After Carl arrived, Ayala and the others rented a small courtyard where each person had their own room, no longer crammed together as before. They even set aside a room specifically for receiving guests.
Seeing the figure pushing the door open, Carl couldn’t help but show a look of surprise. "It’s you?"
Jacqueline, the comrade he had met underneath Black City and a survivor of the Whisperers of the Wind, had also come to Freedom Port. This was normal; nine times out of ten, those who escaped Black City would come here.
"Mr. Karl!" Jacqueline, a tall and muscular woman with scars on her face, bowed in greeting. "We meet again."
"Indeed," Carl sighed. "You all managed to escape too?"
"Thanks to you." Jacqueline’s voice held a survivor’s relief and gratitude. "If it weren’t for you leading the resistance and slaying the Knight Captain of the city guards, we would have perished along with Black City. You saved our lives!"
"It’s all in the past; let’s not talk about it anymore." Carl waved his hand and turned his gaze to the person behind her. "Who is this?"
"Allow me to introduce you." Jacqueline hurriedly gestured. "Knight As, the manager of the Scythe Brotherhood at the Herbal Market. I knew nothing when I first came to Freedom Port, and he has helped me a lot."
As was a cultured middle-aged man. He lacked the fishy smell common among the ordinary folk of Freedom Port, instead carrying a faint scent of perfume. Perfume? Not only had he spritzed perfume, but his clothing was also meticulously tidy, his boots spotless. Staying clean on such muddy roads was no easy feat; clearly, this was a person who cared about his appearance.
"I have long heard of a brave warrior from Black City who led the mine slaves in a rebellion against the tyranny of the city guards." As placed one hand on his chest and bowed. "Your courage and wisdom are admirable! Hearing that you had also come to Freedom Port and that you knew Jacqueline, I took the liberty of visiting." He then placed the gift he was holding down.
"You’re too polite." Carl beckoned with his hand. "Please, have a seat."
The first impression As gave him was good. He was elegant and polite in conversation, far better than the representative from the Sea God Society. Bringing an acquaintance along also added to their persuasive power.
After sitting down, As did not rush to discuss business. Instead, he started talking about the situation in Freedom Port. Being a successful merchant, he was widely experienced and knowledgeable. Even the most tedious matters became lively and interesting in his storytelling. This was especially true since those from Black City had no contact with the outside world, so Ayala and the others were all ears, secretly eavesdropping.
Carl didn’t talk much, but he possessed knowledge reserves unmatched by ordinary people. When he spoke, he often hit the nail on the head. This greatly excited As, and his enthusiasm for the conversation grew.
"The so-called ’Scythe’ represents the blade of Death, Chronos, symbolizing the end of time, the advent of death," As explained. "Many organizations use the scythe in their names. Wasn’t there once a Scythe Association in Black City?"
"Yes." Carl nodded. "However, it later perished due to infighting among the different powers."
"Ah!" As sighed softly. "Human hearts change quickly, and disputes are hard to avoid. Freedom Port lacks a leader, so conflicts are frequent. Without powerful figures in charge, a small force often can’t last long before it perishes. Only the big powers can endure!"
His gaze fixed on Carl, he spoke earnestly, "Brother Carl, you’ve just arrived at Freedom Port and haven’t joined any powers. Why not consider our Scythe Brotherhood?"
Carl stroked his chin and kept silent. He was waiting for the other party to make an offer. Pharmacists weren’t plentiful in Freedom Port, and someone like him, capable of concocting over ten different Potions, was even rarer. He would be highly coveted by any power.
"The leader of our Scythe Brotherhood is a Great Knight with Legendary potential, and several of our elders are also Great Knights," As smiled and said. "In terms of the number of Great Knights, neither the Sea God Society nor the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce can compare with us! Brother Carl, you are powerful and still young, with the potential to become a Great Knight. In this regard, we can offer more support."
"Oh?" Carl’s eyes flickered. "What do you mean?"
"The Scythe Brotherhood can provide a shop in the Herbal Market, at least two High-quality Beast Pills per month for your cultivation, and free access to knightly books for study," As offered. "Additionally, we’ll add a Dark Walker Dharma Seal. We will also provide the materials you need for concocting Potions, but the Potions will need to be supplied to our Brotherhood’s members first."
This offer wasn’t bad! So far, the Scythe Brotherhood had made the best offer of the three, and Carl was visibly tempted.
"Mr. Karl," Jacqueline interjected, "the Dark Walker Dharma Seal is the advanced version of the Shadow League’s Shadow Dharma Seal, belonging exclusively to the Scythe Brotherhood. This seal is even rarer than the Water-Strider Dharma Seal!"
"Indeed." As smiled. "Those with the Dark Walker Dharma Seal receive the night’s favor, and their strength increases by twenty percent in the dark. They can see in the night as if it were broad daylight, hide within the shadows more covertly, and even interact with ghostly entities."
Strength increased by twenty percent? A trace of a smile emerged on Carl’s face. If it could indeed increase his strength by that much, he would even dare to confront a Great Knight in the night. After all, in addition to his knightly skills, he was also an Intermediate Wizard Apprentice.
"Thank you for the invitation from the Scythe Brotherhood," Carl began. "I’ve only just arrived at Freedom Port and haven’t quite decided what to do next. Joining the Scythe Brotherhood would be more than ideal."