance, only to discover that someone else had advanced even more rapidly, already establishing connections with the Alliance.
Funo scrutinized him closely, secretly speculating whether his status as the top contender in this region was merely a FA.
Alas, brother, is this the formidable ally you've attached yourself to? Even the skeletal remains dared to approach you.
You are indeed far more impressive than I.
The other party suddenly leaned in, lowering his voice.
What do you mean by attaching to an ally? Funhao was momentarily taken back.
It's nothing to be ashamed of.
I've accompanied them as well.
In this world, seeking a strong backing is not disgraceful.
Not everyone is like Fong Ho.
Free from worries about food and clothing.
The man continued.
It was then that Fong Ho comprehended the man s insinuation.
He believed that Fongghao had relied on the undead behind him to arrive here.
Did you come here with the trolls? They are notoriously savage and known for devouring humans.
Aren't you afraid? Fong Hao remarked, casting a glance towards the direction from which the man had come.
A few towering trolls with gaping jaws and menacing fangs stood there clad in armor and weapons, obediently queuing in line, appearing far less ferocious than the ogres.
Brother, don't jest.
Your undead companions seem far more formidable than the trolls.
How did you forge such a connection with them? It appears your relationship is rather amicable.
The man persisted.
In his view, the undead were far less approachable than the trolls who at least belong to a living species with many similarities to humans.
The undead, on the other hand, posed significant challenges in establishing rapport.
No, I am not reliant on any faction.
I have developed my own strength, Fonggha replied.
Speaking of reliance, several nearby orc factions had already been eradicated or transformed into subordinate villages by him.
Conversely, the man before him was in a rather precarious situation.
His plight mirrored that of Hong, serving as free labor for the tribe he was affiliated with in exchange for protection.
In circumstances of unequal power, such arrangements are tenuous.
Should any issues arise, one might be abandoned or even killed by the very faction they relied upon.
Upon hearing Fong how s continued denial, the man's expression soured.
Despite his candidness, this young man remained obstinately defiant.
If you're not backed by a powerful faction, how could a mere human who had traversed here barely 20 days ago find himself in such a place? Ridiculous.
What is there to boast about? I was hoping you might have some difficulties so I could assist you, but it seems you require no help.
The man scoffed, finding Fongghow rather uninteresting.
With a derisive remark, he turned and rejoined the trolls, engaging in flattery laden conversation with them.
Fongghao felt somewhat exasperated.
He had no intention of ridiculing the man.
Yet, it seemed he had misinterpreted his demeanor.
In due course, the queue finally reached Fong Hao and the others.
The front desk was constructed of marble where a dimminionive goblin sat on a high stool diligently attending to his tasks.
As Odysius also recommended newcomers, the goblin emitted a high-pitched sound upon noticing that the skeletal king Odis had recommended human.
It promptly rose from its high stool, allowing its gaze to traverse the counter and clearly discern Fongo's visage.
You, the undead, are recommending a human, the goblin clerk exclaimed, drawing the attention of everyone in the hall.
No, no.
This individual belongs to our undead faction.
He simply has yet to undergo the transformation ritual.
Are you interjected from a side, the goblins settled back into its chair, indifferent to the matter, as long as the procedure was correct, the distinction between the undead and humans was of little concern to it.
Very well.
What is your name? The goblin inquired of Fong Hao.
Just then, a resounding crash echoed from nearby.
The human male had unexpectedly tumbled from his seat.
Amidst the collective gaze of onlookers, he awkwardly rose to his feet and sheepishly returned to his chair.
The troll, attending to business, kept a close watch on Fong Ho's position, anticipating the moment to expose his affiliation with outsiders, relishing the opportunity to mock him.
However, when he heard the name Fong Hao, his legs weakened and he collapsed to the ground.