In the lane with few visitors, the atmosphere grew increasingly dim, and a cold wind swept through in阵阵, not sharp enough to cut the skin, yet as if imbued with magic, slowly and steadily seeping into the fabric of the garments. As Germaine Sparrow, Klein raised his hand and touched his top hat, observing the "magician" lady wrapped in a deep-colored scarf, dressed in a thick wool coat, carrying a luggage box that seemed substantial, entering the lane with cautious vigilance. ——In the kingdom of Run, influenced by the Order of Night, many garments traditionally considered masculine now also feature feminine variants. Just as in Intis, noble ladies often ride side-saddle with special saddles, in Run, women have their own version of knightly attire. Klein drew his left hand, adorned with the "craving hunger," from his coat pocket, gently spreading his fingers. "Have you prepared your notes?" "Vorliss suddenly felt a cold breeze brushing against her neck, and instinctively drew herself closer: "At least for two weeks. I've already submitted it to the editor at the newspaper." Before Gelmann Sparo could ask further, she hurried to add: "I've brought a fountain pen, ink, and writing paper." After a few breaths, she went dark, feeling an unprecedented cold, her body involuntarily trembling. Vorths instinctively summoned magic to illuminate her surroundings and surveyed her environment, discovering herself inside a wooden cottage—Germán Sparo, the world she had known, had vanished entirely. Where was this place…? Vorths turned to the window, where something thick and heavy pressed down, blocking any light from entering. This only deepened her confusion. She approached the door, extended her right hand, and pulled it open. With a creaking sound, she saw a deep accumulation of snow, piled high enough to block the entrance. “….” Vorth stood still, the reminder from Germain Spalro echoing in his mind: "Stay warm..." In just a few minutes, Caine had circumnavigated the sea, calmed the "creeping hunger" with the carefully selected prey he had chosen in advance, and returned to his rented apartment in Beckland, awaiting the collection of information from the enigmatic Queen Bernadette and Miss Sharon regarding the unusual developments. Indeed, by his usual standards, Caine would have personally taken charge of such matters, conducting additional investigations to ensure the utmost confirmation that the witch Trist hadn't assisted the "Gate" man in his escape. However, considering that Charathus was already in Beckland, he opted for caution and decided against venturing out. Under the influence of the Law of Aggregation of Extraordinary Properties, he felt certain that if he wandered about in Beckland, he would inevitably encounter Charathus—perhaps even Amun. Oh, I had all planned out how to disguise myself—buying a bicycle, dressing in a uniform, riding through the different neighborhoods as a mail carrier. That would make me the least suspect... Caine sipped the "gurgle tree sap" he'd brought back from the sea, leaned back against the chair, letting the secret figures Enyuni and Chonuas gently massage his shoulders and press on his legs. "Colin Iliad paused, then spoke slowly: 'Mushrooms?' Hearing the undertone of curiosity in the chief's voice, Dariq instantly recalled a type of mushroom he had once seen—the one from the abandoned temple of the 'Fallen Creator.' It was particularly vibrant, appealing to the palate, yet inherently dangerous. His demeanor settled immediately. 'Yes,' he nodded, 'mushrooms. Different varieties can absorb and consume monsters' flesh, allowing them to grow and thrive...' Dariq went on to describe the unique qualities of these mushrooms, clearly explaining what milk, beef, fish, and flour were. Finally, he emphasized seriously that the mushrooms must be fully cooked and that one must carefully distinguish between those that are particularly toxic. Colin Iliad listened quietly, without any emotional reaction. After a moment's thought, he asked, 'What other risks do they pose, or what else should one be mindful of?' “Um…,” Derek’s face suddenly flushed a bit. “I’ll go take a closer look.” Before the Chief could speak, he turned around, opened the door, and rushed out. "The startling anomalies within the 'Future' ship producing milk, and pirates' heads growing watermelons, are due to the lingering essence and power of the Earth Mother Goddess—the true 'culprit' is the deity, not Frank... 'Phew. If the emergence of the 'God-Abandoned Land' is linked to the fall of the 'Ancient Sun God' following betrayal, then the remnants of that great battle would not have left only forces of 'night,' 'secrecy,' 'decline,' and 'storm.' Perhaps certain regions of that land still bear the influence of 'sun' and 'earth'... 'Hmm.' Kline pondered for a moment, then summoned the World, Germain Sparo, to speak the truth: 'If the power of the Earth domain is encountered, these mushrooms might undergo unforeseen transformations.' Upon receiving this response, Deryck once again burst from his room and rushed to the chief's door. This time, he did not need to knock—the door opened on its own." Derek glanced back at the team members gathered by the fire, entered the room, and casually closed the heavy wooden door. "The divine power of the 'Earth Domain' may cause unforeseen changes in those mushrooms," he stated plainly, without explaining how he had arrived at this conclusion. Colin, the 'Hunter of Monsters,' remained expressionless, quietly repeating the key phrase: "The divine power of the 'Earth Domain'..." His voice gradually softened, and he fell silent, pausing for about ten seconds before speaking again. "Upon our return, we can designate a specific area for planting and observe the results. As for the cost?" Derek promptly replied. "The alchemical formula of the 'Classical Alchemist.'" Colin Iliad nodded slowly. "This must be approved by the 'Council of Six.' I will expedite this matter once we return to the city." "The exploration party itself will be returning to Silver City in the coming two days. First, the survivors and those who have lost loved ones need time to adjust psychologically. Second, the supplies remaining at the camp are limited, and the area surrounding the town cannot currently grow black-faced grass—hence, they must rely on hunting monsters to supplement their food. Therefore, one of the key responsibilities of the exploration party is to transport safe, reliable food, requiring regular rotation. "Yes, Chief." Deric did not prompt further. He had grown accustomed to this routine. When he left the room, Colin Iliath approached the window and gazed toward the camp's central fire. The flames burned steadily, casting a warm, golden light across the entire camp. On the fire, a vampire lay being roasted—its body oozing pus, visibly repulsive." Several days later, Crane obtained corresponding feedback from the "Mystic Queen" Bernadette, from Patrick Bryan of the Spirit Order, and from Miss Sharon, confirming that there had been no unusual material or personnel movements in Beckett recently. So it seems, the Lady Trist is only planning to speak with the "Gate" gentleman... and this appears to be their very first point of contact. Regardless, I must warn you in advance—this requires considerable skill. The more you speak, the greater the risk of making mistakes, and you must never reveal your strongest cards. After some thought, Caine retrieved the strand of hair provided by the Lady Magician, unfolded the paper, and wrote: "…This is the material you need—hair from a descendant of the Abraham lineage. The provider has one request: to assist in inquiring about a matter that concerns them—how they might escape the curse that burdens their bodies. …One final reminder: be cautious of the 'Gate' gentleman." Caine folded the letter, tucked the strand of hair inside, then took out his adventurer's flute, brought it to his lips, and blew a soft note. After a brief silence, Reniet Tynicol stepped out of the void, holding four vividly beautiful heads. "Deliver this letter to the one who's been seduced," Caine said, handing the letter over as he spoke. As soon as he finished, a thought struck him, and he quickly added, "Can you locate him?" "Indeed," one of Reniet Tynicol's heads answered promptly, then bit into the letter. Caine's eyes narrowed slightly. PS: I had an appointment in the morning and stepped out—posting first, then revising. The final draft will be added in the evening.