Tefra City, Upper District, Rose Manor.
This was the manor of "Bloodthorn" Elizabeth, owner of the Rose Arena.
"You had better give me a reasonable explanation. Why did you leave the exploration party without authorization and return to Tefra City? If your explanation is not satisfactory, then no matter how highly I value you as promising gladiators, I will not let you off lightly."
Elizabeth's complexion held a sickly pallor. Paired with her dark red lipstick and nails, it gave her an air of fragile danger.
Her attire was also distinctly personal: a leather aristocratic hunting outfit, its edges studded with scattered, sharp metal barbs that called thorny vines to mind.
Wu Mingyue glanced at Wu Qingyun, who was looking at her expectantly.
Wu Mingyue silently sighed, then took on the responsibility of communicating with the natives.
"Boss, there is an opportunity to suppress Karamango and earn you great merit before Galileus, the Imperial Legion Commander."
The two prospects Wu Mingyue offered struck straight at Elizabeth's heart.
"That is an interesting way of putting it. Go on."
Elizabeth sat down in a wicker chair, and the atmosphere eased slightly.
Wu Mingyue said, "We have a companion... you should remember him. He is Steel Heart Dio from the Crimson Blood Arena."
"Of course I remember him. He caused me to lose The Last Dance competition and cost me several tens of thousands of Embers," Elizabeth said.
Wu Mingyue continued, "Steel Heart killed a Naga General back then and accidentally obtained a secret hidden on the general's body. After a difficult battle, he deciphered that secret. It concerns the very survival of the Imperial Army!"
"What secret?" Elizabeth's curiosity was piqued.
Wu Mingyue selectively told Elizabeth the intelligence from the Cipher Bottle.
Elizabeth's fine brows furrowed slightly. "A Naga Clan Conspiracy... guiding