All-in-One System: All I Need is Erotic Coins

Chapter 320: Seeking Information

The city, though smaller than the bustling metropolis with the coliseum, was still a vibrant and inviting place. Its streets teemed with life, and the air hummed with the energy of commerce and community.

Damian sought a place frequented by travelers, a hub where news and rumors flowed freely. Such a place would be ideal for gathering information about his missing friends.

’I’ll wait here for a while,’ Damian decided as he slipped into the city, ’and see if any of them appear. If not, I can always explore the nearby islands.’

Instead of entering through the main gate, Damian used his abilities to bypass the guards and entered the city through a less conspicuous route.

In the bustling city, teeming with both residents and travelers, Damian’s discreet entrance went unnoticed. He blended seamlessly into the crowd, his presence lost amidst the throng of people going about their daily lives.

He navigated the winding streets, eventually reaching a tavern situated near the port. Of the several he had passed, this one seemed to be the most popular. Perhaps it was the enticing aroma of delicious food wafting from its doors, or the breathtaking view of the ocean that drew people in.

Either way, that was the tavern he chose to go to.

Once inside the lively tavern, Damian chose a table with a clear view of the ocean and ordered a refreshing drink. The generous meal he’d shared with the fisherman had left him feeling pleasantly full.The drink arrived, a colorful concoction of citrus fruits. It was delightfully tart, and the cool sea breeze enhanced its flavor.

As he sipped his drink, Damian focused not only on the picturesque scenery but also on the conversations swirling around him. Many of the patrons seemed to be merchants or influential figures, their discussions ranging from business deals to local gossip.

He even overheard a humorous tale about a merchant’s failed attempt to impress a lady in bed, much to the amusement of his companions.

However, Damian was primarily interested in any whispers about the recent attack on his ship. The sudden appearance of a slumbering dragon, powerful enough to destroy a vessel, was not an everyday occurrence. Though no one mentioned it yet, Damian remained optimistic.

Surely, news of such an extraordinary event would spread in the coming days. All he had to do was wait and listen.

When the time came, he approached the woman in charge of the rooms. "I’d like a room, please," he requested. "Just for myself, so it doesn’t need to be large."

The woman greeted him warmly, ensuring he was comfortable and satisfied with the accommodations they offered.

More than anything, Damian craved a proper bath. He had managed to rinse off with seawater before entering the city – he’d been a sorry sight, and no respectable tavern would welcome someone looking so disheveled – but it was hardly a thorough cleaning.

He was delighted to discover that his room had a private bathroom. Even better, one of the tavern’s staff had thoughtfully heated water for a bath and prepared everything he might need. They even provided a fragrant bar of soap.

Damian luxuriated in the warm water, scrubbing away the grime and salt of his ordeal. Afterward, feeling refreshed and human again, he climbed into the comfortable bed and drifted off into a well-deserved nap.

Damian’s intended nap turned into a deep, restorative sleep. He had expected to rest for an hour at most, but instead, he slept for ten hours straight!

It was clear now that his body had been more affected by the dragon’s attack than he’d realized. He hadn’t felt it before, but his exhaustion had caught up with him.

Waking up with a start, Damian was initially alarmed by how long he’d slept.

’I guess my body needed it,’ he thought, ’or I wouldn’t have slept so soundly. Time to get moving.’

It was still early morning, and the tavern was relatively quiet. Only a few overnight guests were present, enjoying a leisurely breakfast.

The tavern’s restaurant was renowned as the best on the island. By lunchtime, the place was bustling with patrons. It was then that Damian overheard a conversation that piqued his interest.

"Did you hear about the recent shipwreck?" someone asked.

"No, what happened?"

"The ship was destroyed by something or someone, and many people died. I heard that a few survivors ended up on the pirate’s island, forced into slavery."

"What? Are you serious? They survive a shipwreck only to be taken as slaves?"

"Yeah, can you imagine being that unlucky?"

Damian’s blood ran cold. It was possible that his friends were among those captured by pirates. He had to find them.

He discreetly followed the man who had shared the rumor. With the city’s numerous guards and watchful eyes, attempting a rescue during the day would be foolish.

He would wait until nightfall.

The man with the gossip wasn’t at the same inn as Damian.

’Perhaps he only visited for the food?’ Damian mused.

It was the most plausible explanation. The man lodged at another tavern—smaller, tucked away, reeking of clandestine dealings. It was the sort of place where whispers of illicit activities mingled with the smoke from cheap pipes.

Damian draped his cloak over his shoulders and stepped into the dimly lit establishment. He approached the surly figure behind the counter.

"Can you tell me where a certain guest is staying?" Damian inquired.

The man sneered. "We don’t divulge information about our patrons. Now, I suggest you leave my tavern."

Damian was in no mood for games. He seized the man by the throat, hoisting him effortlessly into the air. The man’s feeble kicks did nothing to deter him.

"You will answer me," Damian growled, his voice a low rumble, "or I will slaughter you, your family, and every soul within these walls. Then, I will burn this wretched hovel to the ground, ensuring its memory is erased from this world."

The man’s face paled. "W-what is it you wish to know?" he stammered.

With a brief description, Damian learned the man occupied room number 4. He ascended the creaking stairs, a grim determination etched on his face. He was prepared to use any means necessary to extract the information he sought.