It took nearly a full day after Saine regained consciousness before he could muster the strength to stand and crawl out of the half-height crevice.
The reason he lingered for so long was twofold: he needed time to recover his stamina, and he seized the opportunity to meditate, replenishing his mental energy and mana. For a magic apprentice, spells were their greatest source of power.
Though Saine's overall condition remained weak, he could now cast at least two spells without issue. Additionally, his Acidic Staff was ready for use again.
Unless he was unlucky enough to encounter another high-tier magical beast in such a short distance, he should be able to handle any ordinary threats.
Once out of the crevice, Saine retraced his steps back to the main road leading to Mossabra City.
The traces of his earlier battle had long since vanished—not just the signs of combat, but even the corpse of the gray dwarf and some of the spoils he had dropped.
The underground world had its own rules and scavengers.
That was why Saine had forced himself to move despite his paralyzed state, seeking a hidden and secure location rather than staying at the scene.
The murky air bore little trace of blood.
Not lingering, Saine quickly set off toward Mossabra City.
Traveling at full speed, he reached the city's distinctive walls and towers within half a day.
Though Mossabra City often left its dark magic apprentices with feelings of oppression, coldness, and darkness, Saine couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and relief whenever he returned after completing an academy mission.
As a mid-level apprentice, Saine still used the city's special entrance.
Perhaps because he had just narrowly escaped death at the hands of a gray dwarf, his expression now betrayed unmistakable disgust and disdain as he watched the subterranean demi-humans queuing at the main gate.
Unlike last time, none of the low or mid-level apprentices stationed at the gate dared to utter a word as Saine passed through.
His current state was pitiable—his robes were torn and worn, his body bore fresh wounds, and his face was deathly pale. The unhealed gash on his neck, however, was carefully concealed beneath his robes.
After a brief glance at the apprentices, Saine strode into the city.
"What happened? How did you get so badly injured?"
"Weren't you supposed to return within five days? It's been seven. Lina even came by yesterday asking about you."
The moment Saine stepped into the shop, the rotund Bors hurried out from behind the counter, scrutinizing him with concern.
Seven days had passed—meaning Saine had been unconscious in that crevice for nearly three days. No wonder he had felt so weak upon waking.
Exhausted and aching, Saine gave only a brief account of the ambush. Though he spared the details, Bors could still sense the danger he had faced.
"I told you—just stick to simpler guard missions."
"You've already got a full-fledged dark mage backing you. Why push yourself so hard?" Bors grumbled incessantly.
But differing paths meant little common ground. Since their ambitions didn't align, Saine didn't bother arguing. Instead, he urged, "Just tally up how much this haul is worth in black gold. I need to report back to the academy."
As expected, the mention of money shut Bors up.
The moment profit was involved, the man perked up. After helping Saine unload his spoils, he immediately got to work appraising them.
Compared to when he had first left the Ashen Valley, Saine's haul had diminished by at least thirty percent.
Fortunately, the claws of the Azure-Beak Raptors came in pairs, and he still had over thirty left—more than enough to submit twenty as proof of completion.
He had lost only two of the raptors' beaks, keeping seven for himself after selling the majority to Bors.
The three Azure-Beak Raptor eggs, however, were the true prize of this expedition.
According to Bors, while no dark mages in the underground world currently raised these creatures, some of the larger demi-human tribes had developed rudimentary methods for taming magical beasts.
These three eggs would be highly sought-after commodities among those tribes.
If Bors handled the negotiations, each egg could fetch as much as a hundred black gold.
Saine's expression twisted at the news.
Just moments ago, he had been seething with hatred for the subterranean demi-humans—and now he was about to profit from them?
But his moral dilemma didn't last long. Saine was nothing if not pragmatic.
Besides, the gray dwarf who had attacked him likely wasn't from the same tribe looking to buy these eggs.
Who knew? Maybe strengthening these demi-human tribes would eventually help him wipe out the gray dwarf's faction.
In the underground world, racial conflicts were commonplace.
Thanks to the dark mages' subtle protection and suppression, humans in Mossabra City faced fewer struggles.
But the native demi-humans and dark creatures never ceased their conquests and annexations.
After careful calculation, Bors estimated the total value of Saine's haul at nearly five hundred black gold—more than double what Saine had expected.
The real surprise was the worth of those three eggs.
Of course, the demi-human tribes weren't buying them just to raise three raptors.
Their true goal was to breed more eggs and eventually use the adult Azure-Beak Raptors as mounts.
Given the generally shorter stature of the demi-humans near Mossabra City, these raptors—unsuitable for human riders—were perfect for them.
Since the sum involved was substantial, Bors couldn't pay Saine upfront. He'd have to sell the goods first before handing over the profits.
Bors offered an advance, but Saine declined. After unloading everything, he prepared to return to the academy immediately.
Just as he was leaving, Bors called out to him.
"Hey! Catch!"
"Consider this a freebie. Get yourself patched up!"
A small red vial flew toward Saine—a basic healing potion brewed by Meri.
Without another word, Saine gave a brief wave and hurried toward the academy.