Set Out

"Pleasure doing business with you."

In truth,Vili's decision to enter the Mors Forest was a risky one.Although the four mercenaries seemed well-armed and capable,the forest teeming with wild beasts offered no guarantee of emerging unscathed.

However,Vili ultimately chose to venture into the forest because those five gold lumens could change Thorps'fate and improve the family's situation.With his new identity,he intended to adapt to this environment as best as he could.

Of course,the decision was not made lightly.

As a Beginner Gatherer,Vili had acquired knowledge about various plants and their habitats.In the Mors Forest,he could avoid poisonous plants and use certain indicators to detect nearby dangers,significantly enhancing his safety.

"Could you pay me my fee in advance?"Vili added."After all,the Mors Forest is fraught with dangers,and I can't guarantee my own safety."

Vitente responded without hesitation,"No problem."He reached into the pouch at his waist and produced five gleaming gold coins,handing them to Vili.

Five gold lumens—it was a substantial sum.

Vili could feel the envious and covetous gazes of the villagers around him.Yet,their envy was tinged with regret,as if they believed his risk was not worth the reward.

In the height of summer,the Mors Forest was when the wild beasts were most active.

After receiving the five gold lumens,Vili turned to Aunt Shana.

"Aunt Shana,could you please deliver these five gold lumens to my parents?"Vili said."Tell them I will return safely and not to worry."

Aunt Shana furrowed her brows and asked earnestly,"Child,are you really going to take this risk?"

Vili couldn't explain that Thorps needed the gold lumens for the junior squire assessment;he simply nodded firmly.

"Vilia,you don't need to gather sweet berries today.Follow Aunt Shana and find Father and Mother,"Vili instructed his bewildered sister before handing the gold lumens to Aunt Shana.

With so many villagers watching,Aunt Shana wouldn't dare entertain any dishonest thoughts;otherwise,she would face a lifetime of scorn and condemnation.

"Let's go,"Vili said,handing his basket to Vilia.He then turned to Vitente.

Vitente smiled;the young man's decisiveness and efficiency had won him over.

"Mount up,"Vitente said as he and the other three leaped onto their horses.He pointed to the seat behind his saddle,indicating that Vili should sit there.

"Come to my horse!"Just as Vili was about to climb up,he was stopped by a young woman.

She appeared to be around twenty years old,with short blonde hair and a tall,curvaceous figure.Her light armor accentuated her alluring physique.

At that moment,she was looking at Vili with interest and extended an invitation with a smile.

Vili glanced at Vitente,who nodded slightly,signaling that Vili could go ahead.

Without hesitation,Vili chose the young woman's horse.There was no need to think twice about whether to sit behind a charming young lady or a middle-aged man.

As Vili climbed onto the horse,the young woman extended her arm and pulled him up.

"My name is Vélin,"she whispered with a smile,showing no shyness that one might expect from a young lady.

"Vili,"he introduced himself simply.

Once Vili was settled,Vitente gave the signal to depart.

"I hope this turns out well,"Vélin murmured softly,and Vili could hear her.

Under the watchful eyes of the villagers,Vili and the four outsiders galloped away.

In the wheat fields,Lake and Mrs.Sawin were silently harvesting wheat.

Most villagers grew wheat here,similar to the spring wheat on Earth,sown in winter and harvested between summer and autumn.

The sun had just risen,and the temperature was still mild—the most comfortable time for a day's labor.They needed to maximize their efficiency during this period.

Lake and Mrs.Sawin worked in silence,both preoccupied with their thoughts.

"Father,Mother!"Suddenly,Vilia's voice called from a distance.

Lake and Mrs.Sawin looked up instinctively to see Aunt Shana leading Vilia towards them.

Didn't Vilia go with Vili to gather sweet berries?Why was she here with Aunt Shana?

"Lake,Sawin..."Aunt Shana approached the two,opening her tightly clenched palm to reveal the five gold lumens in Mrs.Sawin's bewildered hand.

"Shana,what are you doing?"Mrs.Sawin asked,snapping out of her daze.

These were gold lumens—five gold lumens in total!

"Vili asked me to give these to you,"Aunt Shana explained,recounting the entire story to the couple.

"You mean Vili went into the Mors Forest with those four outsiders?!"Lake and Mrs.Sawin exclaimed in alarm,especially Lake.

The Mors Forest in midsummer!It was a forbidden zone for humans,and their son had gone there!

"Yes,"Aunt Shana said,looking at the couple with a hint of pity.

"I have to go and bring him back!"Lake threw down his tools and made to run towards the Mors Forest.

"They've already ridden ahead;you won't catch up,"Aunt Shana grabbed Lake's arm."Vili will come back safely."

With that,she patted Vilia on the head and turned to leave.In the wheat field,Lake and Mrs.Sawin looked at each other,speechless.

"You shouldn't have told Vili about Thorps,"Lake sighed suddenly.

"I didn't know he would..."Mrs.Sawin's worry deepened,tinged with guilt.

She couldn't have imagined that the usually introverted and honest Vili would make such a reckless decision.

Both knew that Vili's risky behavior was for Thorps and for the family.

Although the couple took pride in Thorps,it didn't mean they were willing to risk Vili's safety for Thorps'or the family's advancement.Vili was their beloved son too.

Mrs.Sawin clenched the five gold lumens tightly.At that moment,the couple had no desire to work anymore and sat down on the ground in despair.

Vilia stood by,not fully understanding what had happened.She only knew that Vili had gone deep into the Mors Forest,a very dangerous place.

"Vili,you have to come back safely,"Vilia prayed sincerely in her heart.