After entering E-Rantel, the "Rock" team completed their escort mission. The next step was to go to the Adventurer's Guild, submit the commission, and collect their reward.
However, things didn't go as expected.
Captain Dosari, who had fully recovered under Tang Zheng's healing magic, now stood beside the carriage, a faint look of shame on his face. With a deep bow, he addressed Grandmother Lizzie.
"Lord Barreare, thank you for your care along the way. We didn't contribute much, so we won't accept the reward for this commission."
Captain Dosari's voice was heavy with gratitude. If it hadn't been for Lizzie dealing with the two ogres, their team would have likely perished.
Lizzie glanced at him calmly. For the first time, a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Okay, I understand."
Captain Dosari's gesture of refusing the reward clearly pleased her. Saving a bit of coin always did.
The captain then turned to thank Nfirea, who sat in the carriage, before rejoining the rest of the "Rock" team.
"Tang," Nfirea called out, waving as their carriage began to move, "make sure you find me."
The two had become fast friends during their journey. Tang Zheng had intentionally kept the conversation flowing, cultivating a bond that Nfirea now treasured.
"I will," Tang Zheng said with a smile, but his gaze remained calm, reflecting his inner thoughts.
Truthfully, Tang Zheng owed a lot to Nfirea. Not only had Nfirea introduced him to the Genius profession, but he'd also granted him access to both the Pharmacist and Alchemist careers—two invaluable life professions.
The more time Tang Zheng spent with Nfirea, the more likely it seemed that the young pharmacist might inadvertently leak information about him. The thought lingered in Tang Zheng's mind. His hand instinctively hovered near the dagger at his waist, feeling the cool hilt beneath his fingers.
Am I overthinking this?
Tang Zheng exhaled slowly, letting go of his tension. He turned to the "Rock" team, addressing them one last time.
"Well, everyone, it's time for me to leave."
The two Rand brothers responded immediately with their usual cheerfulness. "Hahaha! You're always welcome, Tang. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Tang Zheng chuckled lightly. "I should be the one thanking all of you. I've learned a lot."
Suddenly, Captain Dosari reached into his coat and pulled out a small, black cloth bag. When he shook it, a faint metallic clinking could be heard.
"Here," Captain Dosari said, pressing the bag into Tang Zheng's hands before he could even react. "This is for you."
Tang Zheng hesitated, feeling the familiar weight of gold coins inside. "This... I can't accept this."
"I don't have much," Captain Dosari said earnestly. "Please don't think it's too little. If it weren't for you, my leg would have been ruined for good."
Tang Zheng looked at the captain's determined face. Considering the severity of Dosari's injuries and the limited effectiveness of the recovery potions they had, he couldn't deny the truth. Without Tang Zheng's timely magic, Captain Dosari would likely have faced a lifetime of suffering.
Seeing that Captain Dosari wouldn't take no for an answer, Tang Zheng sighed softly and relented. "Fine, I'll take it."
After a moment of silent acknowledgment, he nodded to the "Rock" team and turned to leave.
As he walked away, the sounds of the bustling city drowned out the quiet conversation of the "Rock" team. Captain Dosari's previously cheerful demeanor faded, replaced by a quiet regret.
"What a pity," muttered Archer Basque, shaking his head. "This commission was a huge loss."
The Rand brothers exchanged looks, both sighing in unison. They'd kept a close eye on Tang Zheng, waiting for the right moment to invite him into their ranks as an ally.
But now, after the events with the ogres, they felt too embarrassed to ask him again.
"What are you all moping about?" Captain Dosari suddenly barked, clapping his hands together. "We didn't get to invite Tang this time, but we've met him now. There will be more opportunities in the future."
He smiled brightly, slapping his own cheek. "Now, let's work hard and aim to reach Gold-Level adventurer status!"
"Yes, Captain!"
"Yes, Captain!"
The Rand brothers and Lele echoed with enthusiasm, their spirits lifted once again.
Meanwhile, in the carriage, Grandmother Lizzie observed Nfirea out of the corner of her eye. He looked lost in thought after parting ways with Tang Zheng.
She sighed quietly, knowing that her grandson was a little too trusting at times.
"Nfirea," she spoke softly, her eyes never leaving the road.
"Grandmother?" Nfirea replied, looking up.
"In the future, if it's not necessary, try to keep your distance from that boy, Tang."
Nfirea blinked in surprise. "But, Grandmother—"
"I know what you're thinking," Lizzie interrupted. "But as someone who's been around for a while, I have a better sense of people than you do. Trust me, I won't steer you wrong."
Nfirea fell silent, looking at her in confusion.
Lizzie's expression grew more serious. "That boy may seem friendly, but he's hiding something. People like him, who put on a gentle face but keep others at arm's length, usually have complicated backgrounds—or are in deep trouble."
Nfirea straightened, a faint flush creeping up his neck. "But... Grandmother—"
"Did you notice the 'Rock' team's attitude toward me when I handled the ogres?" Lizzie's tone was matter-of-fact, her eyes focused ahead.
Nfirea hesitated, then nodded. "Of course. They were very respectful toward you."
Lizzie continued, her voice steady. "Now, remember Tang Zheng's behavior. He was respectful, too. But... did it feel a little different?"
Nfirea thought about it, his brow furrowing. "I... I don't know."
"Exactly." Lizzie nodded, a knowing glint in her eye. "That kind of respect is easy to fake. But there's a deeper layer there, something you can't put your finger on yet."
Nfirea's mouth went dry. "What do you mean?"
Lizzie sighed, flicking the whip to urge the horses forward. "He's hiding something. People like him never show their true selves. Don't let your guard down too easily."
Nfirea fell silent, deep in thought, his face conflicted.