Chapter 322 - 298: Sengu Town
"It’s fine. I’m not in a hurry, as long as I get it eventually."
Zelir nodded nonchalantly.
’A place like Tula Town wouldn’t dare to stiff him on such a small amount of money.’
"In that case, I’ll go prepare the paperwork... Oh, right. I was hoping I could be so bold as to ask about your profession..."
"If you don’t mind answering, of course."
As he asked the question, Knight subconsciously switched to a more formal tone.
’That golden-haired man is undoubtedly a Swordsman.’
’Then there’s the one in the hooded robe, clearly an Assassin.’
’And the Half-Elf Ranger carrying a Longbow.’
’A burly man with a Sword and Shield, a classic Warrior Vanguard.’
’So what about this black-robed young man...’
’He’s very young, his robes are quite exquisite, and he seems to be the core of the team.’
’He looks a lot like a Mage...’
’But he also wears a Fine Steel Longsword at his hip.’
This somewhat contradictory combination left Knight uncertain.
"Mage," Zelir answered calmly.
’So he really is a Mage...’
Having received a definitive answer, Knight was immediately filled with awe.
’This Guard Team’s strength is off the charts...’
’Four Middle Level Professionals with no overlapping roles, and they even have a Mage. This is an absolute elite squad!’
’No wonder they could take out the Black Hat Thief Gang!’
’I can’t afford to offend them.’
"I see. So you are a Mage, Your Excellency."
Knight said solemnly, "I’ll report the bounty immediately. Rest assured, I will have an answer for you by tomorrow morning!"
"Thank you for your trouble, Captain Knight." Zelir gave a slight nod.
With that, the caravan entered Tula Town.
The scene outside the window was somewhat depressing.
Never mind comparing it to Black Stone Town; even next to Falling Leaves Town, Tula Town seemed considerably inferior.
The entire place exuded a gloomy, listless depression.
More than half the shops along the streets were closed, their signs teetering precariously in the cold wind.
The few inns and taverns that were open were practically deserted, their owners listlessly wiping down tables.
One could clearly see the impact the Black Hat Thief Gang’s rampage had had on the town’s livelihood.
Tula Town had no resources or mines, nor were there any Demon gathering spots nearby. It relied entirely on passing trade for its "lifeblood."
The Black Hat Thief Gang was like a blood clot in an artery, blocking the roads and choking the town’s vitality.
Every caravan that didn’t arrive meant less money for the inns, taverns, and restaurants.
Coupled with other potential spending, the losses were indeed significant.
"Pick up the pace!"
Booker ordered his men to go to the post station to replenish their transport.
"Go buy the best draft horses here! Pay a premium if you have to. We must make up for our losses. We leave early tomorrow morning!"
The loss of six horses was not small, but it was still within an acceptable range. Ensuring the journey wasn’t delayed was the top priority.
Before that, Booker had also specially arranged food and lodging for the Guard Team at another very nice inn.
Seeing the large group arrive, the innkeeper’s face lit up with joy, and he hurriedly welcomed them in to provide good service.
「The next morning.」
The aroma of oatmeal porridge and grilled sausages wafted through the inn’s first-floor hall.
"Good morning, Captain Knight."
Just as Zelir and the others came downstairs after washing up, they saw Captain Knight walk into the inn and greeted him.
"Good morning, Mage Zelir. Good morning to all of you as well."
Captain Knight’s tone was extremely respectful.
He took a cloth pouch hanging from his waist and placed it on the table—something Zelir had noticed the moment he walked in.
"This is the bounty for eliminating the Black Hat Thief Gang yesterday."
The sound of metal clinking came from inside the pouch, and by its weight, it seemed quite heavy.
Captain Knight said, "The original bounty was only eighty Gold Coins, but after some consideration, we decided to add an extra twenty."
"It’s not much, but it represents the gratitude of everyone in Tula Town toward you and your team."
"With this cancerous tumor, the Black Hat Thief Gang, gone, the trade routes can finally reopen."
"Furthermore, I must thank you again for your contribution to the peace and prosperity of Tula Town. Thank you, truly."
"You’re too kind." Zelir accepted the pouch with a smile.
"Then I won’t delay your journey any longer. I wish you a safe trip."
Knight waved. "If you pass through on your way back, please, you must allow us to show you our hospitality!"
He tactfully didn’t linger and turned to leave the inn with large strides.
"That’s a bit cheap."
After Knight left, Hill speared a sausage with his fork. "I usually don’t kill Middle Level Professionals for this price."
"It’s actually not bad," Zelir said. "Tula Town has been through a lot. The fact that they could scrape together One Hundred Gold Coins shows their sincerity."
"I think it’s pretty good, too."
Gray nodded in satisfaction. "We haven’t even reached Sengu Town and we’ve already earned a hundred Gold Coins. That’s a sign of a good start."
"Don’t jinx it."
Valles was spreading butter on his bread. "Getting too complacent at the start of an adventure is a good way to stumble later on."
"How could we?"
Gray grinned. "Didn’t you notice? After Knight found out Zelir was a Mage, his entire attitude changed."
"There are bound to be a lot of Adventurer Squads heading to Sengu Town this time, but I bet you couldn’t pick out more than a few that have a Mage."
"I do hope to meet some peers, though..."
Zelir was actually quite looking forward to it.
’To this day, I still haven’t met a true Adventurer Mage.’
’I wonder what they’re like...’
’Maybe I can find some fun Magic to analyze.’
As for the bounty from eliminating the Thief Gang, Zelir simply split it evenly.
After all, everyone had contributed. Marcus and Gray held the front line, Valles provided ranged support, and Hill had taken out the enemy’s Ranger.