Reaching the City of Desert

John's eyes couldn't help but narrow in an instant. He realized that he underestimated Shin and his dream.

At the same time, he was a bit cautious about whether to let Shin join Zodiacs or not.

After all, his dream could become a hindrance to the future plans of Zodiacs.

But, he quickly controlled his emotions and smiled.

"Is that so? That is certainly an amazing dream. I hope you can succeed."

Although he tried to maintain his positive image, just a split second of change in his expression was more than enough for Shin to understand him.

Staying in bed for two years, Shin had comprehended emotion reading to an extreme level.

He could easily see the fluctuation in John's expressions and immediately guess why would he change his expressions so much.

'This guy is definitely not an honest person. I need to be extremely careful of him.'

Shin's emotion flickering was on the same level as that of John. But, unlike Shin, John didn't have the ability to see through Shin's emotions that easily.

So, he didn't find out anything. Shin immediately changed his cautious expression to a smile and said.

"I believe in myself."

After that, they continued their journey toward the City of Desert.

Since it wasn't that far from the River of Silent, they reached the outer part of the desert in less than three hours.

"Were they letting the dog eat their brain when building a city at the middle of a desert?"

Barry who was covered in sweat couldn't help but complain as he walked in the desert.

It was too hot, almost impossible to not sweat.

"Mr. Barry, you are an interesting swordsman, do you know that?"

When John saw him complaining, unlike Shin and Hina, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"Am I?" Barry scratched his head and asked.

'Of course, you are. I have never seen a coward swordsman.'

John said that to his heart but he changed his words when it came out of his mouth.

"I have met quite a few swordsmen and they give me extremely chilling expression. It feels like I owe them something. Of course, I know that most of the swordsmen are often introverts but true swordsmen are even more than just introverts."

"But, you look completely different. Not only you are cheerful and have the aura that doesn't send people away, but you also have quite a humor."

"Is that so? Hehe! I guess I am a unique swordsman."

Barry couldn't help but burst into laughter while patting his head.

Seeing his expression, Shin couldn't help but shake his distress.

He knew that John meant different things but he didn't dare to say that in front of Barry so he twisted his words.

But, Barry wasn't smart enough to catch that. In fact, if Shin wasn't that good at reading emotions, even he wouldn't be able to catch them that easily.

After all, even Hina showed a somewhat convincing look.

Even she felt like Barry was quite different than swordsman she imagined.

She couldn't help but sneak a peek at Shin.

'Compared to him, Shin looks more like a swordsman. Not only he is cool but also has swordsmanship.'

Shin caught her sneak peek to which she quickly turned her head away and blushed.

Shin didn't say anything about it. He was just happy that Hina's feelings for him hasn't changed.

As for improving his relationship with her, he planned to do it when they will be alone in the future.

As they continued walking in the desert, it took them nearly two more hours to finally reach in front of the massive city gate.

The entire city was covered with giant walls that made it impossible to sneak inside unless one can climb a nearly ten meters tall wall.

"Huh! Where are the guards?"

When John saw that no one was standing at the gate, he couldn't help but frown. This was different than what he had learned.

"You mean city gate guards?" Shin couldn't help but ask.

"Yes, they often stand in front of the gate to inspect every person who enters the city and register them. So, it is surprising that there is no guard at the moment."

"And, I don't see any people near the gate as well which is quite confusing."

John nodded his head and explained.

"Anyway, let's go inside. I dying of heat. I need some water and cool air."

Barry who was dragging out his tongue couldn't help but feel extremely troubled. He immediately tried to walk forward.

Shin and Hina looked at each other before following him.

John also quickly followed them as they walked inside the gate.

"It's strange. There aren't many people on the main road as well." John scratched his head and muttered in confusion.

He only saw a few people that were inside their houses. As for the people walking on the road, the number was almost negligible.

"It seems like there is a problem in this city. Should we simply leave?" Shin immediately saw fear in those people's eyes so he didn't hesitate to suggest.

"But, what made them afraid? Aren't they protected by the city?" Barry couldn't help but ask in confusion.

"If there is a problem, are we going to simply just ignore it?" Unlike Shin and Barry, Hina had different thoughts about the current situation.

She felt that the city was facing a similar situation to that of her village.

"Why not ask first? After all, if we leave right now, we might have to spend the entire night in freezing cold." John suggested as he touched his chin.

"Your idea is good. Let's ask before we make any move." Shin thought for a moment and nodded his head.

Anyway, he wasn't afraid of any kind of enemy as long as they are not too strong.

They decided to find a house owner and ask but every house owner seem to chase them away without even talking.

"They are definitely afraid of someone."

Shin didn't think his deduction was wrong. He made a serious expression as he said that.

"So, what should we do? Are we going to do something or leave?" Barry scratched his head and ask.

Anyway, he wasn't afraid of any kind of trouble.

"Shin, let's try to find the problem!" Hina bit her lips and finally gathered her courage to make a request to Shin.

Although Shin was a bit hesitant to get involved in a troublesome situation, he thought of his Prestige Points and decided to agree.

Right now, he still had those remaining Prestige Points that he could use to increase his strength.

And, if conflicts do occur, he could earn a lot of PP.

So, he didn't think too much about it. After he agreed, Hina was ecstatic. She almost thought of giving him a kiss but she was too shy to take such a step.

But, at this moment, there was one person who wasn't happy. He was none other than John.

After Shin agreed, his expression instantly turned gloomy.

'Damn it! I made a wrong assumption. They are nothing but just kids who want to help others. And, I thought I could invite them.'

'Zodiacs don't need people who help others. They need cruel and strong people.'

Although he was angry, he didn't show it in his face. He was still a master at changing his expression. He quickly showed a worried expression and asked.

"But, will it cause us problems? After all, if our enemy is too strong, we might die."

"Mr. John, you are right. It might be dangerous. So, you don't have to get involved."

As soon as John spoke, Hina immediately used this opportunity to chase away John.

'Did she also see through John's disguise.'

Shin was amazed when Hina said that. But when he saw her expression, he immediately understood the situation.

'Damn it! Why is this guy sticking with us? If it was just Barry, I could easily get alone time with Shin but with this man, I haven't got a single second of alone time with Shin.'

'Go away, you bastard! Only then I can be alone with Shin, hehe!'

Hina's thoughts were completely different than that of Shin's thoughts of her.

So, when he saw her blush, he immediately understood the situation. But, he didn't say anything. Instead, he looked at John with interest.

After all, he was quite curious about what John will choose.

John was quite surprised by her words. Unlike Shin, he didn't see through her thoughts so he simply thought that she was a kind person.

But, he also had some ideas of his own. How could he easily leave?

He quickly shook his head and said.

"Of course, I can't leave. I promised Shin to forge him a weapon. How can I leave in the middle without fulfilling my promise? Besides, I am not afraid of danger otherwise I wouldn't have left my village."

Hearing his words, Hina's expression got gloomy but Shin quickly replied.

"Is that so? Then, let's find out the situation of the city first. Then, we will discuss on what we should do next."