Chapter 35 - Actually, I Have a Cheat Too

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Following Them

 

 

Now Ge Yan finally grasped the incredible allure of the Dragon's Spit Fruit. According to Ted, there were other fruits that could also help a ninth-rank swordmaster break through, like the Dragon Strenght Fruit.

 

The Dragon Strenght Fruit specifically targeted swordsmasters at the ninth rank, offering even greater benefits than the Dragon's Spit Fruit—not only free of side effects, but it also had a one hundred percent success rate. However, it was a hundred times rarer than the Dragon's Spit Fruit—that in all these years, no one had ever confirmed its existence. This was why the mere mention of Dragon's Spit Fruit caused such a stir.

 

For a ninth-rank swordmaster especially, the fruit was invaluable. Though Daniel was only a fourth-rank swordmaster now, he could find ways to store the fruit and save it for when he was ready to use it.

 

"Captain, should we spread the word about this?" Ted ventured to ask.

 

Daniel shot him a glare. "And let others come compete with us? This is only Locke we're dealing with. Last time, we didn't take it seriously; this time though, they won't get off so easily. The Dragon's Spit Fruit will be mine." Daniel's features sharpened with fierce resolve, a steely determination radiating from him.

 

Ge Yan's eyes flickered, for he alone knew Daniel's hopes were destined to go unfulfilled. Just as he sent his men out to confirm the details, the news of Dragon's Spit Fruit's appearance spread like wildfire. In less than a day, it was the talk of the entire region. By the time one of Daniel's men rushed back with word that the secret was out, Daniel showed no anger, contrary to what they expected; instead, he appeared unfazed, as if he had anticipated it all along.

 

"Captain, aren't you upset?" Ted asked cautiously, taking the lead in approaching him.

 

Daniel waved his hand dismissively. "Nothing to be angry about. News of something as big as Dragon's Spit Fruit would never stay hidden for long. Now, how is the task I assigned progressing?"

 

"It's already been arranged, and we've confirmed the fruit is in the Magic Beast Forest. The exact time of its ripening is still unclear, but we heard that the Black Wolf Mercenary Group has already set out, and the Raven Mercenary Group isn't far behind," one of the men reported.

 

Daniel paced back and forth before making a swift decision. "We can't wait any longer. Spread the word—we're leaving in half an hour. We need to reach our destination before the Dragon's Spit Fruit matures."

 

"Yes, sir!"

 

Ge Yan had assumed they'd leave him behind, but just as he was about to stroll back leisurely, Ted hauled him along without mercy. He was baffled to learn he was going to the Magic Beast Forest as well. "Why am I going too?"

 

"And stay here alone?" Ted shot back, his tone brooking no refusal.

 

Ge Yan sidestepped the question. "My strength is low, and I'm unfamiliar with Magic the Beast Forest—I'd be useless there."

 

"Don't be so sure," Ted replied with a sly smile.

 

Ge Yan pressed him for details, but Ted stayed tight-lipped—just the kind of half-answer he despised.

 

Half an hour later, everyone had gathered, and they set off. The Magic Beast Forest was some distance away, and to save time, they traveled day and night, pausing only briefly to rest. Ted and the others were used to this pace, but for Ge Yan, it was agony; after a few days, he already looked like a bedraggled relic, his face so gaunt that Ted teased him for looking like a "feeble chick." Ge Yan didn't bother arguing back, too exhausted and inwardly cursing Rex for not rescuing him yet.

 

Though exhausting, their efforts paid off; they managed to reduce a week-long journey to four days by taking hidden routes. If they had taken the main road, it would've taken at least two weeks.

 

By dusk, as the sun hung low over the treetops, their shadows stretched long and thin, and they finally caught sight of the Magic Beast Forest—a dark expanse, like an open maw waiting to devour all who entered. Though the sun was high, the air grew oddly chill as they drew near.

 

Their first stop was Sarge City, a fortress outpost of the Arslanka Empire facing the Magic Beast Forest. The fortress's massive gates and walls bore numerous battle scars, remnants of the annual beast tides. The sheer intensity of these marks reflected the brutal clashes happening each year, and consequently, the guards here were stringent in screening all who entered the city. However, powerful swordsmen and mages were always welcomed with open arms.

 

Daniel's group, with their unmistakable mercenary aura, drew a mix of respect and caution from the city guards. When they identified themselves as members of the Alice Mercenary Group, the guards immediately softened and became markedly deferential.

 

Ge Yan mused that if he'd come alone, they'd probably have detained him as a suspicious drifter.

 

Once inside the city, they took a few turns and arrived at a house with two mercenaries stationed outside. The guards' faces brightened upon seeing Daniel and his group.

 

"Captain, you're finally here. Madam is already waiting inside."

 

Daniel nodded. "Thank you for your hard work."

 

Just then, a figure burst out from inside, moving so swiftly that a gust of wind accompanied her arrival. She was the "Madam" they had spoken of—a striking woman whose beauty had matured with age. Her waist-length, golden waves shimmered down her back, her alluring figure exuding an undeniable charm. She wore a tight red battle outfit that accentuated her graceful curves, giving her a poised, efficient appearance. When silent, she exuded an elegant allure; yet the moment she spoke, her fiery and formidable nature became evident, making it clear she was not to be trifled with.

 

"Has that Locke met his end yet?"

 

"Heidi, let's talk inside," Daniel said, his gaze lingering affectionately on her face. His tone softened with unmistakable warmth, filled with adoration; it was evident to all how much he cherished his wife.

 

Expressionless, Heidi gave a curt nod and turned to lead the way back in.

 

Ge Yan, standing at the rear and debating whether to go in, was signaled by Ted to follow. No sooner had he entered than he heard a questioning voice.

 

"And who's he?"

 

Looking up, Ge Yan saw Daniel's wife, Heidi, glance in his direction with a slight frown.

 

Daniel briefly explained, and as Heidi's temper began to rise, he added that it was Ge Yan who had tipped them off about the Dragon's Spit Fruit. Should they succeed in acquiring it, he would be nothing short of a benefactor to them.

 

Ge Yan keenly sensed the hostility in Heidi's gaze fade away, and he breathed a quiet sigh of relief. After all, being scrutinized by such a stunning woman was rather stressful.

 

They began discussing plans to exact revenge on the Black Wolf and Raven mercenary groups. Heidi hadn't accompanied Daniel earlier because she'd taken a group to confront the Black Crow, resulting in a major skirmish. Unlike Daniel's composed temperament, Heidi acted decisively; once she confirmed Black Crow's identity, she wasted no time in killing several members, including a particularly strong leader.

 

The Raven Mercenary Group was a relatively new organization, and losing even one leader was a significant blow. Black Crow was so enraged he nearly spat blood, but he dared not retaliate against Heidi, knowing that one misstep would bring the full wrath of the Alice Mercenary Corps upon him—a consequence the Raven Mercenary Group couldn't afford.

 

Ge Yan had only one thought: lucky for him, it was Daniel who'd captured him.

 

They learned that Locke had arrived in Sarge City a day earlier and had already set off this morning. Heidi had stayed behind to wait for Daniel and bring him news of the Dragon's Spit Fruit.

 

Heidi confirmed that the Dragon's Spit Fruit was located in a place called Thorn Valley and would likely ripen in about half a month. However, since word had somehow spread, adventurers and mercenaries were already swarming the area.

 

Upon hearing they had only two weeks, Daniel, though initially planning to rest his team, immediately decided they would set off the next morning. Though Heidi had grown impatient waiting, she agreed, considering the intense travel they'd just endured.

 

"Where am I sleeping?" Ge Yan asked Ted as soon as they stepped outside.

 

Ted found him a vacant room.

 

Ignoring the two men stationed nearby—supposedly chatting but clearly there to keep an eye on him—Ge Yan shut the door and collapsed into bed, sleeping soundly until the next morning.

 

Before dawn, Ted woke him. Daniel and the others had already eaten, leaving only Ge Yan without breakfast. Fortunately, Ted had set aside a portion for him to eat on the road.

 

The morning in Sarge City was even livelier than the night. Many children were already up, playing along the streets. One of them suddenly dashed into Ge Yan, who was munching on his bread, nearly causing him to choke. Just as he was about to scold the child, his expression changed, and he forced a wide smile.

 

"Hey there, little one, remember to take your eyes with you when you're out next time, alright?"

 

"Yes, sir!" The child grinned innocently before running off to rejoin his friends.

 

No one noticed Ge Yan's right hand clutching a crumpled piece of paper. Rex should be coming for him soon—that small secret hope filled him with a surge of excitement; he'd waited so long for this moment. Holding back his joy, Ge Yan dawdled, ensuring he fell behind the group. Only when no one was watching did he quietly unfold the paper to see the words: Follow them.

 

Ted noticed Ge Yan lagging behind and turned to find him angrily tearing up the paper and stomping on it, muttering curses under his breath as though exacting some personal vengeance.

 

"Brother Jimmy, you alright?" Ted hesitated a moment before approaching, stopping a few feet away to watch warily.

 

After venting, Ge Yan caught sight of Ted's concerned expression—a look that seemed to wonder if he'd gone mad. He stayed silent, then strode past Ted coolly. "I'm fine. Let's go."

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