"Blood Shark" Quinte

"He's formidable, Jorik. Do you think he might be a Beyonder?"

In an inconspicuous corner of the bar, a girl with orange hair tied into twin ponytails tugged at the male companion beside her, who wore a long red coat.

The man in his thirties held a glass of wine and studied Sifa before shaking his head. "That big fool and the thug were both ordinary people; they aren't useful references. Dealing with people like them doesn't require a Beyonder. Any seasoned ordinary adventurer could do it."

"Though this man looks rather dark-skinned, his features still look quite young. I can only say that he has considerable combat experience, but whether he's a Beyonder..."

He shrugged. "I can't tell."

The twin-tailed girl pouted. "What a pity. I wanted to recruit him, but never mind. With you and Bert this time, I think that's enough."

"Heh heh, Hana, when it comes to adventuring, more people aren't necessarily better. Mutual understanding matters more."

The man named Jorik swept his gaze across the bar. "Besides, you're not the only one who wants to recruit him."

At the bar counter.

Sifa finally finished everything. Taking out a handkerchief to wipe his mouth, he said, "Southville Beer should cost between five and six pence, and the potato bread is about the same. Since this bowl of cured meat is a specialty of Damir Port, let's call it one pound."

"You said the beer and potato bread were complimentary, meaning they were free. So, I gave you six pounds just now. How much change should I get back?"

The bartender said through chattering teeth, "Five pounds, sir."

"Very good." Sifa smiled and held out his palm.

The bartender hurried out from behind the counter, fished out the five-pound note Sifa had given earlier from Logan's pocket,