[Smuggling Alliance] hideout nest.
Facing the female thief's questioning, Garvin spread his hands and flashed a wickedly unrestrained smile.
"Oh, it seems I forgot to introduce myself. I am the second knight of the Harpers branch—the Weaving Moonstar Ten Knights—lord of heaven, Dio Mingshi.
"I smelled evil, and so I came for you.
"Cast aside your pointless guard. Death is not frightening. I merely came to redeem you.
"After all, even villains need a savior of their own."
"Pfft—hehe, hahahahaha—cough, cough. I don't know whether you're really a Harper, but I do know one thing: you might truly be insane."
The female thief, who had been brimming with vigilance toward Garvin, suddenly burst into laughter. She laughed without restraint, until tears welled from her eyes.
"Just a level sixteen or seventeen Mage, yet without the protection of any guards or followers, you dare come alone before us and spout such wild nonsense.
"If it had been yesterday, when there was only me and that bunch of trash from the Smuggling Alliance, perhaps I might have thought more highly of you. But today, oh, what unfortunate timing. Any one of us alone might not be your match, but with a team here that encompasses nearly every class, even a legend could be matched blow for blow. Sadly, you are no legend. So, are you ready to be tortured to death by us?
"Oh no—since you brought me such entertainment, we'll spare your life. We'll take you outside the city with us, then slowly have our fun with you!
"I'll try to imitate those devils and scoop out your soul to make a lamp, then burn it for ten thousand years. Hahahahaha."
Once they had confirmed that Garvin had truly come alone, everyone lowered their guard. The looks they turned on him