Redi and the people beside him were getting closer and closer, their slender figures drifting through the forest like ghosts. Everyone stopped and looked in that direction. Antitina glanced downward, estimated, and her expression changed. She immediately raised her head to look at Brand, her eyes, like black gemstones, filled with anxiety —
Their camp was in a clearing among the trees. The Rubis Mercenaries had already packed up the tents. Even if Redi and his companion just passed by the edge of the forest, they would surely notice something unusual.
"Stay calm." But Brand stared in that direction and responded. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn novelꞁire.net
Although most people present might not understand what "stay calm" meant, they instinctively quieted down. Brand raised his hand, and the calm and composed expression on his face gave everyone clear reassurance — do not act rashly.
Antitina slightly opened her mouth.
The "Rubis Mercenaries" were summoned by Brand and executed the Travel Mage's orders as their first duty. Even if there was a cliff ahead, they would unhesitatingly advance if Brand told them to, let alone this small request. But in the eyes of the noble daughter, these battle-hardened veterans, who should be extraordinarily proud, fell silent because of a slight gesture from Brand, their level of discipline and obedience was astonishing.
She held her breath instinctively, not daring to make a sound.
The wind howled above the valley, rushing from the southern mountain pass like an invisible hand through the branches. The rustling of leaves at the top of the canopy created a dance of flickering stars. The interweaving shadows cast on Redi's face made the white-haired young man look somewhat grim.
He and his companion passed through a broad thicket. They didn't seem as careful as Brand anticipated, seemingly unconcerned by the crackling sound of snapping twigs underfoot. Brand suddenly realized something: Macaro likely hadn't told many people their camp was in this direction. This implied that Redi was probably unaware they were approaching Brand's group.
"Does the Mane Wolf not want to cause trouble either?" Brand thought.
Less than a hundred feet now.
Brand believed that as soon as the man reached the forest's edge, he would surely notice the anomaly. At that moment, he could simply claim they were uneasy about his group; they would have no defense. Though these two men looked suspicious, Macaro would probably prefer to trust his own team members.
He was just as tense inside, although his face showed no sign. The young man glanced to the side at the mercenary named "Hu Que," who was similarly looking at him — he was the leader of this mercenary group, embodying the concept of a mercenary leader — experienced and wise. The old mercenary's meaning was clear: should they strike first and eliminate the opposition?
But eliminate? Easier said than done.
For mercenaries, this was an ordinary choice.
Brand, however, struggled. Although he had killed before, this time was different. At Yusong Castle, it was a life-and-death struggle with no room for compromise. Brand wasn't so naive as to ignore threats to his life from others. Fundamentally, a part of him still belonged to a civilized society. To kill someone without hesitation just over suspicion was something he instinctively resisted. However, he was fully aware that being indecisive in his position was a grave mistake.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Should he conform to the will of this world and completely sever his ties to the past? Or should he hold on to the last shred of his principles? He was Brand, but his soul also bore Sophie's imprint. If he denied this, he would be denying his entire past.
Perhaps that reality was a mirage. Otherwise, how could he be here in this world? Zhuang Zhou dreaming of a butterfly or a butterfly dreaming of Zhuang Zhou, who could say? The memories of the past world were so vivid, etched in his mind along with every joy and sorrow at certain points in time. How could he deny them?
If he severed past memories, then what was the meaning of all his current efforts? Without a soul, could a person still be called a person? If so, he would no longer be the same...