Chapter 22: The Slithering Dark Mire

As soon as he stepped out of the pharmacy, Gao De’s face darkened with worry.

He knew his time was limited, but he hadn’t expected it to be this urgent.

The last day of the month.

Today is the thirteenth day of Awakening Month.

Gao De silently calculated his remaining time.

This world’s year also has twelve months, named in order: Frostbound Month, Awakening Month, Spring Sprout Month, Greenleaf Month, Flowerflame Month, Sunlight Month, Harvest Month, Darknight Month, Frostgold Month, Mistfrost Month, Icebound Month, Winter Solstice Month.

There is no distinction between odd and even months—all are uniformly thirty days.

The day he awoke was the second day of Awakening Month.

Today is the thirteenth day of Awakening Month.

Only seventeen days remain until month’s end!

…

After confirming the details at Feiermoyaodian and accurately calculating his remaining time, Gao De arrived at Pierre’s General Store, burdened with thoughts.

This visit was naturally not for shopping.

In fact, since his last purchase of a spell formula, his savings had dwindled to nothing—he could no longer afford any expenditure.

“You’re saying you can repair damaged magical items?” Pierre stared at Gao De in disbelief, as if he’d misheard.

Gao De nodded firmly. “Repairing some low-tier magical items shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Aren’t you an alchemist?” Pierre frowned. “Are you also an alchemist?”

Alchemist, rune-crafter, enchantment repairer—the three secondary professions of the mage world.

Gao De shook his head. “I’m no alchemist—just an enchantment repairer.”

Alchemists can craft all kinds of magical items, including repairing them.

Enchantment repairers, however, specialize only in fixing damaged magical gear or tools; their trade leans toward craftsmanship, and their skill level is far below that of alchemists.

Still, upon hearing this, Pierre’s expression turned solemn with respect—whether genuine or merely put on for Gao De’s sake, it was impossible to tell.

“In a place like this, to meet a young mage’s apprentice who studies both alchemy and enchantment—remarkable indeed.”

“I’ve only grasped the barest basics—don’t flatter me so, sir,” Gao De replied humbly.

“Good. I happen to have a damaged Divine Guidance Ring—it’s been broken for years.”

“No one in this small town has been able to fix it, but since it’s a 0-rank magical item, traveling all the way to Bremen just to repair it isn’t worth it. Try your hand at it.” Pierre rummaged beneath the counter and pulled out a dull gray iron ring.

In a small town like Hogen, mage apprentices studying alchemy could still be found.

Because alchemical goods had a broad market everywhere.

Where there’s demand, there’s a market.

But enchantment repairers? Not a single one—small towns rarely had even a few magical items, let alone broken ones.

Those with this skill either starved or moved to big cities.

Just like doctors in the countryside could still make a living, but car mechanics there would mostly starve.

“If you can repair this ring, I’ll pay you thirty silver for the labor.” Pierre made an “OK” gesture, indicating thirty silver.

One gold equals twenty silver—thirty silver is one and a half gold.

A 0-rank magical item typically sells for twelve to fifteen gold; one and a half gold for repair is equivalent to ten percent of the item’s value—this is already a fair price.

Ever since his first sale of a Basic Spider Venom Potion to Pierre, Gao De had realized this shopkeeper was trustworthy.

And indeed, Pierre was genuinely fair-minded.

“Deal. I’ll bring it back repaired tomorrow.” Gao De took the ring from Pierre.

The iron band was neither too wide nor too narrow, its surface polished smooth as silk, ensuring wearer comfort; on the outer surface were engraved mysterious rune patterns.

These rune patterns were the source of the ring’s magical power.

But a crack marred the band, severing the runes and nullifying the ring’s magic.

Pierre nodded, visibly at ease, and waved dismissively. “No rush—bring it when you’re ready.”

It wasn’t that he’d instantly trusted Gao De after a few brief encounters; it was simply that a broken 0-rank magical item held little value.

Unlike high-rank magical items, which require precious materials to contain powerful spells, cantrips only need ordinary iron.

So stripped of its magical function, this Divine Guidance Ring was merely an iron ring.

After stowing the ring, Gao De paused, then asked: “Is there anywhere in town where I can buy live geopulse creatures?”

“Live geopulse creatures?” Pierre frowned, didn’t ask why, thought for a moment, then replied: “You might find some in big cities like Bremen—but not here in Hogen.”

“Capturing live geopulse creatures demands far more manpower and resources than hunting them, and there’s no market for them in a place like Hogen—you understand.”

Gao De nodded silently—he understood, just as in his past life, only big cities had pet shops and zoos.

Suddenly, a rhythmic, forceful marching sound came from the street outside the alley, drawing nearer and cutting off their conversation.

Gao De and Pierre turned to look.

A squad of city guards in uniform passed along the main road.

Two of them broke from the formation as they passed Pierre’s General Store, entering the alley toward the two men.

The two guards wore dark blue long-sleeved, waist-tightened coats with shoulder insignia denoting rank.

On their chests were sewn the Hogen City emblem, lending them an imposing air.

They stopped at the shop entrance, noticed Pierre’s attention, and bowed slightly. One stepped forward and announced in a tone both stern and courteous: “Mr. Pierre, I deliver an urgent notice on behalf of the City Constable.”

His voice was not loud, even somewhat low, yet crystal-clear, radiating undeniable urgency.

Pierre’s eyes flickered with surprise, but he quickly adjusted his expression to show respect.

Gao De also fixed his gaze on the guards, awaiting the news.

“The number of Geopulse Slitherers in the city sewers has surged recently and become unusually active. In a few days, the annual Trade Day arrives. To ensure its smooth operation, the Constable orders all merchants to clean the sewer sections beneath their shops.”

The guard’s words were brief and forceful.

Pierre’s face darkened slightly—he clearly found this news troublesome.

But he quickly composed himself, nodded to the guards, and thanked them: “Understood. I’ll complete the sewer cleanup before Trade Day.”

The two guards turned and left, rejoining their unit.

“What’s Trade Day? And what are Geopulse Slitherers?” While Pierre was troubled, Gao De was more curious.

“You’re from Hogen and you don’t know Trade Day?” Pierre stared at Gao De in astonishment.

“I rarely go out—I’ve never attended Trade Day,” Gao De replied calmly, knowing this was another gap from incomplete memory inheritance, and offered a casual excuse.

Though surprised, Pierre didn’t press further and casually explained Trade Day to Gao De.

Every year, around mid-Awakening Month, Hogen City holds its busiest Trade Day.

On that day, the City Council opens the town square to all citizens for a market where anyone can buy and sell goods—including used and old items.

Sellers aren’t just merchants; ordinary citizens participate too.

Goods range wildly: handmade crafts, old clothes, furniture, personal belongings no longer needed, even mysterious relics of unknown origin.

With enough luck and sharp eyes, one might find valuable treasures at rock-bottom prices.

In Gao De’s understanding, it was a flea market.

But in this world, no such term existed.

“As for Geopulse Slitherers…” At the mention, Pierre grimaced.

“They’re worms that live in dark, damp marshes—including city sewers.”

“They’re not dangerous themselves, but they constantly secrete an extremely sticky slime.”

“If left unchecked, their slime will clog the sewers, disrupting wastewater drainage and filling the city with stench.”

“So the City Council periodically organizes teams to clear Geopulse Slitherers from the sewers.”

“When outbreaks occur and the Council lacks manpower, they require merchants to clean the sewer sections beneath their own shops.”

“Is this task hard to complete?” Gao De asked.

“These worms aren’t dangerous, but as geopulse creatures, they have camouflage abilities—they hide well and live in sewers, making them hard to find and remove.”

“Wait,” Gao De’s eyes slowly brightened. “You’re saying these worms are geopulse creatures?!”

(End of Chapter)