One-Eyed Monster

After much discussion, Igor and Perkins finally reached a conclusion, although this result wasn’t achieved by them alone. Of course, only Igor knew this.

”You’re right. I think I need to organize all of this and put it all together again. By the time I share it, others will understand,” said Perkins, now excited, almost forgetting he was still in the carriage.

At this moment, Qi Liu suddenly reined in the horses with a loud shout, stopping the carriage abruptly.

Perkins was caught up in his excitement, and this sudden halt interrupted him. Just as he was about to ask what was happening outside, Qi Liu knocked on the carriage window and politely said, ”Young Master Hustace, we’ve arrived at the gates of Luona Capital. An access permit is required to enter the city.”

Luona Capital is under Rostov’s jurisdiction. In these unsettled times, every city ruler has established an access permit system, preventing untrusted persons, especially adventurers with class, from entering the city. It’s a massive undertaking, but Rostov knows it’s worth it. He suffered losses before, so he must ensure that everyone entering the capital has an identity.

The access permit symbolizes one’s identity. Everyone under Luona Capital’s jurisdiction has one; it’s the most basic thing. Without it, you will be expelled.

The reason Qi Liu mentioned this was not because anyone among them lacked an access permit, but because of Perkins.

As an ”outsider,” Perkins indeed did not have an access permit. He left quite early, before the Tree Spirit Rostov became the governor of this place, so the concept of an access permit hadn’t existed. Perkins naturally wouldn’t have such a thing.

This was a kind reminder from Qi Liu.

Entry and exit from Luona Capital are guarded by the Thunder Army, who are extremely dutiful. They never skip inspections, even for carriages from the Governor’s Mansion. To be frank, even if Rostov himself comes and goes, the Thunder Army insists on checking his access permit. It’s a duty, with no exceptions.

Not to mention, when the Alchemy Workshop arrived here earlier, they were also required to show access permits; it was only after Kuyi Tulan displayed the Empire Emblem that the Thunder Army let them through...

Therefore, Perkins is now a significant problem. He might very well be temporarily detained outside the gates of Luona Capital by the Thunder Army.

Of course, besides Perkins, Stan Sol also doesn’t have an access permit...

This reminder made Young Master Hustace distressed. Without an access permit, how can they enter the capital!

He could only try going in person as the governor’s son — who knows, it might work. After all, the Thunder Army isn’t made of stone; surely, there are a few they can reason with.

”I’ll go with you, there shouldn’t be an issue,” said Hustace as he prepared to step out of the carriage.

”Young Master, I will accompany you,” Nakasha quickly followed. His primary duty now is to ensure Hustace’s safety; being stopped at the gates would be a failure, so he must be doubly cautious.

Thus, the three of them went to the side of the Thunder Army at the city gate.

In the carriage, Perkins didn’t understand what was going on.

”What are they doing?”

”Don’t worry, they’re checking the permits. Hustace is the governor’s son; there’s no problem for him.”

”A permit? What’s that thing?” Perkins was very puzzled.

”Oh my, don’t tell me you don’t even know about that,” said Igor, surprised. He hadn’t expected that Perkins didn’t have one.

Then Igor noticed that Stan Sol also didn’t have one...

It was only at this point that he realized the look of helplessness on Hustace’s face earlier...

It turns out Hustace was worried about this access permit! He hadn’t considered this point...

So Igor quickly looked out the window, trying to see if Hustace could resolve the issue.

Through the carriage window, he saw Hustace and Qi Liu gesturing to the Thunder Army guards not far away, but the guards kept waving their hands in refusal. Igor felt the coldness of that gesture, like the harshest winter.

Hustace and Qi Liu tried talking again and again, but the Thunder Army guards remained unmoved, seemingly unpersuadable.

”What are they up to, how can checking a permit be so complicated?” Perkins asked, still not understanding what an access permit was.

”The problem isn’t the check, it’s that you don’t have one, and Stan Sol doesn’t either, making it hard to get into the city.”

”Why do you say that?” Perkins didn’t understand and planned to get to the bottom of it.

Outside, Hustace continued disputing with those Thunder Army guards, yet they remained firm.

Igor seized this moment to explain to Perkins what an access permit was.

”So you’re saying without this thing, I can’t even pass through this capital city?”

”That’s correct,” Igor replied with certainty.

”Then if the king of the Empire came here, could he not get in either?”

”His Majesty has his Emblem, which allows him to pass unimpeded throughout the Kayne Empire. The Thunder Army can use special Spirit Power to verify its authenticity.”

”I see, so if an adventurer wants to enter Luona without an access permit, they can’t go in?”

”Well, that’s right. It’s quite a sad matter indeed.”

”So how can an adventurer get through this capital? Forcing their way in isn’t an option.”

”Forcing your way definitely won’t work; the Thunder Army is powerful. It’s impossible to dodge their attacks. If you really want to pass through the capital, there’s only one way: detour around, go outside the city.”

”Isn’t there a simpler way? Detouring takes a long time, it wastes time.”

”Well, there is a way...” Igor scratched his head, but he felt it was nearly impossible to implement.

”What method? Tell me,” Perkins pressed eagerly.

”Humph, I think this method is almost unworkable. If you want to pass through here without an access permit, you would need a decree from Governor Rostov.”

”Ugh...” Perkins also realized that getting a personal decree was indeed difficult.

Someone who’s never been to Luona, without an access permit, how could they obtain Governor Rostov’s decree? Plead for it? But even to plead for a decree, you would need to meet Rostov in person first. But someone who’s never been here, how could they possibly meet Rostov?

”It seems detouring might be more reliable. However, I still want to enter the city. Governor Rostov is my foster father; I want to see him,” said Perkins. He couldn’t detour now.

”Therefore, your access permit is very important,” Igor emphasized.

Everything hinges on Hustace now; anyway, they have no way of getting Governor Rostov’s decree.