Sun City's Southwestern District.
This was a residential area for the common people. Their fields were on the outskirts. Taxes in Sun City were high, but in Dreamland, even within the major kingdoms, the wilderness wasn't safe. Having a stable job in the city was a blessing, so the residents didn't complain much.
Lately, however, they had been more relaxed.
A group of people from the Enchanting Land had arrived. They had an agreement with the city's wealthy residents and were helping them work for free.
The reputation of Enchanting Land people in Dreamland had improved in recent years. Powerful groups recognized that they weren't invincible.
They were mostly greedy. As long as they were paid, they were easy to negotiate with.
Of course, hiring Enchanting Land people to cultivate the fields was usually something wealthy landowners avoided, it was an extra expense.
But this collaboration between the wealthy landowners and the Enchanting Land people allowed them to get paid for their work and receive food, so they readily agreed.
Sun City had experienced a large influx of Enchanting Land people.
Although they were treated well, many Enchanting Land people had their own motivations; they needed work and money to support their families.
There might not be many opportunities in the Enchanting Land, but there were plenty in Dreamland.
Some preferred to travel and take risks, while others sought stable work.
Leo Duncan finished his work, returned the farming tools, and wiped his brow.
The renowned heir of Shuǐxiù University was back from his field trip.
His classmates were complaining.
"Damn! What kind of field trip was that? They made us work as laborers!"
"Planting crops for days. When will we get to join the Guard Corps?"
"The Guard Corps is a privilege for third and fifth-year students. It's much better than taking care of animals. A friend of mine said someone in his group was hit by a pig and fell into a pile of manure."
"Wow, that's awful..."
"But the Guard Corps is just patrolling and standing guard, my legs swelled up during my patrol in third year."
"That's because you hadn't achieved Unified Sense in your legs. The advisor told us that!"
"So the whole field trip was a waste of time!"
"Hmph, so noisy," Leo Duncan glanced at them impatiently.
The students gesticulated as they talked, one accidentally bumping into Leo Duncan and immediately apologizing profusely.
"Without Reinforce Body, you pampered Dreamland daydreamers are all useless. If you don't use this opportunity to toughen up, you're wasting your time complaining. You clearly made a faulty selection!" Leo Duncan said, showing no mercy.
They didn't dare to say anything.
Arguing meant a costly challenge.
They weren't getting well paid and would be beaten up, but his bad temper was something they'd gotten used to.
More importantly, arguing wouldn't change anything.
Leo Duncan, while working in the fields, wore simple, light clothing provided by the university. Despite his energetic demeanor, there was no trace of his usual pampered lifestyle. His strong arms were clearly well-trained.
After berating his classmates, Leo Duncan continued on his way.
They had designated temporary lodging, with simple accommodations.
Many students, after a day's work, still had the energy to go out. Leo Duncan took this seriously, but he didn't overdo it. He skillfully used Reinforce Body to enhance his strength, and he didn't get overly tired.
As he approached their temporary lodgings, he was about to rest when...
Boom!
An explosion echoed nearby.
He turned his head and saw a plume of black smoke rising into the sky.
After a moment of hesitation, he ran towards it.
He had memorized the nearby streets. That area was bustling!
He ran towards the explosion, the sounds of panic and chaos filling his ears. People were running frantically.
Leo Duncan's eyes widened as he processed the situation. Activating Reinforce Body on his body, he charged into the crowd.
He pulled several people from the chaotic throng, moving them to safety, before quickly heading towards a building close to the explosion.
"Everyone get away from there! The roof's going to collapse!" Leo Duncan shouted loudly, his voice powerful.
The people on the roof panicked.
Rumble!
The roof began to collapse. Leo Duncan charged forward, tears welling up in his eyes.
He was using his Water Miracle!
His hands swiftly manipulated water, creating a wall to protect the building, giving people time to escape.
After everyone had dispersed, Leo Duncan could no longer hold on. The water wall dissipated, and he was buried by the collapsing building.
"Cough cough..." Brushing off the dust, Leo Duncan emerged, his hair and face covered in dirt. He frowned.
Pain shot through his back. It wasn't from an injury...
Just as he was about to check on the townspeople, his believer's senses were alerted. He turned his head quickly.
Several footsteps approached. Cloaked figures appeared.
"You caused that explosion," Leo Duncan said, his expression serious.
"Don't ask the obvious," the smallest figure said. The five figures ignored Leo Duncan and turned to leave.
A small jet of water shot towards the speaker.
Swish!
The small figure vanished instantly. The water jet missed.
Leo Duncan was startled, his eyes darting around. He vaguely saw the figure, but his body couldn't react!
A claw emerged from beneath the robe, swiftly striking towards his neck.
Suddenly, a red light enveloped Leo Duncan's clothes and hair. Then, he was thrown into the air.
It was a brutal move, but he escaped. In mid-air, he looked towards his rescuer…
Mithra?!
Mithra charged towards the attacker, drawing the Hunter Greatsword.
Clang!
Metal clashed as Mithra brought the sword down on the small figure. Despite the claws trying to block the blow, she used her superior strength to pin the figure to the ground.
"Dreamland is small," Mithra said monotonously, her dark eyes meeting the terrified eyes hidden beneath the robe.
"You again," the calm voice replied.