Chapter 72: Disputes and Troubles

When I left the mining area, I was still immersed in the exhilarating sensation brought by my silver equipment. Fifty-four points of agility, a five percent boost to movement speed, plus the twenty percent increase granted by Swiftstride—I felt as though my whole body had melted into the air, transformed into wind, and was racing forward.

Escaping successfully from the cave, coupled with this unprecedented burst of speed, made me entirely forget I was still in the White Cloud Mining Area. Over and over, I activated Swiftstride, pushing my speed to the limit as I dashed toward the tunnel’s sole exit.

Along the way, a group of well-equipped players appeared in the passage. I paid them no mind, my pace unflagging, swiftly brushing past them until the exit was within sight.

Unbeknownst to me, that fleeting glance was enough to halt that team in their tracks.

The leading male mage watched as the Scavenging Qilin vanished down the tunnel, uttering a soft “hmm,” then turned to his companions:

“That person just now... level fifteen bow warrior? Did I see that right?”

“I wish it were an illusion,” the next to speak was the team’s only archer, an elf whose eyes were as refined and sharp as the mage’s, following the disappearing figure before pausing and giving a wry smile. “I never thought a bow warrior could run so fast, especially a first-tier one. That speed surpasses even second-tier warriors... But I suppose most of it comes from his gear. Tsk... Who would have guessed a newcomer at level fifteen could have a whole set of top-tier, high-agility archer equipment? That kid’s not ordinary.”

The elven archer, renowned in “Era of Magic” as the one with “the keenest eyes,” had, in a single glance, memorized the equipment worn by the Scavenging Qilin. As an expert in the profession, he knew the attributes of initial top-tier gear better than anyone present.

He couldn’t help but marvel inwardly: in that brief encounter, his acute senses picked up on the other’s fluid, terrifying movements—like a cheetah in full flight. Not only was he fast, but there was also a subtle sharpness that made it hard to meet his gaze, so much so that he didn’t even step forward to block him; had it been before... heh!

The mage immediately furrowed his brow at the archer’s words, asking gravely:

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“Top-tier level fifteen equipment? Scavenging Qilin... does this guy have any connection to the Dragonwolf Mercenary Corps?” At this, the rest of the team tensed.

“Probably not! I don’t recognize the name Scavenging Qilin, and he wasn’t wearing the 'Dragonwolf Badge' that marks a member. Most importantly, he’s only level fifteen; the Dragonwolf Mercenary Corps would never send a first-tier player here to die, especially one clad in a full set of first-tier top-tier silver gear. If you’re hunting for loot, you’d at least wear some junk, right?” The elf archer’s response visibly relaxed the group.

The mage nodded as well: that’s right. Even with a full set of top-tier gear, a fifteen-level rookie would stand no chance against the leader of the Occupiers. No way he’s a Dragonwolf scout.

Still, to possess a complete set of top-tier first-tier archer silver gear at fifteen... this is interesting. Scavenging Qilin—if he’s not someone with serious backing, then he must be exceedingly wealthy, and a skilled player to boot.

Clearly, the mage’s eyes, hidden beneath the shadows of his cloak, did not miss the subtle expression that flitted across the elf archer’s face.

...

After leaving the White Cloud Mining Area, I returned once more to Blackwind Forest.

To my surprise, the magic wolf pack outside Blackwind Forest seemed to have grown even larger.

Moreover, the players who rushed there had multiplied several times over. Some were sent back by the wolves, others ventured into the forest to level up, but most were simply onlookers, gathering in dense crowds to watch from afar.

It’s no wonder so many players were both tense and excited, unwilling to leave. Such a massive wolf pack forming during the day—and appearing outside Blackwind Forest—was exceptionally rare!

Of course, what truly gripped the players’ hearts was the drama behind this magic wolf pack...

The news of two senior Dragonwolf Mercenary Corps members being slain in one blow by the Supreme, and the Supreme’s calm departure afterwards, had already spread throughout Frostfall City and was even making waves online.

The solitary arrogance, madness, and power of a fourth-tier expert had driven countless power-hungry players into a frenzy. At the same time, it gave rise to a chorus of self-appointed moralists, cloaked in virtue and humility, launching debates on oppression and market bullying...

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This topic had quickly become the hottest discussion of the moment.

However, in the hours that followed, a series of incidents unfolded around Frostfall City, all pointing toward the Supreme Mercenary Corps. This phenomenon unleashed the players’ imaginations: some claimed the Dragonwolf Corps had formally declared war on the Supreme, others speculated the Dragonwolf Corps was joining forces with several major corps to retaliate against the Supreme.

In an instant, the already boiling Frostfall City felt as though a vat of sulfuric acid had been poured into it...

Players flocked in droves, all eager to witness the spectacle of the two great mercenary corps clashing.

Unfortunately, the troublemakers in Red Moon and White Cloud Mining Areas vanished without a trace after their disturbances; meanwhile, the magic wolf pack outside Blackwind Forest only grew larger, forcing countless first-tier players to seek new leveling grounds.

Of course, I wasn’t among those looking for a new place.

Not only were other leveling spots sure to be overcrowded during the day, but even if I managed to find a spot, gaining experience would be difficult; besides, those places weren’t necessarily peaceful...

Rather than wasting time traveling back and forth, it was better to take my chances inside Blackwind Forest. Now that I was level fifteen and equipped, as long as I found a magic wolf spawn point that hadn’t been lured away, I could settle in comfortably.

Yet, I had no idea that this thought would bring me so much trouble inside Blackwind Forest...

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