Man With Super Medical Skill novel Chapter 3412

After their brief introductions, the middle-aged lawyer asked, "So, what can I help you with?"

Instead of answering, Matthew studied him for a moment and asked, "Mr. Zoller, what did you do that landed you here?"

He glanced at a stash of emergency rations tucked away in the corner, indicating that the lawyer wasn't living comfortably.

Tertius' face twisted into a bitter smile. "Since you asked, I'll tell you. I was a top student back in Dornia, always ranking near the top of my class. Even at one of the nation's best law schools, I stood out.

"One night, a few dorm mates and I went out for a barbecue. We'd all had a few drinks when some thug came by to pick a fight. My friends started throwing punches, but I stayed out of it. As things got uglier, I got scared and ran. I thought that'd be the end of it, but the next morning, the police showed up at my house, arresting me for negligent manslaughter. I knew right then I'd been framed. So, I escaped, eventually ending up here."

Tertius sighed heavily, regret etched across his face. He'd never wanted to come to a place as nightmarish as this, where death and near-death were daily occurrences. He'd seen people dragged off, organs harvested, women forced into brothels in broad daylight, and even men and women captured and sold for money. It was a world painted in grim shades of gray, and that was why Tertius kept his head down and stayed vigilant every day.

"I'm looking to invest and set up a factory here," Matthew said. "I'd like to know about the regulations on the West Montiria Islands."

At his words, Tertius' face tensed in alarm. He listened intently, ensuring no one was around, then whispered urgently, "Are you out of your mind? I don't know what kind of skills or resources you have, but I'll tell you right now—no matter how much money you have, you can't just waltz in here and set up a business."

Tertius' warning made Matthew consider the situation carefully. He then spoke softly, "I'm new here, so I'd appreciate it if you could walk me through the island's rules, Mr. Zoller."

From his pocket, Matthew pulled out a stack of crisp Dornian Emeralds, placing them in front of Tertius. He knew that since they were strangers, a substantial incentive was necessary to encourage Tertius to reveal both the official and unspoken rules of the West Montiria Islands.

Tertius' eyes widened as he looked at the stack of bills. He swallowed hard; it was enough for him to leave this cramped, unsafe hut behind and live in a decent inn for a month or two.

"With such a sincere offer, Mr. Larden, I'll be as thorough as I can," he began. "First, the West Montiria Islands may not be large individually, but there are many islands here. Right now, we're on one of the smaller ones in the archipelago. You noticed the group of thugs at the docks when you arrived, didn't you?"