Strength in Numbers

Anse had learned from Quentin beforehand about the movements of those Claw City-States nobles, including Tailong Salberg, who had caused trouble before.

The Claw City-States had already been a loose, disorganized mess, and after losing their territories, they had completely fallen apart. Rather than banding together for warmth, they schemed against one another.

After the disaster had passed, many nobles had exhausted their savings and been forced to downsize their guard retinues.

After offending Anse, Tailong Salberg found that no one dared get close to him. He wanted to leave, but had nowhere to go.

East of Durag lay the vast Green Fields, where the dangers were unknown. The only option was to head south to Amn, but everything there required money. Amnian merchants were man-eating wolves—if you had money, people would set their sights on you; if you had none, you could only be exploited.

These minor nobles had been having a miserable time lately, plagued by internal conflicts.

So when the Association's invitation arrived, the bearded Adolf did not hesitate. Deliberately avoiding the others, he came alone to the Association.

Anse had not expected him to arrive so quickly, and sent someone to invite him into his office.

Adolf had a face full of beard, a rugged appearance, and a tall, sturdy build. He wore no armor and carried a great axe on his back.

The sight of Anse reminded him of their previous conflict, making his expression slightly awkward, though the two had not spoken directly at the time.

"Mr. Adolf, please have a seat." Anse wore a warm smile.

The Dice turned slightly, swiftly displaying the target's information:

[Adolf, Human, Level 10 Barbarian (Beast Heart Path)]

"Thank you for inviting me, Chairman. May I ask why you wanted to see me?" Adolf put on