Yarra’s Adventure Notes
Chapter 572 - 39: Ike’s Reward_1

Chapter 572: Chapter 39: Ike’s Reward_1

"Behold, the Earth’s Scar." Ike stood on the edge of a massive cavern, his voice filled with profound longing, "If I am fortunate enough in this life to explore the space below the twelfth layer of the Earth’s Scar, even if I were to die there, I would go out laughing."

"Oh, Denia..." In the moonlight, Lina discerned the sight before her. Struck dumb, she stumbled backwards, nearly toppling over. It wasn’t that she was faint of heart, it was just that the scene before her was simply too awe-inspiring. The area around Felias Mountain was plateau terrain, but it wasn’t bare. It was covered with grass and low shrubs, and if you looked in daylight, you would see a vibrant green everywhere from the ground to the mountains. However, amidst this canvas of green, a massive roundish hollow appeared, contrasting sharply with the surrounding environment.

Standing next to the void and looking down, under the moonlight, the pitch-black hole was inscrutable. The surrounding rock walls were knife-like, standing stiff, and occasionally vivacious shrubs defiantly protruded from the cracks in the stone, gently swaying in the air. Starting from about halfway down the void, intense fog clung stubbornly, occupying the lower half of the Earth’s Scar even at night. The rolling fog seemed like a barrier separating the realms of life and death, distinctly dividing the upper and lower parts of the Earth’s Scar.

"This scale, it’s really immense," Vivian, holding Catherine’s hand, carefully approached the edge of the Earth’s Scar. When she peered down into its depths, what greeted her was the warm, moist air carried by the wind. The damp heat reeked of decaying vegetation, making them feel uncomfortable. At this moment, the girls came to understand why Ike had previously dismissed the Dragonscar in the Shining Forest. Likewise, as Pannis had said, compared to this, the Dragonscar was merely a slightly deep pit.

"In about an hour, it will start to get light," Ike explained, "Then some of the fog below will clear, and we can faintly see the situation in the valley. At that time, we can descend."

"How are we going to do that?" Catherine asked anxiously, faced with the daunting cliff, "We don’t have a rope long enough to drop down. Are we going to climb down the rock face? And, how will we get back up afterwards?"

"The rock wall here seems very steep, but actually, there are places to stand halfway," Ike said, "We will climb down in five stages, it’s not too difficult. Regarding climbing up, I should have departed early by then. However, I see Mr. Pannis’ free-climbing skills are no less than mine, so he can go up and secure the ropes, and then you guys can climb up along the cable. With your adventuring experience, you must know how to use climbing tools like a rope ascender, just use that."

"Okay, we understand," Catherine nodded, "There’s still an hour until dawn, what should we do now? Make final preparations? If we do now, we can avoid making additional ones after we reach the bottom of the Earth’s Scar. Based on what you said earlier, it’s not safe down there, and it would be better to prepare now rather than being in a dangerous place."

"I’m glad you thought of that," Ike said, looking much more relaxed than when they had first met, his hardened expression softening significantly, "Honestly speaking, I did not have high expectations for this expedition. Although the team is strong enough, exploring the Earth’s Scar is definitely not just about fighting. When I first encountered you four, you seemed like city girls who have never experienced hardship. Although you claimed to have a vast amount of experience, I found it hard to believe. If it weren’t for Master Klarke’s invitation, I might not have taken this guiding job."

"It’s clear your heart was reflected in your expressions, Mr. Ike," Catherine said with a smile, "But that’s normal. If it were me, I would have reservations too."

"I’m glad you’re not upset," Ike said, a little sheepishly, keeping his gaze lowered, "I don’t usually interact much with others as I mostly go adventuring in the wilderness by myself. There are times when I collaborate with other adventurers, but I don’t usually get along well with them. So in the next few days, if anything upsets you as it did earlier, I hope you can be more understanding."

"There’s no reason to be upset," Freya slaps her thigh, and a series of metallic parts mysteriously slide from the loose folds of her trousers, automatically assembling into a foot-tall metal puppet. The puppet merrily runs a few circles around her, picking up the enormous backpack that she’d left on the ground and holding it up for her to prepare. As she rummages through her bag, she says, "Our elder sister told us just a few days ago that there’s no point in harboring discontent as it solves nothing. Besides, your doubts only show your responsibility towards the team. So since you doubt our experience, we’ll show you just how experienced we are. And since this is our first time working in a team together, we’ll naturally need some time to get to know each other. So don’t worry, we don’t have any issues with you."

"Thank you for understanding," Ike said, squeezing an uncomfortable smile, "To be honest, as far as I’m concerned, I really hope this expedition goes smoothly. The depths of the Earth’s Scar have always been a great temptation for me, but as a Legendary, I’ve explored all the areas I can handle alone. The remaining ones are too dangerous for me to explore further. So, in a way, I’m using your strength to fulfill my wish. I hope you don’t mind."

"Well, if that’s the case," Catherine said after musing briefly, "why don’t we negotiate a lower guide fee? Ten barrels of Galida Dragon Fire Liquor aren’t exactly pricey at only twenty gold coins per barrel, but it’s too much of a hassle to collect, so how about we reduce it to five barrels?"

"Galida Dragon Fire Liquor? I didn’t ask for such a reward. I wanted a detailed map of the Air City labyrinth in the Butte Plateau, which Mr. Pannis has already given me," Ike said, looking bewildered, "Us Cavern Dwarves don’t drink Galida liquor. We’re used to Dwarven beer. We’re not accustomed to the Gulana Flower taste in Galida liquor. It’s mainly the Hill Dwarves who like that."

"I apologize, Mr. Ike," Catherine’s expression turned strange, her eyelashes shooting up, "I think...I need to have a good chat with someone. Please excuse me for a moment, I’m sorry."

"Uh, I think I get it." A look of sympathy appeared on Ike’s dry face as he suddenly closed his eyes and said, "Oh dear, it seems the day is breaking already, and I suddenly can’t see clearly, nor can my ears hear, this is quite unfortunate, what should I do?"

"Thank you," Catherine nodded and then turned to Pannis, who was sneaking away behind the tent, speaking to him in a dark tone, "Dear Mr. Pannis, where exactly are you going?"

"Ha ha ha, ha ha ha," Pannis chuckled awkwardly, "I just remembered I left something very important in Grand Highland City. I was just about to go back and get it. Trust me, it’s very important."

"More important than ten barrels of Dragon Fire Liquor?" Catherine gritted her teeth as she closed in on a sweating Pannis. "I think we need to have a serious conversation about the Dragon Fire Liquor before you go."

"Ha, ha...what...what Dragon Fire Liquor?" Pannis, retreating step by step and looking evasive, said, "I don’t understand what you’re talking about. Isn’t Dragon Fire Liquor a specialty of the Galida region? Ha ha ha ha."

"Clang," Catherine slowly drew her one-handed sword, raising it with a very, very gentle smile, "That’s right, Mr. Pannis, who is so knowledgeable, even knows that Dragon Fire Liquor is a specialty of the Galida region. Quite remarkable. Let me use this sword to express my deep respect for you."

"Whoosh," Pannis rolled and scurried to avoid Catherine’s hack, and ran to the side to say, "Wait! Wait! Let me explain. That Liquor isn’t for me. It’s the intermediary fee, the cost of introducing the guide."

"An introduction fee?" Catherine temporarily stopped her attack, raising an eyebrow, "You think I’ll believe that? Councilor Cella mentioned that you’re close friends with Master Klarke. Do you think he would charge you an introduction fee?"

"You’re wrong about that," Pannis suddenly straightened up, puffing up his chest and said, "When it comes to fees, even family should settle things clearly. Being close is one thing, the cost is another. They shouldn’t be mixed up, as it may lead to unpleasant disputes in the end."

Overwhelmed by Pannis’s forthrightness, Catherine couldn’t help but lower her sword, and took a step back, nodding thoughtfully, "What you said really makes sense. No matter how close the relationship, accounts should be clear."

"You see, you agree with me." Pannis put his hands on his hips and puffed out his chest in triumph, "That’s why when I suggested we split the barrels seven to three, he happily agreed. No, no, no, I got it wrong. When he suggested that we split it seven to three, I sternly refused. Hey, hey, I’m telling the truth, why are you unsheathing your sword again? Help, murder!"

"Sigh," the other three girls sighed together, holding their foreheads, "He’s still so foolish."

"Is it really okay for them to be like this?" Ike, watching the life-and-death chase taking place at the edge of Earth’s Scar, stammered, "Don’t you think we need to intervene?"

"It’s okay, just leave them alone," Freya said, "It’s just that you painted a very bleak picture earlier. Catherine, as the team leader, is under pressure. This is her unique way of relieving stress, and Pannis is cooperating with her. You’ll get used to it."

Having said this, Freya gave the two chasing each other another glance, and added casually, "Well, although it’s cooperation under duress." (To be continued. If you like this story, please vote and support it at qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users can read it at m.qidian.com.)