1233 The twenty first island

Before they had arrived here, the group had already decided on fake names for them for situations like this. "Hello, Mr. Gary. I am Lucien. Nice to meet you." Liam introduced himself.

However, only the names were fake. Their appearances were only slightly altered and their race was unchanged.

Both Eldrin and Tilia had warned them that many beings could sniff out an altered race in a heartbeat as each race carried some sort of unique signature. So it was best to not change it.

Of course, in a place like this many people would have disguised everything about themselves. Their actions probably wouldn't stand out too much. Nevertheless, it was just a precaution.

Liam extended his hand to greet the lizardman who returned the greeting in kind. 

But instead of introducing himself, Gary gave a big wink and laughed. "You guys are new here, aren't you? First timers? Hmmm? Hmmm?" His face broke into an even wider grin, and he shook Liam's hand vigorously.

"He He. Don't even bother to deny it. I can smell the prude on you! You guys are far too stiff to be on Nymphomania! Come on! Let loose and live a little!"

Liam shifted his cold demeanor to an awkward expression and threw a friendly smile along with it. "Ha Ha. You are a wise man, Mr. Gary! You found us out right away. Yes, this is our first time visiting this place indeed."

Without giving the lizard any chance to continue with his nonsense, Liam quickly came to the point. "You mentioned that you were a salesman. May I know what wares you might be selling?"

Gary's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Ah, you're direct, Lucien! I like that!" He leaned in, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "I deal in information, my friend. The most valuable commodity in Nymphomania, more precious than the rarest nymph or the most devastating beauty."

He glanced around the restaurant, ensuring no one was eavesdropping, and then continued, "I can provide you with insights about this place, tips on where to find what you seek, and how to avoid the pitfalls that ensnare many newcomers." 

"Of course, my services come at a price, but I assure you, it's a small fee for the wealth of knowledge I offer."

Hmmm? Liam was pleasantly surprised. A tour guide of sorts was not the worst opponent to run into. He might even be useful. He did not plan on lowering his guard anytime soon as the lizard could simply be faking it and trying to lure them into a trap.

"Alright, Gary. Suppose we're interested in your services. What kind of information can you provide right now as a show of good faith?"

Gary's grin widened. "A free sample, eh? Very well!" He glanced at each member of the group before settling his gaze back on Liam. 

"Judging from the fact that you four attended an auction just an hour ago, I am assuming you are interested in the black market trades of Nymphomania."

"Just not the one you attended, right?"

Liam did not say anything.

"He He. Just one look at you and I can tell that you are all business and not the sensual one." Gary winked at Liam. "But sorry to disappoint you, this particular island of the world probably doesn't have what you seek."

"Some might try to sell to you. However, they are all probably defective wares. You need to be very wary of swindlers in these parts."

Liam barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes at the lizard's words. "Then who should I buy from?" Liam could now see what exactly the lizard was up to. The guy was probably from one of these so-called swindler networks, trying to get him to buy something expensive and shitty.

Gary laughed. "No one from here. That's for sure. We first need to go to a different place, a different island."

"By now you should have found out that Nymphomania is a pretty small world with twenty floating islands. Well, my friends! That's not exactly true."

"There is a twenty-first island!"

Gary leaned closer, his voice dropping to an almost conspiratorial whisper. "The twenty-first island, my friends, is where the real treasures of Nymphomania are hidden. It's not a place that just anyone can stroll into. It's exclusive, secretive, and heavily guarded." 

"The items you find there aren't the scraps and defective wares you see in the common markets. No, they're the crème de la crème, the top of the line, the things that powerful beings from all over the cosmos would kill to get their hands on."

Liam, Madan, Rey, and Lan Deming exchanged quick glances. If what Gary was saying was true, then this could be a significant opportunity. But if something seemed too good to be true then it probably was. "How do we get to this island?" Liam asked.

Gary's smile widened, and he sat back, looking pleased with the interest he had garnered. "Ah, now that's where I come in. I know a way to get there, a sort of... back door if you will." 

"But as you can imagine, such information isn't cheap. However, for the right price, I could take you there, guide you through its perils, and ensure you have a chance to acquire what you're truly after."

Liam mulled over the proposal. It was worth checking out, but perhaps not right now. "Alright. We can meet again in a week and we will be ready to take you up on your offer." This should give them enough time to look around for themselves and confirm some things.

Gary stood up, clapping his hands together with glee. "Splendid! Then prepare yourselves, my friends. We're about to embark on a journey to Nymphomania's best-kept secret. I will see you all in a week then."

"Where should we find you?" Rey asked, immediately regretting it.

And just like he feared, a creepy response came in.

"Don't worry. I will find you! Until then, enjoy what our little paradise has to offer!" 

With that, Gary sauntered off out of the restaurant, blending into the crowd with a flair that left the group wondering if they'd just encountered a madman.