Chapter 180 - Unexpected Turn
If Rhode knew what Anne thought, then he would definitely have regretted flirting with her last night and should have just directly slapped her because it would be more effective. Luckily, he didn’t know what was Anne thinking about because after he woke up, she acted the same as her usual self, giggling around. There didn’t seem to be anything different. That’s why Rhode also no longer cared about that problem; he was more worried about the next problem. Rhode and Anne immediately left the inn when the sun rose to avoid any unwanted attention and walked toward the Black Pine Ruins.
The ancient Black Pine Ruins was located in the depths of Black Pine Forest. Previously, it was a huge palace, but after some time had passed, most of it became buried underground, so it was remote and dangerous. Normal people wouldn’t go there, although logically, there was no problem for Rhode to conquer this place by himself.
It was as if there were no one who came before him.
The mercenary group that the owner mentioned to him last night made him feel troubled. It had been a few days. Although the owner said that he didn’t see them come back, who knew what might have happened? What if they were still in the Black Pine Ruins? What if they found the thing they wanted and left? No one knew what happened. That’s why Rhode could only do his best. However, according to his understanding, they shouldn’t have found the Mystery Ball because the stronghold quest could still be completed and there didn’t seem to be any change. That’s why there should be no problem… But since this wasn’t a game, who knew?
Rhode was familiar with the Black Pine Ruins, so he quickly brought Anne to Black Pine Forest and arrived in its depths. Soon, they saw the ruins that were almost buried underground.
There was a huge tiled boulder, incomplete ruins, a palace entrance, and a cave hole. In the ground, there was a statue that was half buried in the ground and couldn’t be seen clearly. Everything was so memorable and familiar that standing before these ruins, Rhode felt nostalgic. It was as if he had arrived back in the game world. He was even suspicious of whether he was dreaming or had transmigrated back into the game.
“Hey, who are you?!”
When Rhode and Anne planned to enter the ruins, two, three mercenaries suddenly appeared. They were holding swords and looked at them vigilantly with a heavy killing intent.
“This place has been sealed by our Diamond Mercenary Group temporarily, and no one can enter. If you guys wanted to adventure, it’s better to change the place.”
Of course, the relationship between them had been like Mars colliding with Earth. The King’s party thought that the parliament was the traitor who sold their country and the parliament thought that the King’s party was too stubborn; because of past hatred, they couldn’t see the problem before them… The relationship between them was just like fire and water—it was not only reflected in politics, but even in commercial industries, civil society, and mercenary groups.
If what Anne remembered was right, then that mercenary group came from the parliament area.
What were they doing here?
Thinking until here, Rhode couldn’t help but be curious. Due to the difference in philosophy between the two parties, they were generally unwilling to go into each other’s area. After all, they would be treated as traitors. That’s why even if something happened to their mercenary group here, or if they mysteriously disappeared, no one would say anything. Although the parliament’s party might protest, the Paphield region would never care for their protest. They represent two completely different political interest, so there wouldn’t be any good as a result of succumbing to each other under such collision.
Leilakala was the parliament fanatic supporter area; there was one time they even declared independence from Munn Kingdom and was willing to become part of the Country of Light. However, it was all talks and no action. After Lydia sent her army to run several laps there and hung the idiot who clamored for independence behind the tail of a horse to parade on streets, no one actually dared to say anything in person.
That’s why the people there didn’t have a good impression toward the Munn Kingdom’s ruler, but now they actually came to Paphield?
It was too strange.
Thinking of this, Rhode made a decision. He had only intended to take the Mystery Ball and leave, but now it seemed like it was necessary for him to find out what they were going to do in Paphield. He had finally managed to get rid of the people the Country of Light had sent here, and enjoy some leisure time. Naturally, he didn’t want the people who were league with the Country of Light to look for trouble here. Since the mercenary group in the Paphield region was in a prohibition period, they didn’t have the time and energy to manage this. But since he had encountered them, it was impossible for him to sit idly.
“Follow me, Anne.”