Chapter 232: Glory and Reward!

After the white-haired old man, who was strict, old-fashioned, and even somewhat peculiar, proudly walked out of the room with a back as straight as a sword, Ranster crossed his arms and leaned back.

“To be honest, I’m quite touched that you brought in this monster who nearly defeated the ‘Sword Master’ years ago and still wanted to call me,” he said.

As he spoke, he exhaled a long breath.

“Aren’t you concerned he might cut down all three of you and me with a single stroke?”

Ranster sighed as a wave of invisible magical energy dissipated from him.

“If we’re discussing ‘threats,’ yours is certainly not less significant than his.”

The slightly plump council member spoke again, observing Ranster’s figure.

“You really overestimate me; I’m merely a senior member of an illegal organization without substantial power,” Ranster rose from the sofa. “Nevertheless, I might as well accompany you and see if that succubus has anything remaining for me to study.”

As he said this, he displayed a curious expression.

“But I am rather intrigued, why don’t you let that ‘Guardian Sword Master’ take action, just as before…?”

After this question was posed, even the three highest council members couldn’t help but slightly alter their expressions, as if something painful had been touched upon, and they regarded Ranster warily.

“Don’t worry,” Ranster said, noticing their reactions, with an indifferent look. “Even though you have always disliked ‘Truth,’ we are indeed different from other illegal groups. We have no interest in overthrowing your rule or destroying your interests…”

The vertical line on his face trembled gently with this sneering expression.

“Well then… farewell, gentlemen—don’t consider silencing me; although I’m not as powerful as that old man, if you truly plan to kill me, it won’t be simple.”

With that, Ranster turned and exited through the door without looking back.

The three highest councilors watched his departing figure, glanced at one another, and then, as if releasing a long sigh of relief, finally raised their glasses.

“I never expected we would need to rely on the Truth Society and ‘that individual’s’ power…”

“The ‘Sword of Hundred Forges’ also harbors ill intentions.”

“It seems we cannot keep the news about the Sword Master secret any longer.”

“But… ‘Truth’ is still somewhat worth investigating.”

“Regardless of anything… the issues with the demon race have finally been resolved successfully; we should make a toast.”

“Indeed… no matter what, the evidence that ‘there is a traitor in Seychelles’ must not fall into others’ hands.”

“We really should consider the possibility of a ceasefire… It appears that the ‘worms’ we have permitted to contact the demon race are showing such sincerity.”

“Other members and magistrates may have already realized this.”

“The problem has never been with Seychelles; South Sotua and Ryman will not allow this to happen—at least not before they pay a much heavier price.”

“Then let’s just wait longer… They are still underestimating the Abyssal Demon.”

“But is it truly acceptable for us to act against the higher-ups of the demon race?”

“It’s merely a succubus…”

Although there seemed to be signs of resolution, their faces were still shadowed by a heavy and mysterious gloom, revealing a strong sense of chill even in the warm and luxurious private room.

Meanwhile, within the United Kingdom of South Sotua, the actions against Hillenbrand Town and Lolth can no longer be considered a conspiracy.

The purge that has been ongoing for more than half a month has spread from the palace of South Sotua to the royal city and throughout the entire country. The number of dead mercenaries, captured fugitives, executed nobles, and assassinated ministers has surpassed the total for any year since South Sotua’s founding. Poison, daggers, hidden allies, wrongful decrees, ropes, and extraordinary powers have silently or dramatically claimed the lives of those Superoperators or important figures.

The end and conclusion of this chaos were announced by two wanted posters.

In this loose, chaotic kingdom filled with factions, overnight, in every city where there were mercenary guilds and bounty boards, those two fresh wanted posters from the royal family were displayed.

“Wanted Poster: Capture the traitor of the kingdom, former member of The Eye of Satua, ‘Qiong’.

Crime: Colluding with the demon race, betraying military secrets, treason.

Reward: Alive or dead, 100,000 common gold coins.”

“Mission Poster: Clear out the demon race stronghold, Hillenbrand Town.

Details: Go to the demon race base in Hillenbrand Town, eliminate the demon race and human traitors, and gather intelligence on the Demon Army.

Reward: A base reward of 100,000 common gold coins, with additional rewards for every valuable piece of information or kill.”

When these two wanted posters were displayed, all the mercenary groups, lone wolves, and adventurers in the United Kingdom of South Sotua were excited.

One hundred thousand gold coins—that is sufficient money for a mercenary to live comfortably for a lifetime.

Even if someone frequented the most luxurious casino in South Sotua and lost money daily for months, it would still take many months to deplete it all!

Even a mercenary group of fifty people would receive a very substantial reward.

Examining the drawing of the hooded woman on the wanted poster and the map of Hillenbrand Town on the mission sheet, no mercenary or adventurer would want to miss such an opportunity.

In South Sotua, money is everything!

And power is money.

This is the paradise and hell for all Superoperators; it is a chaotic land full of endless possibilities!

Even an epic hero could perish on the street or in a swamp tomorrow, and even a novice could become wealthy overnight and attain nobility.

From the “Fish Eye” mercenary group, “Qiong” became a significant figure in South Sotua. She was a poor girl who was once the pride and hope of all mercenaries, almost representing a symbol of spirit.

During the years she became famous, many young people in South Sotua chose extraordinary professions like thief, sneaker, or assassin more frequently than usual.

However, the news of her betraying the kingdom to the demon race did not cause anyone’s faith to collapse.

Because this is South Sotua—what could be more thrilling than personally severing the head of an idol to exchange for one hundred thousand gold coins?

If there is anything more exciting, it would probably be infiltrating the demon race’s territory, Hillenbrand Town, killing a few demons, stealing some parchments, and earning rewards far exceeding one hundred thousand gold coins!

In fact, the “honor” gained from completing these two tasks is considered by many mercenaries to be even more important than the one hundred thousand gold coins themselves.

After all, mercenaries also have spiritual aspirations.

Whether it’s slaying the legendary figure of the mercenary world, the respected Miss Qiong, or obtaining shocking information about the demon race… both are unprecedented achievements!

They are worth risking their lives to attempt!