Chapter 428: Chapter 425 – Disguise Plan
The second morning in Silvermist arrived with brighter and warr sunlight than the previous day. The thin mist that usually blanketed the main square had completely disappeared, replaced by a gentle, cool morning breeze carrying the aroma of fresh bread baking in the inn kitchens, the strong scent of black coffee, and the fragrance of spices from stalls that were opening one by one. The chirping of sparrows perched on the stone rooftops and the gurgling of the large fountain in the center of the square created a lively yet peaceful morning atmosphere.
Sylvia, Stacia, and Alicia woke early as usual. They had a light breakfast in the still-quiet dining hall of the Silver Moon Inn. This morning’s nu was more varied: crispy warm bread with sweet-tart wild fruit jam, herb-spiced scrambled eggs, thin beef soup with carrot and potato pieces, and a glass of warm goat’s milk. They ate in comfortable silence, occasionally exchanging glances.
After breakfast, the three of them got straight to work. The trade carriage was pulled slowly into the inn’s backyard toward their strategic stall in front of the large fountain. The two zombie horses stood patiently beside the rented stall. Their pitch-black coats glead beautifully under the morning sunlight, as if absorbing the light without reflecting it excessively. Sylvia approached and touched the necks of both horses for a mont with her slender hand, sending a clear ntal command: Stay alert against any threats, but don’t show ferocity. Protect the stall and the goods.
Stacia and Alicia arranged the trade goods with practiced and efficient movents. Piles of fragrant spices were neatly displayed at the front so their aromas would spread easily with the wind sharp dried ginger, golden-red saffron, sweet-scented cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, and several other rare spices. Rolls of thick wool cloth in mountain gray and earthy brown were arranged into inviting pyramids. Household items such as kitchen knives, clay pots, and carved wooden spoons were placed on the right side with clear price labels.
"Let’s hope today is even busier," Stacia said while arranging saffron in small, attractive ceramic containers. "Yesterday’s turnover was already quite good, and the information we gathered was valuable too."
Alicia smiled gently while straightening the wool cloth rolls to look more luxurious. "This city feels increasingly lively. It seems sothing big is happening."
Sylvia simply nodded slowly. Her cold red eyes scanned the surroundings sharply, observing every small detail in the square. "Stay alert. We’re not here just to trade. Every word we hear could be a key."
Silvermist Market began to bustle as usual, but today felt different. The main streets and square were filled with adventurers dressed in thick dark leather, long swords and axes at their waists, bows and quivers on their backs, faintly glowing rune-carved magic staves, and large backpacks full of supplies. Rough laughter, the heavy thud of boots, and enthusiastic conversations about "the big mission" and "gold rewards" filled the morning air.
Sylvia served a burly adventurer with arms full of scars who bought several bags of dried ginger and thick wool cloth for spare cloaks. As the man paid with silver coins, Sylvia asked in her usual calm rchant tone.
"This city looks much busier than yesterday. What’s happening? Why are so many adventurers arriving all at once?"
The man laughed heartily while stuffing the goods into his large leather bag. Sweat glistened on his broad forehead. "You haven’t heard the news yet, Miss? The northern dinsional rift is going to be explored on a large scale! Lord Harlan has officially opened an expedition mission. The rewards are very tempting large amounts of gold, ancient artifacts that can be sold for a high price, rare weapons, and even priority rights to valuable items from inside the rift. Although it’s dangerous and many have already gone missing or gone mad, the rewards are making people desperate to co from neighboring cities like Ironford and Whitehaven."
Sylvia nodded slowly, her face remaining flat and unreadable. "When does the mission start?"
"In about two days," the adventurer answered enthusiastically. "Tomorrow evening they will hold a big eting at the city hall to divide teams, explain the dangers, and register participants. If you have adventurer friends or acquaintances, tell them. This is a rare golden opportunity!"
"Thank you for the information," Sylvia said as she handed over the change with her smooth hand.
Once the man left, Sylvia paused behind the stall. In her mind, a plan quickly and clearly began to form. Disguising themselves as ordinary adventurers to officially join the dinsional rift expedition would be much easier and less conspicuous than sneaking in alone. With their true strength, they could control the situation without taking too many risks, while also gaining valuable information about ancient seals and other dinsions.
Throughout the day, their stall remained busy. More and more adventurers stopped by to buy supplies. Sylvia, Stacia, and Alicia served them skillfully while continuing to gather information. News about the northern rift beca clearer and more detailed:
Thick purple mist that could disturb the senses, ancient runes on the cave walls that pulsed like living hearts, mysterious whispering voices that could drive those with weak ntal strength insane, and shadow monsters that were difficult to wound with ordinary iron weapons only holy spells or enchanted weapons were effective.
In the afternoon, as the sun began to tilt westward and its light turned golden, the market started to quiet down. They neatly packed up the stall, locked the remaining goods, and reported to the rchants’ guild representative. The second day’s turnover was better than the first, but their minds were no longer focused on money.
That night, in the warm and bustling dining hall of the Silver Moon Inn, they ordered a more satisfying al: grilled venison ribs with black spice sauce, warm wild mushroom cream soup, freshly baked buttered bread, and fruit pudding for dessert. After the server left the table, Sylvia imdiately began the discussion in a low voice that only her two sisters could hear.
"I’ve been thinking about joining the northern rift mission by disguising ourselves as ordinary adventurers."
Stacia stopped her spoon in mid-air, her eyebrows rising with an interested expression. "That’s an excellent idea. That way we can enter officially without arousing anyone’s suspicion. We can also use the rewards as cover so we don’t appear too rich or too powerful."
Alicia nodded slowly, her gentle eyes sparkling with interest. "We still have spare adventurer and hunter identity cards from Nocture. We can use them with fake nas. Our human bodies are also quite used to moving among ordinary people now, so the disguise will be more convincing."
Sylvia sipped her black tea elegantly, warm steam rising slowly in front of her face. "There will be a big eting at the city hall tomorrow evening. We will register as a small team of three three adventurer sisters from a small town in the east. We’ll give the team a simple na, like ’Eastern Wind’ or ’Silver Shadow’. With our true strength, that rift shouldn’t be too dangerous. We can obtain information about ancient seals, possibly ancient artifacts, and even encounter sothing stronger or older than Azure Dragon."
The three of them discussed the plan in great detail throughout dinner. Stacia would prepare stronger and longer-lasting disguise spells so their dark auras wouldn’t be detected by other mages. Alicia would gather spiritual and mystical energy information around the city hall tomorrow to ensure there were no traps or excessive surveillance. Sylvia herself thought of a convincing fake identity: three sisters who had lost their village due to a monster attack and were now seeking wealth and power to rebuild their lives.
"We must remain humble in public," Sylvia emphasized while looking at her two sisters. "Don’t show our true power too early. Let others beco bait if sudden danger arises. We observe first, then act only when necessary."
Stacia smiled faintly, her eyes twinkling with amusent. "I’m starting to get bored pretending to be ordinary rchants every day. Being adventurers will be much more fun and challenging."
Alicia laughed softly, her voice like a gentle little bell. "As long as we stay together, I’ll go along with anything. Besides, I’m curious about those ancient whispers they ntioned."
After dinner, they returned to their room on the second floor. The lantern light glowed softly on the small wooden table, casting long shadows on the stone walls. Sylvia sat on the edge of the bed, pondering while holding the black chain on her wrist, which occasionally rattled softly as if responding to her thoughts. Stacia opened her small grimoire and began studying and perfecting new disguise spells. Alicia floated lightly near the open window, eyes closed as she sensed the flow of the city’s energy at night.
"Tomorrow we will register officially," Sylvia said softly, her voice full of cold confidence. "In two days, we will enter that rift. Prepare everything thoroughly, supplies, spare weapons, and perfect identities. We cannot afford to be careless."
The night grew deeper. Outside the window, the sounds of Silvermist gradually faded into faint whispers. A cold breeze from the northern hills slipped through the window gap, as if carrying a call from the dinsional rift that awaited them.
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