Chapter 85: Gold Coin

Robin frowned and asked, "What plan?"

The blacksmith shook his head. "I don't know the details, but the Fallen Angel's wizard has been active lately in the north and the Black Forest, seems to be plotting something big. You'd better be careful and not let them target you."

Robin nodded, his caution heightened. He was about to ask something else when the blacksmith lowered his voice, "Someone's coming, you should leave quickly. Remember, don't trust the Wizard Council; they're not good either."

A chill rose in Robin's heart; he swiftly tucked away the Gold Coin and slipped out through the back door of the Blacksmith Shop.

He had barely stepped out when he saw several figures in black robes entering the Blacksmith Shop.

Their attire and bearing instantly reminded Robin of the Black Wizard.

"As expected, things are more complicated than I imagined…" Robin muttered softly, quickly blending into the crowd and leaving the Blacksmith Shop.

Back at the inn, Robin found Lina standing in the doorway, apparently waiting for him.

"Where did you go?" Lina asked coldly.

Robin feigned nonchalance, "I just went into town for a stroll, bought a few things."

Lina stared at him for a few seconds, as if trying to read his expression, then simply said, "Don't wander around; this place isn't safe."

Robin nodded, but felt uneasy about Lina's vigilance.

That girl has set her sights on me.

After returning to the inn, Robin couldn't calm his mind. The blacksmith's words echoed repeatedly: "Don't trust the Wizard Council; they're not good either."

The sentence further shook his trust in Lina and the Wizard Council.

He realized he was caught in a massive vortex; whether it's the Black Wizard or the Wizard Council, neither seemed a fully reliable ally.

Late at night, when everything was quiet, Robin lay in bed, his mind replaying the recent events.

The Gold Coins, the Shadow Wolf attacks, the blacksmith's warning, and Lina's extreme prejudice against the Black Wizard.

He must quickly uncover the true origin of those Gold Coins and the secrets they conceal.

The reason they came to Tutan Gate was likely the Gold Coins they used to rent a room when they first arrived, which exposed their identity.

Early the next morning, Robin excused himself to buy supplies at the town market and left the inn alone.

His goal was clear—to find more clues about the Gold Coins.

Though Black Stone Town is small, its position on a major thoroughfare makes information flow quickly.

Robin believed that with careful inquiries, he could obtain useful information.

He arrived at the town market, pretending to browse goods while eavesdropping on nearby conversations.

Soon, he heard a few merchants murmuring about the recent situation in the north.

"Did you hear? Several northern territories have been repeatedly attacked by magical beasts, and supposedly even members of the Wizard Council have been dispatched," a merchant whispered.

"Exactly, I heard those beasts are being controlled, possibly with the Black Wizard's influence behind them," another merchant agreed.

Robin felt a spark of interest, moved closer, pretended to be interested in the stalls' wares, but his ears were perked up high.

"The Black Wizard? Haven't they been silent for a long time? How did they suddenly reappear?" the first merchant asked, puzzled.

"Who knows? But lately some strange Gold Coins have shown up on the market, supposedly linked to the Black Wizard. Those coins bear odd symbols that ordinary people can't decipher," the second merchant said mysteriously.

Robin felt a jolt upon hearing that. He was about to keep listening when he suddenly sensed a cold stare fixed on him.

Instinctively, he turned and saw a man in a black robe standing not far away, staring at him coldly.

Robin's heart tightened; he quickly lowered his head, pretending to pick out goods.

He might already be targeted.

The other might share his intentions, coming to the market to try his luck.

He dared not linger, hastily bought a few items, and left the market.

Back at the inn, Robin found Lina and Karl waiting for him in the hall.

"Where did you go?" Lina asked coldly, a hint of suspicion in her tone.

Robin feigned ease, "I went to the market for supplies and also gathered some news about the north."

Lina frowned, "What did you find out?"

Robin hesitated, then decided to reveal part of the info, "I heard the north has been unsettled lately; several small towns were attacked by magical beasts, and supposedly the Black Wizard may be behind it."

Lina's expression turned serious at once, "As expected, the Black Wizard is active again. We must report to the Wizard Council promptly."

Karl nodded, "Right, this mission is complete; we'll set out for Tutamen City at first light tomorrow."

Robin didn't object, but he had his own plan; he needed to uncover the Gold Coins' secret quickly, and staying with the group would only limit his actions.

That night, Robin quietly packed his gear, preparing to leave while everything was still quiet.

As he pushed open his door, he found Lina standing in the hallway, staring at him coldly.

"Where are you going?" Lina asked, a hint of accusation in her voice.

Robin felt a tightening in his chest, but kept a calm face, "I just want to get some fresh air outside."

Lina stared at him for a few seconds, then said, "Don't think I don't know what you're up to. You haven't fully explained those Gold Coins."

Robin knew he could no longer hide it. He took a deep breath and whispered, "I obtained those Gold Coins from a northern noble lord. At first I didn't understand them, but recently I suspect they're linked to the Black Wizard, though I don't know the details."

"Why didn't you say earlier? These Gold Coins could be the Black Wizard's plot; you carrying them on your own only endangers us." Lina's face grew even colder.

Robin gave a wry smile, "I just want to get to the truth, not get tangled in bigger trouble."

Lina was silent for a moment, then said, "Hand the Gold Coins to me; I'll give them to the Wizard Council. You can't interfere with this any longer."

Robin hesitated, then finally pulled a few Gold Coins from his pocket and handed them to Lina.

He couldn't confront Lina for now, so he compromised.

Lina took the Gold Coins, examined the symbols carefully, then said, "That's it for this matter. You'd better not cause any more trouble."

Robin nodded, but silently resolved that during this time he would train hard; even if he can't reach Great Knight, he'll at least surpass Second Rank Wizard.

Lina wouldn't stop him, or perhaps he truly needs to join a major faction for protection; what he needs is stable time to cultivate.

(End of Chapter)