Mann walked ahead, gently holding Mei’s hand. At this moment, he was no longer afraid.
“Master Mann, where are we going next?”
“The Mercenary Guild.”
In the original novel, the Second Imperial Princess, the main character, had been investigating the Heretic God Sect. But due to her status, she could only form a mercenary group to cover it up. If he could gain her help, there might be hope of survival.
But at this point in time, she still didn’t know the Heretic God Sect’s whereabouts or their goals.
‘Besides, she doesn’t know me. Without a foundation of trust, how can I convince her?’
‘And the place where my predecessor died was a mountain area far from the Mathus Nobility’s territory. It seems they deliberately avoided the princess’s influence. There are probably spies within the territory as well.’
With that in mind, he needed to be more cautious. At the very least, he couldn’t easily reveal his identity outside the mansion.
Thinking this, Mann subconsciously tugged at his cloak.
Before long, the master and servant arrived at the Mercenary Guild.
The guild wasn’t very large. The signboard next to the entrance had many cracks from long exposure to wind and sun.
Many mercenaries were coming and going. They cast strange glances at the oddly dressed pair.
Mann ignored them and walked straight to the receptionist at the front desk.
“I need a private meeting.”
As he spoke, he showed the Mathus Nobility crest.
The receptionist’s pupils contracted sharply, but quickly returned to normal.
Then he announced to everyone in the guild:
“The guild is closing early today. Please leave.”
At his words, the guild’s armed personnel began to usher the mercenaries out.
This naturally drew complaints, and curses rang out one after another.
But the receptionist paid no attention.
“Please follow me, honored guests,” he said softly, his attitude extremely respectful.
Guided by the receptionist, the pair arrived at a very spacious meeting room.
“Please forgive our poor hospitality. How can I be of service?”
“I have a commission to assign to the Griffin Mercenary Corps,” Mann said flatly.
“But as far as I know, that mercenary corps does not accept assignments…”
“Tell them I have information on a cult organization.”
Mann then handed the receptionist a small pouch of Can Coins.
“I don’t want anyone to know my movements. Time is limited. You know what to do…”
The receptionist said nothing more. He bowed deeply, then turned and left.
“Griffin… that’s the empire’s top mercenary corps, right? What exactly is the Heretic God Sect?”
Faced with Mei’s question, Mann wasn’t surprised. Since she was on his side, hiding information from her was pointless.
“Mei, you’ve heard the legend of the God of Destruction, right?”
“The God… of Destruction?”
“The evil god who started the war of annihilation a thousand years ago? Wasn’t he finally vanquished by the Four Gods leading humanity? Why would anyone worship such a demon?”
Mann was momentarily at a loss for words. In the original novel, although the author never stated it outright, there were hints that the legends of the past weren’t true.
But Mann didn’t intend to reveal that to anyone. After all, being branded a blasphemer was no joke.
“Just a bunch of fanatics. Treat them like madmen.”
“Hehe, it seems our noble’s illegitimate son knows quite a bit.”
A frivolous voice came from outside the door, laced with hostility and contempt.
“The strongest mercenary corps lives up to its reputation—able to uncover my identity in such a short time.” Mann was startled inwardly, but his expression remained calm.
With the creak of the door opening, a young man with short silver-white hair, clad in armor, walked in slowly.
“Oh, look at my memory—I forgot to pay my respects.”
As he spoke, he gave a disdainful bow toward Mann.
“Dan Luo Fei Luo En, mercenary of the Griffin Mercenary Corps. Paying respects to the noble’s esteemed illegitimate son.”
He deliberately emphasized the last three words, “illegitimate son.” Anyone could see he was trying to humiliate.
The receptionist at the side turned pale. Caught between the top-tier mercenary corps and a noble’s son, he could only find an excuse to slip away.
“You insolent—!”
Mei was about to rush forward, but Mann stopped her. He looked up and down at the arrogant Dan Luo.
“The Griffin Mercenary Corps is said to be the strongest in the empire, right?”
“Without a doubt.”
Dan Luo replied confidently.
“You’ve been investigating the Heretic God Sect for so long with no progress. I thought the reputation was exaggerated, but now that I see you…”
Mann stopped his appraisal and put on a disgusted expression.
“…it’s no surprise. After all, having someone with a dull mind dragging the team down is only natural.”
Seeing Dan Luo’s face turn pale and red, Mann almost laughed out loud.
Against a veteran troll like him, an opponent of this level was practically a child.
“What did you say?”
“If this is your mercenary corps’s sincerity, then there’s no need to continue talking. Mei, let’s go.”
“Think you can leave? Apologize first! Otherwise…”
“I have to remind you—even as an illegitimate son, I’m still part of a noble family. Blocking my path right now—I can take that as a provocation, can’t I?”
Mann stood up, walked to Dan Luo, and stared him down.
“Say that again. ‘Otherwise’ what?”
Faced with Mann’s imposing aura, Dan Luo, who had intended to intimidate him and extract information on the Heretic God Sect, found himself at a disadvantage, unable to advance or retreat.
This man called Mann was like a completely different person from the cowardly, incompetent illegitimate son of the rumors.
“Lord Mann, please calm down.”
Mann just smiled.
“Let’s skip the boring tests. You’re someone who can speak for the mercenary corps, right? How about we talk in detail?”
“As you wish.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, the space on one side of the table suddenly twisted. A burly man in heavy armor appeared abruptly in the meeting room.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop a few degrees with his arrival.
He bowed to Mann.
“Phantom Rampart Duruf. I apologize for my subordinate’s rudeness.”
‘A general under the princess has come. Looks like the investigation of the Heretic God Sect hasn’t been going smoothly.’
“I’ll make this short. I’m sure you’ve already gathered enough information about me.”
Mann turned around, pulled out a chair, and sat back down.
“I want you to serve as my escort. Once I reach Duke Campbell’s territory, I will provide information on the Heretic God Sect and 10,000 Can Coins as compensation.”
Mann waved his hand. Mei behind him immediately understood and placed a pouch of Can Coins on the table.
“These 3,000 Can Coins are a down payment and a sign of my sincerity.”
Duruf looked at the pouch, his expression puzzled.
“Apologies, but we only want the information on the Heretic God Sect. As for the escort role, I can recommend other mercenary corps.”
“I only want you as my escort. As for the compensation, that’s negotiable.”
Duruf was silent for a moment, then refused again.
“If you’re not willing to provide more information, then I’m afraid we cannot cooperate.”
“Is that so? What a pity.”
Mann stood up and ordered Mei to put away the Can Coins.
“It seems we have no chance to work together this time. Until we meet again. I hope your purge of the Heretic God Sect goes smoothly.”
Duruf watched the two leave. He wasn’t sure if Mann really had information on the Heretic God Sect, but that man was definitely problematic.
“What is it?”
The Communication Artifact hanging from his waist suddenly sounded. The voice was melodious yet commanding.
“No information obtained, but I believe Mann Mathus himself is the bigger problem.”
After a brief silence, the Artifact issued another order.
“Follow him secretly. Don’t expose yourself. If he’s connected to the Heretic God Sect, detain him. I’ll handle it afterward.”
“As you command, Your Highness the Princess.”