Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
Chapter 434: Back When We Were Poor
Outside the gates of Black River City.
A Great Knight was in charge of defending the city walls.
Manning the city gate was an exceptionally boring job.
In the summer, he could enjoy the scenery around the city, and if he encountered any pretty girls, he could invite them for a ride. If things went well, they could spend the night together.
But now, with winter approaching, the cold wind from the northern snow mountains howled. Standing on the tower for a moment would freeze him to death. The streets were mostly deserted, with only hawkers trying to make a living and adventurers. Not to mention any young and beautiful girls.
Sitting on the tower, he felt drowsy.
Black River City was just a border city. Usually, besides the adventurers and mercenaries coming and going, there was nothing noteworthy. Only this morning, a merchant caravan arrived. The caravan owner had some connection with the lord, so the Great Knight didn’t dare to ask too much. After the other party presented the relevant credentials, he let them pass directly.
Drowsily, he seemed to see another group of people appearing on the road leading to Black River City. Adventurers were usually alone. Such a large troop clearly belonged to a mercenary group or a merchant caravan.
Out of respect for his job.
The Great Knight slapped himself, instantly becoming much more awake.
He stood up and walked to the edge of the tower, rubbing his eyes.
Looking up, he saw that the group was heavily armed, and their equipment was excellent. The warriors at the forefront carried shields, with their right hands resting on the hilts of their swords at their waists. Among them were two figures in robes, holding staffs, their entire bodies shrouded in shadow.
Especially the one trailing behind the group.
Magic fluctuations had already formed a faint glow around him.
In addition to this, there were actually several Venom Dragons in the troop.
This was clearly a powerful mercenary group.
The Great Knight searched his memory carefully.
He couldn’t recall any mercenary group like this in Black River City.
This meant that the mercenary group must be from out of town.
An out-of-town mercenary group, and one with such a formidable configuration and exquisite equipment, posed a significant security risk to Black River City. Mercenary groups comprised all sorts of people; many mercenaries were former bandits or murderers, so this matter required attention!
The Great Knight was thoroughly alert this time.
He put on his armor and scurried down the city wall. At this moment, the mercenary group had just arrived at the gates of Black River City. Two of the guards had already gone forward to negotiate.
However, judging by their sweaty faces and trembling legs, it seemed the negotiation process was not going smoothly.
In fact, it was.
Although (Player Name) (M) always appeared polite, the oppressive aura emanating from the Venom Dragons and the Star Magus was too much for the city guards. Even though they were speaking courteously, the soldiers were terrified.
“You are no longer needed here. Continue to maintain order at the city gate.”
The Great Knight stepped forward and patted the soldiers on the shoulder.
The two soldiers, as if granted a great amnesty, fled.
“Welcome to Black River City.”
The Great Knight turned around, a smile on his face.
However, that smile became somewhat stiff when he saw the enormous Venom Dragons.
He cleared his throat, steadied his emotions, and said to (Player Name) (M):
“Every place has its own rules. Before entering Black River City, I need to register your identities.”
“Of course, no problem.” (Player Name) (M) readily agreed.
“Uh…” The Great Knight was taken aback.
He had expected a lengthy discussion, but he hadn’t anticipated such cooperation.
“What are you doing, and where are you from?”
“As you can see, we are a mercenary group.” (Player Name) (M) shrugged naturally and, at the same time, pulled out a pre-rolled leaf cigarette and, with practiced ease, placed it in the Great Knight’s hand.
“However, we are not a mercenary group from Black River City. In fact, we have always lived in the Death Desert. Now that we have a certain scale, we thought of coming to the nearby Black River City to register.”
The Great Knight politely accepted the offered leaf cigarette but did not put it in his mouth.
Who knew if it was poisoned?
He was still young and had his whole life ahead of him.
Just as he had suspected, this mercenary group was from out of town.
The Great Knight narrowed his eyes, his brown pupils reflecting the cold glint of the Venom Dragons’ teeth.
“How many people are in your mercenary group?”
“Eighteen.”
“So they are all here.” The Great Knight nodded and pulled out a piece of parchment from his chest armor.
“Name?”
“(Player Name) (M).”
“I mean the name of the mercenary group.”
“Oh, Candy Super Sweet.”
“What?” The Great Knight raised an eyebrow.
“Candy Super Sweet!”
Great Knight: “｜д•´) ???”
He had truly seen it all.
In his forty-odd years, he had encountered all sorts of mercenary groups, with names that were either imposing or bizarre. But generally, they emphasized power. A good name for a mercenary group would increase their chances of receiving commissions.
What the heck was Candy Super Sweet?
Was this a joke?
“I’m not joking.” The Great Knight took a deep breath, his expression becoming even more solemn. “Recording the name of your mercenary group is a very serious matter. If something suddenly happens in the city, and your names don’t match during the investigation, you will be arrested as suspects.”
He admitted, somewhat without conviction, that he might not be able to defeat the warrior in front of him.
But this was his duty, and he had to push through.
“Your Excellency, I believe you have misunderstood.”
(Player Name) (M) gave a wry smile. This turn of events had indeed shifted the Great Knight’s attention to the mercenary group’s name, but it also made the Great Knight unable to believe them, thinking they were joking.
“The name of our mercenary group is indeed Candy Super Sweet.”
To make the Great Knight believe this name, (Player Name) (M) began to fabricate a story.
“When our mercenary group was just founded, there were only a few of us, like stray cats and dogs. Back then, hunting monsters was difficult, and we were no different from beggars in the city. Our greatest wish was to be able to eat sweet and delicious candy. We made this small dream our goal, so our mercenary group was named Candy Super Sweet~”
“I see,” the Great Knight looked at the warrior before him with admiration. He could see sincerity in the warrior’s pure eyes, an expression that could not be faked. Everything he said was true.
He could almost see countless hardships and struggles behind this powerful team. No pain, no gain. But now they had succeeded, emerging from the darkness and standing in the sunlight.
Truly moving!
“I assume your wish has now come true.”
“Of course.” (Player Name) (M) grinned, revealing a row of sparkling white teeth.
The Great Knight of Black River City.
Handled!
