Chapter 147: Fulfilling Responsibilities
Chapter 147: Fulfilling Responsibilities
"Dan, are you looking for Torch?"
"..."
With just one sentence, Somerset brought the female hunter to a halt.
Dan turned around, her gaze towards him becoming extremely dangerous.
"Is this matter related to you?"
As a fourth-stage Awakener merchant, Somerset's skills were on par with the female hunter.
However, their abilities were utilized very differently in combat.
Somerset dared not provoke Dan's nerves at such close proximity, especially since he had no intention of antagonizing the female hunter. He quickly explained:
"There's a warehouse in the east of town with a lot of supplies, but some of them were taken last night."
The female hunter's eyebrows furrowed:
"Was it Torch who took them?"
Somerset nodded affirmatively:
"Most likely, and he left last night. It will be very difficult for you to catch up to him now."
Dan scoffed:
"Don't underestimate my abilities."
"As long as I'm in the forest, I'll definitely catch up to him!"
Somerset had a different opinion:
"Torch is a smart kid. Don't you think he would have anticipated this?"
"..."
The female hunter fell silent, and the merchant seized the opportunity to press further:
"He knows your abilities well, and the snow in the forest will aid his movements. Moreover, he has already been gone for almost a day!"
Dan's tone turned icy:
"Are you trying to convince me to give up?"
Somerset shook his head:
"I might be able to offer you some help."
"You know that although the town's overall atmosphere leans towards Ari's side, people like us with unwavering determination are also ready to take action at any moment."
Although Dan was anxious about Torch's reckless actions, she hadn't lost her ability to make sound judgments.
She almost immediately realized Somerset's intention.
The merchant was still planning to break through Black Mountain.
As a fourth-stage hunter, she was undoubtedly a crucial and necessary ally.
Dan asked, "So, you can't wait any longer and want to take a chance with your current strength?"
Somerset didn't hide his intentions:
"In fact, the time for action is today."
"Everyone in town has witnessed this endless winter. Since we can't gain more support by staying, taking timely action is a necessary decision."
Dan reiterated her purpose, which was also the most important one:
"I need to find my son."
Somerset's face broke into a victorious smile:
"Then we're on the same mission."
"..."
Having found an assistant, especially an Awakener as an ally, to search for her son together, the female hunter had no reason to refuse.
She followed the merchant towards the eastern part of the town, her mind contemplating various possibilities.
There was no doubt that Somerset wanted to utilize her abilities.
Could Torch's departure also be a choice influenced by the merchant in front of her to achieve this goal?
Dan speculated about the possibilities of the situation.
However, when she and Somerset reached the eastern side of the town, a new development disrupted all her previous thoughts.
Amidst the swirling snowflakes, a solitary figure stood at the eastern entrance of the town.
It was Ari.
The gentle breeze caused snowflakes to gently fall from the surrounding eaves, landing on Ari's shoulders and instantly blending with his white shirt.
Ari's attire was not much different from his usual style.
However, he wore a wide-brimmed black hat, its brim now covered in snowflakes.
Chapter End
With every breath, a white mist formed in the cold, merging with the snowflakes that slid off the brim of his hat.
Ari stood alone, a solitary figure.
Yet his presence seemed to symbolize a certain peace, a challenge to all that lay before him.
He stood guard, unwavering.
When he saw the female hunter and the merchant appear together, his expression remained unchanged, showing neither excitement nor disappointment.
Ari calmly issued a command, "Now, go back."
"..."
"Ari, you have no reason to stop us."
Somerset seemed to have anticipated this scene.
He took a step forward.
Just like a few months ago at the Lord's Manor, he stood face-to-face with Ari.
At the same time, nine figures emerged on the empty streets surrounding the town.
They all chose to stand behind Somerset.
These were the Awakened individuals the merchant had gathered, or those who had originally planned to leave the Hidden Frontier Town. If Lindsey had been there, he would have spotted his friend Joel among them.
In the blink of an eye, both sides had entered a standoff.
A conflict was about to erupt.
But at that moment, the female hunter reacted differently.
She didn't succumb to the atmosphere and join the camp opposing Ari; instead, she took the initiative to speak, "Ari, Torch ran away last night. I'm going to bring him back."
Li Dan's actions actually relieved Ari, who, in the tense atmosphere, managed to show a rare smile, "Li Dan, the town's hunters still need you to lead them."
The female hunter replied without hesitation, "After I find Torch, I'll come back."
These two simple sentences seemed to establish an unspoken understanding.
As soon as she finished speaking, Li Dan left the merchant's camp, crossing past Ari and heading out of town alone.
Ari didn't stop her either.
"..."
Somerset squinted, concealing his emotions as he watched the female hunter leave alone.
Then, he waved his hand and made a gesture to leave with the others.
The merchant even offered a polite smile and explained to Ari, "Torch ran away so suddenly yesterday that it might be difficult for Li Dan to find him alone. We'll go help too."
Ari stepped forward and blocked their path.
The relaxed smile from earlier was gone from his face:
"I'll say this one last time: go back."
"..."
Somerset's smile froze, but he still wanted to negotiate further, "Mr. Ari, we're also concerned about the town's children..."
"Do you think these excuses are still meaningful now?" Ari interrupted the merchant's sophistry and continued, "Over the past few months, I've been thinking seriously about some issues. You've provoked me time and again, and I also bear some responsibility for this."
"Don't think that at a time like this, I'll still allow..."
Somerset also interrupted Ari's rebuke with a loud voice, "We only intend to carry out our own will and have no plans to involve others."
"Ari, you have no reason to stop us now!"
Ari's tone remained icy, "But for the town, what you're doing is disrupting unity and increasing instability."
Somerset scolded sternly, "It's your duty as the town leader to eliminate this instability, not our task!"
Ari pointed at the Awakened individuals before him, "You're right."
"So, at this moment, I'm fulfilling that duty."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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