Crowne arrived at the Adventurers Guild. As soon as he entered, someone quickly pulled him inside. They went into a small room, and the door was shut immediately. Even the windows were tightly closed. He and the man sat down on the chairs in that room.
"You must leave this city right away. You’re a wanted man now," said Evans.
Crowne looked calm. "I know, but I won’t leave before defeating the sea monster that killed those fishermen," he replied.
Evans shook his head in disbelief. "You’re still thinking about that monster? Everyone already believes you’re the one behind the fishermen’s deaths. They even think you’re the cause of the monsters’ appearance. And yet, you still want to fight it?" Evans couldn’t understand the young man’s way of thinking. "Let me and Daisy handle it. You should leave this city as soon as possible. Once you’re safe, change your identity."
He walked over to the table, grabbed a piece of paper and a pen, wrote something down, and handed it to Crowne. "Go to this address. That person can help you forge a new identity."
But Crowne refused to take it. "I don’t need it." He stood up and looked straight at Evans with a cold gaze. "Do you believe what those people are saying?"
Evans went silent for a moment. He took a deep breath. "No... of course not. We’ve only met twice, but I know you’re not that kind of person, and besides..." Evans clicked his tongue in frustration. He knew exactly who had done this to Crowne. "And besides, that sea monster really does exist. I’ve seen it myself."
Crowne’s eyes widened the moment he heard that. He became visibly excited and walked closer to Evans, gripping his shoulders with enthusiasm. His expression was filled with genuine interest. It was nothing like what Evans had imagined.
"In that case, let’s go right now! If you know its location, this will be much easier," he said eagerly.
Evans wanted to say something, but stopped himself. His worries faded when he saw Crowne’s determined eyes. Crowne didn’t seem anxious or afraid at all. That meant he knew exactly what he was doing. Maybe.
"Alright, but before that..." Evans glanced at Crowne’s wrists and ankles. "We need to get those chains off first."
On the way, Crowne walked with the chains still on his hands and feet. He became the center of attention, but no one dared to attack him. They only whispered among themselves, and some ran off to report what they saw for the bounty.
The chains couldn’t be removed easily. Crowne had tried several times, but failed. However, after a few minutes of Evans’ effort, the locks finally started to open one by one.
"How is it? Do you feel better now?"
Crowne nodded. "Of course."
He jumped a few times, then threw a few punches and kicks. He felt much lighter now. A second later, his ring began to tremble slightly, but he ignored it. He didn’t think he needed its help yet.
"You stay here! I’ll handle everything," Evans said confidently.
Crowne nodded. He trusted Evans, even though this was only their second time meeting. Evans seemed reliable, not like someone who would betray him. Still, Crowne wouldn’t let his guard down completely.
Hours passed. The front of the Adventurers Guild was now crowded with the city soldiers of Doomsty, but none dared to step inside because Evans stood guard at the entrance. He warned them that anyone who tried to force their way in would be declaring war against the guild.
"...We are not under your command, so don’t act arrogant in front of me," Evans said coldly.
On his shoulder rested a long staff. Evans was ready to fight anytime. Even the captains of Doomsty’s forces hesitated to challenge him. They all knew Evans’ strength, and they knew how powerful the Adventurers Guild was.
Their numbers might be greater than the adventurers, but in terms of quality... the guild was far superior. Especially if an S-rank adventurer stepped in. That would be a huge problem for the city, and the royal court wouldn’t like the idea of a conflict with the guild.
Evans stood guard there until the evening. Then, he finally turned around and said, "Keep watch! If anyone dares to come in, beat them until they can’t move!"
Several adventurers nodded. They stepped forward and stood guard at the entrance, replacing Evans. Meanwhile, Evans walked inside, heading toward the back corridor to go upstairs and meet Crowne again.
But before he could take another step, the receptionist suddenly stood in his way. "Is this really worth the risk you’re taking?" she asked.
Evans said nothing. He thought for a moment, then nodded.
"I know that young man is strong, but if that fool Delon goes crazy, he’ll attack this place, and we’ll be in serious trouble," the receptionist complained.
"I know what I’m doing. Just trust me," Evans replied firmly.
The receptionist, Kyrielle, shook her head. "No. I don’t think you’ve thought this through. You’re doing this because of your ridiculous ambition, aren’t you?" she said in frustration. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by novel(ꜰ)ire.net
Evans clenched his fists tightly but stopped himself from lashing out. He lowered his hand and continued walking toward the back. He ignored her warning, but suddenly Kyrielle grabbed his hand.
"Please, think again! Don’t sacrifice so many people for one man. You’re the guild master. Your decisions affect everyone here. Please, reconsider," she pleaded.
Evans pulled his hand away and kept walking, ignoring her completely. This was the first time he had ever acted . Normally, he always listened to Kyrielle, because she was the woman he loved.
But this time was different. His resolve was stronger than the feelings in his heart. "You don’t understand anything about my decision. So just stay silent," Evans said coldly.
Kyrielle’s eyes widened in shock. She was completely taken aback. And for the first time, a killing aura emanated from Evans—something she had never seen before.
Kyrielle couldn’t even finish her words. She froze on the spot while Evans continued walking upstairs to meet Crowne.