MTLNOVEL Chapter 59: Free advise
The ancient civilization of Samaran was located within the borders of the elven nation.
To reach it, Hades and Luna were headed north, toward the boundary that separated the human and elven realms.
When the Primordial Beings clashed, all races scattered across the world, seeking new lands to settle and rebuild.
Before that great war, every race lived together in harmony, governed by the Draconic Beings. It was a time of peace and unity.
The elves, being a proud warrior race, believed it was their duty to support the Primordials. As a result, more than three-fourths of their population—mostly males—remained behind to fight, while the rest evacuated.
Due to their already low fertility rate, the number of elves with pure bloodlines dwindled greatly over time.
"Elves have a good relationship with the human race, thank God," Luna muttered with a sigh as they traveled in a carriage toward the nearest town near the border.
What were they going to do there to get a permit?
They still didn't know.
"Well," Hades replied, "humanity couldn't afford to make another enemy—not with the dragons still out there."
Humans understood one thing clearly: if the Pact ever failed, the dragons would attack without hesitation. In fact, small groups of low-ranking dragons never truly stopped invading human lands.
That's why human nations worked hard to maintain good relations with other races—offering support through trade and resources.
When it came to raw strength, no one could match the dragons.
But in terms of diplomacy, humanity had the backing of almost everyone else.
"Who do you think your parents could be?" Luna asked, her eyes fixed on him. "The Sage did call you Young Master, after all."
Hades let out a wry smile. "Maybe someone duke-ranked? That dragon I fought in Bavech seemed unusually pissed off. He might've sensed the presence of a beast equal to himself… and got scared."
Luna hummed thoughtfully. "That's possible… Then doesn't that make you some sort of heir to a throne?"
Hades shrugged. "Who knows. Honestly, even if I find out who they are, I might not be able to accept them."
He leaned back, his expression darkening slightly.
"Dragons…" he muttered, "they're a twisted bunch. Controlled by primal instincts. They'll fall as low as needed to get what they want."
[Aren't you cursing yourself by saying that?]
His inner voice echoed dryly.
Hades chuckled to himself. 'I've lived my entire life as a human. Why should I count myself as one of them?'
---
Before Luna could say more, the carriage gradually slowed to a halt.
The driver knocked on the wooden panel. "We've reached Hiloy."
"Thanks for the ride," Hades said, stepping down and handing over a small pouch of silver coins.
The driver opened it, his trained eyes quickly spotting that it held more than the standard fare.
With a grin tugging at his lips, he leaned forward and said quietly, "If you're looking to cross the border… illegally, I mean—check in with the Mercenary Guild. They might be able to help."
Hades raised an eyebrow, intrigued, and gave a slow nod.
"Noted."
The duo stepped into the town after paying the visiting fee at the checkpoint, a small toll booth manned by sleepy guards under flickering lamplight.
"We're running low on money," Hades informed her quietly as they passed through the open gates. "I'll head out tomorrow morning and hunt something. Selling the beast parts to the guild should keep us afloat for a while."
"I'll brew a few potions too," Luna added, brushing silver strands behind her ear. "They usually sell for a good amount."
Hades turned toward her, surprised. "You can make potions?"
Luna blinked. "You didn't know? I told you—I've been adding potion drops to your food every now and then."
"I thought you carried them around." Hades gave a small laugh. "That's… a rare skill you have, Luna."
She smiled faintly. "Every part of me has healing properties. My tears can restore stamina. My blood heals wounds instantly. And blood drawn from my heart… it can bring someone back from the brink of death."
Hades was left speechless. Amazed—and worried.
No wonder her grandmother always insisted on keeping her identity secret.
If word got out… any power-hungry noble would want to cage her just for her blood.
He reached for her hand and held it firmly.
"Stay by my side."
Luna's expression softened. There was no hesitation in her voice. "You don't even have to ask."
---
The moment they stepped into the heart of Hiloy, a wave of sound and color washed over them.
The town—though modest in size—was alive, even under the veil of night.
Cobblestone streets shimmered with the glow of enchanted lanterns hanging from crooked iron posts. Shops and stalls lined both sides of the main road—blacksmiths hammering away behind closed shutters, late-night vendors selling fried skewers and steamed buns to drunken adventurers.
Bards strummed quiet tunes under archways, and the air smelled of spice, smoke, and distant flowers. Crates of herbs, monster parts, and glowing mushrooms were stacked neatly outside apothecaries, some guarded by lazy familiars—foxes with ember tails or tiny dragons curled under lanterns.
Children chased each other barefoot across the square, weaving between knights in worn armor and mages cloaked in deep blue. Most of the residents seemed used to the constant motion, the rowdy crowd of travelers, and the scent of steel and magic hanging in the air.
Hiloy was far from peaceful—but it felt safe. A town where danger was kept at the gates by the constant presence of guilds and warriors.
Dozens of hunter's guilds operated here. From licensed elite clans to ragtag bands of beginners, Hiloy had become a hub of mercenaries, slayers, and craftsmen. The buildings were a strange mix—some made of fine elven stone, others carved from darkwood with beast bones decorating their rooftops. Towering boards outside each guild listed bounties, dungeon alerts, and recruitment notices.
That explained the rush even though it was close to midnight. For adventurers, Hiloy never slept.
After weaving through the bustling streets, Hades and Luna found a small inn nestled in the center of town—an old, three-story building with ivy crawling over its windows and a warm orange glow seeping through its curtains.
The owner, a dwarf with braided beard and sharp eyes, welcomed them with a nod and offered a modest room on the second floor.
Just when Hades was handing him the coins, he asked, "Where can I find the mercenary guild?"
The dwarf gave an upturned glance before telling him, "The veiled corner. If you are going there, make sure you have a damn good reason to."
Hades nodded, "I do have. Thanks."
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A/N:- Thanks for reading.