Chapter 72: Recruitment (Seeking Collection)

Chapter 72: Recruitment (Seeking Collection)



After Karl arrived, Aya and the others rented a small courtyard, each with their own room, no longer crowded together like before.

They even set aside a house specifically for receiving guests.

"Jacqueline!"

Seeing the figure entering through the door, Karl couldn't help but show surprise:

"Is it you?"

Jacqueline, a survivor of the Wind Whisperers and a former companion from the underground of the Black City, had also come to Free Harbor.

This was normal.

Those who escaped from the Black City would most likely come here.

"Mr. Karl!" The tall and scarred female Jacqueline bowed:

"We meet again."

"Yes." Karl sighed:

"You managed to escape too?"

"Thanks to you." Jacqueline's voice carried a sense of relief at having survived a disaster, along with gratitude:

"If it weren't for your leadership in the rebellion and the defeat of the knight captain among the city guards, we would have perished along with the fall of the Black City."

"You saved our lives!"

"It's all in the past, so let's not bring it up again." Karl waved his hand and looked at the person behind her:

"Who is this?"

"Let me introduce you." Jacqueline quickly gestured:

"Knight Yas, a manager of the Herb Market and a member of the Scythe Brotherhood, helped me a lot when I first arrived in Free Harbor and didn't know anything."

"Hello."

Yas was a refined middle-aged man, lacking the fishy smell common among the locals of Free Harbor, but instead carrying a faint scent of incense.

Perfume?

He not only wore perfume, but his clothes were also neatly kept, and his leather boots were spotless.

Maintaining cleanliness on such muddy roads was no easy task.

It was obvious.

This was a person who paid attention to his appearance.

"I've heard that there's a brave warrior from the Black City who led the mine slaves to resist the tyranny of the city guards."

Yas placed one hand on his chest and bowed:

"Your courage and wisdom are admirable!"

"I heard that you also came to Free Harbor and know Jacqueline, so I took the liberty of coming to visit."

As he spoke, he placed the gift in his hand.

"You're too kind." Karl gestured:

"Please sit down."

His first impression of Yas was good; his speech was elegant and courteous, far surpassing the person from the Sea God Guild.

And with a familiar person by his side, his persuasiveness increased.

After sitting down.

Yas didn't rush to discuss business but instead chatted about the situation in Free Harbor. He was a successful merchant, well-traveled and knowledgeable, able to make even the most mundane topics interesting, especially since those from the Black City had limited contact with the outside world. Aya and the others perked up their ears to listen.

Karl didn't speak much, but he possessed an impressive knowledge base that was hard for ordinary people to match, often hitting the nail on the head with his remarks.

This excited Yas, and the conversation became more engaging.

"The scythe represents the weapon of the god of death, Chronos, and this scythe symbolizes the end of time and the arrival of death."

"Many organizations use the scythe as a symbol, and I heard there used to be a Scythe Guild in the Black City?"

"Yes."

Karl nodded:

"However, it later disappeared due to conflicts between various powers."

"Alas!" Yas sighed lightly:

"Human hearts are fickle, and disputes are hard to avoid. Free Harbor has no ruler, so conflicts are even more common."

"Without a powerful leader, a small force can hardly last long before it perishes."

"Only a large force can endure!"

He looked at Karl and spoke solemnly:

"Brother Karl has just arrived in Free Harbor and hasn't joined any force yet. Consider joining our Scythe Brotherhood."

Karl stroked his chin but remained silent.

He was waiting for the other party to offer terms.

There weren't many alchemists in Free Harbor, and even fewer who could refine over a dozen potions like him.

He was a hot commodity for any force.

"The leader of our Scythe Brotherhood is an aspiring legendary Grand Knight, and several elders are also Grand Knights." Yas smiled:

"In terms of the number of Grand Knights, the Sea God Guild and Dragon King Chamber of Commerce can't compare to us!"

"Brother Karl's strength is remarkable, and he's not that old. He has the potential to become a Grand Knight. In this regard, we can provide more support."

"Oh?" Karl's eyes flickered:

"How so?"

"The Scythe Brotherhood can provide a shop in the Herb Market, at least two high-quality Beast Pills per month for your cultivation, and some knight cultivation books for free reading." Yas spoke: "Additionally, there's a Dark Walker Spell Seal."

"We'll also provide the materials you need for potion-making, but the potions must first be supplied to the Brotherhood."

These terms were excellent!

So far, the Scythe Brotherhood was the best among the three parties, and Karl was clearly tempted.

"Mr. Karl."

Jacqueline spoke from the side:

"The Dark Walker Spell Seal is an advanced version of the Shadow Spell Seal unique to the Scythe Brotherhood."

"This Spell Seal is even rarer than the Swimming Spell Seal!"

"Not bad." Yas smiled:

"Those who possess the Dark Walker Spell Seal will receive the favor of the night, with a 20% increase in strength during the night."

"They can see in the dark as if it were daylight, making it harder to be detected in shadows, and they can even communicate with ghostly beings."

A 20% increase in strength?

A smile appeared on Karl's face.

If it truly increased his strength by 20%, he would have the courage to face a Grand Knight at night.

After all, he was not only a knight but also an apprentice high mage.

"Thank you for the invitation from the Scythe Brotherhood."

Karl spoke:

"I've just arrived in Free Harbor and haven't decided on my next steps. Joining the Scythe Brotherhood would be great."

"Hmm..."

"When will I receive the Spell Seal?"

"In the next few days." Yas joked:

"Brother Karl, once you receive the Spell Seal, you'll be a brother of the guild, so no backing out!"

"Of course not." Karl shook his head.

...

Back at the Scythe Brotherhood's headquarters, Yas couldn't hide his excitement.

Karl gave him a good impression; despite his formidable martial prowess, he seemed more like a knowledgeable scholar, devoid of the usual aggressive aura that knights often carried. He was a pleasant conversationalist.

The fact that he was an apothecary was an added bonus.

Moreover, as news of the events in Black City slowly spread, and those who fled from there were grateful to Karl. His joining would also attract this group of people.

It was a win-win situation!

"Squeak..."

Yas pushed open a door and hurried inside:

"Father!"

He spoke urgently:

"Karl has agreed to join the Scythe Brotherhood. As long as we send over the Dark Walker Seal, he'll be one of us."

"Hmm..." One of the four elders of the Scythe Brotherhood, known as the Eagle, Henry, opened his eyes. His expression was complex as he spoke softly:

"Yas, if... I mean, if there wasn't the Dark Walker Seal, would he still agree?"

"Huh?" Yas was taken aback, sensing something amiss. He hesitated and asked:

"Father, what do you mean?"

"Sigh!"

Henry sighed, slowly rising from his seat. With his hands behind his back, he paced back and forth in the room:

"Not long after you left, Elder Two's people came looking for me. Their daughter, Little Heri, wants the Dark Walker Seal."

"But..." Yas frowned:

"We already made a deal."

"We did, but it hasn't been given yet, has it?" Henry waved his hand:

"You know Elder Two's personality. If we don't give him the seal, we'll have trouble in the future."

"Little Heri is that kind of person..."

"Let's swap it for another seal!"

"Father!" Yas stomped his foot in frustration:

"How can we change something like this? Didn't you tell them that the seal was already promised to someone else?"

"Do you think it would work?" Henry sighed:

"But..." Yas paused, well aware of Elder Two's personality. He clenched his teeth in anger:

"Father, you're also an elder of the brotherhood!"

"I'm old." Bitterness crept into Henry's face:

"One can't help getting old."

"I'll talk to the leader." Yas spoke in a low voice:

"Karl is young and has a good chance of becoming a Grand Knight. There are many benefits to his joining us."

"And..."

"If we change it now, how can I face people?"

He was a man who valued his reputation and wouldn't want to lose face.

"The leader?" Henry shook his head:

"The leader's son is pursuing Little Heri, and do you think the leader would veto Elder Two's proposal?"

Yas fell silent.

Indeed.

In recent years, the leader had spent most of his time in seclusion, striving to become a legendary figure.

The Scythe Brotherhood's affairs, big and small, were left to the elders, with Elder Two being the most dominant.

Henry, having suffered a severe injury in the past, had withdrawn from the front lines and only handled business matters.

Gradually, he found himself on the fringes of power.

Neither he nor his son had much influence within the Scythe Brotherhood.

"What should we do, then?"

Yas lowered his head:

"Should I tell Karl that the promised seal is no longer available?"

"Sigh!"

Henry let out a soft sigh:

"I guess that's the only way."

...

They had agreed to wait for two days, but the wait seemed endless.

During this time, Jacqueline visited once, acting strangely and speaking vaguely without providing any concrete information.

"Hmph..."

Karl wasn't foolish; he could tell that things weren't working out and shook his head:

"It seems it's not meant to be."

"Uncle."

Aya entered:

"Sister Susan is here."

"Please, come in!"

Karl stood up.

Susan, as always, was dressed to impress, her figure accentuated by her revealing attire beneath her cloak.

"I've heard some news."

Her long, slender legs were crossed, and she smiled as she spoke:

"The Scythe Brotherhood has issued a new Dark Walker Seal, and it was given to Elder Two's daughter, Little Heri."

"I know Little Heri. She can't endure the hardships of training, and even with the Beast Pills, she's only a Knight Attendant. It's unlikely she'll become a knight, so Elder Two probably gave her the seal."

"Is that so?" Karl picked up his wine glass, took a small sip, his expression unchanged:

"She has a good father."

Karl had been waiting for a message, and now he understood that the seal already had an owner. Was Yas too embarrassed to face him? This seemed a bit intentional.

If Yas had just explained the situation, Karl wouldn't have blamed him. It was just that Yas couldn't save face.

But the longer you avoid this, the more displeased people will become.

Facing difficulties head-on and finding solutions is the key. Constant avoidance only shows weakness and leads to nothing getting done.

"That's right!" Susan flicked her golden, wavy hair:

"A good father is indeed enviable."

"Actually, our Dragon King Chamber of Commerce isn't bad either, especially when it comes to procuring various resources. It's very convenient."

"Hmm..." Karl was noncommittal:

"Is that so?"

"Join us, and the chamber will provide you with two high-quality Beast Pills every month, along with two more for priority purchase." Susan straightened her body, her eyes gleaming:

"Additionally..."

"We'll give you a Steel Body Seal!"

She had come several times, and the previous conditions were unchanged, except for the addition of a seal this time.

The seal might not be expensive.

But it was too little!

Especially for a high-quality seal, which was a rare and valuable item.

"Steel Body?" Karl seemed thoughtful.

He had heard a lot about this seal, and several people who died at his hands had possessed it.

Refining the Steel Body Seal could increase one's physical defense to a certain extent.

To be honest.

He wasn't particularly moved by this, after all, with a Minor Force Field and armor, his defense was strong enough.

However, a louse's meat is still meat. Moreover, the Steel Body Seal wasn't bad either.

As for the high-quality Beast Pills, it was purely a welfare benefit. Even if he didn't consume them, he could still trade them.

At this moment, he asked in a low voice:

"What about the potions?"

"This is negotiable." Seeing Karl show interest, Susan's eyes lit up, and she spoke:

"The Chamber will provide the materials, and you'll be in charge of refining the potions. A certain quantity will be handed over to the Chamber as a material fee."

"The remaining potions will be divided, with some given to the Chamber's shops for sale, and we'll give you a portion of the profits."

"As for the last batch, you can sell them in your own shop."

As she spoke, she took out a piece of paper.

On the paper were specific details, including the minimum number of potions to be refined and submitted to the Chamber each month.

There were also details about profit-sharing.

According to what was written on this paper, Karl would essentially be working for the Dragon King Chamber, and his earnings wouldn't be too high.

Of course.

If he worked hard and refined potions exceeding a certain quantity each month, his profits would increase significantly.

Karl pondered for a moment.

He wasn't too concerned about the income; his primary purpose was to have a fixed base in Free Harbor.

As for refining potions, Aya would handle it as much as possible, and it wouldn't take up too much of his time.

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

When it came to specific profits, naturally, he couldn't just accept whatever the other party said. The two of them engaged in a heated discussion.

After a long while, Karl asked:

"When will the Seal be given?"

The fact that the Scythe Brotherhood could change the pre-arranged Seal indicated that there were internal power struggles. In that case, joining the Dragon King Chamber wasn't a bad choice.

"Now!"

Susan smiled and had someone bring over a wooden box. When she opened the lid, a Seal was placed inside.

Steel Body!

"Hehe..."

Karl chuckled and shook his head, reaching out:

"Deal!"

"Welcome!" Susan extended her hands and shook Karl's right hand, her face full of enthusiasm:

"Welcome to the Dragon King Chamber!"

Green Vine Castle was located in the eastern part of Signo City. It used to belong to the Duke of Saxony when he was still a count.

Later, the Duke left, and it was transferred to the Church.

Some large-scale banquets with Church involvement were usually held here.

This was an ancient castle, surrounded by majestic stone walls and towers with pointed spires, appearing solemn and mysterious in the afterglow of the setting sun.

When Karl arrived, the band and singers were already in place, and the performers, dressed in gorgeous uniforms, were singing hymns.

The sacred and melodious hymns echoed throughout the castle and gardens, and the guests were all solemn.

Pleasure, joy, and merriment were not in line with the atmosphere here.

Dana wore a hat adorned with feathers, and the heavy headpiece made her, who was already feeling dizzy, bow her head from time to time.

"Ma'am."

Karl didn't know anyone here, so he could only approach her and chat:

"Didn't sleep well yesterday?"

"Not just yesterday?" Dana rolled her eyes and forced herself to stay alert:

"It's been several days in a row. For Kerry's fiancee, we've almost searched the entire North City."

"You've worked hard." Karl expressed his admiration:

"Having a subordinate as thoughtful as you is Kerry's luck, and our luck too."

He had also heard about this matter.

Seeing that he couldn't save his fiancee with his own strength, Kerry had bothered all his colleagues at the Patrol Hall.

Everyone was trying their best to help him find his fiancee.

Along with that.

The usually relaxed Patrol Hall had become busy.

"Not just because of him." Dana shook her head lightly:

"These days, while investigating in the North City, I've discovered that many girls have gone missing recently, almost every day."

Her face turned serious:

"There must be some evil force abducting girls in secret, but what are they up to?"

"Hmm!"

"You don't seem surprised at all?"

"Er..."

Karl shrugged:

"I've heard some rumors."

"Heard rumors?" Dana's expression turned serious:

"Since you've heard them, why didn't you report it? Don't forget, you're a Patrol Officer responsible for maintaining the city's law and order!"

"Ma'am."

Karl sighed:

"It's not like I'm the only one who knows about this. If you inquire a little, you'll hear the rumors too."

"When the nobility's children or commoners from the inner city encounter trouble, the Patrol Hall will handle it. When has it ever cared about the commoners from the outer city?"

"You're making excuses for your irresponsibility!" Dana waved her hand vigorously:

"Piety, protection, justice—whether it's the nobility or knights, they should all uphold these virtues."

"..." Karl opened his mouth, sighing helplessly:

"Alright, I've been too cold and unfeeling. I hope you can apprehend those criminals and give the citizens an explanation."

She added:

"I'm being sincere!"

"Hmph!"

Dana sniffed.

She couldn't stand Karl's cold and distant attitude. He was clearly a Patrol Officer, yet he had forgotten what piety and responsibility meant.

However...

How many of the current nobility and knights still adhered to the 'outdated' virtues?

Scanning the entire venue, the guests were all dressed up, solemn and serious, but behind their backs, who knew what kind of indecent things they had done?

Sighing softly, Dana felt a sense of fatigue rise in her heart, but it was immediately suppressed by her fighting spirit.

No!

I won't fall!

"Hua..."

"Clap clap!"

At this moment, the music in the venue stopped, and the guests politely clapped for the performers.

"Wasn't today's banquet supposed to be for Archbishop Antonio's farewell?" Karl asked, turning his head.

"He seems to be resting in the back." Dana raised her head and looked at the crowd:

"Baron Baro and Princess Duna are here, so the Archbishop should have shown up too. We just didn't notice him.

"Hmm."

Karl nodded.

That's how it should be.

They weren't paying much attention to the main event of the banquet, not even listening closely to Princess Dunna's speech.

"Karl!"

At that moment, a familiar voice rang out.

Jenny, holding up her skirt, ran over to the two of them, her face blooming with a smile, full of excitement.

"I didn't expect to see you here today, Captain Dana," she said.

"Yes," Karl replied. "Your performance was captivating."

Dana returned the greeting.

"Captivating is not a word that should be used to describe a sacred song," Jenny shook her head. She was one of the performers that day:

"I..."

"I'm about to leave Signo City."

She had just joined the Baro Singing Troupe and made her first official performance when she was scouted by the Royal Opera House.

After this banquet, she would be following the opera house's people to the royal capital for further training.

Meeting Karl at this time was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise, which was why she took the initiative to come over after the performance.

"I heard," Karl asked. "Are you going alone?"

"Yes."

Jenny's eyes were slightly red, her fingers twirling her skirt, and she spoke softly:

"I'll go to the royal capital first. After I earn some money, I'll bring my mother over. It'll take at least two or three years."

She had just come of age and had never left her mother's side. This time, she would be away for two or three years, and she didn't have any companions.

Just thinking about this made her heart feel anxious.

However, Dana knew that opportunities like this were rare, and if she missed it, she might never have another chance in her lifetime.

"Time will fly by when you're studying," Karl comforted her. "Signo City might only have one person every few years who can join the Royal Opera House. Perhaps you'll even become a Sacred Songstress. At that time, not only Mrs. Mary, but even I will be proud of you."

A Sacred Songstress was a singer dedicated to singing for the gods, with a status comparable to that of a regional bishop.

It was said that some angels by the gods' side were Sacred Songstresses.

"I won't be able to do it," Jenny said, her face turning shy.

"I've never studied music theory. I don't know anything, and I'm the slowest learner among the students."

"Knowledge can be learned, but talent is innate. You can't learn it even if you want to," Karl smiled. "Your talent is truly enviable."

"Thank you," Jenny smiled sweetly. "When I get to the royal capital, can I write to you?"

"Of course," Karl nodded and added, "But I'm also about to leave Signo City soon. I don't have a specific location yet, so I might not be able to contact you until later."

"Ah!" Jenny's heart skipped a beat. "You're leaving too?"

"Where to?"

"A rather special place," Karl didn't directly mention the Black Swamp, as it was not a suitable place for ordinary people to live.

However, his words seemed to have caused a misunderstanding, and Jenny assumed he didn't want to tell her, causing her expression to darken.

"Jenny!"

At that moment, a slightly sharp voice sounded.

A tall woman emerged from the singing troupe and quickly approached Jenny. In a deep voice, she asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Teacher," Jenny replied, visibly afraid of the woman, and she instinctively shrank back. "I was just chatting with a friend."

"Friend?" The woman's scrutinizing gaze fell on Karl, and she snorted in disdain.

"You should remember your identity. Only by serving the gods can you truly perform sacred songs well."

"Your body and soul must be pure!"

Their group prohibited romantic relationships.

"Yes," Jenny replied timidly.

The woman grabbed Jenny's sleeve.

"Come with me. We might be returning to the royal capital tonight."

Watching Jenny leave with reluctance, Dana couldn't help but smile.

"She likes you."

"A young girl's impulse in her naive period shouldn't be taken seriously," Karl shook his head.

"Oh!"

Dana looked at him in surprise.

"You know her feelings but don't respond. That's not like a gentleman."

"Ruining someone's future because of a momentary impulse is not befitting of a gentleman," Karl said calmly. "What do you think, Captain?"

"Tsk, tsk," Dana shook her head. "Karl, I think I should get to know you again. Although you're a bit cold, at least you're not so promiscuous."

She had seen many promiscuous nobles, both male and female.

Karl's attitude towards Jenny made her see him in a new light. People who could control their desires were rare, especially among the nobility, who had few constraints.

no wonder! No wonder he looked down on his cousin.

This Karl at least had some virtues when it came to emotions.

"It seems that Archbishop Antonio won't be showing up today," Karl muttered, looking at Count Baro giving a speech on the stage. "Maybe I should find an opportunity to leave."

"As you wish," Dana said, bowing her head and feigning sleep to rest.

"Hmm?" Karl suddenly frowned and looked around.

"What is it?" Dana lifted her eyelids slightly.

"It seems... there are more people," Karl looked puzzled, then his eyes widened, and his body tensed. "Be careful!"

Before he could finish, several figures suddenly rushed out from the crowd, charging towards Count Baro, who was giving the speech.

"For the Sunlit!"

"For the Father God!"

"..."

Their eyes were filled with fanaticism, and a scorching aura emanated from their bodies.

Fire Thieves!

"Boom!"

One by one, balls of flames exploded.

Their targets were not limited to Count Baro.

Nearby servants and waiters dropped what they were holding and roared as they charged towards the dense crowd.

"For the Father God!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end