Farewell

Night.

In the room, Lu Yuan sat cross-legged on the bed.

Moonlight streamed in through the cracks in the window, casting a soft shadow on the floor.

Lu Yuan didn't rush to sleep.

He closed his eyes and focused his mind on his chest.

The Time Bestower is right there.

It's not something that hangs on your chest, but rather... it's woven into your being.

He could sense its presence, like a curled-up living thing, quietly lying dormant.

Lu Yuan tried to activate it with his mind.

The Pocket Watch reacted immediately.

A familiar power flowed through his body, ready to be released at any moment.

No need to hold it in your hands, no need to activate it, just a thought.

Much faster than before.

Lu Yuan continued trying.

He tried to keep the Time Bestower ability in a ready-to-use state—not released, but ready to be released at any time.

Like a fully drawn bowstring, poised to unleash its power.

It was a success.

This state can continue without depleting his sanity, as long as he doesn't actively release it.

Lu Yuan opened his eyes and looked down at his chest.

The Time Bestower lay there quietly, looking no different from an ordinary Pocket Watch.

But he knew that those two tentacles could reach out at any moment.

Those insect legs had become one with his body.

Lu Yuan recalled Grego's research log.

Symbiosis.

The parasite integrates with the Host, establishing a certain balance.

He looked down at the pocket Pocket Watch on his chest and remained silent for a long time.

Is this considered... symbiosis?

Outside the window, the night wind howled.

The sand hit the window frame, making a rustling sound.

Lu Yuan pulled himself out of his thoughts, lay down, and closed his eyes.

There's still a lot to do tomorrow.

Take good care of your injury.

Go to Bronze City.

And deliver the letter.

And that badge that can't be opened...

Consciousness gradually faded.

That familiar tingling sensation returned to my chest.

The Time Bestower antennae emerged, wriggling gently.

It's like some kind of instinctive patrol.

Three days later.

The morning sunlight slanted into the courtyard, casting pale golden streaks on the ground.

Lu Yuan leaned against the door frame, looking at the few people in the courtyard.

Morris stood by the well washing his face, his movements swift and efficient; he seemed to be in good spirits.

Heller squatted in the corner, wiping his weapons, as silent as ever.

Vincent sat on a stone bench, his abdomen wrapped in thick bandages, his face still a little pale, but much better than two days ago.

After three days of rest, all three had recovered considerably.

Morris dried the water droplets on his face with a towel and turned to look at Lu Yuan.

"Morning."

"Good morning." Lu Yuan nodded.

Morris draped the towel over the edge of the well and walked over to Lu Yuan.

"I'm leaving today."

Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Vincent's injury..."

"We can't delay any longer." Morris shook his head. "Headquarters is pressing us hard; Grego's matter needs to be reported as soon as possible."

He paused, then looked at Vincent sitting on the stone bench.

"His injury has stabilized; just walk slowly on the road."

Lu Yuan didn't say anything more.

Those Pathfinder have their Pathfinder rules, and their itinerary is none of the business of outsiders.

"There are a few things to take care of before I leave," Morris said. "I need to talk to Herman."

Lu Yuan looked at him.

"The matter of Sandworm Town?"

"Hmm." Morris nodded. "This place is well-located. The Empire has always wanted to extend its influence deeper into the desert, and Sandworm Town is a good springboard."

He spoke very frankly, without any pretense.

"Moreover, this incident has caused quite a stir. Although Grego is dead, his research data remains. If this area isn't brought under the Empire's jurisdiction, it will be difficult to handle any future troubles."

Lu Yuan understood what he meant.

Sandworm Town is located in a remote area and has always been outside the Empire's control. This incident has given the Empire a reason to intervene.

Will Herman agree?

"He had no choice," Morris said calmly. "The mayor is dead, and the town needs someone to run it. He's the most suitable candidate, but he has no connections, no powerful backers."

"The empire is willing to support him; he has no reason to refuse."

Lu Yuan remained silent for a moment.

What are the conditions?

"Sandworm," Morris said. "The Empire needs Sandworm Oil and scabbards, and they'll supply them. The price will be market value; they won't be shortchanged."

"In addition, the Empire will send two or three Night Watcher to be stationed there, responsible for daily surveillance and emergency response."

He glanced at Lu Yuan.

"You should be able to understand that this is a win-win situation."

Lu Yuan nodded, offering no comment.

Whether it's a win-win situation or a mutually beneficial arrangement, that's between Herman and the Empire, and has nothing to do with him.

In the morning, the atmosphere in the main room of the Herman family's house was somewhat somber.

Lu Yuan sat in a chair in the corner, watching the two people at the table.

Morris sat in the head seat, his fingers lightly tapping the table as he spoke slowly and deliberately. Herman sat opposite him, a cigarette dangling from his lips, his cloudy eyes narrowed into slits.

"... The Empire will establish a small outpost here, stationing Night Watcher personnel for daily surveillance."

Morris's voice wasn't loud, but it was very clear.

"It's mainly for dealing with emergencies, such as attacks by Mutated Creature or the spread of Source of Pollution. It won't interfere with your daily affairs."

Herman took a drag of his cigarette but said nothing.

"Regarding the Sandworm, we'll buy them at market price," Morris continued. "The Empire needs Sandworm Oil and husks. You'll be responsible for hunting and initial processing; the specific price is negotiable."

"In addition, the Empire will send people to explore and develop the deep hunting grounds. That area is rich in resources, but also highly dangerous; it will be difficult for you to conquer it on your own."

He paused, looking at Herman.

"The revenue sharing from development will be discussed later, but you will not be treated unfairly."

Herman took the cigarette holder out of his mouth and flicked off the ash.

"Sounds good."

His tone was flat, revealing no emotion.

But I have a question.

"You say."

"After being incorporated into the Empire, who has the final say in the town's affairs?"

Herman looked at Morris, his gaze sharpening.

"Were they sent by the Empire, or are they ourselves?"

Morris did not answer immediately.

He remained silent for a few seconds before speaking.

"Manage your own daily affairs. The Empire will not interfere."

"But when it comes to matters of the Transcendence, we must listen to the Night Watcher."

Herman narrowed his eyes.

"For example?"

"For example, hunting Mutated Sandworm, dealing with Source of Pollution, and..." Morris glanced at him, "... the next time someone like Grego appears."

Herman fell silent.

He lowered his head, staring at the cigarette holder in his hand, lost in thought.

After a long while, he finally raised his head.

"Make a deal."

Morris nodded and extended his hand.

Herman grasped his hand, and their hands clasped tightly together.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you."

"It's a pleasure doing business with you."

Lu Yuan watched this scene from the corner, without any particular feeling.

The inclusion of Sandworm Town into the Empire's territory may not necessarily be a bad thing for the townspeople. With the Empire's support, the hunting grounds can be expanded, trade can be regulated, and their living standards will improve.

Of course, the cost is the loss of some autonomy.

But for a small town that was almost destroyed by Source of Pollution, the cost wasn't too high.

Shortly after the negotiations ended, Lu Yuan stood in the courtyard, watching the horse-drawn carts being loaded with goods in the distance.

Morris came out of the house and walked towards him.

"Are you done talking?" Lu Yuan asked.

"Hmm." Morris stopped beside him. "It went more smoothly than I expected. Herman is a smart man; he knows when to compromise."

Lu Yuan did not respond.

There was a moment of silence.

"There's something," Morris began, his tone more formal than usual, "About your identity."

Lu Yuan looked at him.

"I know you're an advisor to the Night Watcher," Morris said, "But the Night Watcher's system is different from the Pathfinder', and it's often inconvenient."

He took a small box out of his pocket and handed it over.

Lu Yuan took it and opened it.

Inside was a silver badge.

The badge was small, slightly smaller than that of the Night Watcher. It depicted a bird with outstretched wings, its posture graceful and powerful. Below it was a line of small Inscription written in Ancient Imperial Language.

"The Pathfinder Consultant Badge," Morris explained. "Your privileges are similar to those of a full member; you can use Pathfinder outposts throughout the Empire. Intelligence sharing, lodging at outposts, and resupplying—all of that is no problem."

He paused.

"Points can also be stored here, and they can come in handy later when needed. This badge is equivalent to official member status and requires registration, but the authority to issue it rests with Pathfinder of Second Order and above."

Lu Yuan looked at the badge in his hand and remained silent for a few seconds.

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"I only helped a little." Lu Yuan looked up at Morris, "And you probably still have many questions unanswered."

Morris looked at him, his expression somewhat complicated.

A sense of scrutiny, curiosity, and something else that's hard to define.

"I do have doubts." He didn't deny it. "I still can't figure out what happened that night."

"The sanity of three Second Order Transcendence was simultaneously drained. I know the mechanism of that ring very well; it's impossible for something like this to happen."

He looked at Lu Yuan, his tone calm.

"So the only explanation is that someone did something on purpose."

Lu Yuan's expression remained unchanged.

"But that's for later," Morris said, changing the subject. "The fact is, you saved the three of us."

"No matter what methods you used, no matter what secrets you have, this favor is genuine."

He pointed to the badge in Lu Yuan's hand.

"Those Pathfinder believe in repaying kindness; it's a rule."

Lu Yuan understood the implication in his words.

This badge is both a token of gratitude and a test.

Giving him the identity of Pathfinder means his whereabouts will be recorded and his behavior will be monitored. It's less about winning him over and more about a form of subtle surveillance.

But Lu Yuan didn't care.

He never intended to hide it. Whether he was Night Watcher or Pathfinder, as long as it didn't interfere with his own work, having another identity would only be beneficial, not harmful.

"Okay." Lu Yuan put the badge in his pocket. "Thank you."

Morris nodded.

"Our destination is the Royal Capital, which isn't on your route," he said. "If you're going to Bronze City, it's safer to go with Herman's caravan; the desert isn't safe."

"I know."

"That's settled then."

Morris turned and walked toward the carriage.

After taking a few steps, he stopped again and looked back at Lu Yuan.

"Oh, right, that ring."

Lu Yuan was taken aback.

"I didn't take it back," Morris said casually. "Just return it to me next time we meet."

After saying that, he didn't turn back and strode towards the carriage.