Hyper-Dimensional Player

Chapter 983: Chapter 25: The Smile of the Lady of Luck

Arabel City.

As the dawn gently broke, several figures rode majestic warhorses into this renowned city.

Leading the group was a young man of striking appearance, standing tall and proud, with a face characteristic of a warrior—firm and rugged. His features were sharp, with deep-set eyes gazing intently ahead, as he slowed his horse towards the direction of the Black Iron Market.

Beside him was a beautiful woman with light golden hair. Although her face was concealed by a cloak, her enchanting figure and the occasional tinkling sound were noticeable.

This was the sound of gold!

If one were the most seasoned thief, they could discern the sound of gold clinking.

Sharella Tebron.

Duncan hadn’t expected that one of the Wealth Church’s Five Fierce Women, Sharella the Goldlord, would suddenly decide to accompany him on an adventure. But Duncan had no reason to refuse, for no one was more suitable than Sharella, especially since the Priests of the Pleasure Sect were lacking, unless the Joyous High Priest personally stepped in to help.

It’s truly laughable.

Duncan chuckled to himself angrily.

Despite secretly influencing two Divine Churches, Duncan didn’t have many capable priests at his disposal because the Wealth Goddess-Waukeen had disappeared, severely weakening the divine casting ability of the Five Fierce Women. The Pleasure Sect was overrun with amateurs (many had taken up the poet profession halfway), and Mother of Great Bliss could never leave Salygant. Therefore, before Sharella decided to set off, Duncan had initially considered the Milk Priestess of the Love Church.

It’s downright hysterical.

Arabel City has a long history, located in the eastern Comer Kingdom, by the banks of the Starfall River, about 150 miles from the capital Suzail.

Its full name is Arabel Free City.

Many notable structures are found here, making it the problematic child of the Comer Kingdom, akin to Florida of America.

Upon entering Arabel City, the first sight was the Broken Spire, once a Magic Academy, now eroded by elemental chaos. During the "Era of Chaos," a conflict explosion at the Magic Academy in Arabel led to elemental chaos sweeping through the city.

Following the magical disaster, the Comer King announced the cessation of direct rule, and Arabel became a self-governing city-state.

It is jointly managed by the Citizen Council and the Noble Council, but actual power lies between the Black Iron Brotherhood (Blacksmith Guild) and the Harpist Union spies.

The Black Iron Market here is one of the largest black markets in eastern Ferren.

"Lord Duncan."

Shadow Dancer-Kevin stood respectfully in front of a villa to welcome them. After bowing to Duncan, he also addressed the beautiful woman beside him, "Lady Sharella."

One of the Five Fierce Women, a Goldlord Bishop, with significant status post joint rule.

Duncan dismounted and glanced around, asking, "How’s the arrangement going?"

Shadow Dancer-Kevin replied cautiously, "The personnel have been dispersed."

Beside him, Sharella Tebron curled her lips into a slight sneer as a wanderer arrived from the direction of the Black Iron Market. Soon, intelligence bearing secret technique imprints was delivered to her. Sharella glanced at it and directly handed it to Duncan, as if claiming credit, "We’ve found the dragon."

Shadow Dancer-Kevin looked surprised.

Duncan took it, glanced, and nodded slightly, saying, "Very good."

The Wealth Church is still the Wealth Church.

Their connections far surpass those of the Pleasure Sect.

In the direction of the Windswept Mountains, adventurers have sighted a dragon and deduced its activity range, including several hidden locations that might house a Dragon’s Nest.

Sharella Tebron gazed at the man before her, softly asking, "What’s the next plan?"

Duncan remained calm, casually saying, "Have a meal first."

"Then we go to the Ladies’ Pavilion."

Ah?

Upon hearing his words, Sharella Tebron looked quite surprised, tilting her head to scrutinize the man, wondering if he was serious or joking.

Duncan appeared very serious.

Indeed.

His first stop was the Ladies’ Pavilion.

After having a quick meal, Duncan led one of the Five Fierce Women by his side to venture towards the Arabel City’s Ladies’ Pavilion—a lavish and prominent establishment, located near the Black Iron Market, also one of the largest temples of the Fortune Goddess-Taimora.

As the group arrived, they were immediately greeted by agents of fortune.

With Duncan’s current status, his presence is as esteemed as royalty anywhere he goes, and they were welcomed by Daralamas-Lausr, the High Tier Priest of the Ladies’ Pavilion, also an ambitious fellow.

He seeks to unify the Fortune Lady’s Church!

Perhaps due to the Fortune Goddess being excessively capricious, her church is equally fickle, with local churches operating independently and having varied advancement systems. This High Tier Priest aims to unify the church, making other priests heed him.

"Welcome, Lord Duncan," Daralamas-Lausr greeted warmly, his gaze akin to looking at a generous benefactor.

He longs for a formidable Gold Lord’s support.

Duncan nodded slightly in acknowledgement, then gestured at the servant beside him.

Soon.

Sharella’s accompanying servant presented a storage bag. Wealth Church people are always generous, and Wealth Goddess-Waukeen encourages spending, extremely disdainful of misers.

Wealth is valuable only when circulated.

Instantly, Daralamas-Lausr’s smile grew warmer, and the entire Ladies’ Pavilion cleared space specifically to welcome Duncan. Subsequently, Duncan symbolically accepted the holy water and tossed a few gold coins into the pool before the statue of the Fortune Lady.