Thirty seconds ago, Adam struck a new deal with Krador. Sure, Krador wasn’t happy, but he was a merchant and understood that Adam was in a better position.

As a result, Adam managed to secure not only the compass but also information about Breydar and his own house in Varreyn.

Why did he need a house in the monster city?

Adam didn’t know, but it was his best idea. Maybe someday he’d decide to spend more time in that city, but definitely not now.

He was ready to set off for the Gray Sea. His main tasks were complete, and now all that remained was to defeat Breydar, reach the Grand Abyss, and find the Bottomless Void.

The plan was set.

But... One of the most unexpected encounters of his life made him change his mind.

Blink.

Adam blinked several times as he looked at the girl standing before him. Krador’s robe looked expensive, but it was nothing compared to the girl’s dress.

One glance at her made it clear that she was no ordinary monster.

She had shoulder-length blonde hair that curled at the ends and calm, blue eyes with a noble hue. Her skin was smooth and white as jade.

"Who is she? No... How did she manage to sneak in here so quickly and stealthily that Krador and Laroza didn’t notice her?"

Adam was more confused than he could have imagined.

If he hadn’t sensed the faint aura around the girl that revealed she was a monster, he would have easily believed she was a member of one of the noble families at the Citadel.

Krador and Laroza exchanged glances. Their reaction made it clear they weren’t expecting guests, especially someone of her caliber.

"Wait, wait, wait..." Adam waved his hand, trying to make sense of the situation. "What’s going on here, and who are you?"

The girl’s face remained calm, even devoid of any emotion.

Before answering, she turned to Laroza, since she held the highest rank among everyone present.

"I hope I haven’t interrupted you?"

Laroza gave her a long look and shook his head.

"No. In fact, we’re already done. The deal between Krador and Adam is complete."

"Oh, are you, as always, trying to strike deals that benefit you?" She turned to Krador.

Krador chuckled. "Huh, this time I ended up being the one who got the short end of the stick. You can’t win them all, can you?"

Her gaze fell on the Glass Root in Krador’s grasp.

"Considering what I see in your hand, I doubt there could ever have been terms that weren’t favorable enough for you. This resource was crucial to you. My congratulations."

It wasn’t much, but from their interaction, Adam was able to figure something out.

’Krador isn’t acting arrogant, and it seems Laroza knows this girl. Is she someone important? But... even if that’s the case, why did she come here? What could she possibly want from a Phantom like me?’

Adam might often act recklessly and arrogantly, but he understood his own level. Except in rare situations, there was no way he could be of any use to a Lord-level monster. They were in different leagues, and their problems were of a different caliber.

Realizing that Adam had remained on the sidelines, the girl turned to him and bowed deeply, keeping her hands clasped over her dress.

"I apologize, Mr. Adam. I couldn’t ignore Mr. Krador and Ms. Laroza. After all, I came to this tower uninvited. I suppose I should introduce myself first."

She looked up, placing her hand on her chest.

"My name is Amelia von Grad. I came down from the upper level because we learned that you had arrived in our city. I had hoped to catch up with you sooner, but you set out for the Silent Hills, and judging by the material in Krador’s hand, you successfully achieved your goal."

’Amelia von Grad? Wait... Aren’t names like that reserved for nobles? But... Since when have there been nobles among monsters, too?’

A flood of questions swirled through Adam’s mind, but Amelia couldn’t waste time on that, not now.

"I know you want to go to the Gray Sea and that you’re ready to do it right now, but I’m asking you to put this off for later."

"Why? Amelia, you still haven’t told me why you’re looking for me. You must understand that I have no reason to trust you, right?" Adam asked with a wave of his hand.

Sure, Amelia was polite, her manners were impeccable, but that wasn’t enough to make Adam trust her, not so quickly.

Amelia looked at him intently, a glint flashing across her confident blue eyes.

"I’m not going to hide anything from you. However, I’m not ready to discuss this here."

She turned to Laroza and Krador.

"With all due respect, this is my family’s business. We’re not ready to share details even with the Renegades."

Laroza narrowed her eyes.

If any event in Varreyn could significantly affect the entire city, she, as one of the Renegades, needed to know about it.

"In that case, when will you be ready to tell us more?"

Amelia replied without hesitation:

"As soon as we find out if Adam Vinter can help us. Although we believe his unique abilities are the only suitable solution in our situation."

It was a strange and difficult choice for Adam.

But he had one lead that could change the entire situation.

He turned to Laroza with a questioning look.

"What do you think?"

Laroza sighed heavily.

"The situation is unusual, that’s clear, but... if I were you, I’d agree."

"Why?"

The answer was obvious.

"The Soul Stance. I assure you, it will come in handy in the future. Although... I won’t hide the fact that Amelia was quick to tell you about it."

’Agree.’

Suddenly, the Silver Weaver’s voice rang out.

"Fine. I’m ready to help you," Adam declared confidently. He had no reason to doubt the Silver Weaver.

Step.

Amelia stepped forward as streams of blue energy surged outward, surrounding them on all sides.

The next moment, he and Amelia found themselves on the roof of a simple building near the mid-level passageway.

"Now, I can begin my story."

She looked intently at him.

"Please, save my father."