In a dark and damp alley, garbage was haphazardly strewn about, filling the air with a sour stench. Whether in bustling cities or desolate small towns, such places are never absent beneath the glamorous surface. The term "slum" directly implies a degradation of identity for those who live here. Typically, few outsiders venture into these areas, and only those who have toiled outside all day return here to find a semblance of warmth.
Even in broad daylight, the alley was mostly deserted except for a few emaciated children playing. Suddenly, a cloaked figure darted into the alley. He seemed familiar with the surroundings, striding forward and casually swatting a passing child aside. The child had merely attempted to reach for something at his waist. He didn't hold onto the child, knowing that these kids were under the care of someone he dared not offend. This formidable figure had taught them the arts of thievery and assassination. If any of these children were to be killed outside due to a botched job, that merciless master wouldn't care less about their lives. However, on his turf, as long as the aggressor wasn't too powerful, he would ensure they wouldn't have it easy.
When he reached a door, he knocked lightly twice before rapping heavily three times. Soon after, a well-dressed boy, looking about fifteen or sixteen, opened the door. The newcomer appeared to be a regular, discreetly slipping a few silver coins to the boy before quietly asking, "Is Uncle available?"
"Master is having tea; you can go right in," the boy replied, pocketing the coins without a word and closing the door behind him.
Once inside the courtyard, the man finally removed his cloak. Though dim, one could discern that he was the same person who had hurriedly left the Adventurers' Guild after drinking.
Approaching a half-open door, he called out to the elderly man inside, whom he referred to as "Uncle," "Uncle, how have you been lately?"
"Come in," the old man replied after a brief cough, clearing his throat to acknowledge the respectful visitor.
Upon entering, the elder gestured to an empty chair, indicating for him to sit. Knowing that the old man's words were not to be trifled with, the man complied without hesitation.
After sipping his tea, the elder set down his simple, coarse porcelain cup and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief. He turned to the man sitting beside him and asked, "Xiao Jin, you've been back for a couple of days, right? Did you come to see me?"
"Uncle, you flatter me. Nothing escapes your notice. I was in such a rush during my last trip to the McCarthia Principality that I didn't get a chance to greet you. However, after sorting out some matters these past few days, I came to pay my respects," the man, referred to as Xiao Jin, began to sweat uncontrollably. The pressure the elder had exerted over the years still made him feel tense. Moreover, he hadn't informed the elder about his hasty departure from Nordan, and if the elder were displeased, today's visit could turn troublesome.
"Don't try to fool me. If you're not cursing me behind my back, I'll consider myself lucky. Now, tell me, what brings you here this time?" The elder's expression turned cold, unimpressed by Xiao Jin's flattering words.
Xiao Jin hesitated before producing a wanted poster for a woman named Yuna, which he had hidden in his clothing, and handed it to the elder.
The elder glanced at the bounty on the poster—twenty thousand gold coins. In a small town like Nordan, that was an astonishing sum.
Xiao Jin quickly explained, "Uncle, the woman on this wanted poster stole a family heirloom from a noble lord in the McCarthia Principality, which is why she's being hunted. I thought I'd missed my chance to make this deal after leaving McCarthia, but today, I spotted a woman who looks just like her outside a tavern."
"Is it true you can't even handle a single woman now?" The elder scolded Xiao Jin, visibly irritated.
Xiao Jin quickly stood up, lowering his head as he replied, "Uncle, please don't be angry. If it were just a female thief, it wouldn't be difficult to capture her. However, she's currently following a man in a black robe, acting like his servant."
The elder pondered for a moment, recalling some information reported by his subordinates, and asked, "Is that black-robed man the notorious sorcerer rumored to be roaming the streets?"
"Exactly, exactly," Xiao Jin nodded eagerly. He couldn't help but think how nothing could escape the elder's notice in this small town.
With Xiao Jin's confirmation, the elder fell into thought. A sorcerer, huh? The bounty of twenty thousand gold coins didn't entice him. Having weathered countless storms in his lifetime, he was an experienced thief. As an old master of the trade, he received plenty of gold coins from his subordinates each year. Offending a sorcerer wasn't worth it. The elder had already reached the eighth level as a thief, and he wasn't overly concerned about facing a sorcerer's wrath. Worst case, he could just flee; could anyone really chase him to the ends of the earth?
Seeing the elder silent, Xiao Jin realized that while twenty thousand gold coins might not tempt the elder, it was a massive temptation for him. However, since the elder hadn't outright refused, there was still hope. He began to persuade, "Uncle, with your skills, it wouldn't be difficult to quietly deal with a female thief with at most seventh-level strength, would it?"
Xiao Jin's words struck a chord with the old thief. It would be disingenuous to say he wasn't tempted by the bounty. Moreover, while sorcerers were formidable and not to be trifled with, what if he could handle the situation discreetly? Who could pin the blame on him then?
"Fine, I'll take action once more. Xiao Jin, keep an eye on them. If you see a chance when that woman is alone, report back to me immediately." The old thief finally agreed to the task, waving Xiao Jin off to watch Yuna and Fars.
After Xiao Jin left, the boy who had opened the door earlier quietly returned and asked the elder, "Master, is it wise to provoke a sorcerer for those bounty coins? What if that black-robed sorcerer has some means to track you down…"
The elder ignored him, continuing to sip his tea. The boy had no choice but to retreat.
The boy's concerns were not unfounded. While sorcerers often appeared frail and weak, they indeed possessed some peculiar abilities. Many renowned thieves had fallen victim to sorcerers in the past. He could only hope his master wouldn't misstep. Knowing the elder's determination, he understood that once a decision was made, it wouldn't be easily changed. He could only pray in his heart.
Unbeknownst to Yuna, her identity had been leaked, and she was being watched. Fars casually strolled through the streets with Yuna. In a small town like Nordan, there was nothing that caught Fars's eye. Aside from vendors selling vegetables and local specialties from the Qihara Mountains, there were only a few adventurers setting up stalls to sell their spoils, which consisted of beast bones or materials that larger shops wouldn't accept.
Wandering wasn't about finding treasures; Fars was more interested in reliving the sensations of his past life. The bustling crowd parted instinctively as he walked through. As they passed a restaurant, Yuna tugged at Fars's robe from behind, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she looked at the eatery.
Understanding her intentions, Fars, despite his usual aversion to food other than blood and wine, decided to enter the restaurant with her. The arrival of a sorcerer made the restaurant owner stammer with excitement. After all, this was just a casual establishment, not the lavish place reserved for nobles. The clientele usually consisted of those with a bit of extra money, and occasionally, a few nobles dressed modestly.
News travels fast in the streets, and the owner had heard about the sorcerer in town, but he never expected this esteemed guest would dine at his restaurant. Caught off guard, he stuttered but quickly sent someone to prepare the best private room for Fars and Yuna.
Enjoying the treatment of a VIP, Fars felt at ease. After all, he had once been a dominant figure in his own territory, treated like royalty wherever he went. Once seated, the task of ordering fell to Yuna. The young lady, temporarily assigned as Fars's attendant, wouldn't just stand by while he dined. Besides, this gentleman was a creature of blood; the restaurant's menu hadn't expanded to include dishes for the undead.
Eventually, Fars took the menu and, after a quick glance, ordered a bottle of the local specialty fruit wine. The owner explained that this wine was made from wild fruits gathered from the outskirts of Qihara, boasting a fresh taste and rich aroma. Dismissing the owner, Fars's main task was to savor the unique fruit wine while watching Yuna feast on the array of dishes laid out before her.
Due to his esteemed status, Fars's orders arrived promptly, and with no one else in the private room, Yuna immediately revealed her true self, launching an all-out assault on the various delicacies. Fortunately, Fars had plenty of money; even if Yuna overindulged, they wouldn't be left stranded for lack of funds. Besides, who would dare stop a sorcerer from leaving without paying?
As they enjoyed their meal, no one interrupted them. Feeling satisfied, Fars called in a servant waiting outside to settle the bill.
To his surprise, not only did the servant enter, but also a formally dressed figure resembling an old butler from a noble family stood outside. As expected, after Fars paid, the trembling servant received the money from the sorcerer and bowed to the figure outside, introducing him, "Esteemed Sorcerer, this is the butler of Count Rao Er, the lord of Nordan."
Fars nodded in acknowledgment. The butler then stepped in with measured strides, bowing to Fars before speaking, "On behalf of my master, Count Rao Er, the owner of Nordan, I extend the warmest welcome to you, esteemed Sorcerer."
He then produced an invitation and respectfully handed it to Fars. After Fars accepted and opened it, the old butler continued, "My master has prepared a grand banquet to welcome you, esteemed Sorcerer, and to show his hospitality."
Understanding that sorcerers often had diverse personalities, the old butler refrained from excessive pleasantries, quietly awaiting Fars's response.