Chapter 32

After arriving in Deepstone City, Mes finally bid farewell. Perhaps because they had reached their destination, he had to put away the smile he had worn during the journey and put on a serious expression. After all, he had lost so many goods, and the thought of having to face his creditors now did not improve his mood at all.

However, before leaving, Rod still warned him not to reveal the truth about the cargo ship's accident. After all, they had been tracked by spies before, and if the other party was still looking for them, revealing this matter would not be a good choice. Although Rod already knew most of the details, he did not share his judgment with Mes. For one thing, it was unnecessary, and for another, even if he told Mes, it wouldn't change anything. Mes, of course, readily agreed. With years of business experience, he certainly understood the pros and cons. Even if Rod hadn't reminded him, he wouldn't have spread the news.

After parting ways with Mes, Rod followed Liss to the Deepstone City Mercenary Guild.

As a trans-continental organization, the Mercenary Guild had branches in any bustling city. They were responsible for posting missions, recording completion, and even handling the recruitment and employment of mercenaries. The upgrading and downgrading of mercenary groups and the guild itself were also decided by them.

The Deepstone City Mercenary Guild was located on the first level of the mine. From a distance, one could see the sword and shield emblem of the Mercenary Guild carved into the wall. The rough marble door frame and the flag outside were particularly eye-catching, and even the heavy wooden door with intricate carvings could not block the noisy sounds from inside.

When Rod and Liss entered the Mercenary Guild, they first saw a spacious arched hall. Sunlight streamed through the central opening, illuminating the white stone floor. At the wooden round tables on the sides, mercenaries could be seen sitting, either whispering to each other or discussing something in low voices. Some were hidden in the corners, silent and unobtrusive.

Their appearance did not attract much attention; most people just glanced up and then quickly looked away. However, not everyone was like that. Soon, a woman in leather armor, carrying a longbow, raised her hand from a nearby table.

"Hey, Liss, long time no see!"

"Sister Shana."

Hearing the woman's greeting, Liss looked up and smiled, quickly walking over to her side.

"Long time no see, how are you?"

"Fine, we just finished dealing with some hyenas and got a lot of loot. We're now discussing how to divide it."

At this, Shana smiled heartily. The others at the table also smiled and nodded at Liss, showing that they were all very familiar with her.

"Congratulations..."

Watching this scene, Liss's heart ached, and her smile stiffened. She was no stranger to such scenes. Every time Captain Carter led everyone to complete a mission, they would sit together, joking and laughing. This used to be a normal part of Liss's life, but now, those who had been with her were gone forever.

"What's wrong, Liss? You don't seem very happy?"

Although Shana appeared to be a carefree person, she was clearly also very observant and quickly noticed Liss's unusual mood. She frowned, looking at Liss with concern, and then glanced at Rod standing behind her.

"What happened? Who's the guy behind you? Where's Captain Carter? Why can't I see him?"

"Captain... he..."

Mentioning Carter, Liss's face turned pale. She opened her mouth but quickly closed it again. After a few seconds, she seemed to have made up her mind and spoke.

"Previously, the mission we took failed, and... everyone except me... is dead."

Upon hearing this, the previously lively round table fell silent, and even Shana's smile faded.

"Failed?"

"Yes, we encountered an unexpected situation..."

Liss shook her head, clearly not wanting to elaborate, and quickly changed the subject, introducing Rod to everyone.

"This is Mr. Rod Elan, he saved my life in a crisis. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to return alive."

"I see..."

Hearing Liss's explanation, Shana curiously and carefully examined Rod, who was fully wrapped in a cloak, and then extended her hand.

"Hello, I'm Shana, the leader of the Red Eagle Mercenary Group. Thank you for saving my friend."

"You're welcome, it was just a coincidence."

Rod extended his hand, shook Shana's, and then replied calmly. This made Shana even more curious. She stared intently at Rod's half-visible face, trying to see what he looked like, but since Rod had no intention of lowering his hood, Shana didn't insist and soon refocused her attention on Liss.

"So, you came here to..."

"Yes, I came to report the failure of the mission and... the situation with the captain and the others..."

"I understand."

Shana's expression became much more serious. She sighed and patted Liss's head.

"Don't be too sad. In our line of work, this day will come sooner or later. The fact that you're still alive is the greatest comfort to them. Remember, if you ever need help, you can always come to us. The Red Eagle Mercenary Group is small, but we will never refuse to help if we can."

"Thank you."

Hearing Shana's words, Liss finally smiled again. At this moment, a young swordsman sitting next to Shana suddenly jumped up.

"Right, Liss, don't be too sad. By the way, why don't you join our mercenary group? We're short of a..."

"Barney!"

Shana shouted, interrupting the young swordsman.

"What are you saying? Is this the time to talk about that? Shut up and sit down!"

"But, boss..."

"Shut up!"

Under Shana's stern command, the young swordsman sat down reluctantly, and Shana turned back to Liss.

"Liss, don't mind what Barney said. You know your own path best."

"It's okay, Sister Shana."

Liss didn't take the young swordsman's words to heart at all.

"I've made up my mind. I will not let the mercenary group dissolve."

"Liss?"

Hearing the girl's response, Shana was taken aback. She wanted to say more, but by then, Rod and Liss had already turned and walked away, heading deeper into the hall. This made Shana's expression somewhat awkward. She watched the two of them with a complex expression, sighed, and then glared at the young swordsman next to her.

"You talk too much! If you can't control your mouth, I'll tear it apart!"

In the center of the guild hall, a large stone monument was surrounded by people, and the noise came from here. This was where the Mercenary Guild posted missions. Many mercenaries were shouting and gesturing, vying for tasks, while others who had already received missions were negotiating terms and rewards with their employers nearby.

Under Liss's guidance, Rod came to a counter in a corner. There was no one there, only a man in his fifties, who was dozing off on the table. It seemed that the high-decibel noise around him was like a lullaby to him.

"Uncle Hank?"

Liss walked up to the man and called out softly, but her voice was drowned out by the noise. She had to raise her voice and tap the table.

Only then did the man come to his senses. He rubbed his sleepy eyes, looked up, and carefully examined the visitors.

"Who is it? Can't you see I was having a good sleep... Oh, what a pity, I just found a good woman in my dream..."

Seeing Liss standing in front of him, the man immediately closed his mouth and then smiled awkwardly.

"Oh, I thought it was someone else. It's you, Liss. What brings you here today? Is there something you need?"

"Yes, I have something to discuss with the guild master, it's about the mercenary group..."

"The mercenary group?"

Hearing Liss's response, Hank was taken aback.

"What about the mercenary group? Where's Carter?"

Liss did not answer Hank's question. She paused for a moment, then took out a silver badge from her pocket. Upon seeing the badge, the sleepiness on Hank's face immediately disappeared, replaced by seriousness and tension.

"I'll inform the guild master right away."

With that, Hank stumbled backward and ran off.