Thales had never heard of Crassus before. He also could not understand why the man named Stake's expression changed so suddenly.
But he knew who Stake was.
Six years ago, on the night of Dragon's Blood, this man stood in front of the Archduke of Black Sand Region with a radiant smile on his face. He negotiated with the infamous Chapman Lampard and asked for the right of ownership of the Prince of Constellation.
He and the forbidden organization behind him played an indispensable role in that unprecedented and earth-shattering coup. Whether it was Thales' thrilling assassination attempt at the fortress, Archduke Poffret's desperate confession before his death, or even the terrifying moment when the Born King's head fell to the ground, their figures seemed to be shuttling back and forth in the midst of it all.
They were everywhere, but they were also mysterious and untraceable. Every time they appeared, they brought blood and death with them. It was a ghastly sight to the spectators, and it was too late for the victims to regret it.
And the moment this group of people appeared again …
Thales took a deep breath, suppressed his anxiety and uneasiness, and focused his attention on the man. He did not even care about the look Quick Rope gave him.
In the field, Stake carefully observed the mercenaries around him.
The man solemnly discovered that even though the murderous and militaristic air around them had become stronger, no one had any intention of refuting him, nor did they show any strange expressions.
He did not lie.
Stake's heart sank. 'He is indeed Crassus.'
Things were a little beyond his imagination.
But …
"So you are this generation's Crassus."
"I have to say, I am a little surprised." Stake turned to Ricky. His tone became cautious and inexplicably cautious, like a thief glancing at his belongings outside the window.
"High-ranking people rarely take risks."
'High-ranking people?'
Thales shifted his attention to Ricky, but he could only see a rough, travel-worn face, the light leather armor commonly seen by desert mercenaries, and a crude and casual sitting posture.
No matter how he looked at it, he was just an ordinary mercenary leader.
The prince could not help but be puzzled. 'How is he a high-ranking person?'
"Or should I say …"
Stake's gaze was fixed on Ricky. He changed the topic and said tentatively, "What you are going to do tonight is really too important. Even with your high status, you have to do it personally?"
The mercenaries around them were silent, but many of them subconsciously looked at each other.
The silence lasted for a few seconds.
A smile appeared on Ricky's face, but it quickly disappeared.
"Indeed, an excellent leader doesn't have to take the risk and do everything himself." He nodded and said faintly, "But he must never lack the courage and responsibility to do so."
Stake raised his eyebrows and pretended to be enlightened.
"Extremely admirable."
The man smiled shyly and said, "But this makes me quite worried. You clearly have such an important mission, but you lack the necessary …"
But Ricky did not let him continue.
"… Otherwise." Ricky's gaze was fixed on Stake, but he continued to speak. He did not care whether Stake had spoken or not.
"As a leader, there will come a day when he will be reduced to trash behind the curtains. He will protect himself in a bubble of lies just to hide his cowardice and incompetence. He can only rely on hypocritical pretense and despicable means to win the trust of his companions, using empty threats and false incentives to maintain the obedience of his subordinates. "
Ricky's tone was very light, but it suddenly changed at the end.
"Tell me, how's Teng recently?"
Stake could not help but frown at his words.
Thales, who was listening by the side, was stunned.
'What … How's Teng recently?'
He did not understand the monosyllabic word.
But Stake's reaction made him quickly understand that it was a name.
'Teng.'
The moment he heard the name and saw Ricky's burning gaze, Stake's expression froze for a moment.
But he quickly adjusted himself and smiled again.
"Everything is well, Shadow Master." Stake bowed again. He looked at the mercenaries around him with a humble expression.
"As well as you."
'Shadow Master.'
Thales furrowed his eyebrows.
He was not the only one who seemed to have gained something.
"Damn it, Thales, I think …" Quick Rope's face was pale. He poked Thales under the table and whispered in disbelief, "I think I know who these people are …"
Thales nodded without batting an eyelid.
"As well as I do?"
"I don't think so." Ricky chuckled and shook his head. He raised a finger and pointed at Stake, who was sitting across from him.
"If he was as good as I am … then Teng would not have sent you, a person who is permanently stationed in Dragon Clouds City, into the Great Desert, into the Constellatiates' Blade Fangs Camp, into the territory that is extremely dangerous for all of you."
"I don't remember Kessel the Fifth pardoning you."
Compared to his previous kind persuasion, Ricky became fierce when he faced Stake.
The tavern owner, Kampa, who sat across from him could not help but break out in cold sweat.
Stake furrowed his eyebrows tightly.
'That's not right.
It shouldn't be like this. '
In this risky and unique meeting, he should be the one to initiate the conversation, make suggestions, and state his conditions.
'But …'
At that moment, Stake realized, to his dismay, that the initiative in this conversation was firmly held in the other party's hands.
"If he was as good as I am …" Ricky's expression turned cold. His tone was as tense as a noose around his neck.
"Then, he wouldn't have sent you to us like a stupid, arrogant blackmailer who knowingly delivered yourself to us at a moment that we valued so much, claiming that 'I know what you're going to do' in a pretentious, secretive, and mystifying way of saying, 'I know what you're going to do'.
Ricky said in disgust, "As if you really have us in your hands."
Stake's pupils slowly shrank. "Everyone, you mean …"
"Do you remember, Stake?"
Beside Ricky, the middle-aged swordsman, Klein, stared at Stake, as if there was a stain on his face. His voice was hoarse. "We have a score to settle."
Stake put on a puzzled look.
"Six years ago in Dragon Clouds City, you used our name to stir up trouble in the most dangerous place in Eckstedt and did whatever you wanted." The middle-aged Northlander swordsman was like a leopard that had its eyes on its prey.
"Thanks to you, we lost a lot of people, including my students. Calamities, Great Dragons, rebellion, chaos, and even Dragon Clouds City's settlement after the incident.
"Those days were not easy.
Do you think we will let you off so easily? "
Stake's gaze froze.
The mercenaries became restless. They cast dissatisfied and hateful gazes at Stake.
'Six years ago in Dragon Clouds City …'
Beside him, Quick Rope's breathing became faster. He even clenched his fists.
For some reason, Marina, who was behind him, also looked like she was gnashing her teeth. She stared at Stake, who was being condemned by the masses.
Stake sighed.
"I am deeply sorry about this. Please accept my apology."
Klein said disdainfully and sarcastically, "Apology?"
The mercenaries snorted in disdain.
But Stake was not affected at all. It was as if he was a hypocrite who had nothing to do with it. After hearing about a tragedy in the distance, he pretended to be sad, to prove his humanity, and to gain understanding from others.
"We were also surprised by what happened that year … but I came here today with absolute sincerity. I want to propose a win-win proposal …"
But Ricky raised his head gently.
"There is no 'win-win' between us."
He flatly rejected Stake's words, causing the latter to be stunned.
"When you entered the door, we hated your arrogant face, hated the timing of your appearance, hated your self-righteous tongue, and hated the blood debt you left behind in the past."
Ricky said coldly, "And we are not interested in your so-called proposal or secret, which you pretend to be mysterious."
Stake's expression immediately stiffened.
"Bastards who live in darkness and rot, flies who chase after chaos and the stench of corpses," Ricky said without any positive emotions as he stared at the frozen Stake.
"Now, do you understand our attitude?"
Stake clenched his fists. His face was full of disbelief.
"Why are you still wasting time here?" At the same table, Masked Man sighed and knocked on the table. "Our schedule today is very full."
Klein, the Northland swordsman, snorted coldly.
As he snorted, almost all the mercenaries in the tavern held their weapons with cold expressions. Some of them even took a step forward.
In the face of the aggressive mercenaries, Stake was stunned. He subconsciously sized up his surroundings.
Klein said coldly, "Don't look elsewhere, Stake. I promise you, if anything happens, before your head falls to the ground, your companions who are waiting outside will not be able to do anything."
As a bystander, Thales quietly moved his head back a little. Quick Rope continued to stare at Stake.
The tavern became completely quiet, but no one would think that the atmosphere at that moment was comfortable.
Stake looked at the situation around him and frowned.
'Damn it.
'This group of brainless muscular men.'
But he could not turn against them.
He could not.
He still needed them.
'This group of damn …'
"If you kill me here, the Constellatiates will immediately find out about your conspiracy here …" The Constellatiates' eyes widened.
Stake lowered his head with a serious expression. "Your plan will not succeed."
Ricky sighed.
"It seems like he doesn't understand."
In the next second, a flash of sword light suddenly flashed!
At a speed that surpassed what Thales could see with his naked eye, it instantly shot out of Klein's hand.
Thales, who had been paying attention to the conversation and was caught off guard, felt his eyebrows twitch!
But fortunately, the tip of the sword was not aimed at him.
The sudden flash of sword light stopped in front of Stake's neck.
A second later, Stake, who had reacted to the situation, could not help but take a step back. His face was pale!
* Whoosh! *
The gust of sword wind had just blown past.
Klein held a strange longsword with a blood groove and a hollow blade. The blade quietly stopped in front of Stake.
The mercenaries seemed to be used to this. They were not bothered and laughed.
Stake's breathing rose and fell, but he forced himself to remain calm and said, "Do you really want to do this?"
Klein raised the strange-looking longsword and shook his head gently. "This is' Twilight '. When it tears open your blood vessels …"
As he spoke, he moved his longsword forward slightly and pressed it against Klein's neck.
Stake's pupils instantly shrank.
'Damn it!'
"Alright, I understand!"
He instantly raised his hands, panted, and admitted defeat. Finally, Klein stopped his longsword. "Honorable Crassus, and everyone else.
"It is your choice whether or not you want to listen to my suggestion …
"And I am willing … I am willing to answer all your questions."
His posture was humble, and his tone was respectful.
The three leading mercenaries looked at each other.
"Very good." Ricky curled up the corners of his lips.
"Compared to the nonsense you talked at the beginning … you're finally starting to speak like a human."
Stake exhaled and reexamined the 'Crassus' in front of him in indignation and uneasiness.
Klein snorted coldly and put away his longsword, which was so fast that it could not be seen clearly.
Ricky said faintly, "Tell me, how did you set your eyes on us?"
A few seconds later, Stake sighed, as if he had accepted his fate.
"The Tower of Eradication."
At this moment, Thales saw many mercenaries involuntarily clench their fists or weapons. Their breathing quickened.
Klein and the Masked Swordsman frowned and looked at each other.
Only their leader, Ricky's expression did not change.
"Yes, I know." Stake touched his neck, gritted his teeth, and said, "We have eyes and ears there."
Ricky continued to ask, "What did you hear?"
"Not long ago, the Tower of Eradication was ambushed one night."
Stake cautiously looked around at the mercenaries around him and observed their expressions.
"The enemy's origins are unknown, they are powerful, and there are many of them. The line of defense and alarms were broken through layer by layer. The invaders were only forced to retreat when they attacked the House of Legacy," Stake said in a tone as if he was telling a story.
"According to our people, during the invasion, some 'supernatural' and unusual powers also appeared."
Thales' eyebrows twitched.
'Wait.
'Not long ago.
Tower of Eradication.
'Was ambushed …
'Supernatural …'
The Prince of Constellation blinked, and in horror, he recalled a 'lesson' a long time ago.
At that time, the person who was about to go on a long journey said to him …
'No way?
Is it what I think it is? '
"This is one of the few vicious incidents in the history of the Tower of Eradication. Even if the Gray Sword Guards kept it strictly confidential, it was difficult for them to cover up everything. All eight major sects suffered heavy casualties. Even Constellation's Red King's army besieged Sharp Blade Valley two hundred years ago was not as exaggerated as this."
Stake sneered and looked at the dozens of mercenaries. "You did it, didn't you? At least you were involved? You worked with Blood Bottle Gang, and they recruited many Psionic warriors from the Western Desert … "
The mercenaries around them were in a commotion.
'Blood Bottle Gang.'
Thales covered his head in his heart. He felt that his guess was getting closer to the truth.
Klein shook his head. "It has nothing to do with you.
"After that, you fled into the desert and returned to Blade Fangs Camp. You hid in Blood Whistle, and one of our spies in the desert recognized you."
Stake continued to speak.
"But Blade Fangs Camp wanted to send their troops to the desert. After they issued the blockade order, your mercenary group did not disperse, even though there was no more business. Instead, you continued to recruit people from all over the place. So I thought that no matter what you encountered in the Tower of Eradication, you did not intend to give up.
"That is why I sent someone to leave a message for you: We will visit tonight."
Masked Man snorted in disdain.
Ricky and Klein did not say anything.
"Listen, I don't care about the grudge between you and the Tower of Eradication. After all, you have been fighting against each other for more than a hundred years." When Stake saw this, he rolled his eyes and continued, "I also don't care why you ambushed that place. Do you want to vent your anger, stage a coup, or dig for treasure …"
'You have been fighting against the Tower of Eradication for more than a hundred years …'
A thought appeared in Thales' mind.
"But I know that you are not having a good time right now. The invaders must have paid a hefty price to make the famous Tower of Eradication, which stands firmly between two powerful countries, suffer such damage."
Stake's eyes brightened. He raised his hand and spoke in a high-spirited tone, as if he had forgotten the awkwardness and humiliation just now. "Now, no matter what you want to do, you will definitely lack manpower, especially when you want to break the infamous Prison of Bones in Constellation's Blade Fangs Camp and launch an unprecedented prison raid …"
'What?'
Thales could not react for a moment.
But the others were different.
At that moment, be it Ricky, Klein, or Masked Man, all of them suddenly raised their heads!
They stared at Stake, who was in front of them.
It was as if they could not believe it.
The mercenaries also became restless. There was a slight uproar.
"What are they doing?"
Quick Rope whispered to Thales in disbelief, "These people, they want to … raid the Prison of Bones, that damn place? There must be something wrong with their brains! "
In the field, Stake continued to speak, "This will not be an easy task …"
However, in the next moment, the familiar flash of a sword came!
Klein's longsword was once again pressed against Stake's throat.
"Who told you that?!" the middle-aged Northlander swordsman asked coldly.
"Damn cockroach." It was the Masked Man.
Ricky frowned. "How did you know?"
Stake, who once again fell into misfortune, panted rapidly. But this time, he refuted in a manner that was neither servile nor overbearing.
"A few days ago, you deliberately sent some people into the Prison of Bones to act as spies when the time comes." Stake snorted coldly and said, "Tonight, you decided to gather here. You even chased away and kidnapped our men, including this tavern owner …
"Isn't this obvious?!"
* Bang! *
On the other side, Tampa, who had been silent for a long time, was dumbfounded. He slammed his palm on the table.
"F * ck!
"Is that why you kidnapped me?"
The tavern owner suppressed his anger. He was surprised and bewildered. "You already knew that 'My Home' is a place that provides supplies to the Prison of Bones …
"You wanted to wait until dawn, and then use our fleet to transport supplies —"
Shawn the mercenary slapped the back of his head and swallowed Tampa's words.
"Shut up."
'Why?'
'Why do they want to break out of the prison?
What do they want to rob?
Most importantly, if this group of mysterious mercenaries really want to do this …
What will they do with Tampa and the two of them? '
The chaotic scene lasted for a few seconds before Ricky raised his arm again and calmed down.
"We underestimated you, Stake." Ricky seemed to be deep in thought. His eyes were bright.
"You do have some skills to be Teng's right-hand man and assistant."
Under his signal, Klein sheathed his longsword.
'Teng.'
Stake, who heard this name again, twitched his eyebrows in a barely noticeable manner.
"See, I was right, wasn't I?" Stake exhaled and carefully observed Ricky's reaction. "Your plan is too rushed, and you don't have enough manpower … but what if we can help you?"
Ricky did not speak.
The mercenaries did not either.
"I know why you chose this moment and not any other time, Honorable Crassus."
Stake walked forward slowly. His expression returned to the confidence and calmness he had when he first came.
"Now, the Stardust Unit, Skull Guards, Raven Whistle Light Cavaliers, Black Lion Infantry Regiment, and a few professional mercenaries who are related to them — these are the most elite, fastest, and loyal troops in the camp. For some reason, they followed Williams to the frontlines of the desert, and they will not be able to provide reinforcements for the time being.
"And those who are left behind are either inferior garrison soldiers, light infantrymen who lack mounts, temporary recruits from various parts of the Western Desert, or even auxiliary soldiers and laborers who rarely go to the battlefield. The baron is not around, and there is no commanding officer with enough authority to suppress them. They belong to the royal family and the local nobles, and they are in constant conflict. They might seem to have more troops than usual, but in truth, their management is chaotic, their commands are disorderly, and their dispatch is inefficient.
"This is a rare opportunity for you to break out of the prison. Compared to facing the Legendary Wing's strict military formation, is there a better time than this?"
Stake looked around and waved at the mercenaries around him, completely ignoring their displeased gazes.
"That's why you were able to gather so many people and take down this tavern so easily. I heard from the locals that if it were any other time, Williams would have thrown any suspicious warriors who gathered for no reason into prison and stripped them naked. They would not be able to come out without paying twenty gold coins to each of them."
Stake's animated explanation came to an end. He turned around confidently and looked at Ricky, who was deep in thought.
"Breaking out of the prison during chaos? You're right." Stake raised a finger.
"But it's still too difficult.
"For you, even if you are professional mercenaries who have fought in wars for many years, even if you are only facing the old, the weak, and the disabled, it is still not easy. If you fail, casualties are inevitable, and your safety cannot be guaranteed. I really do not want you to experience the Tower of Eradication's devastating ambush again."
When he said this, the mercenaries' expressions changed.
In the next second, Stake's tone changed, and a bewitching look appeared in his eyes.
"But with us here, it's different."
Ricky was still deep in thought. Klein looked at him coldly and did not say a word. Masked Man's expression was even more exaggerated. When he stared at Stake, there was never any emotion other than hatred and disgust in his eyes.
"You know what we are capable of …"
Stake tried his best to make his words sound more tempting. "With us here, you don't need this lousy plan, and you don't need this talkative boss."
Tampa stared at him fiercely.
Stake's eyes lit up. "We can provide you with the most accurate information and information, fight for the best conditions and timing to take action, and even help you move out of the Prison of Bones, or even paralyze the guards in the Prison of Bones within a short period of time, so that you can prepare a safe escape. You don't need to disguise yourself as a transport team in fear and sneak into your destination, or draw your swords and break through those damn prison doors by force, paying a huge price."
He clenched his fists lightly.
"You will get what you want faster, better, and easier, no matter what it is."
Stake paused for a moment, as if he wanted to observe the crowd's reaction.
"Honorable Crassus, and all powerful warriors."
Stake spoke again.
"At this moment, your swords are the greatest support we can find in this unfamiliar and hostile land." At this moment, he was incredibly humble. He clasped his hands together, and his expression was respectful and submissive. "And we are the best eyes and ears you can find in a place full of powerful enemies."
Stake carefully looked at each pair of eyes that passed through his line of sight.
"But no matter which side we are on, we are all alone and without help here. You are a mercenary group that has been ostracized, and we are wanted criminals that everyone wants to beat up. No one can face Williams, Blade Fangs Camp, Western Desert, and the colossus behind them and their powerful support — Constellation."
Stake widened his eyes and spread his arms. "So I suggest that we work together with sincerity and take what we need. We will help you easily open the door to the Prison of Bones.
"Disaster Sword and Shadow Shield. Is there a better combination than this?"
The tavern became completely quiet. Only the warriors' breathing could be heard. It rose and fell, and the rhythm was irregular.
Stake observed the other people's expressions without changing his expression. His eyes moved back and forth.
It was as if a year had passed.
In the end, Ricky took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "Shadow Shield …
"What do you want?"
As soon as he said this, Klein and Masked Man turned their heads swiftly and stared at Ricky.
But Ricky ignored them.
"What do you want to do in the camp with our strength?"
On the other side, Stake smiled.
He rubbed his hands together and slowly raised his head.
"We have very reliable information." Stake's tone was cautious. He continued to observe even the slightest expression on the face of the person in front of him.
"A priceless target that involves all parties has just crossed the desert today and arrived at Blade Fangs Camp."
'A priceless … target?
'What?'
At this moment, Marina only needed to lower her head to notice that the red-haired young man and the black-haired boy sitting in front of her had stiffened.
"That is our mission."
Ricky narrowed his eyes.
"The target may receive unimaginable reinforcements at any time. Hordes of troops and countless experts, incessant reinforcements, and thorough security are far from something that can be taken care of by stealth or brute force."
Stake smacked his lips and nodded with a cold smile.
Under the watchful eyes of countless mercenaries, Thales and Quick Rope sat still. Their gazes were dull.
In the teenager's hell's senses, he heard Tampa's indignant breathing rise and fall, Marina's cold snort resounded in his ears, and the mercenaries' whispers were endless.
There was also his and Quick Rope's heartbeats.
Only faster and faster.
Heavier and heavier.
"And we, the honorable Crassus, and all of you …"
Stake lowered his head, as if he was treasuring some secret.
"What we need to do is to work together and take down this target in the camp, who is not easy to deal with, but has great rewards …"
Thales and Quick Rope fixed their gazes on Stake.
They were anxious and terrified, but they did not dare to show even a hint of their terrible mood.
Under many people's puzzled and hesitant gazes, Stake looked like a question maker who revealed the answer to a riddle at the last moment. With a malicious smile, he said softly, "The Second Prince of Constellation, the only heir to the supreme king.
"Thales …
"Jadestar."
At that moment, the Prince of Constellation's expression froze.
Even his breathing stopped at that moment.
Beside him, Quick Rope showed a gratified smile, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders …
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