Ever since the original rulers, the Arcane Brotherhood, were uprooted, all the pirates and criminals entrenched here were purged on a large scale, and this has become the fastest growing region in terms of population and economy in the entire northern region.

Because of Zuo Si's previous forced immigration, the massacre of orcs and the liberation of slaves, a city cluster with a total population of over 300,000 was forcibly created on this land.

Although from the perspective of modern society on Earth, this population can only be considered a slightly larger town at best.

But for Furen, where productivity is relatively backward, this scale can be considered rare.

It is estimated that only Calimport in the south, Askatra, the capital of Amn, Zazzespor, the capital of Tethyr, and the famous Waterdeep City can be compared with it in the entire west coast.

Of course, simply having a large population would not be enough to make Luskan prosper so quickly in such a short period of time.

The fundamental reason is that these residents were effectively organized, either working on farms outside the city or tearing down and rebuilding the originally chaotic city, and obtained stable wages through work.

In other words, they have money and can buy all the daily necessities they need.

With people, money and demand, a stable market will naturally be formed.

Merchants traveled thousands of miles from the south to transport food and various daily necessities here to sell, and when they left, they purchased northern specialty furs, handicrafts, precious woods, furniture, rare herbs, cold water pearls, etc.

Due to the scale effect, the specialties from other surrounding towns are also transported to the market in Luskan via rivers and land for sale.

With a prosperous market and stable order, a city will naturally attract outsiders to settle down.

Whether they are adventurers who want to make a fortune or gain fame, or ordinary people who come here to make a living, they have brought unprecedented vitality to Luskan.

This is an emerging city, a city where hope can be seen every day, a city where anyone can become an official or even a noble as long as they have the ability and talent, regardless of their background.

Although in the eyes of some countries with a long history and ancient nobles, the "Kingdom of Nalanther" that rules Luskan is just a new country established by whitewashed pirates, relying entirely on the monopoly of maritime trade to maintain its powerful army, it is not certain how long it can last.

But the dark elf ranger Drizzt Do'Urden likes this place very much. He comes to take a look almost every two months, enjoying the pleasure of sitting in the tavern, drinking a drink, and listening to other guests bragging about their adventures.

Although their dark skin and white hair might occasionally cause some trouble, there was no need to worry about causing violent conflict or being expelled.

Because he was not the only dark elf in this city. There was also a team of dark elf mercenaries who escaped from the Underdark to the surface and were hired by the Luskan City Government. They would patrol the streets at night and capture suspicious spies or saboteurs with bad intentions.

Although the residents of Luskan have no good feelings towards these evil elves in the legend, they even think that the people in the City Hall and the Mage Tower are crazy, otherwise why would they hire such a group of dangerous elements.

But Trist was still somewhat happy to meet such a group of compatriots on the surface world.

Especially since they had abandoned the twisted and morbid values ​​of the dark elf society and chose to cooperate with the rulers of the surface cities and actively integrate into the society, he felt that his compatriots might not be so hopeless.

At least after leaving their hometown, they can continue to survive in another way.

Just as the legendary ranger picked up the cup and took a sip of mead to moisten his throat, the tightly closed door of the tavern was suddenly kicked open with a bang.

Immediately afterwards, a dozen or so cloaked figures walked in from outside.

There are both men and women among them, and the only thing they have in common is that they all have dark skin and white hair.

These were undoubtedly the same band of dark elves hired to patrol the streets of Luskan at night.

The leader, a tall and strong woman, threw a purse on the table and ordered the tavern owner, "Immediately serve my people the best wine and steaming hot stew. This damn weather is almost freezing people to death."

"Hold on!"

The tavern owner opened the bag, took a look at the coins inside, and quickly gestured to the kitchen.

After a while, several steaming pots were lifted out and placed on the table.

In addition, there are several bottles of rum produced in the Nelanthal Islands.

After being blown by the cold wind outside for a long time, the dark elves, whose hands and feet had long been frozen stiff, no longer cared about being elegant or not. They just picked up the spoons and buttered bread slices and started to eat. When they were thirsty, they took a sip of liquor.

Seeing his compatriots' lips turning blue from the cold, Drizzt couldn't help but ask, "This first winter on the surface must be very difficult for you, right?"

"It's more than unbearable. I feel the biting cold wind and snowflakes outside can even freeze my ears off. Compared with the warm underground world, the living environment here is really too harsh." The leading drow woman rolled her eyes in annoyance.

Drizzt couldn't help but smile and consoled him, "Don't worry, the coldest days will soon be over. In a month or two at most, the weather will begin to slowly warm up. By that time, patrolling will become much easier for you."

"That means there will be at least three months of freezing. I've asked others and they say Luskan won't start to thaw until April. During this time, we have to patrol in the cold wind at night. Damn it! Sometimes I really want to open my legs and use the hundreds of special skills I learned in the dark elf society to directly hook up with the real owner of this city, so that I don't have to work so hard then."

While saying this, the drow woman lifted her cloak to reveal her plump and curvy figure underneath, causing many male guests in the tavern to swallow subconsciously.

"I advise you not to do that. Because the real master of this city may even be more dangerous than the mistresses who hold power in the dark elf city." Trist warned earnestly.

"Oh? So you know the real owner of this place?"

The drow woman's eyes lit up instantly and her body leaned forward slightly, her face full of curiosity.

Because she had realized that in the city of Luskan, the nominal supreme ruler, King Eric, did not actually have much power.

Although the municipal council has executive and judicial powers, it does not control the army.

Being sensitive to the ownership of power, this female drow had long realized that the real power of the kingdoms of Luskan and Nelanther was actually firmly controlled by a huge invisible black hand.

But she had no idea who the owner of this black hand was.

Just as Drizzt was about to give his fellow dark elf some general information, a twisted black shadow suddenly appeared out of nowhere and said in an extremely low and hoarse voice: "Drizzt Do'Urden, the master is in the wizard tower in Luskan at this moment, and he wants to see you."

"Now?"

Looking at the high-level shadow that appeared in front of him, the ranger showed a very surprised expression on his face.

He knew that all the shadow creatures in the area around Luskan were controlled by the Shadow King Yelnia.

There is only one person who can be called master by these terrifying creatures, and that is the true ruler of the west coast of the continent of Faerun - Zuo Si.

"Yes, right now. In addition, your fellow drow can also come along, as the master may need them."

After saying that, the high-level shadow creature instantly turned into a shadow and disappeared into the darkness.

Undoubtedly, this sudden scene made the drow woman seem to realize something. She immediately narrowed her eyes and asked, "Is the master that the monster just mentioned the real ruler of this city?"

"Do you really want to know?" Trist asked meaningfully.

"Of course! Every dark elf woman has been pursuing strength and power since the moment she was born, and I am no exception. What's more, even if I escape to the landmark world, I don't want to spend my whole life in endless patrols." The drow woman raised her chin slightly and revealed an ambitious expression.

"In that case, then follow me. But I hope you won't regret it."

After saying this, Drizzt stood up, pulled his cloak tighter, walked out of the tavern and disappeared into the dark street.

The drow woman and her two most trusted men followed closely behind.

The two sides kept a distance of about ten meters between them, and soon they arrived at the place where the mage tower was.

Since the war that broke out before almost razed the island where the main tower of the Arcane Brotherhood was located to the ground, the river channels on both sides of the island had already been completely filled up and turned into a small raised hill.

The originally twisted and weird tree-shaped wizard tower has become its current umbrella shape after several renovations and expansions.

On weekdays, there are more than two hundred mages and at least four hundred apprentices living here permanently. It is the third largest gathering place for arcane spellcasters in the entire North, second only to Waterdeep and Silvermoon City.

Of course, the reason why so many people could be gathered together was naturally the vast amount of magical knowledge and spell reserves, and also the strong support of the Church of the Goddess of Magic.

Many wild wizards in remote villages came all the way here to find out what was going on after hearing the recommendation from the church pastor.

However, when these mages saw the astonishing number of books in the library, they all said that they could not walk any further.

In his opinion, mages are a group of extremely dangerous and selfish guys.

It's best to avoid dealing with it if you can.

Especially the huge wizard tower in front of him, which always reminds him of the days when he lived in the city of Menzoberranzan.

"Dark Elf, please state your identity and purpose."

The golem guarding the door suddenly stretched out its strong arms to block the ranger's way.

"I am Drizzt Do'Urden, and I am here at the invitation of the owner of this place." Drizzt calmly gave his name.

He ignored the strange looks from people around him, or perhaps he had already gotten used to it.

"Drizzt Do'Urden? Ah! Please come in. The master has been waiting for you in the reception room for a long time."

After confirming the identity of the visitor, the golem immediately made way and made a gesture of invitation.

"Thank you so much."

The ranger responded politely, then walked into the Mage Tower with several of his compatriots following behind him.

Just as one of his feet stepped onto the stairs, he suddenly felt dizzy.

The next second...

The whole person appeared directly in a warm reception room. There was even a red flame burning in the fireplace next to it, which made people feel an indescribable warmth and comfort.

On the table was a pot of hot tea and some high-end-looking snacks.

A human who looks very young is sitting on the sofa, teasing a fat and strong orange cat in a very comfortable posture.

If it were somewhere else, when Trist saw this scene, he would probably think it was a rich young man playing with his pet.

But he knew very well that the young man in front of him with black hair and black eyes was the chosen one of both the Goddess of Magic and the Goddess of Poison and Disease, a tyrant who dared to order a purge of the entire Luskan, and a terrifying plague bringer who could almost wipe out the northern orcs with a wave of his hand.

But it was also under the other's rule that Luskan ended its history as a pirate, crime city and exile place and ushered in a new life.

Prosperous trade, stable situation, safe environment, clean administrative agencies, relatively fair and just laws, and even the Thieves Guild that is very common in other cities in Faerun no longer exists here.

Drizzt once privately compared the rulers he had known.

Among them, Alustriel Silverhand is undoubtedly the most outstanding and the most charismatic. Under her rule, Silvermoon City has always been famous for its prosperity and wealth.

Following closely behind in second place is naturally Zuo Si, who has rapidly risen on the west coast in recent years and controlled maritime trade.

Although strictly speaking, he himself has never come to the front, but just hides behind the scenes to control the situation.

It is an indisputable fact that all cities and villages under his rule have escaped poverty and become rich in a short period of time.

Compared with the above two people, his good friend, the Dwarf King Bruno, is really far behind.

Just as Drizzt was silently sizing up Zuo Si, Zuo Si was also sizing up the most famous dark elf on the continent of Faerun.

It has to be said that "Master Cui San"'s height and weight are really not worthy of his achievements.

This was because the legendary ranger was only a little over 1.6 meters tall and weighed an estimated 60 kilograms, making him a typical agile fighter.

Especially those two slender arms, which probably can't even wield a slightly heavier weapon.

Zuo Si found it hard to imagine how a person like this could kill monsters like giants and demons whose strength attributes easily exceeded 20 points in close combat.

In fact, in terms of basic personal attributes, Trist should be more suitable to be a mage or a priest rather than a warrior.

Because his intelligence and perception attributes are both as high as seventeen points, while his strength attribute is only thirteen points.

Yes!

You read that right!

A genius with seventeen points of perception and intelligence attributes was actually forcibly trained to become a warrior.

Thinking of this, Zuo Si couldn't help but ask with a slightly regretful tone: "Have you ever thought about what you would be like today if you had chosen the path of magic?"

"The path of magic? Then I might become like other dark elves, insidious and cunning, and I won't even realize the evil of my own race, let alone escape from the Underdark to live on the surface." Drizzt responded with a smile and a shrug.

"That's true. Nice to meet you, Drizzt Do'Urden." Zuo Si took the initiative to extend his right hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, too, Lord Soth."

The dark elf ranger also stretched out his right hand.

After a simple handshake, the two sat down on the sofa in the reception room again.

Zuo Si poured him a cup of hot tea, then asked with a smile: "You should know why I called you here today, right?"

Drizzt nodded quickly. "Of course. Your men told me the last time you met me that you wanted a map to Menzoberranzan and the Underdark."

"And what is your answer?"

Zuo Si raised his head and looked into the eyes of the dark elf ranger.

"I want to know what you plan to do after you get this map?" Trist asked cautiously.

"I didn't have any special plans. I was just interested in the social structure of the dark elves and the unique environment of the Underdark, and wanted to take some time to take a look. But now, I need to go to the Fungal Forest to find a druid named Angel Poisoncore."

Zuo Si did not hide anything and openly stated his purpose of going to the dark area.

Because only by successfully capturing this archdruid or even the legendary druid can he go to the Well of Souls to start his own plan of creating a god.

"Looking for someone?"

Trist was slightly stunned.

Zuo Si nodded with a smile: "Yes. This druid was once a believer of the goddess of poison and disease, Talona, ​​but later abandoned his faith and chose to worship the lady of fungi, Zugmoi. He is currently engaged in some very dangerous and terrifying research. My duty is to find and crush his conspiracy. Of course, it would be even better if you are willing to lead the way yourself."

Drizzt quickly recalled the surrounding terrain in his mind, stroked his chin and explained, "As far as I know, the Fungal Forest is just south of Menzoberranzan and is part of the Northern Underdark. It's not easy to get there."

"You mean, we have to pass through your hometown, Menzoberranzan?" There was a barely perceptible hint of amusement in Zuo Si's eyes.

"That's right. In the Underdark, there is nothing more dangerous than approaching and passing through a dark elf city. Especially since my identity is so sensitive, it's easy to attract extra trouble." Drizzt said self-deprecatingly with a wry smile.

But Zuo Si spread his hands and said, "It doesn't matter! If you are willing to lead the way, I will be happy to solve all the troubles that may be encountered along the way. And I promise to perfectly play the role of a sinister, cunning and evil dark elf, and will never reveal the slightest flaw."

"Do I still have the right to refuse now?" Trist couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.

"Of course not. You'd better hurry up and draw a simple map. I'm going to go downstairs to talk to your compatriots. It would be best if we can collectively disguise ourselves as a small mercenary group. In this way, even if we enter Menzoberranzan, we can still travel between the major families as mercenaries."

After saying that, Zuo Si stood up and handed a feather pen, a box of ink, and some parchment to the dark elf ranger.

Although the latter seemed a little reluctant, he finally gave in and picked up a pen and paper to start sketching intricate tunnels...

(End of this chapter)