Mo Han heard this and said apologetically, "I see, but it doesn't matter. I believe you will certainly be able to restore your family's glory. Don't be discouraged."

Toby replied, his eyes laced with a thread of helplessness and despair, "I wish that were true, but everything seems so remote now. I don't even know if we'll make it out of here alive."

Deli, seeing the situation, spoke up, "Don't worry, we will definitely get you out of here. Then you can start a new life."

Toby managed a word of thanks, but his gaze held little hope, still shadowed by that familiar despair. Clearly, he didn't believe Deli's words. Mo Han realized he couldn't shift Toby’s perspective right now, so he didn't press the issue, quickly changing the subject. "By the way, do you have any idea what caused this incident? And have you seen a mysterious black shadow in this city?" Toby listened to Mo Han’s inquiry and pondered carefully.

He shook his head. "I haven't seen the shadow you mentioned, nor do I know why this catastrophe occurred. All I know is that one morning I woke up, and the entire city seemed to have descended into chaos. Mutated residents were constantly attacking the uninfected, and those who were attacked turned into the same kind of monsters, continuing to assault others. Within just a few days, the situation in the whole city spiraled beyond control."

As he spoke of these things, Toby seemed to sink back into his memories, his face etched with panic and pain.

Seeing this, Mo Han inquired, "Were there no abnormal signs beforehand?"

"There was just a downpour of blood-red rain, and then everything became like this. I don't know much more than that," Toby shook his head, answering Mo Han.

"And then what happened?" Deli, standing nearby, couldn't help but ask, "What happened next? Why didn't you escape?"

Toby responded helplessly, "Escape? I don't even know where I could run to, and I'm completely penniless. I had been planning to sell off my properties here and try my luck out in the world, but before I could even sell the house, this happened. Without any preparation, where could I possibly go?"

After a brief silence, Toby continued, "Then the national army arrived. They replaced the local city defense forces, imposed a lockdown on the city, and began relentlessly hunting down the infected. However, those infected seemed to have gained incredible strength and fought without fear of death. Not only did the army fail to control the situation, but many soldiers were also infected. They had no choice but to retreat in haste, ordering some of the remaining residents to evacuate to the east side of the city."

"My few neighbors and I had intended to go with them, but the evacuation time was far too short. My neighbors were killed by those mutated monsters during the escape. Only I managed to flee in the chaos. Seeing no way out, I hid here."

Toby’s face twisted with fury as he finished speaking, cursing, "It's all the fault of those soldiers! At first, they wouldn't let us evacuate, insisting they could control the situation. By the time they issued the order, they were already long gone, abandoning us common folk. How could we possibly outrun those infected, mutated monsters? So many people died unjustly because of that. If they had let us leave earlier, so many lives wouldn't have been lost."

At this point, Toby seemed overcome with rage, his whole body trembling. Fearing his agitation might affect his health, Mo Han quickly cast a spell to calm his mind. A pale white light rose from Mo Han's palm and passed directly into Toby's body, and Toby’s intense agitation gradually subsided.

Once composed, Toby looked at Mo Han in astonishment. "Are you a Priest? Someone from the Church of Light?"

Mo Han quickly shook his head. "Heh, not exactly. I'm just acquainted with the Church of Light."

Toby, noticing the small creature constantly hopping around Mo Han, was even more surprised. "That... is that an Earth Bear? When did an Earth Bear ever willingly associate with humans? That’s unbelievable!"

Mo Han stared at Toby, surprise mingling with a spike of wariness in his eyes. If Toby was truly just a fallen noble, how could he recognize an Earth Bear? Moreover, Xiao Mo was in his transformed state—even many seasoned mercenaries wouldn't recognize him, let alone a destitute noble like Toby. Thinking this, Mo Han casually inquired, "How do you know that’s an Earth Bear? Very few people can identify Xiao Mo."

Toby quickly explained, "When my ancestors were alive, they left behind many ancient tomes. When I was bored as a child, I loved reading those books to pass the time. Because of that, I read quite a bit about the Earth Bear, as well as descriptions of other magical beasts. I just never expected to encounter one here."

The (alertness) in Mo Han's eyes faded slightly upon hearing the explanation, but he still pressed, "Oh? Where are those books now?"

Toby shook his head helplessly. "They were all taken by the debt collectors. But I’ve basically read them all, which is why I remember. Generally, I don't forget anything I've read."

Hearing Toby's explanation, a flicker of surprise crossed Mo Han's eyes. He hadn't expected Toby to be such a prodigy, possessing the gift of photographic memory. To recall so many books so clearly, forgetting nothing—it was truly remarkable. At this thought, Mo Han began to entertain the idea of recruiting Toby into his service, though his expression remained unchanged.

"Toby, what are your plans if you manage to get out of here?" Mo Han asked, feigning casualness.

Toby shook his head sadly. "What plans could I possibly have? I'll just have to take things one step at a time. If all else fails, I’ll just take odd jobs and get by."

Mo Han was secretly delighted. "Are you truly content to let the legacy built by your ancestors crumble under your stewardship? Have you considered how you will face your ancestors in the future? They labored so hard to build that foundation; are you just going to abandon it and bring shame upon them? Why not think about how to restore it?"

Toby’s eyes were still lusterless as he replied, "What choice do I have? Nothing is left. Even my title is about to be revoked. I don't know what I can possibly do."

"What if there was an opportunity to restore your family's estate?" Mo Han interjected.

Hearing Mo Han's words, a spark lit up in Toby's eyes, only to dim immediately. He said helplessly, "How could there be a chance? Who would want to help a fallen noble like me, who is everywhere?"

Mo Han looked at him seriously. "What if I told you I have the ability to help you restore your family estate, and even make it more glorious than your ancestors achieved?"

Toby stared at Mo Han with utter astonishment. "You aren't joking, are you? How is that possible?"

Mo Han didn't answer directly, his tone remaining calm. "You haven't answered my question yet."

"If such an opportunity existed, I would certainly take it, but..." Toby looked at Mo Han with confusion, clearly skeptical of his claims.

Mo Han knew exactly what Toby was doubting. "If I said that by joining us, I could help you realize your dreams, would you believe me? I believe I have the capability, of course, and you have the right to refuse; I will not force you." Mo Han watched Toby with a gentle smile.

Upon hearing this, Toby looked at Mo Han in surprise, then fell deep into thought. Before long, however, Toby stood up with a serious expression and respectfully asked Mo Han, "Can you tell me your true identity? I imagine you are more than just a mere mercenary. But even if you choose not to tell me, I will still choose to join you. Never have I heard of an Earth Bear serving as a pet to a human. Since you can accomplish that, I believe you are definitely not an ordinary person."

"Of course, I will certainly tell you these things," Mo Han nodded. "I am just an ordinary mercenary named Mo Han. However, I am also a Duke in the Heavenly Dragon Empire. Coincidentally, the mansion I am currently building needs a steward. If you are willing to join me and manage these affairs for me, I am very willing to help you restore your family legacy. I give you my word."