This short, rat-like man with two tufts of whiskers was the contact for the Raven's Beak smuggling route. Most people called him Gray Rat.
"Everyone here?" Gray Rat's voice was hoarse and low, like sandpaper scraping.
Old Scar nodded, glanced at Duke, then said to Gray Rat, "I'll leave the rest to you. Things have been tense in the city lately, so hurry up."
After saying that, he returned directly to the cave entrance leading to the Filthy Land and swiftly vanished into the darkness. His task was finished.
Gray Rat's gaze swept over Duke, the scar-faced mercenary, the sultry woman, and the merchant clutching a bundle. He said in a low voice, "Listen up! I'm Gray Rat, and I'm responsible for getting you across the border. The rules are simple: follow my steps and keep quiet. If you fall behind or cause trouble, don't expect anyone to save you. You're responsible for the consequences."
His aura was no ordinary one either. He was clearly a Level 1 Awakened, though he appeared somewhat weaker than both the mercenary and the woman.
Still, anyone who could work this route year-round was no easy target. None of the others looked down on Gray Rat just because they were stronger.
The sultry woman gave a soft laugh, her voice languid and magnetic. "Got it, Boss Gray Rat. Freya won't cause any trouble."
She casually swayed her waist, her voluptuous figure fully revealed beneath the starlight. Yet deep within her slightly upturned, seductive eyes glimmered the cold scrutiny of a venomous snake as her gaze swiftly passed over Duke.
The merchant-like man nodded repeatedly in panic, clutching the bundle in his arms tighter. His voice trembled with fear. "U-Understood. I'll behave!"
Neither the mercenary nor Duke spoke. They merely glanced at Gray Rat and