Chapter 339 - 293: The Deal is Settled

Shire knew today's hunt wouldn't be as easy as the Frogman Clan Leader had claimed.

From the very beginning, he had been strategizing against the Bottom-dwelling Demon Fish. Thanks to his previous battles with other Magical Beasts, Shire knew that creatures infected by Nightmare Power became incredibly intelligent—far beyond ordinary animals.

He had analyzed the creature's psychology, devised a plan, dug a trap, and prepared to use hot water and ice to corner the Bottom-dwelling Demon Fish. But through it all, his biggest worry was whether Wa Er San Wu Qi Yi could successfully draw the enemy's attention and lure it to the shore.

'I didn't expect the Frogman to be so brave. He held up those two middle fingers and just never put them down.' Shire glanced sideways at the Frogman being tended to by a Centaur. 'He completely surpassed my expectations.'

The whole plan had been a huge gamble. What if the Demon Fish hadn't chased the Frogman? What if it refused to leap onto the shore? What if it hadn't fallen into the pit? But Shire knew that hunting was sometimes all about taking risks. He had even cast two curses on himself, hoping to cloud the Bottom-dwelling Demon Fish's judgment.

Thankfully, the gamble had paid off. He had won. To successfully hunt a powerful Magical Beast in the harsh conditions of an underground cavern, with no proper tools whatsoever, gave Shire a profound sense of accomplishment.

"How's the taste compared to the Divine Water?" Shire asked with a smile, his hands clasped behind his back. He watched the Frogman Clan Leader patting his own white belly.

"This?" The Frogman Clan Leader shook the waterskin in his hand. The Light Beer inside was already gone. "To be honest, I've forgotten the taste of the Divine Water. I drank it back when I was young, during my succession as Clan Leader. That was the last of it, croak."

"There's plenty more of this drink. If you want some, I'm willing to trade," Shire said, pointing to the waterskin in the Frogman Clan Leader's hand.

'The Light Beer inside was something I got from Pazani. When I saw the writing on the jars, I realized the 'Divine Water' the Frogmen talked about was probably just ancient liquor. These Frogmen are fearless, daring to drink something sealed for thousands of years. Maybe the jars held high-proof spirits, which is why it didn't go bad.'

'Since Wa Er San Wu Qi Yi spoke about the old Divine Water with such a sense of loss, this race must be very interested in liquor. This could be a good business opportunity.'

Shire had always believed in trade, not Enslavement and plunder. Violence was never a long-term solution. Besides, he had no idea what other Races lived in the forest. If he started raiding one, it could trigger a domino effect that would spiral out of control.

"Then, outsider, how do you propose we trade? Croak."

Hearing the Clan Leader's question, Shire fell silent, considering what price to name. He started tentatively, "For one jar of this size... I'll trade you for two jars of your Black Mud?"

He tentatively stated his offer. In response, a corner of the Frogman Clan Leader's mouth twitched, and he let out a few chuckles. "Outsider, you are far too cautious. The Frogman Race is not so petty. The Black Mud comes from our own bodies. For such Divine Water, your price to trade for our lowly Black Mud is wrong. Croak."

"Then what do you propose?"

The Frogman Clan Leader held out a hand, spreading his four fingers. "One jar of Divine Water for four jars of Black Mud. Croak."

"That price..." Shire's eyes lit up. 'That Light Beer isn't expensive at all. Little John said a large mug only costs One Silver Coin in the taverns in Yangjiao Town. And with four jars of Black Mud, I could build at least one brick wall.' "Alright, I agree to that price." ℯℯ𝑙.

"No, we're not done yet," the Frogman Clan Leader said, waving his hand. "You must also fulfill your previous promise to help our race find a suitable habitat. Croak."

"You can rest assured on that front," Shire nodded, then pointed to the Naga Prince dozing against a stone wall. "That fellow lives in Darren Lake. You all can move into the lake to live when the time comes."

"We live on the shore. We only need a body of water to hatch our young. Of course, the water can also provide us with food. Croak."

"In that case," Shire mused, rubbing his chin, "you'll have to live on the shore of Darren Lake and use the lake for your needs."

At this thought, he couldn't help but narrow his eyes. 'I'll probably have to expand the City of Ten Thousand Races and set aside a residential area for the Frogman Race. Add in the little goblins and Centaurs that will show up, and perhaps the grand City of Ten Thousand Races will truly be restored to its former glory.'

"Yes, and I've already found a place, but it will take some time," Shire said frankly, holding his hands out. "I can't do it right now, but I believe it will be possible before long."

"I understand. After all, relocating an entire race is no simple matter. Croak." The Frogman Clan Leader extended his palm toward Shire, smiling at the goblin.

Shire saw the gesture and understood. He stepped closer and slapped the Frogman's palm. 'Feels alright. No slime.'

"However, I have one personal request," the Frogman Clan Leader said, withdrawing his hand. He clenched it into a fist and rubbed his palm a few times; it was clear he was choosing his words carefully. "Could you do it a bit faster? Croak."

"Faster?"

"Yes. I hope to see our people in their new habitat before I 'return to the water.' Croak."