Chapter 28 - 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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Don't Be Ridiculous

 

 

When Ge Yan returned to Triss Town with Rex, the town was abuzz with news of the magic beast tide, while the issue concerning Tangle's grandson had yet to circulate. If it had, it would have easily overshadowed the rest. Still, Black Wolf and Crow, the two mercenary groups at the heart of the recent upheaval, couldn't escape public scrutiny.

 

The streets were filled with chatter about the incident, especially among adventurers. While the two mercenary groups' reputations hadn't plummeted entirely, respect and admiration had given way to whispers and skepticism. This was precisely what worried Captain Locke—if a mercenary group lost its reputation and the trust of the people, its future could suffer greatly.

 

Rex stopped outside a peculiar shop, gesturing for Ge Yan to wait as he went inside. When he returned, it quickly became clear what he was planning. Emerging from a secluded alley, Ge Yan was no longer hidden under his cloak; his brown hair and blue eyes were back, revealing Jimmy's previous public persona.

 

"Much better like this." Ge Yan stretched his neck, feeling far more comfortable now that he wasn't swathed in his cloak. It would have been even better without the wig and color-changing lenses.

 

Just as he was thinking this, a layer of black cloth suddenly covered his head. Rex had replaced the cloak over him before he could protest. He tried to pull it off, but Rex's grip held firm, leaving Ge Yan with only one means of protest.

 

"I already have the wig and lenses—what's the cloak for?"

 

Rex gave no explanation, only an indifferent reply: "Just wear it. It still has its purpose."

 

The tone was as unyielding as it was domineering.

 

Ge Yan, unable to fathom what was going through Rex's mind, could only relent while grumbling internally. So much for his brief excitement—he'd thought Rex had picked up on his discomfort and that's why he bought this disguise for him. He realized he might have overthought things, but did Rex really have to shatter his hopes so soon? He covered his face in quiet resignation. Note to self: never assume anything with Rex again.

 

Not long after, the rumors in Triss Town did indeed shift. Word spread that after Black Wolf and Raven had returned from Tasha Forest, Tangle's grandson Alvar had died because of them. People gossiped even more eagerly than when they'd first heard about the magic beast tide; no matter where one went, people were talking about it.

 

Rex led Ge Yan back to Tasha Forest. Just as Ge Yan was about to ask why, Rex turned, swept a handful of dirt from the ground, and hurled it straight at him.

 

Caught off guard, Ge Yan ended up with a mouthful of dust, frozen in disbelief.

 

Rex showed no remorse and didn't stop until Ge Yan, once neat and tidy, was thoroughly coated in dirt and grime.

 

"I get that you've had it with me," Ge Yan spat out a few grains of sand, "but I'd like to remind you that even servants have their dignity!" he shouted, indignant.

 

Rex shot him a cool glance.

 

Ge Yan's resolve faltered, but he quickly reminded himself not to fear him. Just as he bolstered his courage, he caught sight of Rex lifting his hand. Terrified, Ge Yan covered his head. "I'm sorry!" Dignity? It vanished in the face of survival.

 

"Wait here," Rex instructed, turning to walk off.

 

Cautiously, Ge Yan raised his head to find Rex gone and let out a sigh of relief. But then he wondered—was Rex planning to abandon him here? It seemed plausible; after all, he wasn't really Jimmy and carried secrets that would prevent him from openly mingling with Jimmy's acquaintances. Rex now had little reason to keep him around.

 

Lost in these anxious thoughts, he didn't notice Rex returning, holding a large, lifeless snake dripping blood from a fatal wound. Without a word, Rex began smearing the snake's blood on Ge Yan's face and clothes. Although still unsure of Rex's plan, Ge Yan finally understood that this was part of some hidden scheme, so this time he cooperated without a fuss.

 

Rex smeared some blood on himself as well, though sparingly, maintaining his fierce and striking look.

 

Ge Yan waited expectantly, hoping Rex would explain.

 

Rex tossed the snake's carcass aside and finally outlined his plan. In reality, it required Ge Yan to cooperate closely with him, testing his acting skills as he would play a key role in convincing Captain Locke. Success or failure hinged entirely on Ge Yan's performance.

 

A heavy sense of responsibility washed over Ge Yan, a feeling that he was shouldering a significant mission.

 

Rex's mind was meticulous; he had taken everything into account, even details Ge Yan hadn't thought of. The two went over their story repeatedly, in case they were questioned separately later on. Any inconsistency would spell trouble, and Rex would not tolerate such a careless mistake. He drilled Ge Yan's memory, occasionally catching him off guard with sudden questions.

 

"Why did Carlos and the others go to Tasha Forest? And why did they die?"

 

"They overheard rumors of a sacred beast, and Carlos wanted one for himself, so he persuaded us to join him. We were ambushed by several beasts at the forest's entrance. After a hard-fought battle, just as we thought we were clear, a pack of Gale Demon Wolves attacked. Carlos and Ariel were killed. Cecil and I tried to escape and happened to encounter Rex; he saved me, but Cecil was taken by one of the wolves."

 

"How did Rex save you?"

 

Ge Yan, struggling not to roll his eyes, replied, "He didn't want to save us at first. Since he couldn't take on the Gale Demon Wolves alone, you planned to run and warn you. But Cecil happened to spot him and shouted, attracting the wolves' attention."

 

"You're even weaker than Carlos. Why are you the only one who survived?"

 

"Huh? Didn't we just say that it was because you saved me?" Ge Yan asked, perplexed.

 

Rex replied, "Carlos and the others's lives are more valuable than yours. Captain Locke must also think so in his heart. He might even question why you survived when they didn't. How will you respond?"

 

"Wait a second. What do you mean by 'also'? Do you also think those dead men are more valuable than me?" Ge Yan looked at Rex with wounded eyes. Though their time together hadn't been long, he'd thought they'd forged an unbreakable bond. It stung to realize this man saw him this way.

 

"Don't be ridiculous," Rex said with a slight frown.

 

"I'm not! I'm seriously asking you. Answer first, and then I'll answer you," Ge Yan insisted. Today, he needed to know what Rex truly thought of him—it would determine how he treated Rex from now on.

 

Rex was silent for a moment, studying Ge Yan's determined expression before finally conceding, "No, I don't think their lives are more valuable than yours. But in the eyes of the Black Wolf Mercenary Group, your standing is indeed lower than Carlos's. Captain Rock won't show his hand so easily, but that's how he likely sees it."

 

"Really?" Ge Yan scrutinized Rex's face, watching for the slightest hint of insincerity.

 

Rex nodded wordlessly.

 

Finally satisfied, Ge Yan beamed and said, "They surely know that Jimmy is weaker than Carlos and the others. He just happened to be outside the wolves' attack range and managed to escape."

 

"Good."

 

Once back in Triss Town, they headed straight to the Black Wolf Mercenary Group's base. Black Crow and his men had already left, leaving only Black Wolf's mercenaries behind. Not seeing anyone in the lobby, they headed up to the second floor but were stopped by two guards at the stairs, one of whom suddenly called Rex's name.

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