Encountering Cavo Again

Night falls.

The night in the desert is dark and quiet.

A cool breeze blows gently into the collar of one's robe, causing a slight chill.

The members of the Black Gold Merchant Guild lit a fire outside the ancient city to set up camp and cook. Before long, the aroma of roasting meat and the milky scent of toasting bread filled the air.

All that remained of the small town were a few mud walls; the main force was stationed outside the town.

The city already had a few small tents belonging to Rein and his group, but now there's one more large, deluxe tent—that belongs to Canossa.

From the moment Rein met Canossa, he knew that this "rich woman president" held a very high position in the Chamber of Commerce. Even Fifth-tier Expert like Uncle Sam wouldn't dine at the same table as her.

Rein once thought she was arrogant because of her "money power," but now he realizes that it's not just about money; in terms of fighting ability, no one can compete with her.

Taking that punch, at the very least, made him realize that his strength was still far from that of a legendary or Transcendent power-type expert.

Gannix didn't like listening to his mother's nagging; he preferred to be alone, so he went off to chat and joke around with Uncle Sam and the guards.

Despite Guy's witty banter at the gambling table, this worldly-wise swordsman actually dislikes interacting with people. He hasn't been eating lately either; his nutrition comes from "nutritional supplements" carefully arranged by Rein. After the injection, he goes to meditate in his tent.

Nareta, in her transformed black cat form, couldn't understand Common Tongue and lay listlessly on the sand wall. Her half-open cat eyes reflected clusters of fiery red campfires, her tail sweeping left and right of the wall intermittently.

She seems to be gradually getting used to life as a cat.

In the end, only three people remained by the campfire in the city: Rein, Canossa, and Catherine.

The sand was covered with a beautifully woven cashmere carpet, upon which were laid a variety of abundant foods and fresh fruits.

The merchant guild's maid served the three of them food and then quietly withdrew.

The three chatted as they ate, Catherine recounted some details of their adventure.

Those are things that Gannix didn't see from his perspective.

"After we were surrounded that day, Gannix was captured, so I didn't run away. I changed my appearance and infiltrated the Rosas Family's Scavenger Gang, hoping to rescue that kid."

"But I never expected those guys had already set a trap for me. When I made my move on the third floor of the ruins, I was in danger."

"At that time, I really thought I was going to die. Luckily, Mr. Rein was there. When I woke up and looked at the pitch-black Underground Palace, I thought I was in the underworld."

"."

Rein and Canossa listened with great interest.

This was also the first time he had heard about what happened after they were separated that night when they were surrounded.

It has to be said that Catherine is truly bold and meticulous. She managed to hide for so long under the noses of so many experts and almost managed to save someone.

"No wonder you spoke well of this guy as soon as you met him, Auntie. So that's why."

After hearing the story, Canossa looked enlightened.

As she sipped her mushroom soup, a half-smile playing on her lips, she suddenly remembered something and asked, "So, was Rein's 'Gang Line' healing technique really that impressive?"

The topic was taken in a surprising way: not the perilous rescue process, but the process of "healing".

Catherine, of course, understood the teasing tone in Canossa's voice, and said, "Of course she's amazing. With a regular doctor, I would probably be dead from my injuries back then."

Canossa asked in surprise, "Did he take your clothes off?"

"Of course."

Catherine rolled her eyes at her, immediately understanding the deeper meaning behind her words, and retorted, "Mr. Rein is a doctor, he doesn't have such filthy thoughts as you."

"He?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of mockery flashed across Canossa's expression.

She didn't press Catherine further, but turned to Rein beside her and smiled, "Doctor Rein, isn't Aunt Catherine in good shape?"

"."

Rein rolled his eyes, ignoring this obviously provocative topic, and continued to eat his meat heartily.

The two were so familiar with each other that Catherine knew perfectly well that Canossa was teasing her.

Not to be outdone, she pretended to only just notice that Canossa had changed her clothes and quickly changed the subject, saying, "Hey, Sasha, this outfit doesn't look as good as your previous silver cheongsam. Why did you suddenly decide to change?"

The world's attitudes toward gender are so unrestrained; matters of the bedroom are almost always a topic of conversation among acquaintances during their leisure time.

"Well, it's all his fault."

Unexpectedly, Canossa bluntly pointed out that it was the guy next to her who was to blame, saying, "This Doctor Rein wanted to see me make a fool of myself, so he deliberately let his bird electrocute my clothes, so I had to change them."

"Giggle giggle"

Upon hearing this, Catherine covered her mouth and chuckled.

Although she guessed that this was probably the truth, she still retorted, "Oh dear. I thought you two hadn't seen each other for a long time and were so eager to get intimate that you ruined your clothes."

Rein listened to the two women's love-hate relationship without daring to interrupt.

But upon hearing this, his eyelids twitched: This Aunt Catherine really dares to say anything.

He hadn't known before how close these two women, who looked like sisters but were actually from different generations, really were. But judging from their current appearance, they were probably inseparable. Now that there were no outsiders around, they spoke without any restraint.

However, he couldn't get a word in edgewise about the women's feud; he could only listen quietly.

Canossa didn't shy away from the direct topic, shrugging and saying, "I did have that idea initially. But some guys deliberately messed things up and burned my clothes. So I lost interest."

As she spoke, she glanced at Rein defiantly, a glint of light flashing in her eyes.

"."

Hearing this, Rein remained unmoved and did not fall for the trick.

Based on my experience of so many confrontations, if I had just believed what she said, I would have gained absolutely nothing.

Although I took a punch before, at least I got my fill of eye candy.

As if possessed, he whispered back, "It's not entirely my fault, is it? I told you 'Pikachu' is fierce, and I told you not to touch it, but you didn't listen."

"Snort?"

Upon hearing this, Canossa's bright eyes widened, and she was utterly speechless.

They deliberately took my Storage Ring because they were afraid it would get damaged by electricity, and then they said it wasn't intentional?

She glared at Rein and said sullenly, "Hey, Doctor Rein. Putting aside that 'invincible fist intent' you want to comprehend, your shamelessness is practically invincible."

Rein remained calm and said, "Thank you for the compliment."

Hearing this, Catherine, who was standing nearby, was already laughing hysterically, "Hahaha!"

Canossa was stunned again. "???"

"."

Three days later.

Rein and his party arrived at "Black Wind Territory" on time for the auction.

Two months later, the territory controlled by Grand Duke Valentine Rosas has become increasingly prosperous.

Because of the auction, many merchant caravans came to this place. And because the caravans brought a large amount of supplies, it also attracted a large number of hunters.

The number of Mechanical City hasn't changed much, but the area of the shantytowns has nearly doubled.

Judging from the number of shantytowns, it is roughly estimated that the territory has gained at least several hundred thousand more people.

The city gate was crowded with people, probably because of the large number of people at today's auction. The city gate guards did not check anything. After collecting the entrance fee, they did not ask any questions and Rein and his party entered the city smoothly.

But it makes sense, since it's a premeditated "trap," so naturally they have to give their prey a chance to jump in.

Moreover, what those guys were most worried about was the Great Shaman Mafat. The Kolman people's towering stature was impossible to hide; the city guards didn't need to examine them closely—they could tell at a glance.

As for the rest of the "prey," it would be easier to surround and kill them if they were released into the city.

As soon as Rein and his party entered the city, the city lord's mansion received the news.

Since nearly losing his life during his last trip to the ruins, George Rosas, the eldest son of the lord's family, has stayed obediently in the city and dared not go anywhere else.

After all, the terrifying experience of almost being killed several times by a certain "demon" had haunted him with nightmares for nearly a month.

"Young Master George, the Black Gold Merchant Guild has arrived, accompanied by Sam [Dragon Spear]. It seems they're here to demand an explanation for the 'Redwood Merchant Guild' we swallowed up. His Majesty the Duke specifically instructed you not to go out."

"You mean President Canossa came in person?"

"Yes. They are also participants in this auction. The item they've registered for the auction is a special potion that can neutralize the residual poison of the fog. All the major powers are very interested in that potion, and it's sure to be a hot item at the auction."

"Is President Canossa as stunningly beautiful as the legends say?"

"I didn't look at it closely."

"Let's go take a look!"

Catherine and Gannix remained outside the city; they were not combatants to begin with.

The scale of this major battle may not be large, but the high-end combat forces involved will probably be incomparable to any large-scale battle in recent decades.

When the "legendary" Transcendent engage in a chaotic battle, no one can control the extent of the impact. In the city, lower-level Transcendent will likely face extreme danger.

Rein and Canossa walked into the city side by side.

The mechanics from Black Dragon City who were mixed in with the merchant guild also quietly blended into the crowd as planned.

"The City Lord's Mansion arrested people from our 'Redwood Merchant Guild.' I need to go deal with that first and get them released on bail. Remember to dress formally later; you'll be my date at the Auction Banquet."

"Um."

"."

There are many procedures to go through in the Chamber of Commerce, and it requires the presence of President Canossa.

Rein didn't understand either and didn't plan to go.

Of course, he doesn't need to worry about it.

Even without Uncle Sam and his guards, he didn't need to worry about Canossa, a legendary Transcendent who was already ridiculously strong.

Guy didn't follow the main group into the city either. After all, he was now a major wanted criminal in City of Radiance for killing "Prince Harper." That face of his could easily provoke conflict wherever he went. Alone, he was a smaller target and could better conceal his tracks.

After parting ways with the main group, Rein planned to check out the auction venue first. However, he hadn't walked far after separating from Canossa when he spotted a bearded old man in the crowd who looked like Mark.

"Master Cavo? What's he doing here?"

Rein's gaze swept over the person in the distance, and the system confirmed that it was Cavo.

After a moment's thought, he walked straight toward the white-bearded old man.

When they discussed the rescue operation, they considered all the factors that could affect its success or failure.

One of the key figures we considered was someone who absolutely could not be ignored.

That was the founder of City of Radiance, the first of the "Ten Great Legends," the "Grand Scholar" Cavo Ramirez.

According to the intelligence they obtained, Cavo has completely disappeared and has stopped interfering in any affairs of City of Radiance. It seems he has completely severed ties with the Five Great Families of City of Radiance.

However, this is, after all, a city that the legendary figure once built himself, so there's no guarantee he won't intervene in such a decisive battle.

Now that I look, it's here after all.

Rein couldn't guess whether Cavo's purpose was to "help in the battle".

But I am not afraid.

The current power of "Black Dragon City" is beyond the imagination of outsiders.

Even if Cavo, a "strong ally," chooses to help City of Radiance, it won't change tonight's outcome.

The higher one's level of Transcendent, the clearer it becomes. Master Cavo's current realm has reached an unbelievable level, but no matter how powerful he is, he cannot break through the fifth-order limit.

Although the Great Shaman Mafat had never met Cavo, he had said that in this realm, he was no weaker than anyone else.

Moreover, the fighting power of "Black Dragon City" is not limited to high-end combat forces. There are also the Wyvern Riders and the Mechanist Legion with technology far ahead of their time—those are the real killer moves!

Rein walked straight over and greeted him, "Master Cavo, what brings you here?"

He knew that the old man had deliberately shown himself because he wanted to meet him.

Otherwise, the passersby wouldn't have ignored this legendary figure.

Although it is unknown what kind of restriction Cavo has, Bazel has said that Cavo does not want to be seen, so others naturally cannot recognize him.

"I sensed that someone I knew had entered the city, so I came out to take a look. I didn't expect to run into my friend Rein."

Cavo had a kind smile on his face, just like an ordinary old man. He wore a faded white coarse linen robe, making him look like a down-on-his-luck old mage apprentice.

Looking at the bustling street, Rein realized that standing and talking was inappropriate, so he smiled and suggested, "If you have time, I'd like to buy you a drink?"

Cavo didn't refuse, and said with a smile, "Then I'll trouble you to spend the money, young friend."

Before long, the two arrived at a small, not-too-noisy tavern called "Anchor Tavern".

By the window, Rein and Cavo sat facing each other.

I called the bartender,

Rein asked politely, "What would you like to drink?"

Cavo laughed and said, "Since it's your treat, young friend, this old man will shamelessly order something expensive this time?"

"Ha ha."

Hearing this tone, Rein smiled. This old man, who was "Number One Under Heaven" eighty years ago, was completely unpretentious and quite humorous.

How about Supreme Jack Wine?

"Very good."

"."

Before long, the wine was served.

The two cups cost nearly a gold coin, which is not cheap for ordinary people.

Rein raised his glass and clinked it with Cavo's; the two drank like old friends.

Cavo took a sip of his drink, a look of delighted satisfaction on his face, and remarked with some emotion, "It's been so many years since I've had such an expensive drink. It really does taste good."

Rein was slightly surprised. For someone at the very top of the pyramid in terms of both status and power, drinking the most expensive wine in the world shouldn't be a problem, yet he didn't expect him to say such a thing.

"You rarely drink alcohol?"

"I am an ascetic and rarely drink alcohol."

"Oh"

The two drank and started chatting.

Although Rein guessed that Cavo would appear in "Black Wind Territory," he probably knew what was about to happen there.

However, he didn't bring up the topic directly. Instead, he asked indirectly, "Master Cavo, I heard that you and the library suddenly disappeared in City of Radiance. Did that happen?"

Cavo didn't try to hide anything from him and said directly, "I made a bet with that guy Metternich."

He put down his glass, shrugged, and said, "Then I lost the bet. A bet is a bet, so I left City of Radiance."

Metternich?

That schizophrenic gambler?

Upon hearing this, Rein looked completely surprised. "You lost?"

He had previously considered various possibilities for Cavo leaving City of Radiance, but he never imagined it would be because of a "gamble".

This sounds far too frivolous.

They gambled away something as important as control of City of Radiance, and still lost?

Clearly, this "high-stakes gamble" is no simple matter.

"Yes."

Cavo didn't find anything to be ashamed of.

He took a sip of his drink with a nonchalant air and continued, "You know, that guy's gambling skills are top-notch. And those who inherit the 'Gambler Sequence' are often quite obsessive. He risked his life against me; this old man, at his age, was forced to stay at the gambling table. He gambled once, and then he lost."

"."

Upon hearing this, Rein's eyelids twitched involuntarily.

This absurd story is, in fact, true.

An image immediately flashed into his mind: Metternich, with his antisocial personality disorder, pointed a musket at Cavo's head with a crazed expression and asked, "Want to play cards? The kind where you gamble with your life!"

However, while the "Gambler Sequence" is formidable, probably no one in the world can force this person to participate in the gambling game.

Moreover, even if it was a gamble, Cavo shouldn't have lost.

There is probably more to this story than meets the eye.

When Rein heard that First Prince Quentin Omar had died in City of Radiance, and coincidentally Master Cavo had disappeared at the same time, he guessed that the whole thing was probably related to Metternich.

Now that Cavo has said it himself, all the clues have come together.

The establishment of "City of Radiance" was probably orchestrated by that guy.

Metternich's "anti-aristocratic social personality" was certainly not for the sake of wealth and status; he himself was a "Gambler Sequence" and was not seeking any Transcendent inheritance.

Rein quickly recalled Metternich's extreme remarks and immediately realized something. He asked, "Metternich made this bet with you because he wanted City of Radiance to become a nation and then use the chaos to rebuild a new social order?"

"Young friend Rein, you did indeed see this level."

Cavo nodded.

He glanced at Rein with an approving look and said, "That's probably what that guy was thinking. Although his approach was a bit extreme, he's a man of his word, so I can't really say anything."

He sighed softly and continued, "Besides, even if I had won that bet, it wouldn't have changed anything. The privileged class has already formed, and sooner or later, 'City of Radiance' would have developed into what it is now. If I had heard your 'harmonious society' remarks a few decades earlier, things might have been different. But now, after City of Radiance was established, it has nothing to do with me anymore."

"."

Upon hearing this, Rein wore a thoughtful expression.

Establishing a new social order is extremely difficult and cannot be changed by a gamble.

Clearly, Metternich may have had other plans.

But today, Rein felt that the most urgent task was not to worry about the schemers' plans, but to figure out why this great expert had come.

He asked directly, "So, what brings you to 'Black Wind Territory' this time?"

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