Chapter 66: The Evolution of Smith's Strength
Chapter 66: The Evolution of Smith's Strength
Passive defense, especially against a ruthless gang from the Capital City, was not an ideal solution in Rain's opinion. He believed that a proactive approach might be more effective in dealing with this troublesome group.
Rain began strategizing, considering the possibility of taking the initiative and eliminating the problem directly. If not, the disappearance of these core members in Shiny Gold Town could attract the attention of 'Dog King' Cole.
The next time they strike, it won't be just a handful of them. Even 'Dog King' Cole himself might make an appearance! Not only would Anna be at risk of being captured, but Rain's entire family's safety could be jeopardized as well. This was something Rain could not allow. As for seeking help from Hamilton, Rain had already considered that option. Even if they agreed to provide protection, unless the family stayed indoors at all times, there would always be a chance of a mistake, a day when the Jackal Gang would seize the opportunity.
"Yes, four or five of the Jackal Gang's lackeys, led by a hyena, came here to investigate Blackbeard's disappearance," the informant revealed.
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"No, no! It's me who should be thanking you, Rain. You've helped me once again!" Anna lowered her head, her fingers intertwined, nervously tugging at the hem of her skirt.
Fighting Dog Manor, despite its grand name, was, according to the bald man and another gang member, merely a farmhouse located between Shiny Gold Town and the Capital City.
Rain nodded with a smile and said, "Go ahead."
"But once the Jackal Gang finds out, they'll probably be like mad dogs after you! Rain, take care of yourself. I'll reinforce the night patrols around your home," the informant added.
It turned out that while most of the Jackal Gang's operations were based in the Capital City, 'Dog King' Cole had an unbreakable routine. He would almost always return to the Fighting Dog Manor to rest.
Additionally, Rain was relieved to learn from the bald man's description that 'Dog King' Cole was of immense stature and strength.
Rain nodded in acknowledgment.
Valen patted Rain on the shoulder and quickly set off with two of his men in the direction Rain had indicated.
Rain nodded.
"About this matter!" Valen glanced at Little Mint but said no more.
Upon Rain's return, Anna and Little Mint rushed over to him, excited.
Rain's experience was limited.
However, 'Dog King' Cole's strength was not that of a formal knight, which meant he had not yet entered the realm of the extraordinary.
As the two women entered the room, Rain closed the door and spoke softly, "Don't worry about the Jackal Gang, I'll handle it!"
Rain's heart sank upon hearing this.
"Yes, brother, please come back early. We'll wait for you to have dinner together," Anna pleaded.
It was Anna who knocked on the door, with Little Mint peeking from behind her.
As Rain approached the doorstep, he spotted Anna and Little Mint.
After Anna and Mint left, Rain remembered to check the system notification:
"Rain, I just heard Sima say that a group of people leading hyenas were loitering outside our house. What's going on?" his mother asked.
Inside the fence, a large area was dedicated to fruit trees, effectively blocking any sounds from the manor, preventing the fighting dogs' barks from carrying for miles.
Valen's face turned stern, "Did you kill them all?"
"Rain, what's the situation? Are they some of the Jackal Gang's thugs?" Valen turned to ask Rain.
As soon as Rain stepped through the doorway, he sensed an odd atmosphere within the house.
Rain quickly stepped forward.
However, the Hyena Queen might be even more formidable, as large as a wild boar and extremely powerful. She had also given birth to a litter of pups, which 'Dog King' Cole had left to roam freely in the Fighting Dog Manor.
"Could it be that Anna called them here?"
As Rain watched the two enter the house, his expression turned solemn, and he spoke to Valen, "Mother and Aunt Sima probably made a mistake. I didn't see anyone leading hyenas when I returned!"
After scouring through the loot, Rain began to walk home, deep in thought.
Rain's heart warmed as he turned to see Anna looking at him with concern. Her face was pale, and her chest heaved violently, likely due to her frail body running intensely.
It seems that Anna shares the same sentiment as Rain, not wanting to overly worry her parents about this matter.
At that moment, Valen took a few steps forward and looked at Anna and Little Mint, saying, "You two are just too worried! I told you Rain is fine, but you didn't believe me."
"Come in!"
Rain looked closely and recognized the three Night Watch members. It was Captain Valen and two elite Night Watch members from his previous squad.
This was a risk Rain couldn't afford to take.
The two seemed anxious, talking to several Night Watch members and occasionally pointing towards the woods, their expressions filled with urgency.
Rain understood and patted Little Mint's head, saying, "Mint, you go home with Anna, I have something to discuss with Captain Valen." Mint blinked her big eyes at Rain and Valen, then turned to take Anna's fair hand.
Little Mint giggled and said to Anna, "Anna, if you keep pulling, your dress will tear!"
"Ah!" Anna immediately let go of her hands, but realizing Little Mint was teasing her, a blush crept onto her face.
[Your skill, Grizzly Sword Technique, has improved. Experience Points +67]
"Captain Valen, there are a few Jackal Gang corpses I left in the woods. I'll leave it to you to handle."
Not only had Rain killed the men, but he hadn't spared the dogs either! "Alright, leave it to me!"
The Fighting Dog Manor, as the name suggested, was a place created by 'Dog King' Cole for dog fighting and gambling. Inside, the sound of dog barks and gamblers' shouts filled the air, creating a constant din.
"By the way, Anna, thank you for not telling my parents about this. Otherwise, it would only add to their worries."
Rain was quite familiar with them, having fought alongside them against Rampage Werewolves and Fishmen.
But before long, the sound of knocking echoed through the house.
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Accompanying them were over ten Jackal Gang members.
Upon hearing this, the two elite Night Watch members' expressions changed, and they looked at Rain with suspicion.
"Do you believe me now? Haha!"
"But I just asked Anna and Mint, and they both said they were planting vegetables in the yard and didn't notice anything." Mother Emma looked at the two girls with doubt and continued.
So, 'Dog King' Cole came up with a solution. He surrounded the entire farm with a two-meter-high birch fence.
Their five jackals were all descendants of the Jackal Queen!
When Rain looked at her, their eyes met, and Anna lowered her head shyly.
"Brother, Anna and I were so worried about you!" Little Mint rushed into Rain's embrace, hugging him tightly.
"Is that so? Sima is getting old, her eyesight is failing her!"
"Come in!"
"Anna wanted to go to the Town Hall to call the Sheriff, but on the way, she met Uncle Valen and the others."
The massive wooden dog sculpture at the entrance served as its emblem.
"Thank you, Captain Valen. I'll be careful," Rain said, feeling grateful.
[You have experienced a battle. Night Watch Experience Points +34]
Hearing Rain's assurance, Mother Emma finally put her mind at ease and stopped inquiring about the matter.
"How did they get here?"
After dinner, Rain returned to his room.
Through the interrogation, Rain obtained some crucial information.
Indeed, they were just a bunch of gang members, and the experience points they provided were likely due to the jackals' contributions.
Seeing the remaining 1 skill point, Rain decided to allocate it to Smith's Strength.
Since he was about to take care of some business, it made sense to invest in a skill that could 'seal the deal'!
Smith's Strength leveled up from lv3 to lv4, and the text suddenly distorted.
(End of Chapter)
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