10 Mutation and Decision!

"Hey, have you heard? A high-level knight was carried back just now. I heard that half of his body is gone!"

"Oh? I just saw the Silver rank Mozek at the door. He was half-dead when he was carried away. I reckon he must have tried to rob a tough guy."

"It's not him, it's the hired knight in charge of clearing the beast tide!"

"Tell me what happened!"

In the tavern, a table of adventurers near the corner were drinking and discussing what had just happened in a low voice.

Beside him, Edward was eavesdropping with interest.

"I don't know what's been going on in the Lawless Land recently. There are wild beasts everywhere. Someone said that something in the depths is triggering a beast tide!"

"The high-level experts here have all been ordered to check it out. In the end, we don't know what they encountered, but less than half of them have returned. Even those who have returned have their arms and legs broken."

"Dead or injured, I heard that the management team of the Lawless Land is currently discussing!"

Edward took a sip of the wine the maid handed him and contemplated their conversation.

High-level experts mainly referred to those who were Silver Knight level at least.

The person who was narrating the story might have drank too much. His face flushed red as he said in a low voice, "Now, those people in charge are all in a panic. The high-level combat strength they hired has decreased, and they're still being threatened by that terrifying thing! They are unlike us, who can just leave and not come to the Lawless Land in the worst case!"

"Those higher-ups' savings are all here. They must be hopping mad now. Haha!"

The system had added their conversation into the important category. After sorting out the information they had gathered at the hotel, Edward and the maid left the tavern.

According to the system's analysis, other than the mysterious creature that was mentioned out of nowhere, the other problems were unimportant.

It was getting dark, so Edward and his party stayed at the inn rented by the knights.

He had also purchased all the necessities he needed already.

Insect repellent, flint, sharp daggers, even ropes and hooks.

These were necessary items for exploring the forest.

There were many wild beasts in the forest. With their strength, they did not need to hire people in the Lawless Land.

Moreover, they wanted to minimize the commotion and avoid all unnecessary trouble!

—————

At night, in a tall tower in the center of the Lawless Land, a group of black-robed men were gathered around a conference table under the dazzling lights.

They were the ones in charge of this Lawless Land.

Everyone divided this chaotic place like cutting a cake.

It could be said that every single person here represented a section of the Lawless Land!

The mercenaries under their command were at least Silver rank experts!

The meeting officially began.

The leader lifted the black robe covering his head, revealing an aged and wrinkled face. He said calmly,

"I believe everyone knows the reason for this meeting. Now that everyone is in a hurry, please quickly share your views!"

"That strange creature is simply too powerful. Two of my Star rank mercenaries died there, and its survival isn't beneficial to anyone here. Moreover, it has severely affected everyone's interests. I suggest we work together to get rid of it!"

"I do want to cooperate with you, but I wonder who is the one attacking my assets when cooperating?!"

"I suggest that we put aside our internal strife and cooperate temporarily. After the cooperation is over, we will continue to do our own things!"

Everyone understood the logic.

If this Lawless Land was really breached by the beast tide, everyone present would go bankrupt, let alone profit.

Indeed, these higher-ups fought internally almost every day and schemed to weaken the other party. However, at this time, they could not continue fighting.

No one was a fool. Everyone knew the real purpose of this meeting!

The old man in the lead looked at the silent crowd. His eyes flashed with a faint light and his withered voice sounded: "This time, you will send out your men. I, Karl, will personally lead you to hunt that strange creature. No matter how strong it is, there will be a limit. What do you all think?"

"This expedition has an order from the Empire behind it, so there's naturally no need for me to say anything, right?"

Karl looked around with his lifeless eyes.

Everyone was thinking about the pros and cons of this matter. When the last sentence was said, everyone present chose to agree.

They would set off at noon tomorrow!

————

It was six in the morning.

Edward and his party left the Lawless Land early, leading five knights and a maid into the forest.

This kind of land that had not been developed by humans was usually the most difficult to walk on. There were thorny vines everywhere or hidden dangers that could not be seen.

The five knights in front used their longswords to cut their way through the obstacles.

Behind him, Edward activated his snake mode. All the heat and movement in front of him could not escape his eyes, and all hidden life forms would have nowhere to hide.

The insect repellent they bought in the Lawless Land was surprisingly effective. Some poisonous mosquitoes and insects did not dare to approach their bodies.

As for Edward, who had fused with the Beauty Snake bloodline, his body would occasionally emit the aura of a superior existence.

Some weaker beings would follow their instincts and stay away from Edward.

At this moment, a fork appeared.

Now was the time to choose between the two paths!

At this moment, it was already noon. The sun was slowly moving above their heads, and the entire forest seemed very hot!

According to the detailed analysis provided by the system, the path had to be chosen within half an hour.

That was in order to reach their destination before dark.

Should he choose the Moon Lake with a fixed location or search for that illusory Land of Fog?

According to Edward's plan, he was more inclined to choose the Moon Lake which had a fixed location.

Suddenly, Edward could not help but pat the maid, Alicia's, head.

Under Alicia's pitiful and puzzled gaze, Edward laughed.

How could he have forgotten about the system?!

Edward, who had thought of the correct path, was completely unaware of Alicia, who was blushing beside him.

Young Master Edward looked so good when he smiled!!

The five knights turned around and surrounded Edward, awaiting his command!

"System, analyze the two locations on the map and determine the exact whereabouts of the ruins!"

[System prompt: Analyzing the ancient text, comparing the rumors. Please hold on!]