Chapter 54: The E-Class Magical Beast**

"The E-class magical beasts do exist in Gordo City," said Rice, arms folded in thought. "But even if we locate one, do you truly believe you're capable of slaying it?"

Xiao Feng replied with unwavering certainty, "Trust me—I have my methods. If we can find it, I will bring it down."

"Very well," Rice nodded slowly. "I'll head to the black market and see what I can uncover. Once we have its confirmed whereabouts, we set out."

"Perfect. Since you're heading to the black market, I'll stop by the hospital to check on Alice. Let's go together."

Rice turned to the bulky Brada. "Fatty, start the car."

"Yes, sir," Brada replied, his massive body jiggling as he waddled toward the door.

Just then, Aiwei appeared, clutching the little white wolf. "Where are you going?"

"I'm visiting Alice."

"Then I'm coming too!"

Xiao Feng could only acquiesce, realizing with a wry smile that Aiwei clung to him like a stubborn piece of glue.

Rice disembarked alone at the black market, while Brada drove Xiao Feng and Aiwei to the hospital where Alice was recovering.

Inside the ward, they found Alice gleefully bouncing on the bed, her eyes no longer covered in gauze. Those eyes, now clear and shimmering like twin sapphire gems, sparkled with joy.

Old White, visibly elated, was packing their belongings—it seemed they were ready for discharge.

The moment Xiao Feng entered, Alice leapt into his arms with glee. "Brother Xiao Feng! Let me take a good look at you. I want to see what you really look like!"

Cradling her frail body, Xiao Feng felt a flush of embarrassment rise to his cheeks. "Alice, you're a grown girl now…"

"So what if I am? You're my big brother. Come, let me have a good look. My goodness, you're even more handsome than I imagined. So handsome, I almost want to marry you!"

Old White chuckled warmly, his gaze fond and kind. He knew full well that Alice's recovery was inseparable from Xiao Feng's efforts. Without him, who knew when they could have afforded the surgery? If Alice ever decided to marry Xiao Feng, Old White would offer no objection.

Aiwei, watching the scene unfold, felt a twinge of jealousy—Xiao Feng had never held her like that. With a touch of vinegar in her tone, she said, "Alice, look how big your little white wolf has grown! Come and see it!"

Alice laughed as she slipped from Xiao Feng's arms, gently taking the cub from Aiwei's embrace. Stroking its fur, she whispered sweetly, "Grow up quickly, little one."

Relieved, Xiao Feng turned to Old White. "Uncle, if Alice's cleared to leave, let's head back. Tonight, we'll celebrate with a good drink!"

Old White patted Xiao Feng's head. "Child, I truly can't thank you enough." Tears glistened in the old man's eyes, and Xiao Feng silently wondered why such a strong man could be so easily moved.

"We're family, aren't we? Alice is my sister—I'm bound to take care of her. Come on, let's go home. I'm tired of this gloomy hospital air."

"Yes, let's drink to the occasion."

Brada joined in, helping to carry their things. Once packed, they headed back to the jeep and drove off to retrieve Rice.

In the biting cold of winter, Rice's bare torso made him stand out starkly, his fearsome chest tattoo on full display. He was deep in conversation with a few black market traders, puffing on a thick cigar.

As Brada brought the jeep to a halt beside him, Rice bid the traders farewell and hopped into the battered vehicle. Together, they returned to camp.

"Any news?" Xiao Feng asked.

Taking another draw of his cigar, Rice replied, "Yes. Tonight, we're going after the E-class beast."

Old White's eyes widened. "E-class? What on earth are you planning?"

Xiao Feng chuckled. "Uncle, we're heading out to hunt it tonight. Care to join us?"

"An E-class? Do you really think we can defeat such a creature?"

"There's only one way to find out."

"I want to go too!" Alice chimed in excitedly.

Old White frowned. "You're not going anywhere—you've just been discharged. You need to rest!"

"Hmph! I want to go. I want to be with Brother Xiao Feng!"

Xiao Feng, recalling how crucial Alice had been in taking down the mutant wolf leader, turned to Old White as the jeep bumped along the road. "Let her come, Uncle. I'll keep her safe."

"No way! We're talking about an E-class monster here!"

Rice roared with laughter. "When did Old White become so timid? Relax—we've got a whole squad. She'll be fine."

Still, Old White's worried gaze lingered on Alice.

Back at the camp, preparations began for the night's operation. After a hearty meal, Rice ordered the loading of two jeeps with heavy weaponry—rocket launchers, grenades, explosives—everything needed for a deadly encounter.

They sped northeast under cover of night, toward a place where, according to intel, the E-class beast had been sighted in an abandoned town.

The town, known as Garne, was roughly the size of Sector 64, but lacked any protective barriers. Long since ravaged by monsters, it had been reduced to ruin. Desolate and windblown, such towns made ideal dens for magical beasts—offering shelter from snow and storm in the frigid winter months.

The jeeps' headlights slashed through the darkness, racing along a crumbling highway. Shadows flickered at the edge of the beam, but the light's intensity kept even the boldest monsters at bay. From afar, the beasts watched warily, unwilling to approach the twin beams of searing light.

Without resistance, the elite mercenaries led by Rice reached the forsaken town of Garne.