Pfft!

Within the dense forest, an arrow swiftly cut through the air like lightning, piercing straight through the Kobold fleeing in a panic in the distance.

The ragged Kobold stared incredulously at the blood-stained arrow protruding from its chest, finally collapsing to the ground with a thud.

"This damned place, it's full of these things."

Nearby, there came a rustling sound, as two figures approached, reaching out to retrieve the arrow stuck in the Kobold's back.

"Come on, we're better off now. If we were crossing the Bloody Border a few days ago, we'd have faced more Beastmen."

Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, illuminating the figures—a pair of humans!

These two were dressed in somewhat worn leather armor, covered in dust, as if they'd been traveling for a long time. One, tall and thin, held a bow and arrow, while the other, more robust, carried a war axe, both displaying a fierce demeanor, appearing to be mercenaries.

"There shouldn't be any Beastmen left, we've already delved deep in, their traces are much sparser."

The tall, thin man with the bow and arrow surveyed the surroundings uncertainly.

"We've done two rounds of patrol, they should be gone. This isn't the border, it can't gather as many Beastmen as over there."

"It's really troublesome. If it weren't for the gold coins, no way anyone would take such a task."

"Haha, it's fine. Young Master Edward said we're almost there. Soon, we'll be out of this damned place. How about I treat you to some merriment at the tavern once we're out?"

The two conversed as they kept an eye on their surroundings, gradually retreating into a hidden cavern.

Inside the cavern, a young man with handsome blond features sat by the campfire, perusing a few worn-out notes by its dim light.

This man was named Edward, a noble Knight, though his identity was extremely mysterious. According to these mercenaries, he likely hailed from nobility; no ordinary knight would casually wear such expensive magic armor or easily spend a large sum of gold coins to hire the best mercenaries at the border.

Along the journey, his humorous demeanor and extensive knowledge further confirmed their suspicions, leading them to respectfully refer to him as Young Master Edward.

The reason this group was here was due to a commission a month ago, protecting him as he ventured deep into the Kawa Great Forest, seemingly in search of some ruins.

Regular mercenaries didn't know much about the specifics, but given that Edward was willing to pay so much and risk entering the depths of Kawa Great Forest, it didn't seem like a simple matter.

"Edward, how's it going?"

At this moment, a bald and powerful middle-aged man walked in from outside the cavern, sharp eyes hidden beneath thick brows, asking in a deep voice.

Valen, a renowned captain of the Black Bear Mercenary Corps in Bloody Border City, had a deeper relationship with Edward than regular members. It was this connection that led Edward to enlist Valen's help for this journey into Kawa Great Forest.

Though the members weren't entirely aware, everyone knew that Captain Valen and Edward had a deep private connection, which was why Valen would address Edward directly by name rather than referring to him as Young Master Edward like others.

"According to the Great Mage's notes, we should almost be at the destination now. Valen, if we truly find that place, I owe you a huge favor."

Edward looked at Valen, speaking earnestly.

Valen, with his imposing build, leaned closer, patting Edward on the shoulder:

"What's there to owe between us? Without you back then, I'd have died in the barren wilderness, taken by wild dogs. Besides, you're paying handsomely for this trip, just regular employment."

"Regardless, thank you all. If I can truly find what the Great Mage left behind, it would be crucial for my future path."

"Don't be too optimistic yet. Although you say we're near the destination, this area isn't exactly safe."

The bald, burly Valen poured a cold bucket of reality over Edward, reminding him with a serious tone.

"What do you mean?"

Picking up on the heavy tone in Mercenary Captain Valen's voice, Edward quickly asked.

"Nearby, there's a very powerful tribe roaming, and their leader is a Blue Dragon."

Every time they approached a location, they would capture some Beastmen to inquire about nearby forces or dangerous territories, to avoid those hard-to-resist dangers and preserve the team's strength.

"An adult Giant Dragon? That's troublesome, let's hope the destination isn't too close...."

Upon hearing this, Edward furrowed his brows, pondering in a low voice.

Many wild Beastmen liked Toby, serving under powerful creatures, among them Giant Dragons being one of the favorites. If a Clan Tribe was strong, it meant that as their leader, the dragon's power was also formidable.

And for an adult Giant Dragon, their power was above Legendary.

Though their mercenary team was quite capable, facing a Legendary would mean no chance of survival.

"No, it's not an adult Giant Dragon. It's said to be a Blue Young Dragon, no older than ten years, but the clan under its command already numbers over 2,500 Beastmen, including many Beastman Transcendents, extremely powerful."

Seeing Edward's reaction, Valen knew he misunderstood and explained.

"A Blue Young Dragon?"

This clearly surprised Edward, showing astonishment.

A Blue Young Dragon, not even ten years old, had managed to gather a tribe exceeding 2,500 members?

Not to mention that most Giant Dragon Race members before the age of ten would typically grow in their parents' nest through deep slumber, yet how did such a young Dragon gather such formidable forces?

Many adult dragons typically only had a few Dragon Vein Beastmen and two to three thousand ordinary Beastmen under their command!

For some reason, Edward felt an ominous premonition that this dragon might be the greatest obstacle in his journey.

"Indeed, just a Blue Young Dragon, but the clan under its command is the most dominant force in this region."

Recalling the information gleaned from the Beastmen's mouths, Mercenary Captain Valen couldn't help but furrow his brows, even with their extensive background, bewildered by this occurrence.

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