Chapter 13 - 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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Volume 2: Tasha Forest

 

Black Wolf Corps Captain Locke

 

 

"Are you really going to Tasha Forest?" Ge Yan asked, thinking of the Black Wolf Mercenary Corps, who were there to hunt the sacred beast. They'd undoubtedly head to Tasha Forest as well, and if they discovered that Carlos and his group's deaths were linked to them, even Rex's skill wouldn't help against so many enemies. But giving up on a sacred beast? That would be a waste—it was clear from the mercenaries' conversation that this beast was no ordinary creature.

 

Rex didn't answer, but his mind seemed set. He finished eating and strode out of the inn.

 

Ge Yan followed him down another street, noticing that while it was just as lively, he could easily spot quite a few young loiterers hanging around.

 

There were teens, people in their early twenties, and even one child around eight or nine years old. They would approach strangers, striking up conversations, and all their targets seemed to be first-timers in Tris Town.

 

Before Ge Yan could ask, Rex summoned over a young child. Up close, the boy looked even younger, possibly seven. His face was dusty, but his eyes sparkled with a hopeful gleam.

 

"Sir, is there something you need help with?" The child's small hands clutched his worn clothes, his lips parched, as if he hadn't had water in a day. He was scrawny and frail.

 

"What's your name?" Rex asked, holding out five silver coins.

 

The child hesitated, then took the coins before replying, "My name's Simon. Just tell me what you need, sir. If it's something I can do, I'll do it."

 

Rex replied coolly, "I need you to carry out a task. You'll be rewarded with one thousand gold coins."

 

Simon's eyes went wide with both excitement and suspicion. The offer seemed too good to be true. And if it was real, the difficulty must be high—far beyond what a boy like him could manage.

 

His reaction didn't surprise either Rex or Ge Yan. Rex, typically indifferent, showed no sympathy, while Ge Yan felt the boy must have endured hardships few could imagine. His family must be in difficult straits; otherwise, his parents wouldn't have sent him out to earn money at such a young age. At his age, Ge Yan himself hadn't even thought about earning money. Well, except for the times he'd stolen some from his parents.

 

"Sir, one thousand gold coins sounds too much. I'm not sure I could do it," Simon said earnestly. He just wanted to earn enough to support his family, not risk his life.

 

"All you need to do is deliver a message to someone. It's not dangerous," Rex assured him in a calm voice.

 

Simon's hesitant expression made it clear he wasn't entirely convinced.

 

Already understanding Rex's intentions, Ge Yan explained, "We simply want you to deliver a message to the Black Wolf Corps—you know, that A-rank mercenary group. Have you heard of them?"

 

He hadn't just heard of them; the name was infamous. In Simon's line of work as a guide, having quick access to information was essential. Rumors about the Black Wolf Mercenary Group's search had spread like wildfire. Though a thousand gold coins was a tempting sum, most people wouldn't dare to deceive the Black Wolves; risking one's life for money wasn't worth it.

 

Simon's belief in the offer grew, though he still had a bit of caution, which he wisely kept to himself. Now, convinced there was no danger, he asked, "What do you need me to do, sir?"

 

They found a quiet spot where Rex told him the message, and Simon, sharp as he was, asked relevant questions and swiftly memorized the instructions. Soon, they'd rehearsed the message to perfection.

 

Simon then made his way to the large inn where the Black Wolf Mercenary Corps was staying. The inn was prominent, situated on the busiest main street of Tris Town at the intersection with another large avenue. Many powerful mercenary groups and notable figures preferred it for lodging. Rex and Ge Yan positioned themselves across the street, where they could watch what would unfold.

 

Inside, the hall was a raucous scene, but Simon quickly spotted the Black Wolf Mercenaries.

 

Their group occupied nearly a third of the main hall; they were impossible to miss. The captain of Black Wolf, Locke, was a powerful swordsman with rugged features and a thick black beard covering half his face, giving him an intimidating presence. Though Locke was well-respected by his team and generally approachable, today his mood seemed dark, his eyes glinting with a simmering rage. The usual lively atmosphere was dampened, and their area of the hall was silent, contrasting sharply with the rest of the tavern.

 

Seeing Locke, Simon gathered his courage and headed toward him, only to be blocked halfway by a mercenary from Black Wolf, who looked at him with impatience.

 

"Where did you come from, kid? This isn't a place for you. Get lost."

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