Gazing at the chubby middle-aged man, who was grinning like a flower and rushing towards him, Leo Ray couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth.
This was the most visually unpleasant scene he had witnessed since his transmigration.
Through the analysis of the clothing and appearance provided by Serena Clark, who was standing beside him, and on the basis of his own observations, Leo Ray had roughly identified the identities of the two people.
A pair of desperate merchants and mercenaries.
Undoubtedly, this was an excellent opportunity for him to further understand the surrounding environment of his territory.
At the same time, this also meant that there would likely be human settlements around the three-kilometer radius of his territory.
"Young and handsome sir, my name is Kombu, and I am a merchant. I am grateful for your lifesaving grace!" The middle-aged man, who was already near, courteously bowed to Leo Ray.
Then, with a flattering smile and rubbing his hands, he pleaded, "Please, sir, could you be merciful and escort me to the riverbank to the west? There is a boat waiting for me there."
As an experienced merchant, Kombu could tell at a glance that Leo Ray had a higher status and planned to get close to him.
However, before Kombu could cling to Leo Ray's thighs, Serena, who was beside him, raised her crossbow, her beautiful face full of coldness.
She was Leo Ray's personal bodyguard and naturally wouldn't allow a suspicious stranger to get too close to her lord.
Across from her, looking at the cold light flashing from the arrowhead, Kombu wisely raised his hands and smiled, showing he had no ill intentions.
On the other hand, Leo Ray gently patted Serena's shoulder, signaling her not to be tense. He took a step forward, smiled slightly at Kombu, and said, "Your Excellency's request seems a bit abrupt, doesn't it? I think if it were you, you wouldn't simply help a stranger of unknown origin, would you?"
The reason why Leo Ray spoke like this was, of course, to find out more about the two and the surrounding area.
"The sir's words are true. We set out from Darkshire, the town closest to the eastern edge of this great forest, seven days ago, planning to go to Cyan Town in the west..." Kombu explained more.
According to his description, Leo Ray discovered that the two towns belonged to two different human kingdoms.
Darkshire was over 50 kilometers away, while Cyan Town was about 8 kilometers away, located on the plain across the river from the western edge of the forest.
Currently, because the two kingdoms were at war, the borders were completely sealed.
So Kombu, a perennial merchant in between the two kingdoms, chose to take the risk and hire mercenaries to cross the forest.
The forest was called the Demonic Shadow Forest.
Over the centuries, both kingdoms had sent numerous armies to investigate the area, but none of the soldiers ever emerged from the forest.
The forest enveloped all who entered, casting shadows like a demon, devouring them until nothing was left, thus earning its name.
Because of this, the forest became a no man's land and a natural barrier between the two kingdoms. Even the nearby civilians kept their distance and didn't dare approach.
"If it weren't for the urgency of this shipment, I wouldn't have made such a foolish move as crossing the Demonic Shadow Forest. Now, not only have I lost the goods, I almost lost my life," Kombu lamented with a worried and sad expression.
Then, his tone switched, and Kombu carefully took out a palm-sized brocade box from his bosom, presenting both hands to Leo Ray, and said ingratiatingly, "Sir, this is a small token of my appreciation. If you can escort me to the riverbank, this treasure will be my gift to you."
Taking the brocade box, Leo Ray opened it and saw a snow-white pill-like object lying quietly inside, accompanied by a faint exotic fragrance dispersing subtly.
Without hesitation, he opened the attribute column.
[Name: Qi Condensing Pill]
[Grade: Tier 2•Top Quality]
[Effect: Enhance strength, improve physical fitness]
[Note: This magic drug is made from a variety of rare materials. After consumption, one's strength will be permanently increased, achievable with each use up to 1~3 stars. When reaching the peak of Tier 1 with 9 stars, there is a high probability of breaking through directly to Tier 2, up to a maximum of Tier 2 and 9 stars.]
"A Tier 2 Magic Drug, Qi Condensing Pill?!"
Seeing the item in Leo Ray's box, Hannah Shawn, who stood nearby, couldn't help but swallow.
In this world, magic drugs are extremely rare and luxurious.
Generally speaking, their value is at least ten times that of weapons of the same grade, and she had only seen one once before.
Just this pill alone could probably buy a two-story house in the center of Cyan Town!
On the other hand, after checking the attributes, Leo Ray couldn't help but feel delighted at heart.
The functional introduction showed no restrictions, which undoubtedly meant that he could also use this magic drug!
Most importantly, right next to this magic drug, the words "upgradable" suddenly appeared!
"Not bad, I'll accept it," Suppressing his excitement, and remaining calm, Leo Ray nodded and said, "Serena, escort these two."
Pausing for a moment, Leo Ray whispered to Serena, "If you encounter strong enemies, don't get entangled; just retreat immediately."
"Yes, sir!" Serena saluted, turned to Kombu and Hannah Shawn, and expressionlessly said, "Let's go."
"Thank you so much! I truly appreciate it!" Kombu's face lit up with joy, and he thanked Leo Ray repeatedly.
Meanwhile, Hannah Shawn silently bowed deeply to Leo Ray before following Serena away.
A moment later, when the three figures had completely disappeared, Stella Clark, who had been hiding, reappeared in front of Leo Ray.
On the other side, looking at the introverted Stella, who wanted to speak but hesitated, Leo Ray smiled and spoke first, "Stella, are you wondering why I didn't just kill them outright or leave them to their own devices, but instead assigned Serena to escort them out of the forest?"
"Reporting to the Lord, yes...exactly," Stella, flushed from her first time alone with Leo Ray, nodded.
"It's simple because ensuring their safe return, in the long run, is more beneficial to us." Leo Ray began explaining, "First, during our conversation just now, I've confirmed multiple times from different angles that they haven't discovered our territory.
Secondly, Kombu is the president of Cyan Town's Chamber of Commerce and holds a certain social status.
Sooner or later, we'll have to establish contact with this nearest town.
At that time, no matter how we act, Kombu will be the best pivot and breakthrough point.
Lastly, as for the female mercenary, once she safely returns to her mercenary organization, she will definitely tell her comrades about us saving her.
This way, the entire mercenary organization will develop positive feelings towards us.
In short, no matter how you look at it, escorting them to safety is a deal we can only profit from."
Hearing this, Stella finally showed an enlightened expression and looked at Leo Ray with indescribable radiance.