Chapter 5 - Actually, I Have a Cheat Too

Translator's Note:

Hello, I hope you've all been doing well.

Here you go, and I wish you a good read.

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Rex

 

 

The name "Rex" might not mean much to some, but mention the Tyrannosaurus Rex, and everyone knows it instantly. It was one of the most fearsome carnivorous dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous, the apex predator of its time, unrivaled in strength. Also known as the Tyrant Lizard King*, in Greek, Rex in this case would mean "tyrant" or "absolute ruler"—a fitting name indeed.

 

[T/N: The name "Tyrannosaurus rex" can be broken down into Greek and Latin roots.

"Tyrannos" (τυραννος) is derived from the Greek word τυραννος, meaning "tyrant" or "absolute ruler." This suggests dominance and power.

"Saurus" (σαυρος) comes from the Greek word σαυρος, meaning "lizard" or "reptile." Hence, the full name translates roughly to "tyrant lizard."]

 

To Ge Yan, this realization hit hard. No wonder the man was so ruthless—he was practically a T. Rex in spirit. And a T. Rex wouldn't simply forgive its enemies; it would hunt them down in the bloodiest, most savage way possible. If "tyrant" meant anything, it meant spilling blood. Ge Yan's heart sank as he contemplated his future alongside this unpredictable, merciless tyrant. It felt as though his world was shrinking into darkness.

 

Unaware of Ge Yan's fearful musings, Rex continued as usual.

 

The young clerk at the guild counter located Rex's name in the registry, but his professional smile wavered slightly as he read the details. After confirming multiple times that Rex was here to submit a mission, not abandon one, the clerk took a deep breath. His gaze shifted from mere surprise to one of awe and respect. Standing before him was a mercenary who'd singlehandedly completed an A-level mission, despite holding only a B-level rank. It was a rare feat and required exceptional courage.

 

A-level missions were high-stakes assignments, rarely achievable alone. Even for A-ranked mercenaries, the success rate hovered around ten to twenty percent, and here was a B-ranker succeeding. What was truly remarkable was that Rex had already completed three A-level missions, and with this latest, his total count was now four. To reach A-rank, a B-ranked mercenary needed to complete five A-level missions—a task so daunting it had stalled the careers of countless others. The failure rate was high, and so was the risk of death.

 

With his paperwork handled, Rex exited the guild without taking a new mission, the clerk's respectful gaze following him as he left.

 

Ge Yan stuck close to him, exhaling in relief only once they were outside. He'd thought the people on the street were "enthusiastic," but the mercenaries inside were far worse, their gazes fixed on him with an intensity that prickled his skin. He couldn't shake the feeling that at any moment, someone might pounce on him, tearing him to pieces. He shuddered, goosebumps prickling his arms.

 

Glancing back at the guild's entrance, Ge Yan's gaze unexpectedly met that of a man exiting the building. The stranger paused for a moment, then nonchalantly averted his gaze. Feeling a sense of puzzlement, Ge Yan still decided not to dwell on it.

 

The market in Tris Town was thriving, with caravans, adventurers, and mercenaries passing through daily. Inns were abundant, but so were travelers, and vacancies were hard to find.

 

Rex led him to a modest inn tucked away from the main thoroughfare. Because of its secluded location, there were still plenty of rooms. Rex requested one.

 

Hearing this, Ge Yan stepped out from behind him, ready to ask why they weren't getting two rooms since they were two people. But before he could speak, the innkeeper shot him a knowing smile and promptly registered them for a single room without asking any questions, then led them to the door.

 

Spotting a jug of water on the table, Ge Yan went over to pour himself a drink. Just as he raised the cup to his lips, a large hand reached over, snatched it away, and Rex downed the water in one cold, decisive gulp.

 

"Are you unhappy with something?" Rex noticed the resentful look in Ge Yan's eyes, his brows arching as his commanding presence filled the small room.

 

"Serving my master is an honor," Ge Yan replied with a forced smile, mentally berating himself. He'd forgotten he was this man's servant. Deciding it wasn't worth the fuss, he poured himself another cup, feeling the warm liquid soothe his battered insides. The blood clot lodged in his throat eased somewhat, or so he thought…

 

Without warning, he coughed up a mouthful of blood all over the table.

 

It was as if that one bloody cough had drained every ounce of vitality from him. His face went ghostly pale, and a chilling numbness seeped through his limbs.

 

Rex frowned, recalling that the previous host of this body had suffered a severe blow from his wrath. Though the damage didn't show outwardly, his organs had likely been gravely injured. It was a miracle he'd managed this long, and Rex finally understood his earlier sluggish pace. A soft glow appeared in Rex's hand as he conjured a small orb of light, gently sending it into Ge Yan's body. A soft golden radiance enveloped Ge Yan, warming him from the outside in.

 

Ge Yan suddenly felt as if he'd been enveloped in a warm embrace, his entire being submerged in a soothing balm that eased his pain. The thought of drifting into sleep, never to wake, crossed his mind, filling him with an odd sense of peace. But as he opened his eyes, the sight that greeted him was Rex's face, looming close.

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