On the second floor of a tavern overlooking the city gates.
Cui Ciyou, Rujierd, and Keith sat around a table by the window, with three mugs of foaming ale before them.
"Come on, Ciyou," Keith said, taking a sip of ale with a teasing grin.
"Seriously? They're only E-Rank goblins. Goblins have gone extinct on the Demon Continent."
"Monsters that weak can't even survive there."
"And you're still..."
Cui Ciyou smiled, gazing through the window at the two small figures about to leave through the city gates.
There was a hint of helplessness in his voice. "I can't help it. I worry about them! Anyway, I'm off!"
"Keith, have a few drinks with Rujierd! If you go gambling, I have just one condition: don't lose any money. If you do, I'll beat you up."
As though another thought had struck him, he added, "Even better if you can win enough to cover our travel expenses. Don't worry, you're with us. No Beastfolk warrior will arrest you this time."
Rujierd raised his mug and took a small sip, wisdom glinting in his deep eyes.
"This is a necessary trial. A warrior cannot grow without fighting independently."
"But aren't you worrying a little too much?"
"Alice is a Sword Saint, and Sylphy is a Water God Style Magic Swordsman with two Advanced-level qualifications."
Cui Ciyou smiled. "That's why I said I can't help it. It's one thing when I'm not with them, but when I am, I can't stop worrying!"
"See you, Rujierd, Keith."
With that, he stood and took several Royal Banknotes from his money pouch, handing them to Keith.
Then he slipped silently out of the tavern like a ghost melting into the shadows and hurried after the two girls heading toward the forest.
In front of the Abandoned