Chapter 198 (2/2)

Becky’s eyes lit up when she told the story. But, Hao Ren felt that the ending of the story was probably a sham made up by some motherf*cker, then widely circulated among mercenaries, who were spinsters. If you dared to discuss this in the Royal Court, they would have killed you first and asked questions later.

Much was learned about the glorious past of Marshal Ophra. Hao Ren now knew she was the most legendary figure in the Kingdom. Ophra, a descendent of the Ancients, had been the Kingdom’s marshal for over 400 years, witnessing dozens of royal successions. And, she remained the top fighter and sword instructor for all the kings of Holletta. It was incredible, Hao Ren thought. He had a hard time imagining why someone as powerful as her was willing to serve a dynasty and remained loyal for four centuries. In addition, the Holletta Royalty still trusted Ophra despite going through dozens of royal successions. Perhaps, something really did happen between the hero and King Geddon III, the Iron Fist.

They had witnessed an argument between the marshal and bishop that day. It seemed, the two had differing views on matters regarding the Orb incident, and religious interpretations. Unfortunately, Hao Ren had no idea where to begin investigations on the reasons behind the argument.

The group spent the night in Leyton before they set off on the road to Beinz Blood Lake the next morning.

The lockdown was still enforced in the town. The stored energy beneath the church and its stationed mage regiment seemed enough to sustain the shield above the town. However, there was no telling how long the lockdown would last. What bothered Hao Ren the most was the tough rock monsters. He was not sure if the local knights were able to handle them, but the bishop appeared to be pretty confident. Perhaps, the bishop had already informed his superior about the situation and soon, a massive mobilisation of the Kingdom’s machinery and the Church’s power would begin. He chose to believe that these VIPs had what it took to handle the situation.

They left the rented horses behind in the town as horses could easily be affected by the magic near Beinz Blood Lake and become frightened as well as agitated. There was a handover point specially for mercenaries in the town, the horses would be in good hands. They left the town on foot through the western exit onto the highway. It was not a long journey.

“That’s the Gnarled Grove.” Leading the group, Becky pointed to a vast area of fuchsia far ahead. “Keep your eyes open. Once we’re in there, don’t use magic. If there’s an encounter, end it quickly. Most of the monsters inside are very sensitive, they can smell magic and come in groups.”

“Copy that,” Hao Ren acknowledged. Lily and Vivian had transformed since they left town. The danger zone not far ahead was infested with monsters, so they could never be too cautious. Vivian sent her squad of bats flying a hundred metres in the air, monitoring the road ahead. Meanwhile, Lily sniffed around for any suspicious smells. Nangong Wuye looked at Becky, who was still leading in the front, recalling what she had seen on the way out of town. Two groups of mercenaries were returning from the grove, injured and bloody. “Actually, you don’t need to do this. Your job ended when you brought us to Leyton.”

“Are you trying to say that going forward’s too dangerous?” Becky could read Nangong Wuyue’s mind as she too had seen the returning mercenaries. “From what I was told, they were beaten by some average monsters. The situation around Beinz Blood Lake isn’t as bad as what the bishop tried to paint. I’ll keep my word and bring you lot right to the edge of the lake. Furthermore, I’d like to try my luck and see if I can find some treasure.”

Hao Ren smiled. He decided to bring a tablet for this frank maiden the next time he returned. After all, it was at the expense of Raven 12345.

Once they entered the Gnarled Grove, Hao Ren instantly felt that the atmosphere was totally unlike the outside.