Wizard, I Have Another World – Chapter 72

Chapter 72: Recruitment

After Karl arrived, Aya and the others rented a small courtyard, each with their own room, no longer crowded together as before.

They even set aside a room specifically for receiving guests.

“Jacqueline!”

Seeing the figure pushing the door open, Karl couldn’t help but show a look of surprise:

“It’s you?”

Jacqueline, the survivor of the Wind Whisperers whom he had met in the underground of Black City, had actually come to Free Port as well.

This was normal.

Nine out of ten people who escaped Black City would come here.

“Mr. Karl!” The burly Jacqueline, with a scar on her face, bowed:

“We meet again.”

“Yes.” Karl sighed:

“You escaped too?”

“Thanks to you.” Jacqueline’s voice carried a sense of relief after surviving a disaster, as well as gratitude:

“If you hadn’t led the resistance and killed the Knight Captain of the City Guard, we would have fallen along with Black City.”

“You saved our lives!”

“Those are all things of the past, let’s not mention them again.” Karl waved his hand and looked behind her:

“Who is this?”

“Let me introduce you.” Jacqueline hurriedly gestured with her hand:

“Knight Yates, the manager of the Sickle Brotherhood in Vanilla Market. I didn’t know anything when I first arrived in Free Port, and I’m grateful for his help.”

“Hello.”

Yates was a gentle middle-aged man who didn’t have the fishy smell of ordinary people in Free Port, but a faint scent of incense.

Perfume?

He not only wore perfume, but his clothes were also very neat and tidy, and the leather boots on his feet were spotless.

It was not an easy task to stay clean on such muddy roads.

Obviously.

This was a person who paid attention to his appearance.

“I’ve long heard that there was a warrior from Black City who led the mine slaves to resist the tyranny of the City Guard.”

Yates put one hand on his chest and bowed:

“Your courage and wisdom are admirable!”

“I heard you also came to Free Port and know Jacqueline, so I took the liberty of coming to visit.”

He put down the gift in his hand as he spoke.

“You’re too kind.” Karl gestured with his hand:

“Please sit down.”

His first impression of the other party was good. He was well-spoken and polite, much better than the one from the Sea God Society.

Moreover, he brought an acquaintance with him, which made him even more persuasive.

After sitting down.

Yates was not in a hurry to talk about business, but instead chatted about the situation in Free Port. He was a successful businessman, well-informed and knowledgeable. Even boring things could be told in a vivid and interesting way, let alone the fact that people in Black City had no access to the outside world. Aya and the others even pricked up their ears to eavesdrop.

Karl didn’t talk much, but he had a knowledge base that was unmatched by ordinary people, and his words often hit the nail on the head.

This made Yates very excited, and his interest in talking grew stronger and stronger.

“The so-called sickle represents the weapon of the God of Death, Cronus. This sickle symbolizes the end of time and the arrival of death.”

“Many organizations use the sickle as their name. I heard that there used to be a Sickle Gang in Black City?”

“Yes.”

Karl nodded:

“But it later perished due to infighting between factions.”

“Alas!” Yates sighed:

“People’s hearts are fickle, and conflicts are hard to avoid. Free Port doesn’t have a single ruler, so disputes are common.”

“If there is no expert to take charge, a small faction will often perish after a short time.”

“Only large factions can last long!”

He looked at Karl and said seriously:

“Brother Karl, you just arrived in Free Port and haven’t joined any faction yet. Why not consider our Sickle Brotherhood?”

Karl rubbed his chin and didn’t say anything.

He was waiting for the other party to offer terms.

There weren’t many potion masters in Free Port, and even fewer like him who could refine more than a dozen potions.

He would be a sought-after commodity in any faction.

“The leader of our Sickle Brotherhood is a Grand Knight who is expected to become a Legendary Knight, and several elders are also Grand Knights.” Yates smiled:

“In terms of the number of Grand Knights, neither the Sea God Society nor the Dragon King Trading Company can compare to us!”

“Brother Karl is very skilled and young, and has the potential to become a Grand Knight. We can provide more support in this regard.”

“Oh!” Karl’s eyes flickered:

“How so?”

“The Sickle Brotherhood can provide a shop in Vanilla Market, at least two high-quality Beast Pills every month for your cultivation, and some books on knight cultivation can also be provided for free reading.” Yates said:

“In addition, there is a Dark Walker Rune.”

“We will also provide the materials you need to refine potions, but the potions need to be supplied to the brotherhood first.”

These terms were good!

So far, the Sickle Brotherhood had offered the best terms of the three, and Karl was obviously tempted.

“Mr. Karl.”

Jacqueline spoke from the side:

“The Dark Walker Rune is an advanced version of the Shadow League’s Shadow Rune, unique to the Sickle Brotherhood.”

“This Rune is even rarer than the Swimming Rune!”

“Yes.” Yates smiled:

“Those who possess the Dark Walker Rune will receive the favor of the night, and their strength will increase by 20% at night.”

“They can see the night as if it were day, and it’s even harder to be detected when hidden in the shadows. They can even come into contact with ghosts.”

Strength increased by 20%?

A smile appeared on Karl’s face.

If his strength could really be increased by 20%, then he would have the courage to face a Grand Knight at night.

After all, in addition to knightly skills, he was also an Intermediate Wizard Apprentice.

“Thank you for the invitation from the Sickle Brotherhood.”

Karl said:

“I just arrived in Free Port not long ago, and I haven’t really thought about what to do next. It would be great to join the Sickle Brotherhood.”

“Hmm…”

“When will the Rune be given?”

“In the next two days!” Yates joked:

“Brother Karl, once you get the Rune, you’ll be a member of the brotherhood. You can’t go back on your word then.”

“Of course not.” Karl shook his head.

…………

Back at the Sickle Brotherhood’s headquarters, Yates couldn’t hide his excitement.

He had a good feeling about Karl. Although he was powerful, he was more like a learned scholar, without the usual mindset of knights. It was very comfortable to talk with him.

His identity as a potion master was even more of a plus.

Moreover, as the events that happened in Black City slowly spread, the people who escaped from Black City were very grateful to Karl, and his joining would also attract these people.

It could be said to kill two birds with one stone!

“Creak…”

Pushing open a door, Yates walked in quickly:

“Father!”

He said hurriedly:

“Karl has agreed to join the Sickle Brotherhood. As long as we send him the Dark Walker Rune, he’ll be one of us.”

“Hmm…” Henry, the Fourth Elder of the Sickle Brotherhood, known as the Eagle, opened his eyes. His expression was a bit complicated, and he said slowly:

“Yates, if… I mean if, there was no Dark Walker Rune, would he still agree?”

“Huh?” Yates was stunned, subconsciously feeling that something was wrong, and asked hesitantly:

“Father, what do you mean?”

“Alas!”

Henry sighed, slowly stood up from his seat, and paced back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back:

“Not long after you left, someone from the Second Elder came over. His daughter, Little Herley, wants the Dark Walker Rune.”

“But…” Yates frowned:

“We already promised it.”

“We promised it, but we haven’t given it to him yet, have we?” Henry waved his hand:

“You know the Second Elder’s personality very well. If we don’t give him the Rune, we’ll inevitably have trouble in the future.”

“And Little Herley is that kind of person…”

“Let’s change it to another Rune!”

“Father!” Yates stamped his foot in anger:

“How can we change something like this? Didn’t you tell them that the Rune has already been promised to someone?”

“I did.” Henry sighed:

“But do you think it’s useful?”

“This…” Yates was speechless. He knew the Second Elder’s personality very well, and he couldn’t help but grit his teeth and say angrily:

“Father, you are also an elder of the brotherhood!”

“I’m old.” Henry’s face was bitter:

“People can’t help but get old!”

“I’ll go talk to the leader.” Yates said in a deep voice:

“Karl is young and has a great chance of becoming a Grand Knight. There are many benefits to him joining us.”

“And…”

“The matter has already been settled. How can I face him if we change it?”

He was a person who cared about face and couldn’t do such a shameful thing.

“The leader?” Henry shook his head:

“The leader’s son is pursuing Little Herley. And do you think the leader would be willing to veto the Second Elder’s proposal?”

Yates was silent.

Indeed.

In recent years, the leader had been in seclusion most of the time, trying to make a further breakthrough and become a Legendary Knight.

The big and small affairs of the Sickle Brotherhood were handled by several elders, among whom the Second Elder was the most powerful.

Henry had withdrawn from the front line due to a serious injury a few years ago and only handled some business dealings.

Gradually, he had been marginalized from power.

Their father and son had no say in the Sickle Brotherhood.

“Then what should we do?”

Yates lowered his head:

“Should I tell Karl that the promised Rune is gone?”

“Alas!”

Henry sighed:

“We can only do that.”

…………

He was told to wait for two days, but in the end, there was no news.

Jacqueline came once during this period, her attitude very strange, hesitant and unable to give any concrete information.

“Heh…”

Karl was not stupid, how could he not see the problem? He shook his head:

“It seems it’s not going to work out.”

“Uncle.”

Aya walked in:

“Sister Susan is here.”

“Please come in!”

Karl stood up.

Susan was dressed as brightly as ever, her cool outfit under her cloak fully revealing her figure.

“I’ve found out some information.”

Her white and slender legs crossed, she smiled and said:

“The Sickle Brotherhood has a new Dark Walker Rune, and this Rune was finally given to Little Herley, the Second Elder’s daughter.”

“I know Little Herley. She can’t stand the hardship of cultivation at all. She’s only a Knight Squire even though she eats Beast Pills every day. I’m afraid it’s unlikely for her to become a knight. The Second Elder probably gave her the Rune because he was worried about her lack of strength.”

“Really?” Karl picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and his expression didn’t change at all:

“She has a good father.”

No wonder there had been no news. It turned out that the Rune already had an owner. Was Yates too ashamed to see him?

This was a bit deliberate.

As long as the reason was explained, Karl wouldn’t blame him. It could only be said that Yates was a person who couldn’t lose face.

But he didn’t know.

The more he didn’t come, the more it would make people unhappy.

Daring to face difficulties and finding ways to solve problems was the key. Constant avoidance would only make him look cowardly, and in the end, nothing would be accomplished.

“Yes!” Susan flicked her golden wavy hair:

“A good father is indeed enviable.”

“Actually, our Dragon King Trading Company is also good, especially when it comes to purchasing various materials, it’s the most convenient.”

“Hmm…” Karl was noncommittal:

“Really?”

“Join us, and the Trading Company will provide you with two high-quality Beast Pills every month for free, and the right to purchase two more first.” Susan sat up straight and looked at him with bright eyes:

“In addition…”

“Plus a Steel Body Rune!”

She had been here several times, so there was no need to repeat the previous conditions. This time, she mainly added a Rune.

The Rune might not be expensive.

But it was too few!

Especially high-quality Runes, which were priceless and hard to find.

“Steel Body?” Karl pondered.

He had heard of this Rune for a long time. Several people who had died at his hands had this Rune.

Refining the Steel Body Rune could increase the body’s defense to a certain extent.

To be honest.

He wasn’t very interested in this. After all, with the Minor Force Field and armor, his defense was strong enough.

However, every little bit helped. Besides, the Steel Body Rune was not bad.

As for the high-quality Beast Pills, they were purely a benefit. After obtaining them, he could resell them even if he didn’t use them himself.

He asked slowly:

“What about the potions?”

“We can talk about that.” Seeing Karl’s interest, Susan’s eyes lit up and she said:

“The Trading Company will provide the materials, and you will be responsible for refining the potions. A certain amount will be handed over to the Trading Company as material fees.”

“The rest will be sold in the Trading Company’s shops, and we will share a portion of the profits with you.”

***

“Finally, you can sell the rest in your own shop.”

She took out a piece of paper as she spoke.

The paper listed the specific shares, including how many potions Karl needed to refine and hand over to the Trading Company each month.

And the profit sharing.

According to what was written on it, Karl would be working for the Dragon King Trading Company and wouldn’t earn much.

Of course.

If he worked hard and refined more potions than a certain amount each month, his income would increase significantly.

Karl pondered.

He didn’t care much about income. His main purpose was to have a fixed base in Free Port.

As for refining potions, he would try his best to let Aya do it, and it wouldn’t waste much of his time.

When it came to specific profits, he naturally couldn’t just accept what the other party said. The two of them had a heated discussion about it.

After a long time.

Karl asked:

“When will the Rune be given?”

The fact that the Sickle Brotherhood could change the Rune that had been promised indicated that there were differences in power within the organization. In that case, joining the Dragon King Trading Company was not a bad choice.

“Now!”

Susan smiled and had someone bring up a wooden box. When the lid was opened, there was a Rune inside.

Steel Body!

“Heh…”

Karl chuckled and shook his head, reaching out his hand:

“Deal!”

“Welcome!” Susan stretched out her hands, grasped Karl’s right hand, and said enthusiastically:

“Welcome to the Dragon King Trading Company!”

*

*

*

Greenvine Castle is located in the east city of Signo, and once belonged to Duke Saxon back when he was still a Count.

Later, the Duke left and gifted it to the Church.

Some large banquets involving the Church are usually held here.

It is an ancient castle, surrounded by towering stone walls and pointed towers, appearing solemn and mysterious under the setting sun.

When Karl arrived, the band and singers were already in place, and the performers, dressed in gorgeous uniforms, were singing hymns.

Sacred and melodious singing echoed throughout the castle and gardens, and the guests were mostly solemn.

Joy, cheerfulness, and playfulness don’t fit the atmosphere here.

Dana wore a feather-decorated hat, and the heavy headwear made her, already groggy, lower her head from time to time.

“Chief.”

Karl didn’t know anyone here, so he could only approach her for a chat:

“Didn’t sleep well last night?”

“Not just last night!” Dana rolled her eyes and forced herself to focus:

“It’s been several days in a row. For Kerry’s fiancée, we’ve practically run all over North City.”

“You’ve worked hard.” Karl expressed his admiration:

“It’s Kerry’s luck, and ours, to have such a considerate subordinate as you, Chief.”

He had also heard about this matter.

Kerry, seeing that he couldn’t rescue his fiancée on his own, had been pestering his colleagues at Patrol Headquarters.

Everyone was trying their best to help him find his fiancée.

As a result…

The usually leisurely Patrol Headquarters had become busy.

“Not just because of him.” Dana shook her head slightly:

“Investigating in North City these days, I found that many girls have gone missing recently, almost every day.”

Her face turned serious:

“There must be an evil force secretly abducting girls. I don’t know what they’re planning to do.”

“Hmm!”

“You don’t seem surprised at all?”

“Uh…” Karl shrugged:

“I’ve heard some rumors.”

“Heard rumors?” Dana’s expression turned serious:

“Since you’ve heard them, why didn’t you report them? Don’t forget, you’re a City Patrol Officer responsible for maintaining order in the city!”

“Chief.”

Karl sighed:

“I can’t be the only one who knows about this. Anyone can hear the rumors with a little inquiry.”

“When noble children or Inner City residents have problems, the Patrol Headquarters will handle it. When have they ever cared about ordinary people in the Outer City?”

“You’re making excuses for your irresponsibility!” Dana waved her arm forcefully:

“Justice, protection, righteousness – whether noble or knight, everyone should abide by these virtues.”

“…” Karl opened his mouth, then sighed helplessly:

“Alright!”

“I’ve been too indifferent and heartless. I hope, Chief, you can quickly apprehend those criminals and bring justice to the citizens.”

He added:

“I’m sincere!”

“Hmph!”

Dana snorted coldly.

She disapproved of Karl’s indifferent and distant attitude. He was a noble and a Patrol Officer, yet he seemed to have forgotten what justice and responsibility were.

However…

How many nobles and knights nowadays still adhered to the long-‘outdated’ code?

Glancing around, the guests were all dressed up and solemn, but which one of them hadn’t done something dirty behind the scenes?

Sigh!

Dana sighed silently. A sense of exhaustion suddenly washed over her, but it was quickly suppressed by her fighting spirit.

I’m different!

I shouldn’t fall!

“Whoa…”

“Clap, clap!”

At this moment, the music stopped, and everyone politely clapped their hands for the performers.

“Wasn’t today’s banquet supposed to be a farewell for Archbishop Antonio?” Karl asked, turning his head:

“Why haven’t I seen him?”

“He seems to be resting in the back.” Dana looked up and scanned the crowd:

“Count Barrow and Princess Duna are here, so the Archbishop should have shown up too. We just didn’t notice.”

“Hmm.”

Karl nodded.

That should be the case.

They weren’t paying much attention to the main host of the banquet and hadn’t even listened carefully to Princess Duna’s speech.

“Karl!”

A familiar voice called out.

Jenny, holding up her skirt, trotted over to them, her face beaming with excitement:

“I didn’t expect you to be here today. Hello, Chief Dana.”

“Yes,” Karl began,

“You sang very well; it was captivating.”

Dana returned a salute.

“Captivating isn’t the right word to describe hymns.” Jenny shook her head. She was also one of the performers today:

“I…”

“I’m leaving Signo City soon.”

Her first official performance with the Barrow Singing Troupe had caught the attention of the Royal Opera House.

After this banquet, she would be going to the Royal City with the opera house to study and further her training.

Being able to see Karl at this time was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise, which was why she had taken the initiative to come find him.

“I heard.” Karl asked:

“Are you going alone?”

“Yes.”

Jenny’s eyes reddened slightly as she fiddled with her skirt and said softly:

“I’ll go to the Royal City to study first, and when I earn enough money, I’ll bring my mother over. It will take at least two or three years.”

She had just come of age and had never left her mother’s side. This time, she would be gone for two or three years, without any companions.

The thought of this made her feel uneasy.

However, she knew this was a rare opportunity; if she missed it, she might never have another chance.

“Time will fly by quickly when you’re studying.” Karl comforted her:

“It’s rare for someone from Signo City to join the Royal Opera House. Maybe you’ll even become a Divine Singer. Then, not just Mrs. Mary, but even I will be proud of you.”

A Divine Singer was a singer who specifically performed for the gods, with a status no less than that of a regional bishop.

It was said…

That some angels by the gods’ sides were Divine Singers.

“I can’t.”

Jenny blushed:

“I’ve never learned music theory. I don’t know anything. I’m the dumbest among the teachers and students.”

“Knowledge can be learned, but talent is innate. You can’t learn it even if you want to.” Karl smiled:

“Your talent is truly enviable.”

“Thank you.” Jenny smiled sweetly:

“Can I write to you when I’m in the Royal City?”

“Of course.” Karl nodded and added:

“But I’m also leaving Signo City soon, and I don’t have a specific location yet. It might be a while before we can contact each other.”

“Ah!” Jenny’s heart skipped a beat:

“You’re leaving too?”

“Where to?”

“A rather special place.” Karl didn’t elaborate, as the Black Swamp was simply unsuitable for ordinary people to live in.

But his words clearly caused a misunderstanding for Jenny, who thought he was unwilling to tell her, and her expression dimmed.

“Jenny!”

A slightly shrill voice called out.

A tall woman walked out from the singing troupe. She quickly came to Jenny’s side and said sternly:

“What are you doing here?”

“Teacher.”

Jenny was obviously afraid of her and instinctively shrank back:

“I’m just saying a few words to my friend.”

“Friend?” The woman’s scrutinizing gaze fell on Karl, and she snorted disdainfully:

“You should remember your identity. Everything is for the service of God, only then can you truly sing hymns well.”

“Your body must be pure, and so must your soul!”

Romantic relationships were forbidden for their group.

“Yes.” Jenny responded timidly.

“Let’s go.”

The woman pulled her sleeve:

“Come back with me. We might be returning to the Royal City tonight.”

Watching Jenny leave reluctantly, Dana couldn’t help but chuckle:

“She likes you.”

“A young girl’s infatuation during her naive years shouldn’t be taken seriously.” Karl shook his head.

“Oh!”

Dana looked at him with some surprise:

“You clearly know her feelings but don’t respond. That’s not very gentlemanly.”

“Ruining someone’s future because of a momentary impulse is not what a gentleman would do.” Karl’s expression remained unchanged:

“Chief, what do you think?”

“Tsk, tsk…” Dana shook her head and clicked her tongue softly:

“Karl, I think I need to re-evaluate you. Although you’re a bit cold, at least you’re not promiscuous.”

She had seen plenty of promiscuous nobles, both men and women.

But Karl’s attitude towards Jenny impressed her. It was rare to see someone who could control their desires, especially a noble with few constraints.

No wonder!

No wonder he didn’t fancy his cousin.

This Karl at least had some merits in terms of relationships.

“It seems Archbishop Antonio won’t be showing up today.” Looking at Count Barrow, who was giving a speech on stage, Karl muttered to himself:

“Perhaps I should find an opportunity to leave.”

“Whatever.”

Dana lowered her head, pretending to doze off, taking the opportunity to rest.

“Hmm?”

Karl suddenly frowned and looked around.

“What’s wrong?” Dana lifted her eyelids slightly.

“It seems…there are more people.” Karl looked puzzled, then his eyes widened, and he quickly retreated:

“Watch out!”

Before he could finish his words, several figures suddenly rushed out from the crowd and lunged towards Count Barrow, who was giving his speech.

“For the Blazing Sun!”

“Father God above!”

“…”

These people roared loudly, their eyes filled with fanaticism, and a scorching aura emanated from within their bodies.

Fire Thieves!

“Boom!”

Blazing flames erupted one after another.

Their target wasn’t just Barrow.

Nearby service staff and servants dropped what they were holding and roared as they charged towards the densely packed crowd.

“For Father God!”

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