Chapter 66

In the vast city, the outer district, the unknown area.

Qin Ran met Karl.

The man who had been a spy for the Guardians, hiding in Rachel's tavern.

Unlike his lazy demeanor during their last meeting, even without seeing his face, Qin Ran could sense Karl's tension.

Moreover, the T-shirt and jeans he had been wearing were gone, replaced by a robe-like outfit.

"Increases stealth effect."

Qin Ran glanced at the robe and understood its function.

Clearly, Karl was not having an easy time.

Or rather, no one would show mercy to a traitor, and the Guardians were no exception.

"Thank you for coming."

"I sent many private messages, but the only one willing to help me is you, 2567."

Looking at Qin Ran walking over, Karl let out a bitter laugh.

"Help?"

"I just came here to hear more about the Guardians."

"If the information proves to be true, then in exchange, I can provide you with some assistance."

"This is a deal."

"Not a freebie."

Qin Ran emphasized.

"Even if it's a deal, your appearance has made me feel relieved."

Karl didn't care.

"Your situation is worse than I imagined."

"Actually, staying in the room would be much safer than coming out."

Qin Ran said, his words tinged with subtle probing.

Although he had already checked the surroundings and found no ambush, he wouldn't be at ease with a stranger like Karl, especially one who had previously been hostile.

"If I could, I would definitely stay in the room."

"But now, I can't go back!"

"Otherwise, I wouldn't be in the outer district!"

Karl pointed to the robots in the distance and continued.

"The Guardians are guarding the three places I live. As soon as I get close, I will be killed—I never doubt their attitude towards traitors, just as I never doubt their resolve as Guardians."

"So, I hope 2567 can help me return to my room."

Saying this, Karl took a deep breath and looked at Qin Ran expectantly.

"Then what?"

"Will I become the target of the Guardians, being hunted by them instead of you?"

Qin Ran didn't give a direct answer but laughed coldly.

This was both his genuine thought and a way to haggle.

The combination of the two would make the negotiation more effective.

Qin Ran was not a swindler.

But when it came to securing his own interests, he would never be soft-hearted.

If you give up what you deserve, you might get gratitude and praise, but more often, you will get disdain, insults, and malicious speculation.

Human nature is an extremely complex product.

Qin Ran didn't hope to be a saint or a hero, so he valued what he deserved and what he actually obtained.

Looking back at Karl, Qin Ran waited for his answer.

"I will tell you everything I know about the Guardians."

Without hesitation, Karl said.

"Not enough."

Qin Ran shook his head decisively.

"Two legendary items!"

Karl raised the price.

"Not enough!"

"It seems your crisis isn't that serious. I don't think we need to continue this conversation."

Qin Ran shook his head again and made a move to turn around.

After the auction in Rachel's tavern, Qin Ran had a new understanding of the initiates. He wouldn't be swayed by the two legendary items.

Or, more accurately, as Qin Ran's strength increased, ordinary legendary items no longer caught his eye.

The reason he still carried several low-quality items was to remind himself of how hard he had worked and how fortunate he was to reach his current level.

He needed to be more cautious and careful to deserve what he had and to honor that fortune.

Of course, at heart, Qin Ran was a nostalgic person.

He felt this way about the items he used.

And about his friends.

However, unfortunately, Karl was not a friend of Qin Ran's.

Therefore, the outcome was inevitable.

"An epic item!"

"One epic item!"

Seeing Qin Ran about to leave, Karl hurriedly said.

Qin Ran paused, but didn't turn around, just shook his head again.

"One more secret!"

"A secret about the 'Witch'!"

Karl added another condition.

This time, Qin Ran turned around.

He had always been quite curious about the 'Witch,' who once stood at the top of the vast city and still deeply influenced all veteran players and initiates.

Moreover, as time passed, his curiosity only grew stronger.

Especially after the appearance of the Guardians, his curiosity about this lady reached its peak.

Faced with her secrets, Qin Ran was very eager to know.

"I hope it's not some trivial matter."

Qin Ran said, taking out a prepared contract scroll and tossing it to Karl.

"I promise it won't be a trivial matter."

Karl said, checking the contract scroll, writing his name, and then returning it to Qin Ran.

When Qin Ran checked it again and signed his name, the contract was established.

With the contract in place, Qin Ran could see Karl visibly relax, both physically and mentally.

Karl didn't hide this.

"You've never felt the helplessness of facing a powerful organization alone—no matter how strong you are, there are always times when you relax or get tired, but those guys will keep coming like locusts, tearing at your last bit of energy! Until you... are exhausted and at their mercy!"

Karl sat there, exhausted.

But such a Karl didn't receive any comfort from Qin Ran, even though he deeply felt the same way.

Qin Ran knew his purpose.

He wasn't some empathetic big brother.

He came for the deal.

And everything else?

Qin Ran wouldn't care.

He wouldn't even bother.

"Do you want to rest here?"

"Or fulfill the contract?"

Qin Ran asked directly.

"Fulfill the contract."

Karl immediately said and proposed the deal.

An epic item appeared in the trade window.

【Name: Silence's Gift】

【Type: Armor】

【Quality: Epic】

【Attack: None】

【Defense: Extremely Strong】

【Attribute: Silence】

【Special Effect: None】

【Requirement: Spirit A】

【Can it be taken out of the instance: Yes】

【Note: It was once one of the holy relics of the 'Holy Eye Church.' Although the 'Holy Eye' Church is not recognized by people, you cannot deny the magic of these relics.】

...

【Silence: Any chanting or incantation spells or divine spells below Tier 1 will be silenced. Tier 1 chanting or incantation spells or divine spells will have their casting time increased by 50%, and Tier 1+ spells will have their casting time increased by 20%. It is ineffective for Tier 3+ spells. 2 uses per day.】

...

"Leather cap?"

Seeing the leather cap, which could clearly be attached to a cloak or robe, Qin Ran immediately confirmed the trade.

However, Qin Ran raised his hand to stop Karl's next words, his gaze turning to the side.

There, several figures were already faintly visible.