Chapter 53 Phraan

After a day of surveying when Cleo woke up, Roark and his company already returned in the hideout. Cleo pack up his tent and proceed to meet Roark inside his tent.

"Did you complete the task?" asked by Cleo upon entering Roark's tent.

"Y-yes, we have all the items you asked for and I manage to get a gauntlet with a single slot." replied by Roark while taking the items batch by batch from his spatial ring.

"Good." says by Cleo while taking the Gauntlet and store it in his spatial ring. 'This is better than expected. Leah can use this gauntlet.' he added inwardly.

Cleo then proceed to scan the items Roark brought. The quantities are correct. There's also some medium grade armors that was being distributed by River and his friends to the other members.

While they were distributing the armors some members see Cleo in a different light. Their greediness can at least appreciate the upgrade.

"Once the distributions is complete gather everyone in the training ground." says by Cleo to Roark.

Roark just nods and hurriedly proceed to check the progress. He knew full well that Cleo can take down all of them especially when their previous leader is no longer with them.

The distribution took almost an hour to finished. After getting their medium grade armors the members of Lion's Mouth gathered at the center of their hideout.

Cleo use a stump of tree to elevate his height and to better observe all of the members. Roark and River are standing behind him.

A sea of whispering voices reverberate throughout the entire training ground. Before getting the attention of the curious masses he scan the entire area once again.

Lion's mouth is a relatively small bandit group. Including Roark, River and the three other 2nd job, their number only totals to 50.

While Hallows Guild consist of 200 members, Magus Guild consist of 120 members and Duskfall Guild consist of 100 members.

Even he doubles or quadruple the number of Lion's Mouth it'll be enough since it was not a battle of quantity at the first place. The official guilds consist of adventurers who were higher level.

In retrospective, Roark the highest level within Lion's Mouth will just be treated as a normal member in the official guilds.

Cleo didn't let this fact waver his resolve. Instead of trying to find and subdue another bandit group, he found a plan that will fully utilize this small bandit group.

After scanning the entire area. Cleo clear his throat and give a signal to Roark.

A deafening roar came out from the towering man, silencing the murmuring crowd.

Once Cleo can no longer hear anything coming from the gathered members he starts explaining their roles and plans.

At first, most of the members were hesitant, some are even scared when they knew they will be fighting not one but two official guild.

If they knew that Camilla were also in that list some might retaliate and risk their everything to get out of this predicament.

Of course Cleo knew this and chose to omit that part but instead he convince them by saying that Hallows Guild will be on their side.

He's not fully lying but in order for it to become the truth he still need to find a way to talk to the leader of Hallows Guild.

Promise of riches and fame tempt the members which makes them riled up. After Cleo discussed his plans, the crowds disperse to train their respective strengths.

He gave a signal to Roark so he can introduce him to the trapper. Ever since he knew that a member has this job, he immediately found a use for him.

Roark approach the trapper whose sitting near the bonfire while checking his newly acquired armor and elemental arrows.

After the two exchange words, they both heads to Cleo's direction.

The elf Trapper steps forward and bow to show gratitude to Cleo for the gifts.

"The name is Phraan, a Trapper. We appreciate the upgrade and supplies master Cleo." says by Phraan.

"You'll need it." replied by Cleo. "I need you to come with me to Venundarr." he added.

The elf trapper's eyes widened. It took him by a surprise with the sudden request.

"Uhm... I'm included in the list of wanted criminals, once the guard checks my status they will instantly detain me." says by Phraan.

"Don't worry you don't need to enter Venundarr. I have the perfect job for you." says by Cleo, erasing the doubt from the elf Trapper.

The elf trapper release a sigh of relief. He might be grateful to Cleo but he's not stupid enough to serve himself on a silver platter to the guards.

Cleo explains to Phraan the specifics of his job. The elf trapper shows a sinister grin while giving two huge thumbs up to Cleo.

Roark can't help but to overheard the plan. He just resign while putting his palm on his forehead. He knew why Phraan is included in the wanted criminal list.

This elf Trapper is infamous for using underhanded tactics to capture his target. If not for a certain incident including a noble he might be scouted already by Duskfall Guild or even the Hallows Guild.

"We will be gone for 1 day." says by Cleo.

The towering man just nods at him and tried to offer some more help which he instantly refuse. This is not the time to use him yet.

"Prepare everything once I come back we will commence our plan." he added before leaving.

He put on his hood before mounting the horse to ride to Venundarr. Cleo's plan relies heavily with this next step.

The two then proceed to ride to Venundarr only splitting before they can fully reach the front gates. Phraan turn west to proceed with the order that was given to him while Cleo proceed to the checkpoint.

He notice that there's more guard stationed compare to the last time they visited Venundarr.