Chapter 250: If You Take It Seriously, You Lose

Chapter 250: If You Take It Seriously, You Lose

Hero's Bar.

"Peace, it's really good."

Sitting in the Quiet Zone, I gently twirled the Cup in my hand, sighing at the figures across from me clinking glasses. The enthusiastic and bold Barbarians drove the entire Tavern's Atmosphere. They talked loudly without restraint, argued loudly, laughed loudly, and even the usually calm Sorceresses and aloof Assassins seemed to be influenced by the noisy Atmosphere, becoming more open in their words and actions.

Even in the soundproofed area, the solid Vibration coming from the wooden floor, and the waves of heat hitting me one after another, truly made my blood boil. My heart couldn't help but begin to yearn to join that unrestrained and noisy Party.

Compared to the crowding and noise over there, this place seemed a bit cold and quiet. A six-person Table was shared by only me and one other person, something completely unimaginable in the Rogue Encampment.

"Don't you think so?"

Turning my Head, I said with a smile to the other person at the same Table as me. He seemed a bit timid and hesitant, his thin Body shrinking back awkwardly. His small Eyes darted around restlessly like a Mouse trapped in a Cave by a cat. A short, coarse brown-yellow linen shirt paired with a black cloth Belt tied at the side and hanging down to his knees formed the most classic attire for Civilians nowadays.

"Yes, Lord, you are completely right."

Tok, the middle-aged Man who guided me when I first came to Lut Gholein, was currently wearing a fawning expression. The Corner of his mouth was barely split open, revealing a set of yellowed teeth. He fiddled with his Ale Cup, taking a sip now and then, but judging by his Appearance, it was probably impossible for him to taste anything.

I secretly shook my Head, wondering if that demonstration had truly scared him badly. Light Snow 's Presence was something even Advanced Transformed Ones dared not face directly, so it was no wonder that Tok, as a Civilian, still had lingering shadows.

As a Local Guide in Lut Gholein, Tok was undoubtedly an excellent Assistant. Before starting the Quest that Akara and the others assigned, I began inquiring about useful Information everywhere. "Troops and horses haven't moved, but provisions go first," but there was another prerequisite, something that needed to be grasped even before provisions, and that was Information. If you didn't even know where the Enemy was, how could you possibly "provisions go first"?

First, I thought of the Mage Guild. As a large "cross-national" Organization, they definitely had certain communication channels throughout the Western Kingdoms. However, when I found Talen, the Mage Leader, full of Hope, the Result was extremely disappointing. Under the leadership of the Research Fanatic Talen, Lut Gholein's Mage Guild was filled with a research Atmosphere. Some Mages were even so obsessed that they were oblivious to outside matters. As long as it wasn't a major Matter that endangered the entire Western Kingdoms, they generally let it be.

After severely Bossing Talen for a bit, I immediately thought of Tok. This wretched middle-aged Man who claimed to know everything about Lut Gholein. In my opinion, these people who survive by being Guides or selling Grapevine News should at least have their own circle. Within this circle, they communicate and exchange with each other. Only by doing this can they stay one step ahead of others and obtain the latest News.

Just as I expected, when I found him at the Hero's Bar using the location Tok provided, the wretched Man had a face full of fright and distress. Without me needing to pry, he honestly admitted that he had a few groups of "Brothers" in the four cities of the Western Kingdoms. It was only on the Degree of "minor skirmishes," and he couldn't fully guarantee the timeliness and Accuracy of the Information.

For me, this Degree was already enough. Although sometimes the News was wrong or came too late, causing me to make several wasted trips, Diablo is not like the previous World with mature networks and communication tools, so mistakes are unavoidable. Overall, if it weren't for the Information they provided, I would probably still be wandering around between Villages like a headless fly...

"However..." While I was in a daze, Tok spoke again with difficulty. Facing the Man in front of him who seemed shrouded in black, he could never stop his heart from trembling.

"I heard that Amtu'e Village near Dry City is currently being attacked by Monsters, and the Villagers have suffered heavy casualties." Licking his dry Corner of the mouth, Tok poured the tasteless Ale foam into his mouth. He hadn't mentioned it before because, through several months of understanding, he knew that the Lord in front of him wasn't interested in News "about Monsters."

"Amtu'e?"

I had some impression in my Brain, but it was very vague. There were tens of thousands of Villages in the entire Western Kingdoms, and I had passed through at least eight hundred, if not a thousand. If I could really remember all of them, I would have the Ambition to challenge the Three-No Princess to a Memory contest.

My index finger kept tapping the Table lightly, the dull sound echoing in the Air in the Corner of the Tavern, seeming particularly abrupt. I couldn't help but furrow my brows—there couldn't still be remnants of the Fallen Ones, could there? After all, framing their inhumane and despicable actions as Bandit or Monster attacks was their usual Method.

"Credibility?" Thinking that I might have to make another trip, my Mood immediately soured. I coldly spat out just three words.

"According to my estimate, Amtu'e Village is close to the Misty Forest, so the possibility of being attacked by Monsters is indeed very high. Moreover, unlike before, there are quite a few Villagers who have fled from Amtu'e Village, and the Information was obtained from their mouths, so the credibility should be very high."

Wiping the Cold Sweat from his forehead, Tok tremblingly stated his Idea. "Unlike before" naturally referred to the tragic incident where the Fallen Ones left no one alive after attacking Villages some time ago.

"Alright, focus on this. Give me accurate Information within five days." Considering the Time, I stood up and said.

"Yes, Lord, please rest assured." Tok also quickly stood up, his Wooden Cup almost spilling onto the Table due to his panic.

"If there's nothing else, you can leave." I took out a heavy Sack from my embrace and threw it onto the Table. The crisp rubbing sound of Gold Coins followed.

Tok repeatedly thanked me, put away the Sack, and turned to leave. Compared to the first time he received a reward, he didn't have even a trace of Joy now. After several months, he had vaguely guessed something, but he didn't dare reveal it at all. Oh, God bless, he—a devout and Kind Believer—just wanted to live a slightly more stable Life. Otherwise, he would have long gone out to sea with Captain Meshif to make big Money. But now, God knows if that Lord would suddenly say something ruthless to him one day like, "You know too much, don't blame me." Tok felt like he had boarded a pirate ship. Escape? If he had the Guts, he wouldn't have refused Meshif's invitation.

He walked out of the Hero's Bar with a mournful face. Forget it, it's better to spend the Money quickly, lest it "return to its original owner" someday. Feeling the heavy Weight in his embrace, that bitter gourd face finally barely revealed a trace of a smile. At least he could live lavishly before he died.

Watching Tok's Figure disappear outside the Door, my straight Body relaxed. Tok was quite efficient in doing things; he was a talented person. If possible, I really wanted to keep him by my side. But thinking about it, I decided against it. His current Ability was based on his understanding of the Western Kingdoms. If I took him to Kurast Docks, where he was unfamiliar with the place and people, he might not be useful. It would be better to find some new Local Guides to assist me.

"What a pity." Looking at Tok's departing Figure, I sighed powerlessly. I didn't have many Weaknesses; I was just lazy. Finding a new Assistant was troublesome.

"Big Brother, do you mean to..." Little Ghost put on a serious face, pretending to whisper. Then her small hand made a harsh swipe across her fair neck.

"I say, aren't you getting too into character..." It was all my fault. I was cheap and deserved it for filling her Brain with Knowledge about the underworld when I was bored.

Seeing me slumped softly on the Table, Little Ghost couldn't help but giggle. Her bright big Eyes blinked and blinked, not knowing what she was thinking...

The sixth day, which was the day after I confirmed with Tok that Amtu'e Village was indeed attacked by Monsters and not remnants of the Fallen Ones.

Older Sister was very abrupt. And yet, as if it were a matter of course, she told me she planned to leave. She didn't leave me even half a second of buffer Time.

"Younger Brother, you've been Wronged these past few days." Older Sister only let me see her to the Door. Gently stroking my Hair, she saw the charred Villa behind me, and her face was full of apology.

"It's alright, as long as Older Sister is happy." I held her soft hand and smiled. Seeing Older Sister smile so happily made everything worth it. If I had to say there was anything I was unhappy about, it was seeing Marissa and Older Sister's relationship being so "good," which made me feel a faint jealousy that my Older Sister was being taken away by someone else.

After leaving a soft light kiss on my forehead, Older Sister, who never liked to drag things out, turned and left. As for the other person, she didn't even say hello. Relying on a Druid's keen Intuition, a Line of Sight so subtle it was almost negligible was quietly watching Older Sister's departing Figure...

"Didn't leave a single word, truly a heartless Mother, isn't she?" While the owner of the Line of Sight was still lost in thought, I circled around and found a small Figure behind the Large Tree in the Courtyard, peeking outside the Door like a little thief.

"What are you talking about, Master? Do you need your Brain checked?" The Figure turned around with a whoosh like a startled squirrel, but her beautiful face remained tightly composed. Her Gaze and expression refused to reveal any Feelings.

Damn it, I originally thought I could get her true Feelings out while she was lost in thought, but I didn't expect this little fellow to always show particular alertness when she shouldn't be vigilant, giving people a sense of frustration that she was impenetrable.

After confirming Older Sister's departure, the Three-No Princess seemed like she was going to throw a big celebration feast, but instead, with much fanfare but little action, she took out a set of Tea utensils, brought over some Boiled Water from who knows where, and sat under the Tree Shade, Leisurely brewing Tea. And there was only one Cup, completely ignoring my Existence as the Master. Have you ever seen such an arrogant Maid? You haven't, right? And to think I risked being scolded by Older Sister to take care of her a few days ago, my poor blanket, Roasted Meat, Light Snow , and Honey—uh, that one doesn't seem to count...

"Don't you think you should serve the Master first... Ugh~~!?"

I leaned forward, glaring with a fake smile at Marissa, who was leaning against the Tree, holding the Wine Cup with both hands and drinking by herself. Before I could finish speaking, in my stunned Gaze, a flushed pretty face suddenly approached without warning. The next moment, my lips were blocked by a fragrant, soft object, and streams of warm, sweet Tea continuously seeped into my mouth.

By the Time I came back to my senses, the gentle touch on my lips had vanished, and the Three-No Princess in front of me had also disappeared. Urgent Footsteps and voices grew fainter behind me.

"Such... service..., are you satisfied? I Declare beforehand, this is... only this once..."

"Bang—" The sound of the Door being slammed shut. "Click—" It seemed to be the sound of it being locked. By the Time I turned my Head, even the iron-barred window on the second floor had been tightly closed.

"Am I dreaming?" I pinched myself hard. A trace of lingering warmth and sweetness remained between my lips and teeth. That voice, which I had never dared to hope to hear from her mouth, carrying a hint of shyness, seemed to still echo in the Courtyard at this moment.

As if to confirm, my hand involuntarily reached for the Tea Cup from which only a small sip had been taken. Before I could touch it, it was snatched away by another small hand.

A pretty face covered in Dark Clouds suddenly approached, saying word by word: "Are. You. Sat. Is. Fied. With. The. Ser. Vice. Just. Now? My. Dear. Mas. Ter!!?"

"Mm!!" I nodded very honestly, and then I reacted. Heavens, I, this Expert at getting information (?), was actually trapped in turn!!

"Very good, very good. Since you like it. Then enjoy it properly next." The pretty face covered in black clouds suddenly broke into a smile, as brilliant as the bright Sun breaking through the clouds, but in my Eyes, this was undoubtedly the Sun at the South Pole.

"Gurgle gurgle~~" The noble, great, Graceful, beautiful, pure, and lofty—Saintess Highness, who had entered a furious state, poured the hot Tea into her mouth with great force. Her puffed-up cheeks rushed forward.

"Uwah~~, can your ears drink Tea?!"

"Gurgle gurgle~~" Reloading "ammuition".

"Damn it, not even your Eyes, you idiot!!"

In the Courtyard, someone's Screams of turning Joy into sorrow leisurely echoed.

"What?" In the Mage Guild, I stared at Talen with wide Eyes.

"Elder Fan. We can't help it either. Remote Teleportation requires both sides to be ready at the same Time before it can be used!" Talen sighed with Helplessness, shrugging his shoulders.

"How long will it take to get ready?"

"The day after tomorrow will be fine."

Powerlessly walking out of the Mage Guild, I looked up at the Sun, red like fire. I didn't expect this; it was truly a miscalculation. Remote Teleportation actually required Time to prepare. What should I do now?

"Go back then." Could this Little Ghost read minds? Don't just peek into other people's Thoughts casually.

"No." I refused her Suggestion outright.

"Wow!!..."

"I've already said goodbye to Old Man Ryan and Marissa. If I go back now... Wouldn't that be like..." I tilted my Head, trying to find a suitable analogy.

"Like arguing with your Parents, swearing to run away from Home, only to find out you have no Ability to live independently but are too embarrassed to admit defeat, so you won't go back unless your Parents beg you to?" Little Ghost instantly stated the correct answer.

"You really love being difficult."

"Shut up, you're the last one with the Qualification to say that about me." Exposed, I immediately became angry and embarrassed.

"Let's stay at the Inn for these two days. Oh, right, let's also buy some gifts to take back." I instantly found a good excuse and thus began strolling leisurely on the Street, feeling smug.

"Sarah and Velas seem to like Snacks..." I recalled the situation on Divine Birth Day. Thus, the Snack Stalls on the Street were swept clean.

"These Clothes are also good..." I gestured to Sarah and Velas's Height. To be safe, Lin Ya and Sister Yihana (Female Druid, Druv's wife) were not left out either. As for Charsi, sorry, I really couldn't find Clothes suitable for her "size." Thus, Clothes of all sizes in the Tailor Shop were also swept clean.

"Also Lars, Doug, Gus, Druv, Mardon, they seem to prefer strange Items..."

Recalling their happy (?) Appearance when I gave them some strange trinkets Warriv had forcefully pushed on me last Time (including a 1:2 scale Crippled Fiend model, a Fallen Shaman's Ghost Head Staff, Andariel's simulated Tentacle, etc.), I collected some peculiar Items, such as strangely shaped Starfish, creative Bread, and Jam with a unique Scent, one by one. Imagining the scene of them receiving the gifts with tears in their Eyes, I felt a wave of satisfaction. No need for extra words, this is the precious Friendship between Men.

Little Ghost: "...!!"

"What are you staring at? This is how Men shop!"

At the same Time, the Four Great Elders in the Rogue Encampment all shivered in unison, muttering to themselves: What's going on? I always feel like I'm being completely ignored...

When I felt it was about Time, I focused my attention on a Stall.

There were dozens of Stones of various shapes on the Stall. Since Lut Gholein was located in the Wasteland to the west and bordered the Beach to the east, beautiful Stones like Pebbles could be picked up in these areas. Thinking that such rare items probably wouldn't be seen in the Rogue Encampment, I walked up.

The Stall Owner was a Lut Gholein Native with a neat mustache. He smiled at me, then gestured with his hand: Feel free to look, take your Time choosing. I squatted down with considerable interest, searching among the Stones of various shapes and colors.

"Boss, I want this." A deep, powerful Man's Voice sounded from beside me. A strong arm suddenly appeared as if out of nowhere, blocking my Line of Sight.

What the hell!! What is going on?!

My whole Body stiffened. I turned my Head, Incredulous. Besides the Drunkard Kashya and Sister Sharna, I had never experienced someone approaching me without me being aware. When did this Man get next to me, and when did he squat down? He made such a big Movement at such a close Distance, yet I remained completely unaware until that arm reached out in front of me. If he were an Enemy...

Like me, his entire Body was completely covered by a Cloak. A tall black Figure entered my Vision. He was at least two Heads taller than me, with a Height of at least two meters. Especially his steady and strong Body, it gave people a feeling of being unshakable. From someone else's perspective, the two of us squatting together and wearing similar Clothes probably looked like a Father with his child. Of course, this was just a comparison purely based on Physique and Presence.

This was a Paladin, I immediately judged. Not a Druid, not a Barbarian, and certainly not a Sorceress or Assassin. Only a Paladin could emit this kind of Presence, like a great mountain.

I couldn't describe the Shock in my heart with words. It was like turning my Head casually and suddenly discovering that the Vision, which should have been empty, had somehow at some point risen up a great mountain piercing the clouds. I could only look up, only admire, and only reflect on my own insignificance.

"Boss, I'll take this one." He stood up. That mountain-like Presence became even more imposing, even blocking the fiery red Sun in the sky.

"Guest, it's one Silver Coin for two. Please choose one more," the Stall Owner said respectfully.

"This one is enough."

The Paladin, with an ice-cold Tone, held an unremarkable black Stone in his hand. He took out a Gold Coin, threw it down, and turned to leave without waiting for a reply, as if I were Air. From beginning to end, he didn't even glance in my direction.

Staring blankly at the Paladin's departing Figure, I could finally understand the words Akara had said to me—"With your current Strength/Power, even if you don't know their Name and Appearance, when they stand In Front of you, you will naturally be able to Feel it. Your Intuition will tell you that the Enemy in front of you is unmatched!"

That Paladin was precisely the one who gave me this feeling of insignificance and powerlessness. I am certain he is one of the Three Leaders of the Fallen Alliance that Akara and I talked about. OMG, luckily he didn't know that I was the one who consecutively eliminated four of their Class Changers and over a dozen Mercenaries. Otherwise, with that Presence and Strength/Power no less inferior to Kashya's, I probably wouldn't even have the chance to draw my Sword.

Damn it, a dignified Adventurer over Level sixty, instead of properly learning how to build snowmen in Harrogath, runs here to scare people. It's practically like a gang Leader hanging out in a kindergarten, nonsense.