This issue of *Magic Weekly* sold out completely, leaving Editor-in-Chief Paros beaming with joy. To avoid shortages, he ordered another thirty thousand copies printed. *Mercenary World*'s stellar debut thrilled Paros and solidified his plans to promote the novel nationwide.

A truly popular novel shouldn't be confined to one city—it deserved the whole Leo Kingdom. If *Mercenary World* maintained its quality, Paros would push it across every corner of the realm.

Noah, in charge of *Mercenary World*, was over the moon. This issue had crushed *Heroic Press*'s *I Am the Overlord* in both buzz and sales, letting Noah finally hold his head high.

Sales kept climbing over the next two days. On the afternoon of June 18th, Alan delivered seventy thousand words of manuscript to Noah. He mentioned he'd be leaving Newdali City for a while. Noah understood—Alan wasn't just an author but also a guild president. Delivering saved chapters before departure was thoughtful of him.

Noah added that Alan didn't need to rush back next time. Any local *Magic Weekly* branch could accept his manuscript and teleport it to Newdali City via magic.

Alan was delighted. This saved so much hassle—a perk of working with an established publisher. No more stressing over deadlines while traveling.

After handing over the manuscript and discussing *Mercenary World*, Alan left *Magic Weekly* and headed to Kuze's Magical Artifacts Shop.

Tomorrow was departure day. He needed some magical gear.

Inside, middle-aged Kuze looked the same as always—perpetually drowsy, yawning nonstop.

"Little Alan," Kuze drawled, "you've been visiting my shop a lot lately. Even my son didn't chirp when he saw you today. Too lazy to greet you. So, what're you buying?"

"A snake- and insect-proof outdoor tent."

Alan wasn't sleeping on grass in the Denagus Mountains. A portable tent was smart—and affordable at just a few gold coins. Elsewhere, it might cost mere silver, but Kuze's gear was reliable. He never sold fakes to adventurers or mages; lives depended on it. Kuze wouldn't stoop to that kind of profit. That's why loyal customers overlooked his occasional defective items. For warriors and spellcasters, he only offered flawless equipment.

"Rare to see you taking a commission," Kuze mused, scratching his messy bird's-nest hair. The blue bird Kuro on his head pecked Kuze's hand in protest.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it—I'll be gentler next time. But hey, son, light scratching doesn't help much. How about using your claws next time?"

Kuro glanced down at Kuze, then settled back like a haughty phoenix.

"This commission's tricky," Alan said. "Exploring a Bipedal Wyvern's nest. Whoever hired us has guts—daring to raid even an abandoned Giant Dragon lair."

"Bipedal Wyvern nests aren't too dangerous if abandoned," Kuze replied. "But if it's active? Run, Little Alan. These Beastmonsters hate intruders. They'll shred anyone—human or monster—who trespasses on their territory."

A trace of nostalgia flickered in Kuze's eyes. Bipedal Wyvern meat was delicious, especially the legs roasted over fire. The taste could make you bite your own tongue off.

"You seem to know Bipedal Wyverns well," Alan probed. "Ever fought one?"

"Never fought one. But I've tasted their meat. So good, it makes you want to bite your tongue off."

"I believe it. There's a saying: 'Heavenly dragon meat, earthly donkey meat.' Pity I've only had donkey. Dragon meat? ... Forget it. I've never even seen a dragon."

"Hahaha! Little Alan, your life's just beginning. At my age, you'll savor every top-tier delicacy. Dragon meat will be your everyday meal."

Kuze waved his hand. A tent floated to Alan. "Five gold coins. And as a loyal customer, I'm throwing in a vial of Amethyst Lion's heart blood. Bipedal Wyverns adore this scent. Toss it if you meet one—it'll buy you escape time."

Alan accepted gratefully. Amethyst Lions were rare Beastmonsters; their crystalline bodies shimmered like purple gems. A single drop of their heart blood could heal mortal wounds. This small vial was worth tens of thousands of gold coins. Alan was deeply moved.

"Don't overthink it," Kuze chuckled. "Only a trace is real Amethyst Lion blood. The rest is blended from other monsters. Still potent though. Now, pay up—small shop, no credit."

"Five gold coins? I can handle that." Alan tossed the coins, stored the tent in his magic ring, and waved goodbye.

*Chirp.*

Kuro gave a soft chirp as Alan left—a farewell from atop Kuze's head.