Having checked in, Benjamin realigned his thoughts. With the address in hand, he once again stepped out briskly."Hey, mate, need a ride?"Barely moments outside the hotel, an aged taxi edged closer to where Benjamin stood. The thickly-accented voice of the driver took him by surprise, but he'd prepared himself for such encounters, enabling him to comprehend the offer at hand.In the delicate veil of the moonlit night, he fervently expressed: "I wish to go to the address written on this paper."With a refined cadence, Benjamin responded in a most pristine English.After all, in this land of New Braum, the mastery over the English language was quite ubiquitous. So, upon hearing his response, the taxi driver just slightly nodded in understanding. He then swiftly took the slip of paper from Benjamin's hand, skimming its contents with a cursory glance.As the driver discerned the written address, a fleeting shadow crossed his countenance. Had Benjamin not been keenly observant, this swift
At this moment, a wave of relief washed over Irina. The situation had been precarious, but thankfully, the timely intervention of this woman had scattered the goons. Gratefully, she bowed slightly to the woman, expressing her thanks."Thank you, I'm fine."The woman nodded in acknowledgment. But a moment later, she regarded Irina with a peculiar glint in her eyes, as if an unspoken mystery lurked within."Indeed, why do you stand alone in this place? This city, though largely safe, becomes a haven for sinister souls as night falls. If you have no purpose here, it would be wisest to return to your hotel, avoiding the streets alone at this hour. Especially, given your undeniable beauty."Hearing the words of the middle-aged woman, a hint of confusion danced across Irina's delicate face. In the next heartbeat, her eyes darted, desperately searching for any trace of Benjamin.Yet, the streets betrayed no sign of him. For a fleeting moment, an overwhelming disappointment clouded Irina's ga
Startled, she swiftly turned around. Behind Azaria stood a man with a flat cap, his face concealed behind a voluminous black mask. Clasped in his arms was a woman whose features were indistinct, but the attire she wore seemed eerily familiar to Azaria."Boss... Boss!"Upon recognizing the figure, Azaria exclaimed in surprise."Shush! We can't stay here for long. Follow me outside, and we can talk later."Benjamin gestured hastily for Azaria to be silent, then silently carried the unconscious woman towards a place outside the harbor.Just then, the city's patrolling police and the fire department hurriedly arrived, surrounding the entire harbor area. Even some key figures from the Rosé organization, accompanied by their entourage, appeared on the scene.Of course, their identities were hidden, watching from a distance, not directly intervening with the local police's firefighting activities."Boss, why..."Azaria's gaze lingered on the unconscious woman, now seated in the backseat of a
Indeed, Benjamin had been acting. Hadn't Dermot been trying to gauge him as well?After all, Benjamin was part of the Dragon Guardians, a target with a bounty set by the head of the Moonlight Religious Sect. Perhaps because of a debt owed to Elder Byner, Dermot had dared to offer a clandestine entrance to the Sect's assembly.Yet, this was undeniably risky for them both. If their actions were discovered, given the temperament of the Sect leader, dire consequences awaited.That's probably why Dermot crafted that tale to diplomatically decline Benjamin's request, all while gauging his reaction.Seeing Benjamin's direct refusal, Dermot viewed him in a new light."He truly lives up to his reputation as a top figure of the Dragon Guardians. Regrettably, times have changed. One man's strength can't alter the entire situation."Dermot pondered: "Why would that venerable person risk revealing the identity of the lady at such a sensitive time? If exposed, even she may not escape misfortune."A
Although puzzled, Benjamin refrained from questioning her outright. Instead, his gaze swept the room. Aside from scattered clothing and discarded food on the floor, nothing seemed amiss. It was logical. After all, someone fleeing in a hurry wouldn't leave traces behind."Where did the woman who was in your room go?" he inquired, his sudden question startling Irina, making her let out a soft gasp.At her reaction, Benjamin's eyebrows furrowed, his gaze growing wary: "What did you ask?" she stammered, fear evident in her voice.Reiterating his query but with more firmness, he watched as Irina visibly shrank back, finally murmuring: "She...she said she had something to do and left. Can...can you not look at me like that? I'm truly scared."Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke, every word dripping with fear. Benjamin felt a pang of confusion but, before he could react, she threw herself at him, gripping him tightly: "Please don't go. I'm truly terrified. This place... I can't bear to
Now, even though its headpiece had been severed, it was still far more complete than the other armors.Without hesitation, he approached, with a mere thought, his storage ring's light flared. The entire armor, along with the leader's corpse, was drawn into it.He then surveyed the surroundings once more, detecting no anomalies. Benjamin then proceeded towards Dermot's wooden house atop the hill."Boss, you're not hurt, are you?" asked Azaria, eyeing Benjamin's bloodstained appearance with a hint of concern.Benjamin glanced at him and shook his head."I'm fine; go rest. Tonight, there may be more to do. I'll handle it myself." he said, continuing straight to Dermot's bedroom.Upon seeing Benjamin's bloodied state, Irina suddenly rushed over, her face filled with alarm. She hastily grabbed his hand, her expression fraught with concern."You...you're alright?" she stammered.Seeing her worry, Benjamin merely shook his head without verbally responding. Meanwhile, Dermot emerged from the
"Ha ha ha, I was merely jesting with you." he laughed with ease, his eyes dancing mischievously: "No need to take it so seriously. Anyway, feel free to examine it. It's now mine, and even if you wish, you cannot claim it."With a boisterous laugh, Benjamin, brimming with amusement, effortlessly tossed a ring towards her.Catching a glimpse of his action, a pang of surprise coursed through Fidelma. Still, she reached out, catching the item.Holding the ornate ring in her hand, she felt a strange force emanating from within. The intricate designs adorning it suggested an ancient aura. Fidelma could confidently deduce that this was a space treasure. Its grade was undoubtedly high, surpassing any artifact she had previously encountered in the annals or in the treasury of the Moonlight Religious Sect."Done examining?" His voice hinted at impatience: "If so, kindly return it."Watching Fidelma cradle the ring, almost reluctant to release it, a twitch of amusement played on Benjamin's lips.
Boom!Boom!Boom!Blood painted the sky, and countless pieces of metal debris littered the ground.A smirk formed on Benjamin's lips. He hadn't expected that after such a long slumber, its power had grown so immense.However, the sight of the scattered armor shards pained him.Such high-quality armor pieces, capable of enhancing a warrior's strength and providing incredible defense, were now in ruins. For someone of Benjamin's caliber, these armors might not pose much challenge, but if equipped by his soldiers, they would have been invaluable assets, exponentially amplifying their combat prowess.Although he felt a twinge of regret, Benjamin didn't blame Alan. Instead, he commended him."Alan, you did splendidly!""Chirp, chirp!"As Benjamin's praise graced his ears, a rush of exhilaration surged through Alan. In mere moments, his form swiftly contracted, taking on the delicate guise of a sparrow, which alighted on Benjamin's shoulder, its chirps melodious and relentless.Witnessing s