Snap.
Old Parker placed an iron box decorated with elegant patterns on the table, pushing the entire box towards Lex.
The box was only the size of a palm. Lex opened it to find a bookmark resting quietly on a black velvet cushion inside.
The bookmark seemed to be made of silver or tin-like metal. It was tied with a deep, dark ribbon and had a peculiar pattern on its surface.
It was an open book, but both its top and bottom were obscured by a five-fingered hand.
On this magical item, Lex felt a hidden aura. He believed the Hunter Club wouldn't falsify items in a transaction, but if possible, he wanted to appraise it.
Thinking of the word 'appraise', Lex immediately thought of the 'mysterious book' and the 'Artisan'. The 'mysterious book' had an 'appraisal' function.
Lex's inspiration struck. He searched around the hall, looking for an independent space like a restroom to summon the 'mysterious book' and appraise the item's authenticity.
Moreover, when the Mysterious Book is summoned, time stands still. He could use this characteristic in the future to appraise items during transactions without attracting attention.
However, there didn't seem to be a restroom in the hall. Lex was about to ask Old Parker when he heard someone loudly ask, "Is the Duke here? Didn't he say he was recruiting collaborators and meeting in the hall tonight?"
Lex had no choice but to put away the 'secrecy keeper' and wait until he returned to the inn to appraise it. He jumped down and looked towards the speaker.
It was a burly man with bronze skin, casually wearing an unbuttoned vest. There was no shirt under the vest, revealing clear and well-developed muscles.
Next to him was a shorter, thin man in a black coat. This man had an ordinary appearance, difficult to remember, but his most noticeable feature was his eyes.
His brown eyes constantly darted around, never staying on the same target for more than three seconds.
Lex jumped off the chair and walked to the center of the hall: "Are you interested in participating in my operation?"
The bronze-skinned, muscular man looked Lex up and down: "You're the Duke? Yes, we two have been looking for something to do recently, and your offer is pretty good."
"However, we're not interested in collaborating with weaklings, because that won't make us money. Therefore, if you don't have some weight, then we'll have to excuse ourselves."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Old Parker, from behind the bar, said in his mechanical tone, "If you knew he defeated the doorman in less than 3 seconds, you wouldn't be saying such boring things."
The hall suddenly fell silent. After a moment, various sounds resumed.
Old Parker continued, "That guy with muscles for brains is called Grizzly. He's a violent fellow. He's good at demolition, suppressing fire, and is very strong, but his brain isn't very good."
"So he needs that 'Mouse' next to him. This guy is a thief, a rumor spreader, not a good thing in short, but his mind is quite flexible."
The thin man complained, "Old Parker, everyone calls me 'Mole', not a Mouse."
The old man behind the bar ignored him, took out a cup, and began to wipe it.
A Hunter introduced by Old Parker should be capable. And upon hearing that Lex easily subdued the 'doorman', the Hunter known as Grizzly looked at Lex with respect.
Lex recruited these two, and soon other Hunters came forward to inquire. Through Grizzly and Mole's introductions, he recruited three more ordinary Hunters.
At this moment, a somewhat unconfident voice rang out: "Can I join you?"
Including Lex, the men were all stunned. Although the voice was slightly neutral, it was clearly a female voice.
The Hunters parted, and a figure appeared in Lex's sight.
This was a 'big' beauty.
She was tall and exceptionally beautiful. She had short, ear-length hair that exuded heroism, seemingly for the convenience of combat.
She had deep blue eyes with long, curled eyelashes and a slightly shy demeanor. Yet, this shy woman was as tall as Grizzly, only half a head shorter, and her physique was clearly a bit larger than that of an ordinary girl.
This, this is a big vehicle.
No, no, it's a large-sized beauty.
Lex composed his thoughts and calmly said from behind his mask, "Can you introduce yourself?"
"My name is Nafi Perona, and I am a... Warrior. I excel in frontal combat. I am very strong and also very agile."
This tall young woman unconfidently lowered her gaze and shifted from side to side: "But I have no actual combat experience, so, so, I hope I can join you, receive everyone's help, and get a chance to hone myself."
Warrior?
She wouldn't be referring to a Beyonder pathway's 'Warrior', would she?
After all, no one should be calling themselves a Warrior now.
That said, she does give me a subtle sense of pressure. I originally thought this pressure came from her height, from her beauty.
But now it seems it might come from Beyonder power.
Excellent, I just happen to be missing a Warrior skilled in frontal combat!
Lex extended his hand: "Welcome, Young Miss Nafi."
"No, no, no, just call me Nafi." The big beauty waved her hand and then excitedly looked at Lex, "So, I can join you?"
Lex nodded vigorously.
"That's great!"
Nafi happily raised her hands, and accidentally bumped into Grizzly.
Grizzly flew out on the spot.
The hall fell silent.
"I, I'm sorry!" Nafi hurried over, pulled Grizzly up, "I didn't mean to, are you not hurt?"
So, so strong.
This is definitely a Beyonder!
After Grizzly returned to the crowd, Mole let out a faint laugh and asked, "Boss Duke, why are you recruiting so many people? Are you making a big deal?"
"Sea Serpent Gang."
Lex had no intention of hiding it: "My target is the Sea Serpent Gang. If you are afraid, you can withdraw now."
Hearing that Lex was going to deal with the Sea Serpent Gang, one of the Hunters shook his head and withdrew from the operation.
But someone else joined in: "If you're dealing with the Sea Serpent Gang, count me in. I just happen to want to settle a score with them."
This was not a stranger.
This was the Arbiter Cromwell!
The man with gray-green eyes nodded gently at Lex and continued, "However, dealing with the Sea Serpent Gang is not easy. You should know that they have many members, and their headquarters are very hidden. Do you have a plan?"
Lex smiled slightly under his mask. He just needed someone like Cromwell to pose this question. Hearing this, he said with a confident tone, "Regarding the members of the Sea Serpent Gang and the location of their headquarters, we can use one person to solve it!