My bloodline yearns for progress.

Chapter 20 Sacrifices and Illusions

The list contains many items.

Most of them are items filled with 'memories,' much like a child's baby teeth.

However, there were also a few offerings that Otto couldn't figure out.

"A vigil at the cemetery?"

Otto discovered that the offerings to the goddess of light were not only objects, but also certain behaviors.

Clearly, the Goddess of Light is a deity with a wide range of interests.

Just as Otto was pondering which offering would be more convenient and cheaper, the black cat made a move.

[The black cat suggests you choose scented candles as offerings to the gods.]

Perhaps because she had sensed Felicity's presence, the black cat recommended the most suitable offering for Otto.

After all, the offerings themselves are a reward paid to the gods, and they are in accordance with the gods' wishes, which gives Otto more room to maneuver.

"When I have time later, I'll inquire about the price of scented candles."

Otto had never bought this type of item before, so he wasn't very familiar with the price.

Fortunately, he hasn't had any major troubles lately, and once he finishes dealing with his current tasks, he can go and buy scented candles.

However, as Otto and Micah walked out of the city gate, a cool evening breeze blew in their faces.

It was almost night, but he and Micah had been busy all day and hadn't eaten yet.

Now that he felt the chill again, Otto was feeling a bit tired.

Micah, on the other hand, looked all cheerful.

"Since we're going to resolve Sam's request, as is customary, he should at least provide us with a meal."

Otherwise, why do you think I would rush over before dinner time?

Micah is quite experienced in handling these kinds of requests.

To save money, you should try to freeload off any meals you can.

However, he also took the opportunity to encourage the newcomer next to him who was participating in the investigation commission for the first time, telling him not to be too nervous.

"Don't worry, kid."

Later in the day, your Light Eye should be able to function again.

That will come in handy when the time comes.

Finding those monsters hiding in the corners was quite easy.

Micah had also worked with the priests of the Order of Light.

Once these priests activate their spiritual eyes, they become highly sensitive to extraordinary professionals and hidden dangers.

Just as the two were planning their next move, they arrived at the winery.

This is a rather large-looking manor.

However, it is already late autumn, and most of the flowers have withered; their arrival is out of time.

But Micah and Otto weren't there to admire the flowers either.

Micah skillfully walked through the garden and entered the winery.

When Micah pushed open the wooden door, the warm aroma of ale and honey wafted out.

For a moment, Micah was somewhat intoxicated, revealing the craving look only an old drunkard would have.

Fortunately, he remembered that he had taken Otto out to gain experience, so he quickly regained his composure.

He immediately shouted at the top of his lungs toward the depths of the room.

Sam.

Sam, are you there?

As Micah called out, a middle-aged man with a worried expression immediately came out from the backyard.

He strode over to Micah's side, rubbing his large, fleshy hands together incessantly.

"What, is it Micah?"

Great news! My winery is saved!

You have no idea, my wine cellar hasn't had a moment's peace for the past two weeks!

As a veteran adventurer in Oakwood Town, Micah is known to many, and Sam is one of them.

This also saved a lot of time on formalities.

Without hesitation, Sam immediately led the two deeper into the winery, explaining the situation to them along the way.

"First, several barrels of mead in the cellar mysteriously went empty."

The bottle was sealed properly, but most of the wine was gone.

Later, the night watchman said that he saw some swaying golden phantoms in the cellar and smelled a sweet fragrance. He then immediately felt dizzy, as if he had been poisoned, and when he woke up, he remembered nothing.

I think it must be the work of a demon. If I don't do something about it, my mead will be ruined!

That's much more valuable than ale!

Sam's winery runs a business selling ale and mead, as well as related merchandise.

Mead is far more expensive than ale.

Therefore, as long as those monsters are still here, Sam will lose a lot of money!

But seeing Sam's increasingly rapid speech, Micah simply patted the tomahawk on his back and said calmly.

"Don't worry, we'll go check right away. But we're starving; we just came back from the mines outside the city."

Micah simply told Sam to relax and just provide him with some food.

He didn't need to worry about the rest.

Seeing this, Sam handed the two some honey bread to them before heading to the wine cellar.

The sweet and soft texture instantly won over Otto's taste buds.

In the past, to save money, Otto mostly just bought some dark bread to eat.

That is, during holidays, you can eat some high-end bread.

Therefore, seeing this as a rare opportunity, Otto devoured the food in the basket one bite at a time.

Only after he finished the last piece of bread did Otto put down the basket, satisfied.

It was at this moment that Otto and Micah, led by Sam, arrived at the entrance of the wine cellar.

"Let's go down."

After saying that, Micah immediately picked up his battle axe.

Otto also drew his iron sword, ready to deal with any unexpected events at any time.

The stone steps of the cellar were cold and damp. The further down you went, the rich aroma of ale became mixed with a faint, sweet floral scent.

These scents reminded Sam of his recent sorrows.

"I've been working on a new recipe lately, but who would have thought it would attract not discerning wine merchants, but cunning monsters!"

Sam was very annoyed. He should have just stuck to selling ale and mead.

At least you won't attract monsters!

But Sam's nagging received no response.

Micah walked silently beside Sam.

Only Sam's nagging echoed up the stone steps.

When they arrived at the cellar door, Micah simply gave Otto a look, and Otto already knew what to do.

Otto silently recited the name of the Goddess of Light, and the Eye of Light immediately activated.

After confirming that the Eye of Light was activated, Micah immediately pushed open the cellar door.

Here, rows of oak barrels are neatly arranged, and dim oil lamps can only illuminate a small area.

Otto keenly noticed that a strange white mist seemed to be lingering deep within the cellar, gradually enveloping the entire cellar.

Accompanying the white mist was what seemed to be an extremely subtle humming sound, like the fluttering of wings.

Micah, of course, couldn't see any of this; he just planned to go in first to try and find some clues.

But Otto grabbed Micah.