--- Chapter 37 ---
[Ding! You have finished "Free the Slaves." quest]
[You have saved 43 slaves and exceeded the objectives]
[Calculating the proper reward...]
[...]
[Rewarding host with 2x Random Skill and 2x Random Equipment]
At Rock Desert City.
Hearing Alicia's notification, Baek Ain smiled and leaned against the pub's counter. He looked at the forty-three slaves his team rescued from the underground prison and watched them eat like no tomorrow.
Hic!
Hic!
Qing Lin cried while scooping fluffy white rice into her mouth. She would have never thought something could be this delicious, rendering Baek Ain's group speechless.
Yi Xian wiped tears from Qing Lin's face and asked, "Don't cry. Just eat slowly."
"No one will steal it from you."
"Here, water." She placed a glass of water on the counter for the green-haired girl, making her cry even more.
"Uwaaa~!!" Qing Lin cried while hugging Yi Xian.
"T-Thank you."
Yi Xian smiled and patted Qing Lin's back, comforting the girl from her trauma. "Is it delicious?" She asked while wiping tears from Qing Lin's face again.
Qing Lin excitedly bobbed her head and answered, "It's the most delicious thing I ever ate!"
"I see..." Yi Xian maintained a calm expression, but she was shocked deep inside. Hearing Qing Lin's replies, She couldn't help but clench her hand tightly and question what this girl went through in her heart.
This world is truly unfair.
After an hour, everyone finished their food and drinks.
Lan Rou drank her bamboo water and commented, "After this, we'll send you guys to the nearest branch of the Miteer Family. Remember, we have given you guys a choice to become part of this young man's group or live your life like before."
"It's up to you... But I'd not guarantee your safety for the latter choice."
"So straightforward." Baek Ain laughed wryly.
Lan Rou crossed her arms and added, "I've given them enough time to devour those foods."
Even though Lan Rou sounds indifferent, the slaves stared at her with thankful look as she saved them from that hell hole. Some slaves don't have to think about it and are ready to follow Baek Ain.
It's not like they have a better choice.
Live like they used to be? No, they don't have the capabilities to do that anymore after losing so many things. Those snake people have caused extreme despair and sexual abuse.
One person kneeled before Lan Rou and Baek Ain. It was a woman with a scar on her face and long red hair.
"I'll follow you." She said firmly.
Other slaves kneeled afterward and followed, "Please accept us as your subordinates. We'll do anything."
"Me too!" Qing Lin wanted to kneel.
Yi Xian quickly put Qing Lin on the chair and shook her head. "Don't... Just enjoy your food comfortably. You can do that later."
"Yeah, just enjoy your food first, Qing Lin." Baek Ain waved his hand dismissively.
He looked at the kneeling slaves and added, "Well, you make a fine decision right here."
"However, do not think it like I give this chance freely."
"I wanted you guys to prove your values to me."
"In two years, show me the result of your hard work."
"Yes, Young Master!" They responded immediately.
Baek Ain's mouth twitched as he opened his mouth again, "Don't call me that..."
...
...
Baek Ain paid for the food and bought four carriages for his new subordinates, telling them to travel in the morning. They have to rest tonight because traveling at night isn't a good choice.
He also ordered the Heavenly Gryphon to guard the convoy as he didn't know what kind of wack things could happen in the street. He has seen many bizarre things in this world.
As Baek Ain, Lan Rou, and Yi Xian walked into the inn.
Qian Lin suddenly grabbed Baek Ain's long sleeve and said, "U-Um, Boss Ain?"
"Pfft." Lan Rou couldn't help but laugh when hearing this nickname.
Baek Ain sighed and pushed Lan Rou to the inn, leaving only him, Yi Xian, and Qin Lin outside. "Do you want to say something?" He asked calmly.
"About the carriage... Can I follow you instead?" Qing Lin fumbled with her fingers. "I'll be a good servant, trust me!"
"After being saved, I wanted to be a good maid. Of course, I'll prove my skills while serving you."
"P-Please..."
"Aww~! How precious." Yi Xiang commented on the side. She was "literally." deeply moved by Qing Lin's words.
Baek Ain thought about Qing Lin's ability and answered, "Sure."
"You can follow my group."
"Sleep tight tonight, Qing Lin. We are going to the inner area of the Tager Desert tomorrow." He patted Qing Lin's head gently and walked into the inn, smiling because Qing Lin's ability to control a snake-type magical beast is valuable later on.
"Call me Big Sister Xian from now on." Yi Xian hugged Qing Lin and brought her inside as well.
"Mm!" Qing Lin happily returned with a nod.
Entering his rented room, Baek Ain slumped onto the bed and felt Lan Rou's presence in the bathroom. He wanted to join her in the bath but decided to check the quest's reward first.
'Open my reward, Alicia.'
[Okay]
[Opening 2x Random Skill and 2x Random Equipments]
[Ding! Congratulations, host!]
[You have obtained...]
[Last Man Standing(F)]
[Howl of Sovereign White Tiger(S)]
[Cape of Evening Breeze(A)]
[Wanderer's Handguard(C)]
"Oh? Lucky." Baek Ain's hazel gold eyes brightened in expectation.
[Name: Last Man Standing]
[Type: Passive Skill]
[Grade: F]
[Description: Upon activation, the wielder of this skill will become invincible for 1 second in near-death condition]
[Name: Howl of Sovereign White Tiger(S)]
[Type: Active Skill]
[Grade: S]
[Description: Release a violent roar toward the enemy and stun them for 10 seconds. Weak-willed targets will receive immense damage to their souls]
[Warning! If the opponent's will is higher, they could lessen the stun's period]
[Name: Cape of Evening Breeze]
[Type: Equipment]
[Grade: A]
[Description: Cape of Evening Breeze is a cape created and blessed by elven master craftsmen, allowing the user to move nimbly like a breeze and manipulate wind within five meters]
[Name: Wanderer's Handguard]
[Type: Equipment]
[Grade: C]
[Description: A worn-out yet sturdy left handguard used by a dying wanderer. It's unknown who made it, but the wearer of this handguard will receive less kickback when dealing with melee weapons]
"These skills and items are amazing..." Baek Ain mumbled while thinking about something. Last Man Standing ignored the cultivation realm and allowed Baek Ain to be invincible for one second.
One second isn't long, but he could flip the table and win with a proper comeback.
As for the Howl of Sovereign White Tiger, it is a niche and overpowering skill in many situations. It's a perfect pair with Last Man Standing.
The cape and handguard are also helpful.
"Hey, handsome~!" Lan Rou's head suddenly peeked out of the bathroom.
"We can have a good time here."
"Are you going to make me wait?"
Baek Ain jumped from the bed with a grin and replied, "Hehe, If you say so."
That night, the second floor echoed with groans and clapping noises.