"Of course!" Buck saw that there was a chance, and the greed in his one eye became even stronger. "As for the peripheral members, we can only get a rough idea.
"At the 'core' level, hehe... it's possible to pinpoint which Orc tribe is currently short on manpower, which supply team in the human defense zone has a fixed route, and even... the approximate range of some important figures' special operations teams!
"It all depends on whether you have the ability and courage to do a great job for the Alliance!"
His words were half truth and half false, full of temptation and trap.
But it is that possibility that Team Mark cares about.
Gathering intelligence on your own in the unfamiliar and dangerous Lor Swamp is inefficient and risky.
If you can directly exchange for higher-level and more detailed map information by completing the tasks of the Rotten Ivy Alliance, it will undoubtedly be a shortcut.
As for the so-called contribution points and level upgrades?
That's just a side tool.
They didn't really plan to stay in the Lor Swamp for the rest of their lives, so even if they became the top of the Rotten Ivy Alliance, it would be meaningless to them.
If Mark wants to get into the upper echelons, wouldn't it be better for him to just go to the Church of Holy Light and become a diocesan bishop?
Perhaps seeing Mark's interest, Buck continued, "I happen to have some magic authority temporarily granted by the Alliance. I can open a higher-level map for you in half an hour."
Buck said this as he took the map from Mark and placed it on a stone platform behind the counter in the house.
After a barely perceptible gray light film swept across the animal skin map, he handed the map back to Mark.
Mark took the heavy animal skin map and injected a faint trace of holy light magic into his fingertips.
Complex magical patterns instantly lit up on the surface of the animal hide, and a dynamic map composed of light spots, lines, and blurred blocks of color unfolded before his eyes.
Although it was rough, it did mark a few red spots representing small orc tribes, as well as large dark red areas representing dangerous war zones. It was obviously more advanced than the map he had obtained before.
He put away the map, and the charlatan smile on his face deepened, appearing more sincere:
"Holy Light, serving the Alliance and gaining clearer guidance is exactly what we seek. So, before the next mana replenishment, where should we go and what can we do for the Alliance to advance?"
Buck grinned with satisfaction, revealing his yellow teeth:
"That's right! Know the current situation! Just wait, there are plenty of suitable missions. Take the map, go to the backyard of the tavern on the corner, and tell us Buck's name. Someone will arrange a cellar for you to stay and take on the mission. Someone will naturally come to find you in the evening. I hope that next time you come, either bring money or... bring merit!"
After leaving the blacksmith shop and entering the polluted air deeper into the black street, Enzo spat fiercely:
"Bah! Old vampire! One thousand gold? Why doesn't he just rob the Holy Light Church's treasury!"
Monica's voice rang out in the ears of the four people, calm and clear:
"The map's magical structure is very unique. The core does rely on external power, so the seven-day limit is likely true. However, the detailed intelligence needs to be verified."
Anna added softly, "Do we really want to do this for them? It feels... dangerous."
Mark clenched his fist, and the holy light covering it flashed away. He grinned, revealing his white teeth: "Dangerous? We are all involved with that person, how can it not be dangerous? But this is the fastest way.
"We're not really working for them; we're using them. We're getting the intelligence we need, figuring out the ins and outs of this place, and finding a safe 'trial ground.' As for the mission..."
A savage glint flashed in his eyes. "Pick and choose. If it can increase map permissions, that's best. But if not? Just treat it as a chance to familiarize yourself with the environment, and... stretch your muscles! By the Light, I'm starting to miss the feel of those orcs!"
He weighed the animal skin map in his hand, which was flowing with faint magic power, as if it was not a death warrant that could bring fatal disaster, but a key to open the gate to the huge hunting ground of Lor Swamp.
That night.
The four members of Mark's team squeezed into the cellar arranged by Buck, which was filled with the smell of mold and cheap tobacco. The air was so filthy that it was almost stagnant.
Enzo irritably hammered the ground with his enlarged rune forging hammer, shaking off a cloud of dust. "Fuck! This place was once an orc shack, wasn't it? It stinks!"
"Be patient, shorty." Mark sat against the wall, his fingers unconsciously stroking the cross necklace on his chest. The charlatan smile on his face seemed a little blurry in the dim light. "The Holy Light said that patience is the cornerstone of strength."
Enzo twitched his lips and gave Mark a cold look. He really felt that Mark was too immersed in the role, and there were no outsiders around.
Besides, when did Holy Light ever say such nonsense?
Monica leaned quietly in the corner. Even with her eyes closed, she could now sweep invisible identification ripples across every inch of the cellar to confirm the safety of the surrounding environment.
Only Anna was using the magic of nature to tease a mushroom that grew from the corner of the cellar and play with Xiao Mu.
They didn't have to wait too long before the shabby wooden door at the cellar entrance creaked slightly.
A figure slid in silently like water blending into the shadows.
The man was wearing tight grey leather armor and a half-mask on his face, revealing only a pair of eyes as sharp as an eagle. His eyes swept across the dim cellar with scrutiny and a hint of barely perceptible arrogance.
The aura he exuded was that of a high-level thief.
"Buck introduced you here?" The thief's voice was low and hoarse, like the friction of sandpaper.
Mark stood up, his signature charlatan smile plastered on his face: "The Holy Light guides the lost lambs, and it also guides us to serve the Alliance."
The thief ignored Mark's nonsense and threw out three scrolls, which fell on the dusty ground.
"Three tasks, choose one. Once you complete it, you'll go from being a small fry on the periphery to becoming a somewhat useful second-tier member."
His tone was filled with undisguised contempt.
Mark bent down to pick up the scroll, and Monica and Anna also came over.
Enzo crossed his arms and breathed heavily through his nostrils, obviously very unhappy with the thieves' attitude.
The contents of the scroll are clearly presented:
[Destroy the Iron Wall Line's Seventh Supply Station]
The target is located behind the human coalition forces and is relatively lightly defended. The mission requires destroying the military's stockpile of Holy Light Crystals and a batch of standard weapons to delay the frontline's supply.
[Assassination of the Deputy Leader of the Silver Glow Mercenary Group]
This mercenary group, employed by the Church of Holy Light, patrols the western flank of the buffer zone. Their deputy leader is a high-ranking buffalo rider who has recently conducted numerous raids on Alliance outposts.
[Seize the Heart of the Bloodvine]
…
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