On the opposite side, a woman and a man, their bodies cloaked in hoods, walked in unison.
Their gazes were fixed ahead on a small mountain range clothed in a thick forest.
"Could it be that the underground organization known for kidnappings and assassinations in the Balka Empire is hiding around this mountain?" The man gradually pushed back his hood, revealing a curious expression as he turned to the woman by his side.
In time, the woman also threw back her hood, unveiling an exceptionally beautiful face framed by short black hair that cascaded loosely over her shoulders.
"Yes, indeed. This is the very location indicated by Arthur himself, and it appears to be accurate," said the woman, none other than Carina.
She promptly unfurled a map she held in her hand and nodded in affirmation.
Upon hearing Carina's assertion, the man, revealed to be Rian, offered a slight nod.
"Very well, I understand," Rian replied before partially closing his eyes.
He began to harness the energy within him, gradually lowering himself to the ground.
Carina discreetly observed him, then settled onto the ground herself, seeking to restore her own vitality.
After their recent departure from the tavern, the duo swiftly journeyed toward the northern region, their speed astonishingly rapid and almost unreal.
Notably, Rian insisted on employing his wind-based elemental power, collaborating with Carina to amplify their pace.
Thanks to his regained pinnacle strength, the ensuing fatigue proved bearable, and his mana reserves swiftly replenished without issue.
In bygone times, Rian's body had been afflicted by toxins and grave injuries that impeded the flow of his mana.
This rendered the mere practice of the elemental arts a torturous endeavor, with the discomfort permeating his entire being.
However, that is now a thing of the past.
Conversely, Carina, possessing the strength of an early-level elemental saint, found herself weary and drained.
Her origins lay as an ordinary individual, altered by the assassin organization that had abducted her in her earlier years.
Consequently, the power she wielded stemmed not merely from innate talent.
This fact also implied that her prowess was not on par with that of individuals at a similar level.
Nevertheless, her specialization in assassination skills, rather than direct confrontation, bestowed upon her a notable advantage.
Following half an hour of respite, Rian's eyes fluttered open, a sigh escaping him.
"Very well... We shall advance directly and vanquish them all!" His gaze turned incisive, and he sprang to his feet abruptly.
With a subtle nod, Carina also rose, aligning herself by Rian's side.
"Let's proceed!" The two locked eyes briefly before fading into the void.
...
Within a spacious, well-concealed cavern draped in foliage...
"Hehehe, at last, we've laid hands on a magnificent and lucrative prize!" A brawny figure, muscles rippling, guffawed gleefully, his hand gripping a goblet of wine.
"Absolutely! This haul promises a handsome reward. I can't even fathom the commission the boss will bestow upon us, hahaha!" At his side, a man of shorter stature but long hair joined in the laughter, raising a wine-filled glass to his lips.
The brawny individual overheard this and chortled, offering a nod of agreement.
"Indeed, you're right. This catch guarantees us months of carefree living in the comforts of the embroidery house, with our coffers amply stocked! Hahaha!" He reclined in contentment, visions of the future spinning in his mind.
The shorter companion also assented, and in a heartbeat, their wine glasses clinked in unison.
"To prosperity! Clang!" The chime of wine-filled glasses resonated, accompanied by their shared mirth.
Amidst their reverie and happiness, a sudden cascade of footsteps reverberated within the cavern, prompting an immediate cessation of revelry.
Mutual glances were exchanged between the pair, culminating in synchronized nods.
"Our boss has arrived," the bald man declared with fervor, setting down his wine-filled vessel and rising from his seat, quickly followed by his shorter companion.
"Thud! Thud!"
Footfalls resounded, unveiling a tall figure adorned with an intense countenance.
Flanking this individual were two others, completing the trio's entrance.
"Boss!" The duo offered swift, respectful greetings, exuding palpable delight.
Acknowledging their salutations with a slight nod, the sharp-featured man promptly remarked, "I'm thoroughly pleased with your tenacity in capturing such extraordinary treasures."
The commendation bestowed by the man elicited exchanged glances between the two accomplices, their smiles speaking volumes.
"We deeply appreciate your commendation, boss!" The bald man feigned respect, brimming with excitement.
"Absolutely, boss! Your praise isn't necessary; we always ensure the goods we acquire are top-notch. You can always count on us!" The short man lavished his words with flattery, his laughter evident.
Absorbing the flattery, the man merely offered a faint smile without further commentary.
"Proceed to distribute the prepared rewards to these two." He directed his gaze toward the man at his side, the guard, as well as the one who had been standing by.
"Understood!" The guard responded with respect, entering the cavern briefly before returning a few minutes later, carrying a substantial box.
Placing the box on the table, the guard meticulously unlatched it.
"Swish!"
In an instant, an array of gold coins, diamonds, and even a selection of low-grade crystal stones came into view.
Confronted by this staggering display of riches, the bald man and the short man found their hearts racing and their mouths dry.
"Can this truly be our spoils?" The bald man inquired, his disbelief evident as he locked his gaze on the sharply featured man.
In response, the man merely offered a gentle smile, accompanied by a slight nod.
"Indeed, that's the entirety of it, and it impeccably reflects the effort you've invested," he responded with casual ease, as if the wealth laid out before him held little significance.
The bald man and his shorter companion exchanged gleeful glances, their expressions morphing into sheer delight.
"Boss, our gratitude knows no bounds! Hahaha!" The bald man erupted into hearty laughter, cautiously sealing the golden casket to preserve its contents.
"Absolutely, boss! Our heartfelt thanks, hahaha!" The shorter man joined in the jubilation, his palms rubbing together exuberantly.
Following a brief exchange of pleasantries, the bald man seized the box on the table, his grin bordering on foolishness.
"Well then, boss, we extend our gratitude for everything!" With a respectful salute, he voiced his appreciation, with the short man replicating the gesture.
Acknowledging their gratitude, the sharp-faced man merely nodded, his rejoinder measured: "You're welcome. However, I trust you're aware of the significance of any valuable items, yes?"
His intense gaze held a subtext that spurred their swift nods.
"Indeed, boss! We'll secure the goods and ensure they don't find their way to other merchants." The bald man thumped his sturdy chest, making an oath.
"Rest assured, boss!" The short man affirmed, pledging his allegiance.
Affirming their commitment with a light nod, the sharp-faced man concluded, "Very well, then. I anticipate the outcome."
With renewed nods, the duo took their leave, exiting to leave behind the sharp-faced man and his two sentinel figures.
Observing their retreating figures, the guard at the sharp-faced man's side couldn't suppress his curiosity.
"I'm still uncertain why you choose to reward them when we could eliminate both of them at minimal expense, isn't that so?" He inquired, seeking clarity.
Upon hearing this, the sharp-faced man chuckled, his head shaking subtly.
"True, that method would certainly entail negligible costs. Nevertheless, you must bear in mind that this approach would lead to the loss of individuals capable of handling high-quality merchandise. That, in turn, would adversely impact our operations," the man replied impassively.
"Yet, do you truly find it necessary to reward them so generously?" The guard persisted, his incomprehension lingering.
A contemplative expression played across the serious-faced man's features, a strange chuckle escaping him.
"Hehe, it's accurate that the cost is substantial. However, have you considered that the commodities they bring us yield considerable profit? Even the compensation we extend to them pales in comparison to the gains we stand to reap in the future," the man elucidated, his smile bearing a frosty edge.
The guard's comprehension deepened as he absorbed the detailed response from his sharp-faced superior.
"You're correct, boss, for the quality of our acquisitions is unmatched!" A cryptic smile curled his lips, and the trio turned as one, directing their gaze into the cave's depths.
...
"Hahaha! Fortunate souls we are! A windfall!" The bald man chortled, bearing a box laden with gold coins and an assortment of diamonds, his laughter echoing.
"Hahaha! Riches at last!" The short man joined in the mirth, their laughter converging as their eyes met, the jubilant echoes persisting.
"I ponder which lavish establishment we'll grace with our first visit," the bald man mused, his gaze momentarily fixated on the treasure cradled within the box.
Amidst his companion's whimsical query, the short man simulated contemplation, his chin resting in his hand.
"What if we secure two grand chambers within the Empire-renowned Fantasy Building?" The short man's suggestion elicited a spark of enthusiasm within the bald man.
"Exactly! I've heard the caliber of women there is unparalleled and exceptional!" Affirmation was traded through exchanged glances, their steps tracing a path while their fantasies took flight.
Yet, unbeknownst to them, concealed within the foliage, two figures stood sentinel, intently observing their every move.
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