Preparing to Depart

Moonlight fell upon the young man, and the aura Havent exuded grew stronger and stronger. Terrified, Keke's legs went weak, and his body collapsed uncontrollably onto the ground.

"Please, please, don't kill me, I still have children to feed."

Facing Keke's pleas, Havent coldly raised his long sword.

"No, you don't know you were wrong, you only know you're about to die."

As Havent's words fell, two sword lights flashed, and blood sprayed directly from the severed limbs.

Looking at the five people lying on the ground, Havent wiped his sword on Keke's corpse, then sheathed it at his waist and left without looking back.

A while later, patrolling guards walked over. Seeing the people lying haphazardly in the alley, they assumed it was just some drunks who had drunk too much and prepared to wake them up, lest they freeze to death.

However, as they got closer, the smell of blood in the air made the guards realize something was wrong. Approaching and shining a torch, the guards thought they had stumbled upon a cult ritual.

'Hoo~ hoo~ hoo~'

With a few clear whistles, Havent, already tucked into bed, squirmed comfortably twice and gradually drifted off to sleep.

Havent slept soundly all night and had a wonderful dream. After wriggling in his covers for a long time, Havent finally got out of bed and glanced at the simple clock on the wall.

"Damn, how is it already twelve o'clock?"

After getting dressed, Havent pulled a rope by the bedside. Soon, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in, the door isn't locked."

With a creak, the door opened.

Bru walked in absentmindedly. This morning, Linda, for some unknown reason, had swollen, tear-filled eyes, and no amount of coaxing could comfort her.

Seeing Havent looking at him, Bru, who was very respectful of this generous guest, bowed respectfully and asked.

"Hello, esteemed guest, how may I help you?"

"Are my clothes dry? I'm leaving, Bru."

Hearing that the generous guest was leaving, Bru's expression showed a hint of regret, which he quickly adjusted.

"Alright, guest, I'll go get them for you right away."

Soon, Bru returned with Havent's clothes, neatly folded on the table, and respectfully said.

"Is there anything else you need?"

Havent touched his empty stomach, took out a Silver Grol, and threw it to Bru, saying.

"Bring me something to eat, the stew I had yesterday was good. Bru, you seem to be in a bad mood~"

Bru, who was already feeling down, was touched by the generous guest's concern and immediately poured out his troubles.

After listening to Bru's woes, Havent looked surprised. So, last night's events were because he had shown off his wealth? But this young man was truly pathetic. He said sympathetically to Bru.

"Yeah, women can be strange. But I think it might get better in a few days, after all, you're a good, honest man."

Hearing Havent's assessment of him, Bru was very grateful. He bowed and went downstairs to get Havent something to eat.

After a simple bite, Havent grabbed his things and left the Giant's Slumber Inn to meet up with the Gale Mercenary Group.

"Will, Will, why are you only arriving now? Do you know there was a bloody battle in town last night?"

Paimon saw Havent walk in, put down the chicken leg he was holding, and rushed to greet him.

"What bloody battle?" Havent asked, pretending not to know.

Paimon pulled Havent to the table and sat down, excitedly telling him.

"You have no idea, the whole town is buzzing today. In an alley on Red Fruit Street, five dismembered bodies appeared. The town guards investigated all night. Later, when dawn broke, they confirmed the identities of these people."

Havent listened with interest as Paimon explained. He had simulated the swift killing last night and hadn't left any evidence, so he wanted to hear what others were saying.

"These guys were locals from Streamwood Town, a small mercenary team, but they had a bad reputation and often engaged in bullying and extortion.

So, the local residents didn't feel anything about their deaths. The bar owner even thought it was retribution for their wicked deeds.

But regardless, I went to see this morning. That person was definitely a master, or maybe two people. They were incredibly powerful. According to the guards, none of them could put up much of a fight, and there were even two low-level warriors among them."

At this moment, Wells and Baki also returned from outside and found empty seats to sit down. Wells smiled as he listened to the younger members of the group discussing the early morning battle. Young people always liked these heroic, chivalrous tales.

Watching Havent smiling and listening to Paimon brag, old Wells vaguely felt that the attack style described in the rumors was familiar.

"Boss! Boss!"

Hearing Baki call him, Wells snapped out of his daze.

"What is it? Baki?"

He turned to his second-in-command.

"We got a message from the merchant guild, asking if we can depart tomorrow. Their goods are ready."

"Uh-huh~ Are our things all ready?"

Baki flipped through his notebook and said.

"Okro and the others have already communicated with the stable owner and paid the money. The horses can be taken away at any time."

After hearing Baki's report, Wells nodded, stood up, and walked to the table.

"Alright, lads. Pack your things, we're having a good meal tonight. We're setting off tomorrow."

In the evening, Havent, having eaten his fill, was about to go out with Paimon and the other lads from the team to see the sights. However, old Wells stopped him, citing their departure early the next morning.

With nothing else to do, the few of them started wrestling in an open space. After a few hours of roughhousing, Wells shooed them off to rest. Lying in bed, Paimon still had no intention of sleeping.

"Will, where are you from? It would be great if you weren't leaving!"

Havent paused upon hearing Paimon's question.

"Huh? I never said I was leaving? I just joined."

"Really? But Uncle, ah no, the Captain said, Wells is my uncle, forget it, I'll just call him Uncle."

Paimon leaned back against his blanket, staring at the ceiling, and continued, "Uncle said you're not like us. You're just joining us temporarily, and you'll probably leave when you reach your destination. So, will we still be friends then?"

Havent smiled at the boy in the opposite bed. He really liked this straightforward young man, even though they hadn't known each other long.

"Of course, Paimon. We'll always be good friends."

The boy let out a long sigh, then turned to Havent, revealing his neat teeth.

"That's good. We'll always be good friends."