Chapter Fifty-Nine: A Necklace for You

With the help of the dark creatures, the task of felling trees and assembling the rafts was swiftly completed under Han Shuo’s command in just half a day. Five rafts and more than ten oars were carried to the water by the skeletal warriors, each one set afloat in turn. Only after all thirteen sacks were loaded onto the rafts did everyone board, taking up their oars and beginning to glide along the Neloran River.

Han Shuo, together with Fanny and Lisa, shared a raft. Fanny summoned a zombie warrior to row for them, allowing the three to sit leisurely on the sturdy raft, comfortably admiring the scenery along the Neloran River.

By now, evening had arrived. The sky was painted with the glow of sunset, and the azure river ran calm and steady. Bold fish leapt from the water’s surface, tracing silver lines as they broke through. In the distance, towering trees stood lush and verdant, while the cheerful chirping of unknown insects filled the air, lending the group a feeling of tranquil peace.

While Fanny and Lisa whispered and laughed softly as they took in the beauty around them, Han Shuo sat cross-legged on the raft, eyes closed, silently cultivating his magical arts, never wasting a moment to temper his body and continually expand his meridians.

At first, the two women had a myriad of questions for Han Shuo, but upon noticing his silent meditation, they refrained from disturbing him. Instead, they marveled at his diligence, realizing it was no wonder he progressed so quickly. Their beautiful eyes would often drift toward Han Shuo, whispering among themselves, and it was clear their conversation included him.

After a long spell of quiet, Han Shuo sensed the raft tremble beneath him. He opened his eyes abruptly and looked around, discovering that they had crossed the Neloran River and drifted into a dense thicket.

Fanny and Lisa joyfully directed the dark creatures to bring their spoils ashore. When Gene and the others had all gathered, they let out a cheer, used their spiritual power to command the dark creatures, and began making their way toward Balthazar City.

Thus, after traveling for two more days, the party finally arrived at Balthazar City. Their first order of business was to find a large inn, where they bathed, changed clothing, feasted heartily, and enjoyed a well-deserved night’s rest.

Han Shuo’s status had changed completely from the days before they ventured to the Forest of Darkness. Now he received the treatment befitting his contributions, enjoying the finest service and even a private room. Even the task of moving supplies to the inn’s special storeroom was handled by everyone together—no one dared expect Han Shuo to do it alone anymore.

The next morning, bright and early—

“Knock, knock, knock.” Fanny’s room was next to Han Shuo’s. After rising early, Han Shuo stood at her door and knocked.

“Who is it?” came Fanny’s lazy voice from within.

“It’s me,” Han Shuo replied.

“Oh, wait a moment. Let me freshen up and I’ll open the door for you.”

A short while later, Fanny opened the door, dressed in a thin, silken white robe that accentuated her graceful, curvaceous figure. Her hair was slightly tousled, and she cast Han Shuo a languid glance before stepping aside to let him in. “What brings you here so early in the morning?”

Han Shuo greedily eyed Fanny for several moments before closing the door behind him and seating himself at the round table. Only then did he smile and say, “Professor Fanny, I thought it over last night. These supplies are too conspicuous to keep on us. I wanted to discuss with you how we should handle them.”

“Yes, the sooner we deal with these supplies, the better. We’re not merchants—we can’t just carry these things back to the academy. But these goods all came from Doro Town; if anyone finds out, not only will we earn no gold, we might even get into trouble. What should we do?” Fanny frowned slightly, thinking aloud.

“If we had a spatial ring, that would solve the problem. Professor Fanny, though a spatial ring is precious, it must have a price. For one with a smaller capacity, how much gold would it cost?”

“Spatial rings can only be crafted by spatial magi, and the materials are rare, so they’re extremely expensive. Even a poor-quality one costs at least one or two thousand gold coins—not something just anyone can afford. Don’t get your hopes up.”

“But Professor Fanny, as a senior mage, and with so many necromancy students from noble backgrounds, why doesn’t anyone have a spatial ring?”

Fanny laughed softly, “Though I am a senior mage, I seldom leave Babylon Magic and Martial Academy. My yearly income is only a few hundred gold—nowhere near enough to buy a spatial ring. The Necromancy Department is the weakest; if these students came from great noble families, they wouldn’t study necromancy. Besides, they haven’t graduated yet—how would their families buy them spatial rings?”

Fanny’s explanation made things clear to Han Shuo. It seemed the teachers and students of the Necromancy Department were all quite poor; it was no wonder they were so excited by these supplies.

“So that’s how it is—a spatial ring costs one or two thousand gold. It seems I should get one for myself.” Han Shuo thought of the two thousand gold coins stored in his crystal card, stroked his chin, and mused.

Fanny shot him a glare, “You’re just a servant—how would you have any gold? If you were so wealthy, you wouldn’t have been sold into servitude and spent six years doing chores in the Necromancy Department.”

Han Shuo chuckled, “That was then, this is now. Who says I’ll always be poor? Don’t worry, I’ll find a way to get a spatial ring.”

With that, Han Shuo glanced around furtively under Fanny’s astonished gaze, then pulled a necklace from his pocket—a string of agate set with a ruby, shimmering with a faint red glow. The ruby was crystal clear, obviously a valuable gem.

“Professor Fanny, this is for you!” Seeing Fanny’s dazed gaze fixed on the necklace, Han Shuo smiled softly and handed it to her.

Her face lit up with delight, but then reddened as she realized and quickly tried to refuse. “I—I can’t accept this. Where did you get it?”

“I took it from one of the orc wolf riders’ sacks. I was quick-eyed and saw a red glimmer in one bag—there was this ruby agate necklace. I thought, since you’re so beautiful, this necklace would only make you more radiant, so I saved it just for you,” Han Shuo answered calmly.

“It’s too valuable—I can’t take it. You should keep it yourself.” Fanny’s lovely face flushed, her bright eyes fixed on the necklace, but though she tried to refuse, it was clear she liked it very much and her reason was barely holding.

“Take it. A man like me has no use for such things. Besides, you’ve looked after me all these years—I’ve always been grateful. This is my chance to repay you, and if you refuse, I’ll be truly upset.” Han Shuo’s tone was earnest, his usual playful foolishness gone.

“No, I can’t. You saved me last time, and you’ve helped me a lot along the way. How can I accept more from you? And in the pool last time, you…” Fanny’s words became muddled, her cheeks glowing as she recalled Han Shuo’s mischievousness. She shot him a reproachful glance.

Her charming demeanor nearly ensnared Han Shuo’s soul. His heart stirred, but he quickly stood up with a righteous air, smiling. “You must take it, or I’ll always feel guilty. I have things to attend to, so I’ll leave you now.”

Without waiting for her to refuse again, Han Shuo opened the door and walked away, his footsteps fading down the corridor.

Fanny’s heart fluttered in confusion. Her bright eyes fell upon the ruby agate necklace, her expression a complex mix of emotions—sometimes resolute, sometimes tender, sometimes shy and joyful—her face shifting through a myriad of feelings.