Sorcerer’s Handbook

Chapter 292: Fanmula

“Rapid breathing, dilated pupils—these are symptoms of adrenaline intoxication.”

Annan spoke leisurely, “You’ve been in Fanmula for over four hours today, haven’t you? You’re neither from the Six Emblems nor have undergone Demon Extraction Therapy. How could you possibly leave the City of No Return?”

The Goblin’s face turned exceedingly grim. With a flick of his finger, the Railcar returned to the core Area. The passengers inside revived like parched earth after a rain shower, and even Ashe and the others felt a significant lift in their spirits, as if every cell in their bodies was dancing—

“Sugar Addiction?”

The Con Artist, who had encountered countless Sugar Addicts, was the first to realize, his face growing incredibly sullen: “It was withdrawal symptoms! We’ve caught a Sugar Addiction!”

“No wonder,” Harvey, with a Catnip Cigarette in his mouth, remarked, “I was wondering why my Smoking Addiction seemed so much weaker. It turns out it wasn’t that my willpower had strengthened, but that my addiction had already been satisfied.”

Ashe, holding Lise, paused in confusion. Sugar? They hadn’t eaten any sugar—how could they possibly—

Everyone suddenly realized something and looked towards the faint mist outside.

By now, the sky had completely darkened, and the city’s neon lights were shrouded in an ever-present thin mist, like the coy joy of a maiden’s boudoir, yet also like a nightmare filled with hidden threats.

“Don’t worry,” Banjeet said. “While it does cause psychological dependency, it does no physical harm, and it can be completely eradicated through Demon Extraction Therapy.”

“What exactly is this mist…?” Igor murmured.

“Below Fanmula is a citywide underground farm where Mermaid’s Stinkweed is cultivated,” Annan explained. “It is the primary material for Catnip Cigarettes, an indispensable component of various hallucinogenic drugs, and a major industry in Fanmula.”

“The biggest issue with growing Mermaid’s Stinkweed is that it constantly emits ‘Beauty Mist.’ Beauty Mist cannot be dissolved by any Magic, and when highly concentrated, it turns toxic. The only solution is to rely on people to inhale it.”

“However, Sorcerers soon discovered that the processed Beauty Mist not only lacked any toxicity but also provided a long-lasting, pleasurable mental state that was more comfortable and healthier than smoking Catnip Cigarettes.”

“So Fanmula transformed into the mist-covered city you see now,” Miss Annan explained. “It boasts the highest average lifespan, the best public safety, the highest work efficiency, and the highest levels of happiness among its citizens. It is known as the ‘City of No Return’—Fanmula.”

“The two individuals standing before us now are travelers who couldn’t resist Fanmula’s allure.”

The Orc and the Goblin regained their composure. “No worries, I’ve already notified the Baroness. We can wait here at our leisure—”

“You’re out of time,” Miss Annan said with a smile.

It was as if she had uttered a summoning spell. The next second, a sound like that of a flying machine swooshed through the night sky. A dozen Red Caps, wearing Yuheng Boots, surrounded the Railcar, and a warning echoed through the compartment: “We suspect that criminals are maliciously controlling the Railcar to disrupt traffic. Please, all passengers must disembark immediately for inspection. I repeat, all passengers must disembark immediately!”

“We’re surrounded by Red Caps!” Ashe exclaimed, panic rising. “What do we do? Fight our way out?”

“No need to fight. Just surrender,” Miss Annan said cheerfully.

Igor squinted his eyes. “Miss Annan, have you forgotten the new Contract we just signed? Or does the Contract mean nothing to you?”

“That’s not it,” Banjeet explained. “The reason we came to Fanmula is that there are people here who can protect us—Miss Annan’s Aunt is a Red Cap in Fanmula.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve already informed Aunt. These people are here to pick us up,” Miss Annan said with a smile.

Ashe and the others sighed in relief and gave the Purple Moth a thumbs-up.

True to those who dare to defy the Divine Master, she had planned everything meticulously—

Snap!

As Ashe and the others stepped off the Railcar, they were immediately restrained by the Red Caps. Not only Ashe but even Miss Annan and the others were firmly shackled with Magic cuffs, and everyone was pressed to the ground!

Everyone silently looked at the young lady. They said nothing, yet it seemed they said everything.

“Don’t lift that person’s cloak,” came a message from Cleos. “It seems that person’s appearance could cause a severe mental shock to Sorcerers.”

Ashe felt utterly dismayed by this rumor—was it shaping him into some sort of ultimate, supremely ugly demon lord?

He noticed Annan’s face turn pale upon hearing this, thinking a major demon had arrived. When he followed the direction of the voice, he only saw a pair of long legs clad in thigh-high boots.

A Beautiful Elf in a Red Cap appeared before them, radiating mature charm. Her waistcoat lifted her impressive peaks, and her extremely short skirt just barely covered the splendid scenery beneath. Her thigh-high boots stepped elegantly as she approached Annan and the others, looking down at the group of fugitives from Azura.

She waved her hand, signaling the Red Caps to drag away the official from the Broken Home Firm. “Rough them up as much as you’re allowed. Otherwise, every rat from the gutter will think they can sneak into Fanmula.”

Then the Beautiful Elf in the Red Cap turned to the group. Ashe and the others shivered, even Igor dared not act rashly—even without releasing any arcane energy, her gaze alone was enough to impose a heavy pressure on the Two Wings Sorcerers!

Sanctuary Sorcerer!

They had actually been captured by a Sanctuary Sorcerer!

Now everything was truly over!

Only Annan defiantly raised her head and shouted, “Where’s Aunt!?”

Ashe and the others were instantly impressed—only Annan could do what we couldn’t!

“Nona Senhaeser has been abusing her authority, colluding with outsiders, and betraying Red Cap intelligence. She has been arrested, suspended, and is awaiting punishment,” said the Beautiful Elf coolly. “You won’t be seeing her.”

“But you can’t arrest us!” Annan shouted back. “We are law-abiding citizens—”

“The Red Caps now suspect you of being involved in transient crimes and are formally detaining you for an Interrogation,” the Beautiful Elf said, borrowing a piece of Scribble Note Paper and a pen from someone else. She scribbled a few lines, then tossed it to Annan. “If you like, I can write a few more—shall I skip writing one for that fugitive?”

Annan gritted her teeth and said, “Qenna, you—”

Snap!

The Beautiful Elf in the Red Cap kicked Annan’s face with her thigh-high boot, the force sending Annan flying several meters away. This elf showed no mercy or tenderness typically given to fair maidens. “Impolite,” she stated coldly.

Upon seeing this, Banjeet quickly pleaded, “Lady Qenna, it wasn’t intentional disrespect from Annan, she just—”

“Enough, Banjeet. No need to defend that girl. After all these years, she still hasn’t changed—she’s become a complete Dolan: good for nothing and a cause of trouble.”

Aside from Banjeet, everyone else was stunned by the volume of information in her words.

“You all must be the junk my daughter picked up,” the Beautiful Elf in the Red Cap said, looking at Ashe and the others as if they were just a collection of toys.

“Welcome to Fanmula.”