The telchine territory is isolated from the other Olympian regions.

The only connection they share is actually with the Noble league, even though they are not part of it. All the resources that are harvested in the Telchine territory are traded through the Noble league. And their revenue is equivalent to one third of the revenue of the Noble league combined.

For some reason, Telchine clan is one of the few places the Noble league or any other high level powers want to spread their fangs in.

The Telchines are secretive, powerful and the word on the streets is that they have such a big influence because Poseidon favors them a lot and they are the actual descendants of the Telchine creatures that are part of Poseidon's Underlings.

Sam doesn't know how much of it is true, except for them being the powerful part.

However, the moment he stepped into their territory, he got a glimpse of their influence. His task was for him to go into the Undersea forest on a planet in the Telchine territory and obtain some kind sea shell that is only available there.

It is one of the rare resources of the Telchine territory.

In fact, people are constantly looking for this as the shell has some qualities to improve one's mental cultivation or something. But there is one problem, the production is so low that they always go in an auction piece by piece.

Luckily for Sam, the auction is going to be held in two days. Of course, he already knew this is all pre-planned.

In fact, he was even informed about this labor. They even mentioned about the auction being held. Of course, all of it is for him to get caught in the plan they laid out for him. As soon as he stepped in their territory and entered a city, Sam started feeling some eyes on him.

They started watching him almost immediately.

And the person watching is more powerful than him. Even though Sam knew that Christos planned something here, he is not sure of the details. What did he plan, what kind of deal he made… he is not aware of this.

Sam did send his shadow mice out and tried to get more information to understand what he might be facing.

However, to his surprise he didn't have to wait too much. Someone approached him within a couple of hours when he sat alone in the bar.

"Come with me.

"

It was a young lady with long braided silver hair. He is tall, taller than Sam by a couple of heads and she had a menacing aura around her. Everyone in the bar acted as if they haven't seen her. When she entered the bar, nobody even gave so much a glance.

But when she talked to Sam, they did look at him with gazes of pity. Even then, they didn't look at her directly.

"Do you know me?

"

Sam asked as he took a sip of his alcohol. It wasn't really as good as the brews made in Dusk, but it is decent.

He is not worried. Even with all her menacing aura and mysteriousness, she is barely on the same level as him in terms of cultivation. He wouldn't even be worried, even if she was stronger, much less now.

"I do know you.

You are the student of the Gambler academy, here on your last quest of the twelve labors. You came here for the Ethereal Sea Shell.

Now, come with me. Our young master wants to talk to you.

"

"Who would that young master be? Isn't it basic courtesy for him to come to me, if he was the one that wants to talk to me?

"

*SILENCE*

Sam's voice was not loud, but it wasn't low either, everyone in the bar heard it and immediately fell silent. The lady's aura raged. Killing intent manifested around him, but Sam is unfazed. He took another sip of the alcohol and he also acted like she didn't exist.

She placed her hand on his shoulder and said.

"You better come if you want to leave this place alive.

Just because you are a valued student of some academy, doesn't mean your arrogance works in Telchine territory. We don't give a ** about you, the top students of the academy. You are barely second rate to us.

So, shut your attitude and come with me.

"

By the time she finished her sentence, Sam sensed a different aura focused on him. It is the person that was tailing him ever since he stepped foot here. He is far stronger than Sam, so this aura lock could just be him warning Sam to comply.

"Fuck it. Let's go.

I just hope that your young master has better wine that whatever this is.

"

He said as he got up.

The lady frowned, but didn't say anything. She didn't like Sam's attitude. Even now he is coming as if he was being invited as a guest. However, it doesn't matter what he thinks, as long as he comes, that is all she needs.

As they walked through the streets, everyone was looking at Sam. But just like before, none of them are even glancing at the woman. They are acting as if she didn't exist. Maybe the power of local influence.

After walking slowly for over ten minutes, Sam and the woman arrived at a building outside of the city. It is in the middle of the forest and there is not a single structure nearby.

As soon as they entered the building, they were greeted by a large wide empty hall. It is completely devoid of people save for one person.

A young man wearing white robes, sat at the center of the hall of a chair. There is not even a table in front of him. He sat with his one leg over the other leaning back into the chair, leisurely as he looked at Sam.

He also had silver hair. But his is more vibrant and a bit more sparkly for the lack of a better word.

His eyes are of deep sea blue.

"You are the Sam that caused the stir in the academy realm. Good to finally see your face. All the talk I heard about you, it was hard to just picture you in my imagination.

"

"May I know who you are?

"

Sam asked casually as he looked around. Its as if he is expecting something to happen.

"Don't worry. Nothing is going to happen to you here.

"

"No, I am not worrying about that. I am just wondering about the hospitality of the Telchine Clan. With all the reputation that guys carry, I was expecting a little more manners and courtesy. But I guess, all the Olympian clans are the same.

You guys are just too full of yourself.

"

"YOU…

"

The reaction came from the woman instead of the young man in front. Energy riled and she was ready to attack, but the young man stopped her.

He stood up from his seat and the chair disappeared.

"I am the eighth young master of the Telchine clan. My name Krejin. Nice to meet you.

"

He extended his hand and Sam shook it.

"Sam.

"

"That is all? No clan identity, nothing?

"

"I am sure, you already know about it. And I don't really need one. My name is more than enough.

"

"You got quite some tongue. But I hope your competence can back your confidence.

"

Sam didn't answer and just looked at him.

"Anyway, I will come straight to the point. Someone from the academy realm came to the Telchine territory a few days ago. His name is Christos and I am sure that you know of him.

He said that you two have some old grudges and he came here seeking our help. At first I didn't understand why, because Christos has enough influence among the Noble league and other Olympian families, that he doesn't need a clan like us to intervene.

But recently I came to know that Vlachous are not in the best state and he believes that you are the key elements that might save them from the deteriorating situation.

He asked our help, to let him use our territory to capture you.

" Krejin paused.

"And?

" Sam asked.

"Well, I wanted to know what kind of person made the head of the student noble league come here begging.

And I wanted to test you before you go fall into Christos' trap.

So, I have a proposal for you.

"

"A proposal?

"

"Yes.

"

"Can I refuse it?

"

"Unfortunately for you, you cannot. This is non-negotiable.

"

"Then don't call it a proposal.

"

"I can't find a better word. Anyway, enough nonsense.

Whether you like it or not, you will have go through whatever trap Christos set up for you. However, for that to work, you will have to run in circles for a few days. So, I will the cut the chase and make this more interesting.

For the next few days, you will be tested my people. If you can do it, I will give a couple of tips to you about Christos trap and also ensure that you will have an Ethereal Sea Shell with you once you come out of Christos trap safely.

If not, you will be defeated in those tests and you will be captured by us, without the need to use the trap at all.

"

Sam felt like something is weird. After all, there is no point to this test. Why would krejin even complicate this when there is already a trap set up for Sam? He could just test him based on that trap.