Goodwin wore a gentle smile as he continued, "Serlandir is highly supportive of this endeavor. If we could add some witch arrays to the Mozambique Slums and improve the living conditions there, spreading the news would enhance our reputation in Silver Moon City and for Serlandir."

"So, Serlandir is greatly encouraging this initiative, offering a whole three hundred contribution points. The reward is quite substantial."

Herag became more puzzled about what Franz was trying to do.

Adding witch arrays to the Mozambique Slums to improve living conditions there?

He wouldn't believe a word of that nonsense.

Franz must have other motives, but Herag wasn't sure what the exact aim was.

Lure them into the slums to kill them?

Herag felt this was unlikely since Franz approached him openly, and the commissioned task was a collaboration with Serlandir.

So, choosing a straightforward approach to make contact meant there would be no secretive harm once he entered the slums.

Whether in the Land of Dawn or the Barren Land, there were many unwritten rules.

Firstly, Serlandir couldn't be unaware of the tricks in the slums, and surely they knew Franz had issues.

Yet, both parties maintained a peaceful and friendly facade, with no conflicts apparent.

At least on the surface, everything seemed harmonious.

If Franz wanted to kill him, he wouldn't need to make such efforts and could act covertly.

Since he chose to approach openly, he must adhere to the rules of open engagement.

Franz, someone who has stood firm in Silver Moon City for so many years, would hardly disrupt the established order voluntarily.

This task effectively meant Franz commissioned Serlandir, and Serlandir then assigned the official mission to Herag.

If Franz dared to kill him in such an official mission, it would be disrespectful to Serlandir, violating the most basic game rules.

Having considered all this, Herag asked, "What exactly are the specific requirements?"

With the support of Asir, Franz trembled as he approached, smiling, "This mission is somewhat intricate. It requires witch arrays to purify water sources and protective arrays for some critical places. For example, where food is stored, thefts frequently occur. There's a lot to handle, requiring Mr. Herag to inspect in person and gradually discuss specific details."

After listening, Herag thought to himself, "So, they really want me to enter the Mozambique Slums. What are they actually planning?"

He pondered and said, "Hmm, indeed, it's somewhat troublesome and requires a field investigation."

Having thought it through, Herag realized that since they were ready for a straightforward confrontation, he didn't need to hide.

He wasn't afraid of open contact, but he was concerned about those abyssal cultists playing dirty tricks on him.

These abyssal cultists were scattered throughout Silver Moon City; if caught off guard, anyone could be caught in their schemes.

Rather than constantly worrying about these people, it would be better to confront them directly to see what they're really up to.

Franz nodded and smiled, "Good, good, good. In that case, let us know when Mr. Herag is available, and we'll be ready to welcome you at any time."

After discussing the timing for a while, Franz slowly left with the support of Asir.

Goodwin deliberately kept Herag back, his usual smile fading into a rare serious expression, saying, "Herag, you must be extremely cautious when dealing with those people in Mozambique. Although they wouldn't dare harm you since you represent Serlandir, caution is still advised."

Herag feigned ignorance, "There shouldn't be any issues with the slums, except for some filth and disorder."

"I'm not at liberty to explain. Just remember to be more mindful of everything," Goodwin advised earnestly.

Herag nodded thoughtfully, "Thank you for the reminder, President. I will be careful."

He understood what Goodwin meant.

Goodwin assumed he was unaware of the inner workings of the slums and feared he might get caught up in something shady, hence the specific warning.

It seemed Goodwin was also well aware of the intrigues in the slums and knew Franz was problematic.

However, since he was going to complete an official mission for Serlandir, his safety was at least assured, which was why Goodwin allowed him to go.

Herag felt quite grateful towards Goodwin. He didn't have to say any of this but chose to remind him anyway.

The time to head to the Mozambique Slums was set for two days later. Herag estimated he'd be fully recovered by then and could use these two days to prepare further.

Although visiting the Mozambique Slums likely wouldn't pose a life-threatening risk, he might still encounter some troubles.

Franz probably didn't know that he had already been exposed and might assume Herag was unaware of his abyssal cultist identity.

So, it's highly likely he'd employ subtle means, such as marking or eavesdropping.

There could also be control-type methods aimed at slowly gaining control over him, all of which were possible.

Herag speculated that these were probably Franz's primary objectives.

He wasn't in a hurry to kill him, nor would he do so while he was openly heading there.

He mostly wanted to control him and then extract the information he desired.

Once he'd fully extracted his value and information, he would be dispensable.

Hanging onto these realizations, Herag started making preparations to avoid being caught off guard.

...

Two days later.

Herag boarded a carriage once again, heading to the Mozambique Slums.

This time, he didn't disembark at Hogland Street and instead proceeded directly to the Mozambique Slums.

There was no need for disguise; he could openly head there.

Upon getting off, Herag found the surroundings virtually unchanged from before, still strewn with garbage and sewage.

As the wind blew, a stench filled the air, a familiar reek.

Herag slightly furrowed his brows, taking out the Talisman Stone to contact Franz, "Mr. Franz, I've arrived in Mozambique."

The Talisman Stone promptly responded, "Good, sir, please wait. Asir will come to meet you."

Within two minutes of sending the message, Asir appeared from nowhere, approaching Herag with a blank expression, saying, "Let's go."

Turning around, Asir coldly led the way, seemingly indifferent to Herag.

"This doesn't bode well," Herag thought with a chuckle and followed the young man named Asir into the depths of the slums.

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