Chapter 39: Ferocious Ice Flower!

"Moon Wolf... Whirlpool Islands... Treasure... Intriguing," Ryan mused aloud, piecing together the clues. The wheels in his mind turned as he nodded slowly, absorbing the significance of each word.

"Hehe, sir, why not claim your slice of the adventure?" Siman suggested, his eyes narrowing into slits, a sly grin spreading across his face. He rubbed his hands together eagerly. "Find anything of value, and the Black Onyx Chamber of Commerce will make it worth your while. We pay top coin for such treasures."

"Easy to say, indeed," Ryan chuckled, his smile masking the reservations he harbored. Internally, he grappled with the dilemma. The Whirlpool Islands beckoned, but the monstrous challenges that awaited were not for the faint of heart or skill. His abilities, he knew, were not yet a match for the fearsome second-level creatures rumored to roam there. Nonetheless, diplomacy dictated his response, "One can certainly dream, can't they?"