Chapter 643 - Old Timers (1/2)

As the crowd around Valiant Hall was steadily growing, Thilly came back out seemingly having completed his task. But, even he, who was usually even keeled and expressionless couldn't help but be shocked by the sudden change.

Why were there so many people coming? What was going on exactly?

Leonel had been certain that they had come to cause trouble. During his month of time with Kaela and the others, he hadn't lowered his guard, always being prepared for a sudden ambush from the King of Ores faction. But, even to this point, he hadn't seen a single thing.

However, what was even more shocking about what was going on was the fact that after reaching the Exchange Fair, the more than 200 youths who had come began to observe each display curiously.

Leonel thought it was just an act. How could he not? According to what he learned from Kaela, they would be lucky to have a dozen audience members, and that was including the judges themselves.

But, the longer he observed, the more he realized that he was wrong.

Leonel was very good at reading the intentions of people. He thought himself to have quite a high level of emotional intelligence, it was part of the reason many were fond of him. However, even with these skills and his acute senses, he couldn't find anything wrong with this crowd of people. it was as though…

They had really come for the Fair? Just what was going on?

While Leonel was distracted, the entrance of Valiant Hall opened up once again. This time, three old timers came out.

”Ah?”

Kaela's expression changed drastically.

”What's wrong?”

Leonel was about to ask this question, but Rum was far more attentive to Kaela's change than even he was.

”That…” Kaela blinked, trying to regain her bearings.

She shook her head and took a deep breath.

Kaela couldn't take her eyes off of the old man in the center. Though Leonel had only known her for a short time, he was easily able to guess who the old man was.

Jac Beinala. The only Tier 9 Black Crafter Valiant Heart Mountain had to offer.

He was an old man that seemed to have a foot in the grave already. His skin was loose, his wrinkles prominent, and his face was covered in aged spots, making it difficult to tell what its original tone was meant to be.

However, despite this, and despite the fact he used a metallic walking cane to move, his back was ramrod straight, making one wonder why he needed the walking stick at all.

As though this old man wasn't odd enough to look at, his eyes seemed to have aged even quicker than his body, reflecting a milky white beneath his spectacles. And, much like Kaela, he too wore a lab coat. It seemed that during her time under his tutelage, she had still managed to pick up some of his habits.