Erhm. This is not curiosity

Jake's place was only a few streets away from the realm entrance. In a moment, Jake reached the center of this district.

Apparently, the lights of the shopping center were still on.

Passing by this building, Jake took a look inside. Not out of curiosity of course. Just... Emm... Collecting information. Right. Yes.

At 1 AM, the first-floor bars were still bustling with explorers.

Not interested. Jake walked off.

Back to the entrance of the condo building. There was a limo waiting at the front door. Before and after the limo were black SUVs. Looks like someone big was dropping by.

Some of the bodyguards were sleeping. Some of the bodyguards were standing by their rides. Standing in the misty rain, they were having a smoke.

By the looks of it, these guys have been waiting for a while?

'None of my business.' Jake entered the condo.

Ding.

Jake walked out the elevator.

A short dude in his 50s entered Jake's view. Thick glasses. Bow tie. Dressed like a high-end restaurant waiter. He looked rather sleepy and tired.

Wait. Wasn't this the housekeeper of the Rogers family? From the Iron Sparrow Guild?

As usual, there were two bodyguards behind this housekeeper.

"Ah! Master Collins! Where have you been." This housekeeper quickly put on an energetic look.

Jake blinked a few times. "I told you that I'm taking two days off right?"

"That is correct Master Collins. But... Master Collins, is that an explorer's backpack?"

"Oh. Yeah. I dropped by in the realm over there."

The housekeeper widened his eyes in disbelief. Reading from his lips, this mid-aged dude seemed to have said: "My God."

For an instance, this housekeeper looked at Jake as if Jake was a lunatic. However, as a well-trained professional, the housekeeper quickly returned to his polite demeanors.

Right. As a well-trained professional, this housekeeper could hold in any rude expressions... unless he couldn't handle it.

This mid-aged dude just stood there for a moment, opening and closing his lips a few times.

"Mr. Collins... if you need any materials, we can provide it for you."

"Oh. It's really fine." Jake shook his head. "Don't worry about me. I think I'm strong enough to protect myself."

"Naturally." The housekeeper nodded in 'agreement.' "But I'm sure a bodyguard could help. A free service of course."

"It's fine."

"I do know that I'm trespassing. But I will have to insist on this one. We have the strongest explorers in this city here. Our bodyguards are the most professional you can find. Master Collins, I guarantee you that they won't disappoint you."

"It's really fine." Jake sighed. 'Give me bodyguards. Who will protect who? You expect unranked to protect me, an iron-tier?'

"Say, why are you guys here again?"

"When you are available master Collins, we would like to invite you to the Rogers Mansion."

"It's urgent?" Jake asked.

The housekeeper took a look at Jake's outfit. After hesitating for a moment, the housekeeper nodded.

"Oh. I've got my license now anyways. So I'm free when you are free."

"Would you need some rest first?"

"It's fine." Opening his door, Jake tossed the bag into the doorway.

An access card was needed to get to this floor. But still, there was an equipment scroll inside. Jake wanted to be a bit safer. Can't be too cautious right?

"Let's go."

Entering the elevator, the housekeeper subtly wiped the tears off the edge of his eyes.

He was rather moved by Jake's response. Coming out of the realm at this hour, Jake had to be really tired and sleepy right? Especially carrying that much in his bag. Especially as a detector class. Must have been tough right?

If it's another artisan, who would have responded to him this quickly. Those haughty artisans might even straight-up refuse his invitation.

The housekeeper was rather unhappy with the contract he'd given to Jake before. The Iron Sparrow Guild was simply paying out too much. Was it really worth it? However, as a housekeeper, his opinion didn't really matter.

Now, this housekeeper felt that the contract was actually worth it. Kindness and generosity really does pay back!

This housekeeper's gaze gradually became determined. Give Jake a reliable bodyguard. Protect this capable yet humble artisan. No matter what resistance there is.

The housekeeper clearly over-thought the situation. Jake was not tired at all.

As long as Jake didn't practice his body refining guide, Jake wouldn't feel tired or sleepy at all. The limit... Jake wasn't sure. But pulling an all-nighter was no problem.

Walking out the condo, the housekeeper sped up.

Opening the limo's door, the housekeeper waited for Jake to enter the vehicle.

"We'll arrive in 10 minutes. Please help yourself with the drinks."

Jake raised his brows. 'Oh. So I'm the big figure.'

Stepping into the limo, sitting down, Jake causally looked around. Not that different from what he'd seen on the web.

Spacious for sure. Could fit 8 to 12 people with ease. Now, Jake had all of this space to himself.

Since nobody was around, Jake pulled out a drawer. Not out of curiosity. Just emm... Yep.

Inside, there were two bottles of wine sitting on ice cubes.

'Huh. Fancy.' Jake nodded. This was his first time riding a limo after all.

Jake wanted to rent a limo at high school graduation. However, rentals didn't exist in his home town. It's just a small place after all.

In the misty rain, the three vehicles drove through the quiet night streets.

At the same time, inside the realm, the silhouette of a cloaked figure shot forward. High above the ground, that figure glided through the tips of pine trees.

In this silent forest, the faint sound of cloth flapping in air could be heard.

Yet, none of the monsters below noticed this.

Under the cold moonlight, this figure glided forward like a weightless feather. With each light tap on the pine tree tip, that person could glide 8 or 9 meters forward. Another tap. Another glide.

With knitted brows, Chad Hudson looked at his compass-like device. Unlike the careless and bold character Jake knew, uncle Chad had worry written all over his face now.

"Jake... Where are you..."

"Hang in there..."