Chapter 97: Demonstration Protection

From Lar's house to the North District Training Ground, one has to pass through a long stretch of the market area. At this time, the sun was just beginning to rise, and the entire Rogue Camp was already bustling with activity. Merchants had set up their stalls early, hawking their wares on the roadside, while shepherds had already driven their livestock out to graze on the fresh, tender grass of the early morning. The streets were a scene of vibrant life.

As we approached the North District, the number of vendors and civilians on the streets gradually decreased. Those who passed by were mostly diligent job-changers and mercenaries. Of course, there were also students like Sara, who were about to go to the training camp for their drills.

Just by walking down this street, one could see a microcosm of the hierarchy within the entire Rogue Camp. At first glance, it was clear that the seasoned, high-level job-changers strode confidently down the middle of the road, and everyone would automatically make way for them. Next came the average or newly promoted job-changers, followed by the mercenaries. The students, who had yet to cross the threshold, could only walk nervously along the roadside, often casting admiring and envious glances at the strong figures walking in the center of the road. Of course, this wasn't because the high-level job-changers were arrogant or overbearing, but rather an unwritten rule that had formed in this world. Giving way to those stronger than oneself was a natural and accepted practice in the dark world.

However, it seemed that... well, how should I put it, it looks like I've been pushed to the center of the road by others...

"Good morning, Mr. Fan."

Two Paladins walking a short distance ahead of me noticed me and immediately stopped, turning around and slightly making way. I had a vague memory of them; we had met in the Black Wasteland, and at the time, we had dealt with a large group of Night Clan together, although I could have handled it alone.

"Good morning. Jean and Dar, you're quite diligent to be up and exercising so early. Next time, don't let the Night Clan drag you around again," I said with a smile.

"Please rest assured, we will not make such a mistake again," they replied, their faces turning red at the mention of their past blunder. They then made a solemn promise. Sigh, Paladins are Paladins, too rigid, and completely lacking in a sense of humor.

"Senior Fan, good... good morning."

This time, it was a Mage I had met in the Stonefield. Yes, I owed her a debt of gratitude for guiding me; otherwise, I might never have found the entrance to the underground cave.

"Is it Farina? I really owe you one," I said with a smile.

"N-no, it's my honor to be of service to you, Lord Fan," Farina said, blushing slightly.

"Lord Fan, I didn't expect to meet you here."

A group of impressive-looking mercenaries suddenly caught up to me, walking to my side and bowing at a 60-degree angle, the most respectful gesture in the Dark Continent.

They were the mercenaries I had met in the Taimo Highlands. Any mercenary who could make it there had to be battle-hardened, and their aura of killing intent was evident. They were fortunate to have met me when they were being pursued by a group of Dark Spearmen. I couldn't ignore a comrade in distress, so I heroically rescued them, and they, in turn, helped me a great deal. If not for their guidance on how to navigate the Taimo Highlands, I might still be wandering around there. I guess my reputation as a directionally challenged person has spread along with my fame.

Unconsciously, I had become the focus of the entire street. Those I had met before came up to greet me, and those who only knew of me by reputation cast me admiring or curious glances. Whether it was respect, admiration, or skepticism, they all gave me the respect I deserved, making way for me. It felt like I was a corrupt official on an inspection tour. While my vanity was certainly satisfied, I began to feel a bit uncomfortable after a while.

Sigh, I underestimated the level of gossip in this world. After all, there's no TV or computers here, and entertainment is scarce. Gossip and rumors naturally become everyone's spiritual sustenance, whether they are civilians or job-changers. They are all human and naturally curious about such things. Once a rumor spreads and is confirmed from multiple sources, a new hero or a new deed quickly becomes a topic of conversation. I, the lone Druid Wu Fan, have become the focus of such discussions, with my deeds spreading from the Cold Plains to the Taimo Highlands. With the precedent of Sharina, my actions have taken on a layer of aloof and mysterious charm. However, those who have met me find me much more approachable than Sharina, so the curiosity about me has reached an unprecedented height.

Sara, who was holding my arm and receiving the same attention, initially lowered her head in shyness. Seeing those usually high-and-mighty figures, who were normally out of her reach, respectfully greet and make way for her big brother, she felt a surge of pride and admiration. She had never received such respect, even when she was with her father. Seeing her beloved big brother so outstanding, her young heart was filled with pride and pride. Which young girl doesn't dream of love? Sara had already placed her big brother at the top of her list.

However, amidst the happiness, Sara also felt a sudden sense of worry and pressure. Her big brother was so outstanding, while she struggled even with a simple fire spell. Was she worthy of him? Would he remember his promise to her in the future?

Thinking of this, Sara became flustered, but soon she made a firm resolve—to train hard and become an excellent Mage, never to bring shame to her big brother.

With this resolve, she lifted her head, clinging even closer to her big brother, and returned the gazes of those who were looking at her with a determined and proud look. "Yes, I am my big brother's wife. He belongs to me alone. Not only that, but I will also become his mercenary and fight by his side."

Seeing Sara suddenly lift her head, although I didn't fully understand her thoughts, I was pleased by her determined look. This time, I came to the training ground with her not only to see what the training camp was like but also to send a clear message to everyone by walking closely together in public—Sara is under my protection. Anyone who wants to bully her had better think twice.

It's not that I'm overly sensitive, but Sara's beauty is truly outstanding. At her young age, among all the people I've seen in the Rogue Camp, only Linia and Sharina can compare. Well, if we exclude height, Charsi might also count.

Linia is a Mage and a direct descendant of the Eld family. No one would dare to provoke a tiger. As for Sharina, it's a relief that she doesn't bully others. As for Charsi, anyone who wants to bully her would first have to consider their own strength, and even if they were strong enough, they would have to consider whether the job-changers in the entire Rogue Camp would allow it.

Sara, on the other hand, has a beauty that rivals theirs but lacks the strength to protect herself. In the past, it wasn't a big issue since she mostly stayed at home, but now she has to go to the training camp frequently, which worries me. Although the security in the Rogue Camp is good, and I don't think anyone would dare to do anything outrageous in broad daylight, especially since Sara has a job-changer father and the Great Eye of Akara is not to be trifled with, I still can't tolerate even the slightest bullying or harassment.

By appearing closely with Sara in public, I want to warn some people not to underestimate my presence. I don't mind teaching a few troublemakers a lesson to establish my authority. Even if I'm not around, I believe those who know my relationship with Sara would be willing to help if she encounters any trouble, either out of admiration for my strength or to do me a favor.

Of course, some people might still doubt my strength, but just being Sharina's brother is enough to make them think twice. Doubting my strength is understandable, as I'm still building my reputation, but doubting Sharina's strength would be sheer madness.

I'm considering whether I should go to the arena and show off a bit to make some people behave. Of course, this would mean revealing some things, but I'm prepared for that. If it's for Sara, it's worth it. It will also prevent others from thinking I'm hiding something, which is uncomfortable.

Lost in thought, I followed Sara to her training camp. The first thing I saw was... a running track?

Yes, a running track. Many students, even Mages, were already practicing on it. Whether they were melee or ranged classes, the first step to becoming a mercenary or a job-changer is to have good physical fitness. Most importantly, they need to run fast. After all, Mages don't learn the teleportation skill until level 36. Before that, they have to rely on their legs like everyone else. So don't be fooled by Linia's delicate appearance; she's only weak compared to job-changers. In a close combat situation, she could easily take down several burly men.