Three days passed unnoticed. The journey out of the Fire Cloud Forest was relatively safe; they only encountered low-level magical beasts below level three, which were easily manageable with their current strength.

They planned to head to the nearest location, Kate City, to report their success at the Mercenary Guild. Along the way, Kaily bought a set of cleric robes for Mo Han—a white robe that contrasted sharply with his black hair and bright eyes, making his tall figure appear even more striking and handsome, causing the two beautiful women to feel a noticeable flutter in their chests.

Mo Han also learned that Kaily's current group, the Sky Cloud Mercenary Corps, was an E-rank guild, only one tier above the lowest G-rank, a status they had achieved after half a year of diligent questing. Currently, the highest-ranked groups in the Mercenary Guild were two S-rank guilds: the Silver Fox Mercenary Corps and the Soaring Cloud Mercenary Corps. Kaily was responsible for the Sky Cloud Mercenary Corps' expenditures and administrative affairs, which gave Mo Han a new level of respect for the beauty; he admitted that if he were the leader, the group’s matters would likely descend into chaos.

As they entered the gates of Kate City that day, they were immediately assaulted by cries and wails from the street. Curious, they moved toward the commotion and were instantly filled with outrage upon seeing the scene. A squad of soldiers was forcibly shoving a young girl into a carriage, while an old man nearby begged piteously. The soldiers ignored him entirely, even striking the old man with their fists and boots. The surrounding townspeople watched on with angry expressions, yet dared not speak out.

The elf, Anna, could not restrain herself and shouted, "Stop! Why are you bullying these people?" The soldiers halted, their gazes immediately becoming lewd when they saw the stunning elf speaking. A man resembling a captain stepped forward and stated, "Who are you? Do not interfere with our official duties." Anna retorted, "What official duty is this? Treating your own citizens like this—what kind of soldiers are you?"

The soldier captain, noting their adventurer attire, decided not to escalate matters, especially since they had a cleric of the Church of Light among them. If they were mere commoners, he would have arrested them all already. He maintained a semblance of patience. "These people injured our young master's horse, and since they cannot afford compensation, we are taking people to settle the debt."

At this point, the old man rushed to Mo Han and his companions, falling to his knees. "Respected sirs and madams, I am wronged! It was that young master who rode his horse into me, but they insist we harmed his steed and are trying to seize my daughter as compensation. Everyone here can testify! Please, save my daughter!" The bystanders nodded vigorously in agreement.

Kaily stared coldly at the captain. "What do you have to say now?" Just as the captain was about to reply, an impatient voice drifted from inside the carriage. "What is all that noise? Raul, hurry up and drive those commoners away! This young master needs to return to his manor. You can't even handle a simple errand without dragging it out." With that, a foppish young man stepped down. Mo Han assessed him: the man was attractive, clad head-to-toe in expensive finery, but his vacant eyes and frail body clearly spoke of a life wasted on decadence.

When the youth spotted Kaily, he froze, his eyes shamelessly raking over both Kaily and Anna with a predatory gaze. Kaily felt a wave of disgust as his eyes lingered on her. However, the youth's status seemed significant, and Kaily preferred not to cause trouble. She stopped Latin, who was visibly restraining himself from attacking, and addressed the young man. "Since this elder accidentally bumped your horse, we will compensate you. Please release the old man and his daughter."

The youth scoffed arrogantly. "Compensation? This is a purebred Gale Horse from the Azure Empire. Can you afford it?" Kaily glanced at the horse; it was clearly no Gale Horse, just an ordinary nag. Suppressing her rising anger, she asked the youth, "How much compensation do you require then?" The youth smiled. "I have plenty of money. However, if the two beautiful ladies would condescend to accompany me to my estate for conversation and amusement, then this lowly commoner will be set free."

Latin, standing nearby, could no longer tolerate it. He drew his knight's sword. "If you want Kaily to accompany you, you'll have to ask my blade first." The youth sneered. "Do you know who I am? I am the son of the City Lord of Kate City. Are you attempting rebellion? Guards! Take them down!" The soldiers behind him immediately surged forward, surrounding the group upon their master’s command. Seeing that conflict was inevitable, the members of the Sky Cloud Mercenary Corps also drew their weapons, positioning the mage and the elf securely in the center. Kaily spoke to Mo Han beside her. "When the fighting starts, stay close to Rock and the others. We will protect you. If things turn bad, you, Jack, and Anna, leave immediately, understood?"

Hearing Kaily's careful instruction, Mo Han felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He silently vowed that he would not let this kind-hearted girl come to harm, no matter who the opponent was. Just then, Captain Raul leaned down to whisper into the young master's ear, "Young Master, they have a cleric among them. It’s better not to offend the Church of Light. Even the Empire treads lightly around the Church's influence." This was because most people on the continent worshipped the God of Light, and the Church was fiercely protective; (as not everyone was suited for Light Magic, and clerics often had shorter lifespans—thought to be the price of borrowing divine power—clerics were respected everywhere they went).

The youth hesitated upon hearing this. The power of the Church of Light was known throughout the Dragon’s Ascent Continent. Yet, letting these people go so easily felt impossible, and lowering his pride was out of the question. Mo Han noticed the indecision flickering across the youth's face and recognized a turning point. He addressed the young lord. "Young City Lord, we are merely passing through. There must be a misunderstanding. Why don't we compensate you for your horse, you release the elder and his daughter, and we let this matter rest?"

He knew defeating these soldiers would be easy, but if he truly resorted to violence, he would inevitably draw the thousands of city defense troops stationed outside the walls. Even if they won, they would become fugitives wanted by the Fire Cloud Empire. It wasn't fear that held him back; it was concern for Kaily and the others’ safety. In a major nation like this, there were surely countless hidden masters. If he were alone, it would be inconsequential.

The youth seemed somewhat swayed by Mo Han’s proposal. But at that moment, the infuriating Latin shouted again, "Misunderstanding? How dare he show disrespect to Kaily! I will teach him a severe lesson!" Mo Han inwardly groaned. Indeed, hearing this, the youth became furious. "You dare threaten an official of the Empire? I have my justifications even before the Church of Light! Seize them all! Kill anyone who resists, except for the cleric!" With battle clearly imminent, a crisp voice suddenly rang out, "Hold!" Leaping forward...

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