Green Monster Epic

Chapter 530: The Stalker

Allen didn't have many desires for worldly possessions. Plus, he had exchanged for quite a few scrolls and potions at the Oak Church before. At this moment, his mentality was much more relaxed than other legendary powerhouses.

Every day, besides going outside the city to supervise the training of his clansmen, Allen preferred to stroll around the various streets and alleys in the city, looking at the increasingly abundant and delicious snacks.

He couldn't remember how long it had been since he had wandered aimlessly in Mansa City like this. It seemed that he had rarely done such a thing since he was promoted to legend. What was somewhat amusing was that many of the food stalls he encountered along the way actually had the words 'Allen' written in common script on their signs. When he went up to ask, the stall owners basically said that they were descendants of Allen's cuisine.

But obviously, these stall owners were definitely imposters. Chefs who had truly learned cooking skills in Green Lake Town would basically not be guarding a mobile stall in such a smelly alleyway. Although the cooking school in Green Lake Town already had several graduating classes, every chef who graduated already had their own way out before they finished their apprenticeship, and they would definitely not be in such a miserable state.

However, Allen didn't underestimate these fly restaurants. When it came to the creativity of intelligent races, you could always look forward to it. Just like in today's Green Lake Town, if it came to the creativity and innovation of dishes, Allen was probably completely out of the running. Too many excellent goblin chefs made dishes that could make Allen praise them.

While walking and stopping, while spending a little money to enjoy the tempting food on some roadside stalls, Allen's mood was very relaxed, and it was rare for his mind not to think about the tribe and his own things.

From time to time, the taste of a snack would move Allen, and he would put on a smiling face and chat with the stall owner, just to understand the raw materials and methods of making this food. Of course, most of the time, what Allen received was the stall owners' stern faces, unhappily cursing and chasing him away. Who would be willing to hand over their own craftsmanship to such a stranger!

It's just that these stall owners never imagined that the true identity of the guest they cursed and drove away would be a legendary leader who could take their lives at any time.

"Come out, you've been following me for so long! !"

After wandering around, when Allen came to a dark and deserted gloomy alley, he slowly spoke towards the back of the dirty alley.

"Hehehe, I didn't expect your mental strength to be so keen, Allen! !"

A voice that was vaguely familiar in his memory was constantly changing its position, making it impossible to grasp its exact location, until a thin and capable figure gradually changed from illusion to reality in the darkness and appeared in front of Allen.

"So it's you, Albi An, long time no see."

Allen's eyes were sharp, and he saw through the hazy environment of the dark alley at a glance, and saw the face of the person who had been following him. He was somewhat surprised.

Elf Albi An, Allen's adventure partner when he was young, and also the elf who introduced him to the Assassin's Guild. Allen never thought that he would meet him here.

"Yes, long time no see, patriarch Allen!"

Albi An bowed slightly, staring at Allen with complicated eyes, sighing.

If you calculate carefully, the last time the two met was probably more than 30 years ago. The partners who used to do tasks together with them have basically disappeared in the long river of history.

"When did you come back to Mansa City?"

Meeting old partners should have been a happy scene, but at this time, the faces of Allen and Albi An, who wanted to see each other, were extraordinarily calm, except for a little surprise and complex emotions.

"I've been back for a few years."

Compared to the last time they separated, Albi An, who had returned to Mansa City this time, had two shallow criss-cross scars on his face, but they did not affect his handsome appearance. It's just that the gloomy aura that had always permeated his body was getting heavier and heavier. It seemed that he had not given up his old business these years, and was still walking in the treacherous and murderous darkness.

Since the war between the Elf Kingdom and the Dwarf Kingdom broke out, the situation of elves like Albi An in the wilderness has become somewhat sensitive and difficult. In the eyes of the wilderness, who would be the next target of the Elf Kingdom after it attacked the dwarves, this was self-evident. In addition, the Oak faction's church guided public opinion to exaggerate the threat of the elves, which naturally made the wilderness natives develop vigilance and hostility towards the elves.

This also prompted Albi An to leave Mansa City later and return to the Elf Kingdom. It was not until the truce between the elves and the dwarves and the situation gradually stabilized that Albi An decided to return to Mansa City to continue his adventure.

One hundred and thirty years old is already the age of near death for most races in the Ferman plane. Perhaps they will never open their eyes again after falling asleep, but for elves who have a lifespan of at least two hundred and fifty years, they are in their prime. It was really difficult for Albi An to live and wait for death in the Elf Kingdom at this age, and the place he had always been most familiar with was not the Elf Kingdom but the wilderness world, so it was natural to return.

"Let's get together when we have time, it's rare to meet."

After a brief greeting, Allen politely extended an invitation, preparing to end the short reunion. To be honest, the gap between them was already very large, and Allen would no longer have too much interaction with Albi An, let alone partner up for adventures.

"Why not today, how about it?"

Albi An suddenly released a warm smile on his face, climbing up the pole.

"... Okay, I happen to have nothing to do today."

Allen hesitated slightly, but quickly made a decision. Since the other party had been following him for so long, he must have something to ask him. With the friendship from his youth, Allen didn't mind giving the other party a chance to speak.

"Then I'll treat you, Allen Restaurant! !"

Albi An's face obviously softened a bit, and his heart relaxed. He immediately said boldly.

"I always took advantage of you before, following you to eat and drink, today is to pay you back for what I owed you before! !"

"..."

Allen was a little speechless. Allen Restaurant was the property of the Green Field Tribe, which meant it was Allen's property. Now he, the owner, was actually being treated in his own restaurant, which was a bit funny no matter how he thought about it. However, the most famous and high-end restaurant in Mansa City was Allen Restaurant. Anyone who wanted to entertain distinguished and important guests would definitely choose Allen Restaurant, so Allen was relieved when he thought about it.

It's just a pity that he originally wanted to relax today and find inspiration for making food, but now it seems that it is impossible.

Allen Restaurant is located in the inner city, only three blocks away from the city lord's mansion. Allen has spent a lot of thought and energy just to set up this industry and stabilize its operation in the inner city. At the same time, he has paid countless favors and funds to finally achieve all this.

As the most prosperous and safest area, the inner city is also the most concentrated area for dignitaries and wealthy merchants. The value of every piece of land along the street here is extremely expensive, and to some extent, it not only needs money to support it. Behind every industry opened, there must be a powerful force. The more profitable and prosperous the industry, the more it needs the support of a powerful force.

Because of its excellent management, the Allen Tavern had long been targeted by many forces in the Mansha Alliance. To dispel these fellows' malicious intentions, Allen generously gave away 40% of the tavern's profits. Two-tenths went to the Church of Nature and the Oakwood Temple, another tenth to forces of the Oakwood faction such as the Ranger Church and the New Sprout Church, and the final tenth was gifted to several demigod-level powerhouses in the Mansha Alliance.

No one would refuse benefits delivered right to their door, especially when there were no strings attached, only a show of goodwill. Furthermore, the Green Field Tribe and Allen himself were valuable assets. The rulers of various forces were naturally happy to seize this opportunity to forge a bond with him.

The tavern's clientele shifted from rough adventurers to wealthy merchants and their female companions, adorned in gorgeous clothing, exquisite accessories, and magical items.

As soon as they stepped in front of the tavern, a half-elf waitress greeted them with a warm, inviting smile.

"Hello, esteemed guests, welcome."

The half-elf female, with her beautiful face, spoke in a soft, approachable voice.

"We need…"

Albion began to speak, about to state their request.

However, before the half-elf could react, a goblin supervisor on duty on the first floor recognized Allen and quickly approached them.

"Chieftain!"

"Yes, arrange a private room for us."

"Certainly, we have special private rooms reserved for distinguished guests on the third floor."

The half-elf female's eyes were filled with curiosity as she secretly sized up Allen. She never imagined that this ordinary-looking, slender goblin was actually her boss. Allen smiled slightly at the responsible half-elf, then beckoned to Albion and followed the goblin supervisor upstairs.

The private rooms reserved for VIPs were spacious and elegant, with soundproofing materials used in the partition walls. If guests were willing to pay a certain price, the private rooms could even activate a soundproof barrier with magical tools, rendering most prying spells ineffective.

It was this thoughtful design, combined with the Allen Tavern's excellent service and cuisine, that made it the most popular meeting place in Mansha City.

A huge crystal window immediately caught their eyes, offering a clear view of the entire inner city. Gently pushing open the window, a burst of chaotic noise flooded their ears, full of the vibrancy of life.

"Bring up all of your best dishes, and the most expensive wine too! Don't hold anything back!"

Albion seemed to be entering such a refined private room for the first time. He was very satisfied with the decor and ambiance. After all, he was an elf by birth, and although his profession involved less-than-savory activities, the pursuit of beauty was still in his nature.

The goblin supervisor turned his gaze to Allen, awaiting his final decision.

"Just do as he says. He's the one treating this time, so you must bring up our tavern's best specialties. Don't let me lose face!"

Allen nodded slightly, signaling the goblin to prepare.

"Understood!"

After seemingly understanding the meaning behind Allen's words, the goblin supervisor, with the unique expression of a profiteer, quickly left to prepare.

Albion suddenly felt an urge to escape. He touched the dimensional bag in his arms, considered the remaining money inside, and suddenly lost interest in admiring the familiar scenery of Mansha City.

"…How exactly do you manage to improve your own strength and run the tribe at the same time, without neglecting either?"

As they chatted, they drifted to the topic of improving one's strength. Albion naturally hoped that Allen could impart some experience to guide him on his legendary path.

"Alas, I can't even focus on breaking through to Legend. I've been stuck at the peak of the High-Rank for almost 60 years, and I still can't find a way forward. To be honest, I'm starting to feel hopeless."

Allen also had firsthand experience with the taste of despair. He too was stuck at the demigod bottleneck, unable to make any progress for more than a decade. The feeling of one's fighting spirit being gradually worn away was truly painful. But just like Oscar had once told Allen, everyone had their own unique legendary path. Even Allen himself couldn't clearly define what the path to Legend was, so how could he help Albion?

"Perhaps you should slow down and re-examine your inner desires and your environment. Sometimes, if a path is blocked, you can try another one."

Allen could only offer some advice from his own perspective, which might not necessarily be suitable.

"You've spent a long time on the path of adventure, experiencing more life-and-death situations, betrayals, and killings than I probably ever will. Since you can't find your true self on this path, perhaps a change to the opposite environment might bring unexpected gains?"

"Based on my own feeling, everyone's legendary path is actually the truest thing in their heart. I once spoke with a Legend who, at the beginning of his journey to find himself, constantly walked on the edge of life and death, just like you."

"For decades, he constantly fought with others, but as he approached the period of physical decline, he still hadn't found his path. Finally, after being severely injured in an incident, he was forced to recuperate in a small tribe, and it was this warm time that allowed him to find his own path."

"So, some things that you think are correct might not actually help you find the right direction…"

"Oh, I'll consider it."

Albion was thoughtful. At his current state, he would seriously consider any kind of advice.

"Then, if one day I really decide to find a peaceful environment to think things through, I wonder if Chieftain Allen would be willing to let me settle in your tribe for a while?"

"Oh? You…"

Allen looked up, his gaze carrying a hint of scrutiny, but he didn't refuse.

"Alright, my Green Field Tribe welcomes your visit."

"Hehe, I was just kidding. Actually, I'm acting as a liaison for the Assassin's Guild."

"The branch leader of the Assassin's Guild in Mansha City contacted me and asked me to discuss with you whether it would be possible to build an Assassin's Guild stronghold in your tribe's Mur要塞."

"After all, for trades like ours, it would be easy to cause resentment and vigilance if we rashly build a stronghold on someone else's territory without the owner's permission."

"…"

Allen frowned slightly. With the improvement of his own strength and status, as well as the perfection of the tribe's intelligence system, the Assassin's Guild's appeal to him had become dispensable. Therefore, he hadn't interacted with the Assassin's Guild for a long time. The only things he still retained were probably the Assassin's Guild badge and the bronze mask in his dimensional bag.

However, he really didn't expect the other party to release such a message through Albion's connection.