Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Hunter's Side Job

Having sent the Earth Bear flying, Luo Chen was not left unscathed himself. The violent impact churned his blood and left his chest tight and nauseous, the discomfort almost unbearable. Hastily, Luo Chen circulated his spiritual energy, which brought him some relief. Seizing the opportunity while the giant bear was down, he helped the woman up and urged, “Quick, follow the group!”

The woman nodded, clutching her infant as she ran toward the direction of the giant lizard. At that moment, the mercenaries finally came to their senses. They each unleashed their combat techniques, clashing a few more times with the Earth Bears hindering them. Seeing that the refugees had all but climbed onto the giant lizard, the timing was right. The leader, Hayes, shouted, “Retreat!”

These giant bears might be deadly to ordinary folk, but before spirit warriors skilled in lightfoot techniques, they were powerless. Hayes and his men soon returned to the lizard, where Blair, who had been standing by, immediately urged the beast to accelerate. The Earth Bears, furious as their prey escaped, roared in frustration, but before long, they were left far behind and out of sight.

After racing more than ten kilometers further, the mercenary group finally brought the giant lizard to a halt. With so many more passengers aboard, its burden had increased greatly, and after running at such speed for so long, the lizard would be exhausted. If not given adequate rest, it would be disastrous should any further mishaps occur.

Now, at last, the mercenaries had a moment to inquire about the circumstances. Hayes asked, “Who are you people, and why did you encounter magical beasts in the Forest of Fear?”

These people were plainly dressed, all appearing to be commoners. To wander into the Forest of Fear without an escort of mercenaries was surely not without reason.

There were nine survivors in total, still visibly shaken. After a while, an elderly man, who seemed more seasoned, responded, “Thank you for saving our lives. We are from Hill City, headed for Thunder City—some to visit relatives, others seeking work.”

Hill City and Thunder City were both cities on the Canglan Continent, about four hundred kilometers apart. Hill City was small, akin to a county in the ancient civilized era, whereas Thunder City was a metropolis.

Carlo cursed, “You lot going to Thunder City? Old man, you must be tired of living. Do you realize you almost got our whole team killed just now?”

The old man replied, trembling with fear, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know things would turn out this way.”

Carlo, sharp-tongued but soft-hearted, felt awkward berating the elderly further. He grumbled a few words under his breath and let it go.

Hayes said, “Sirs, venturing into the forest without any mercenary escort is too dangerous. This was a most unwise decision.”

A middle-aged man spoke up, “Sir, we did have mercenaries escorting us at first.”

“And where are those mercenaries now?”

The man hesitated. “They fled when they saw the magical beasts.”

“Despicable! Mercenaries without a shred of professional integrity, abandoning their employers in danger!” Carlo fumed. “This is a disgrace to our profession—they’ve shamed us all!”

The elderly man sighed, “We were tempted by their lower fees. The official mercenary companies at the guild’s passenger terminal seemed too costly, and while we were discussing, two mercenaries approached us. They claimed to be familiar with the route between the two cities and only charged four silver coins per person. They seemed so confident that, after some consideration, we agreed.”

“Foolish!” Carlo exclaimed. “Two mercenaries? To protect you all through the forest? Did they think they were super-powered warriors? You must have run into unscrupulous mercenaries. If not for us, you’d have died in the forest. Remember this: never be so stingy as to forgo a guild-certified escort team just to save a few coins. You’ll regret it someday.”

“That’s enough, Carlo,” Hayes interjected, cutting off the big man’s tirade. He could see these people were poor—if they had money, who would take such risks?

Now, the pressing matter was how to handle these people.

Hayes pondered for a moment before finally saying, “Blair, we’ll head for Thunder City first.”

Thunder City wasn’t exactly on the way to Miracle City, but it wasn’t much of a detour, and the Wild Wolf Mercenary Group was familiar with the terrain in that region.

Blair replied, “Alright, Captain, as you say!”

The survivors were overwhelmed with gratitude. “Thank you so much!”

“Sirs, with such kindness, you will surely be rewarded.”

Hayes rose and spoke to their original employers. “My apologies, dear guests, but we must detour to Thunder City first. It won’t delay you long—reaching Miracle City will only take about half a day more. I trust you have no objections?”

No one objected. After all, they were all in the same boat; encountering people being chased by magical beasts was cause for sympathy. Besides, it would be unthinkable to force these people off the lizard before reaching safety. Without guidance or protection, they’d be doomed if left to wander the forest alone.

Seeing everyone in agreement, Hayes said, “Good. It’s settled, then.”

After giving the lizard twenty minutes of rest, the group set off again. The woman Luo Chen had rescued had sustained some scrapes on her face and arms when she fell, but nothing serious. The mercenary group provided medicine and bandages for simple treatment, and she seemed to be fine.

Naturally, she was deeply grateful to her savior. “Thank you so much for saving us. If not for you, my child and I would have perished beneath the beast’s claws.”

Luo Chen smiled. “It was nothing. Is your child alright?”

When he saw the refugees, he had already decided to offer his help. In his own days of hardship, he had encountered many kind souls; without them, he would not have survived to this day. Now that he had learned martial skills, he felt compelled to help others whenever possible. Moreover, the woman’s devotion to her child reminded him of his own mother.

When his village was destroyed, it was his mother who had shielded him from a fatal attack, holding back the beast with her last strength so he could escape. For that alone, even if the Earth Bear had been a level-five beast, he would have risked everything. Fortunately, he had succeeded—and through this battle, Luo Chen realized just how powerful his turbocharged technique truly was. His confidence began to grow.

“He’s fine!” The woman pressed a loving kiss to her baby. The child, having stopped crying, was now sleeping soundly.

Carlo joined in, “Little brother, I really misjudged you. You’re more formidable than you appear! That was a second-level combat technique, wasn’t it? To send the Earth Bear flying—just that move alone, you’re stronger than I am.”

Luo Chen quickly replied, “Carlo, you flatter me. I’m not as strong as you think. That technique…”

He didn’t quite know how to explain, but Carlo waved him off. “Alright, no need for modesty, little brother.”

At this point, Carlo was convinced Luo Chen was either a high-level spirit warrior or an heir of some noble family, for only these could explain how he managed to repel an Earth Bear with that move. Yet, seeing that Luo Chen was only about seventeen, it was unlikely he had reached such a high level, even if he were a prodigy. Some family’s secret arts, combined with spiritual energy and inherited combat techniques, might explain such power.

But what internal method Luo Chen used, or whether his technique was an advanced family skill, was not something Carlo could guess. Matters of martial arts were private, not to be casually discussed.

If Luo Chen was from a noble family, he likely had some means. Why, then, was he so frugal, and even working odd jobs? Carlo concluded the young man must be ambitious, eager for independence at a young age, refusing to rely on his family’s wealth. This only increased Carlo’s admiration for him.

He thought for a moment and said, “Little brother, since you have such skills, finding a side job should be easy enough.”

Luo Chen’s eyes lit up. “Really, Carlo? I’m willing to do any job; I’m not afraid of hardship.”

Carlo grinned. “It’s not even that hard, and the pay is quite good.”

Such a good opportunity? Luo Chen pressed eagerly, “Carlo, don’t keep me in suspense, tell me what it is!”

“Alright, this part-time job is—hunter!”

[Even though I have to beg for votes every Sunday night, there are only two weeks left in the new book rankings. Even if you find this thief’s chatter tiresome, I must shamelessly keep going. I once forgot to ask for recommendations one morning, and as a result, the votes that day were much fewer—how embarrassing! It seems you’re all forgetful noble souls, so I must plant my feet and shout—please, give me your recommendation votes!]