Chapter 55: Code Name 'Venom Blade'
Chapter 55: Code Name 'Venom Blade'
Glintstone Town, in the afternoon.
A middle-aged man, dressed in a black waistcoat and of rather ordinary appearance, strode into the bustling Oak Tavern.
At this time, the tavern was bustling with people, including mercenaries, craftsmen of various trades, idlers, and even off-duty peacekeepers, all coming to unwind with a drink after a hard day's work.
The black-clad middle-aged man quietly ordered the most common drink, black rye ale, and took small sips.
What was not easily noticeable was that his ears twitched slightly, as if carefully discerning if there was any information he needed from the boasting and conversations of the tavern's patrons.
His nickname was 'Venom Blade', a killer nurtured by the Wild Brotherhood, primarily tasked with handling unsavory people and matters for the organization.
This time, he had received an order from above, reportedly from a big shot who wanted him to take out a young man and preferably make it look like an accident.
Upon receiving the task, 'Venom Blade' immediately analyzed the target based on the provided information.
'Rain, aged 14-16, son of a farmer from Glintstone Town, currently undergoing page training at the Habsburg Manor, combat strength assessment: Militia+.'
When 'Venom Blade' first saw the information, he showed no signs of surprise.
The big shots usually had unique preferences.
He had done other dirty jobs before, with even stranger targets, such as the personal maid of a certain viscount, the bodyguard of a certain baroness, and even the newborn child of a certain noble family.
Soon, 'Venom Blade', who was listening intently, learned what he needed amidst the tavern's din.
"Terrible! The only son of the Evans family was eaten alive by a werewolf during his page training at the Habsburg Manor." A horse-faced man dressed as a mercenary spoke.
"Is that true? Isn't the Habsburg Manor always guarded? If even that place isn't safe, Glintstone Town must be even less so," said the burly man across from him, looking unconvinced.
"Hah! You'd better believe it! The son of the owner of this very Oak Tavern was training with the Evans boy. Yesterday, when that kid came back, he was completely terrified!"
"But... It's said that you were the training has served you."
"There he is!" The horse-faced mercenary lifted his head slightly, gesturing.
The burly man immediately turned to look, nodded, and stopped doubting. The boy sitting over there was indeed the son of the Oak Tavern's owner, named Richard, whom he had seen a few times.
"So, this must be true."
"Is the page training suspended now?"
"Of course! It's been on hold since that incident." The horse-faced mercenary took a big gulp of black rye ale and let out a satisfied burp!
'Venom Blade' quickly learned that the page training the target had been participating in was suspended.
"In that case, my original plan to sneak into the Habsburg Manor is no longer necessary."
"The most challenging part of the task has been avoided."
This brought a faint smile to 'Venom Blade's' face.
With the task's difficulty further reduced, it was undoubtedly good news.
Now, he only needed to wait for the target on his way home and strike when the opportunity arose.
Militia-level strength, heh.
Meanwhile.
In the Administration Hall of Glintstone Town, within Sir Hamilton's office.
Velen and Rain were seated before Sir Hamilton's desk, reporting on the situation.
"So, this time, the number of fishmen far exceeded expectations?" Sir Hamilton's eyebrows furrowed slightly, then relaxed the next second.
"There was a flaw in the reconnaissance report, but you still completed the task excellently. Well done, truly impressive!" Sir Hamilton looked at Velen and Rain with approval.
(End of Chapter)Putting the two of them together seems like a good idea.
Rain's strength has been growing rapidly, and he can take on tough challenges, but he lacks experience.
Velen, on the other hand, is seasoned and shrewd, but his abilities are average. When faced with stronger enemies, he's at a loss.
They complement each other well.
At this moment, Velen glanced at Rain, his face solemn as he continued his report to Hamilton:
"Sir, after eliminating that group of Demonfin Fishmen, we discovered Ogre tracks nearby."
"What? You found Ogre tracks? How many?" Hamilton was startled, his hands bracing the rosewood desk as he stood up abruptly to ask.
"Yes, Sir Hamilton. Near the Fishmen camp, we found tracks left by an Ogre. Upon further investigation, we believe they belong to the same Ogre."
"In other words, we can confirm the presence of one Ogre."
"But as for whether there are more, we're not sure."
Perhaps concerned about misleading his superior's judgment, Captain Velen was very careful with his choice of words when discussing this matter.
"Very well, your caution is justified. Ogres are not something you can handle." Hearing this, Hamilton regained his composure and slowly sat back down.
"It seems we should report this to the County City."
"Currently, my injuries haven't fully healed. If an incident like the Ogre raid on Albero Town were to occur, it would be disastrous."
Hamilton paused briefly, then picked up a quill and began writing on a piece of paper. After finishing, he sealed it in an envelope.
Hamilton then took out a nail-sized red particle and placed it on the envelope's seal, pressing it down with his left fist. A torch-bearing Night Watchman emblem appeared on the flattened wax seal.
Only then did Rain realize that the ring on Hamilton's left middle finger was a signet ring, an official seal ring, with a small circular plate on top engraved with the owner's unique pattern or text.
After completing this, Hamilton shook a delicate copper bell on the desk.
"Ding-a-ling-a-ling!"
A young guard entered, bowing slightly, "Sir Hamilton, how may I serve you?"
"Hudson, you are to go to the County City immediately and deliver this letter to Viscount Hamadi, the Sheriff. Don't delay; go now!" Hamilton said in a stern voice.
"As you command, Sir Hamilton." The guard named Hudson saluted and quickly left the office.
"Velen, increase the frequency of Night Watch patrols in the evenings. I'll also have the guards join in."
"As you command, Sir Hamilton." Velen also stood up and left to make the necessary arrangements.
Now, only Rain and Hamilton remained in the office.
On the way, when Captain Velen mentioned the Ogres, he wasn't very clear. Rain decided to ask for more details: "Sir, are you that worried about Ogres?"
Hamilton nodded solemnly, "These evil and savage humanoid creatures, when fully grown, often reach heights of three meters and weigh around seven to eight hundred pounds. They are skilled in using heavy weapons like giant wooden clubs and maces. Even formal knights find it challenging to withstand their attacks head-on."
'Three meters tall? Seven to eight hundred pounds?'
Upon hearing these words, Rain was shocked. He understood all too well what these numbers meant.
(End)
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