Chapter 88

At this moment, there were about a dozen people gathered in a corner of the square.

Among these people, some were knights, while others were adventurers. One side was wearing standard armor and carrying standard swords, while the other side had their own equipment. The difference was not uniform, so it was easy to recognize them at once.

They gathered around several carriages, and in the middle of them was a carriage with an iron railing like a cage. It was obvious that this carriage was intended to be used for the transport of prisoners.

When Shien arrived, everyone in Vivian's team was already there. Vivian was talking to the leader of another adventurer team and some members of the knights, while Tierre was leaning against a carriage coldly with her arms crossed. Lucia and Merica were also whispering to each other beside Tierre, acting rather reserved.

This was because the adventurers and knights in the square couldn't help but glance in their direction from time to time. Even the patrolling knights and soldiers would sneak glances at them from time to time, which made them feel uneasy.

After all, there are only a bunch of old men who work and train all day under the sun. Suddenly throwing a few sweet and tasty little girls here … If the scene isn't serious, I'm afraid it'll become a plot in a book at any moment.

Shien couldn't help but complain. Then, he stepped forward and joined them.

Of course, Shien didn't join the so-called old men, but the adventurer team and the knights, which immediately attracted a lot of attention.

"You're here?"

Vivian, who was talking to someone, noticed Shien and smiled at Shien.

Not only Vivian, but Tierre, Lucia, and Merica also reacted to Shien's arrival. Although only one of them raised her head and looked at Shien, the other two hesitated and didn't know whether they should approach him or not, it also showed that Shien's treatment was different from that of the people around him.

"Sorry, am I late?"

Shien came to Vivian and apologized while scratching his head.

"No, you're quite early. Right now, only our team and another team of adventurers have arrived. There's still another team that hasn't reported in yet, and the knights are still preparing."

Vivian explained to Shien gently. Her amiable and approachable attitude made the surrounding men feel like they were being healed, and they looked at her with admiration again.

Of course, when they saw Shien, who could make Vivian speak to him with such a gentle smile, everyone looked at him with a refreshing and pleasant murderous aura.

If it were in the past, Shien would still complain about this situation, but he had already experienced enough similar situations, and couldn't be bothered to react.

Under such circumstances, Vivian moved slightly to the side, and the figure of the adventurer who had just been talking appeared in Shien's field of vision.

"Let me introduce you." Vivian said to Shien. "This is the captain of the other adventurer team that's carrying out the escort mission with us today, Arlis."

Vivian was referring to a middle-aged man in his forties who was wearing heavy armor and had a sword at his waist, just without a shield.

"You're the newbie that's been spreading around the guild recently, right?" Arlis flashed a refreshing smile at Shien, like a sunny uncle. "I didn't expect you to come. I thought that with Vivian's protectiveness, she wouldn't bring you along for such an important and slightly dangerous mission."

It wasn't just Arlis who thought so. Everyone else probably thought so too.

At the very least, the adventurers who seemed to be members of Arlis's team froze when they saw Shien. Then, they whispered to each other in surprise, obviously discussing this matter.

Shien didn't think much of it.

"I requested to come this time," Shien said humbly. "After all, it's a rare and important mission. Even if I'm lucky enough to pass the test and become an official adventurer, with my level, I don't know when I'll get another mission of this level. So, since it's a rare opportunity, I made use of Captain Vivian's gentleness and got her to bring me along to see the world and broaden my horizons."

This was what Shien had thought of a long time ago.

The reason was simple. For a high-level mission like this, anyone with a lower level would know that not only would they not be of help, but they might even be a burden.

While Shien didn't want to pretend to be a pig to eat a tiger, he also wouldn't advertise to the world how awesome he was. If he did that, there would definitely be people who would question him.

Since that was the case, Shien felt that it was better to take all the responsibility on himself first. Otherwise, it would be troublesome if others doubted Vivian.

It didn't take a genius to figure out that if Vivian, as the captain of a team preparing to carry out an important mission, brought a rookie to stroll around in this kind of situation, Shien could easily imagine several scenarios. For example, someone would look down on Vivian, or be dissatisfied with Vivian's way of doing things, and so on. They would think that she wasn't qualified as a captain.

When that time came, Shien was confident that he would send all those people flying. He wouldn't pretend to be a pig to eat a tiger and wait until the end to slap them in the face.

So, no matter what, he had to put the blame on himself first.

Hmm, he was used to pushing the blame to the point where he could even push the blame on himself. Could this be the highest level?

Just as Shien was thinking about this, Arlis laughed out loud.

"So that's how it is. Seeing the world?" Arlis patted Shien's back and said as if they were familiar with each other, "This is indeed a good opportunity. But I don't believe that the devil everyone talks about would come just to see the world. Besides, the Vivian I know wouldn't bring a rookie to carry out such a dangerous mission for such a reason. Don't tell me you're hiding something powerful?"

Hearing this, Shien gave Arlis a sidelong glance.

As expected of the captain of a high-ranking adventurer team. At first glance, he seems very familiar, but his thoughts are quite meticulous.

That was what Shien thought.

"Alright, Arlis, don't bully Shien." Vivian slapped Arlis's hand away from Shien and said unhappily, "Although Shien is a rookie, his future is boundless. Even Lily didn't oppose him participating in this mission. As a senior, help him to the best of your abilities. Don't be so frivolous all the time."

It seemed that Vivian and Arlis had a good relationship in private. She didn't seem to be too polite when they spoke.

"How strict." Arlis laughed and said, "Well, since he's a junior with a bright future, of course I'll do what I can. Let me look forward to your future development."

"Thank you." Shien gave his thanks for the time being.

However, at this moment, an untimely voice interfered.

"Level 10 at the age of 20 and hasn't learned any skills. Can such a rookie have a bright future?"