While Dawn and his group discussed matters in low voices, the miners drawn by the earth-shaking battle had also gathered in the shadows cast by distant buildings, murmuring among themselves.
They were far from the center of the battlefield and naturally could not hear what Dawn and the others were saying. Still, that did not stop them from filling in the blanks based on what they had seen and expressing their amazement.
"Good heavens! Is the boss... is he even human? He flipped over such a huge ship all by himself!"
"Did you see those women around the boss? Every one of them looks like she stepped out of a painting. What a lucky man..."
"Hehe, do you think the boss is keeping those two younger girls around because he has some bad intentions..."
"Shh! Keep your voice down! Want to get yourself killed? Don't forget who made it possible for us to eat our fill and earn such high wages!"
Most of their talk was filled with amazement at Dawn's strength, satisfaction with their generous living conditions, and harmless teasing about the women around him.
Hardly anyone voiced any dissatisfaction with Dawn's rule. After all, the tangible benefits he had brought were plain for all to see.
Yet among the chattering miners was an utterly ordinary-looking middle-aged man, the sort who would vanish into a crowd. Though he appeared to echo the people around him and discuss the battle, his eyes held a faint, nearly imperceptible detachment and distraction.
His agreement sounded somewhat mechanical. His attention was elsewhere.
"His long-range methods... so far, I've only seen that final absorption ability.
His primary fighting style seems to rely on close combat, backed by overwhelming physical strength and formidable defense...
If what he has shown is all there is, then with