Chapter Twenty-Five: Companions on the Road

Far away in the Kingdom of Flames, events were unfolding that Lando knew nothing about. These past few days, his life had been nothing short of blissful. Every day or two, he would find himself in a new city—always a sizable one—and with his swift pace, travel time was nearly negligible.

Upon arriving in each new city, his first priority was, naturally, to seek out the local delicacies. While he was at it, he would inquire about auction houses or antique shops. He dared not ask too openly about powerful families for fear of inviting trouble, but that was easily solved; he simply waited until nightfall and sought out the grandest mansions in the city center. Not that he was there to steal—merely to ‘admire’ a few antiques. Surely their owners, even if they knew, would be happy to oblige such harmless appreciation.

Besides acquiring nearly a thousand points of soul essence during this time, he had also recorded a peculiar innate ability.

[Listening: Able to hear mysterious sounds.]

Lando tried equipping the soul with this gift, but nothing changed. No mysterious sounds greeted his ears. Finding it baffling but unworthy of further thought, he simply disassembled the soul.

One day, Lando arrived at yet another new city, now only two or three stops away from the royal capital of the Emerald Waters Kingdom. Just as he was about to enter the city as usual, a young man leaving the city caught his eye.

Lando clutched his chest, feeling his heart pound violently, his gaze fixed on the young man as though glued there.

Don’t misunderstand—Lando hadn’t suddenly developed any strange tastes. It was the system’s feedback that caused this reaction. Something about the young man, or rather his soul, exerted an irresistible allure over Lando. Instinctively, Lando understood that claiming this soul would bring about a transformation beyond imagination.

The young man seemed to sense something too. He turned and saw Lando’s transfixed state, frowning instinctively. As he prepared to continue on his way, he paused, scrutinizing Lando once more. An inexplicable sense of aversion welled up within him.

Only after Lando hurried away did the young man seem to come back to himself. He realized, almost in surprise, that at some point his hand had gripped the hilt of the sword on his back.

He ran his fingers along the hilt—a family heirloom, always kept wrapped in white cloth and not easily displayed.

Gazing after Lando, now swallowed by the crowd, he abandoned his intention to leave the city for now, determined to understand the source of this inexplicable loathing before he went any further.

Meanwhile, Lando was hastening away, filled with regret.

I should have just drawn my sword and cut him down right there.

He’s just a native—a walking bag of experience. What am I hesitating for?

One day I’ll regret today’s choice!

This is another world; do I really need to cling to the morals of my previous life?

After a long and bitter struggle with himself, Lando finally suppressed the venomous thoughts swirling in his mind. With a deep sigh, he muttered, “If I’m to regret this, let it be later. At least today I won’t regret my decision. If fate decrees that I become the sort of person I despise, then I hope that day comes as late as possible.”

With his inner turmoil resolved, Lando felt his mind clear, as if his thoughts had become unblocked. If this were the Eastern Fantasy World, wouldn’t such an epiphany have propelled him through several realms at once?

“Hello!” A cold, sharp voice called from behind.

Lando’s body tensed. Feeling the system’s pull, he turned around with a stony expression.

Damn it, disturbing my state of mind!

Why did you have to chase after me?!

Young man, isn’t it good to stay alive?!

The young man saw Lando’s cold face, but his eyes were filled with such complex emotion, as if trying to convey a message he couldn’t decipher. After a moment’s silence, suppressing his aversion, he spoke again. “Hello, my name is Locke Freiken.”

“What is it?” Lando asked coolly.

Locke was momentarily at a loss. What should he do—say he felt an inexplicable loathing and ask for an explanation? He’d be taken for a madman. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. “You’re an adventurer, aren’t you? I’m traveling the continent as well. I’d like to journey with you!”

…

Young man, you’re digging your own grave.

Unnerved by Lando’s strange gaze, Locke forced a smile. “Actually… the truth is, I—”

“All right.”

“?!”

“My destination is the royal capital of the Emerald Waters Kingdom. We’ll pass through two or three cities on the way. If you’re heading in the same direction, I don’t mind the company.”

“Oh, yes, same direction!” Locke nodded eagerly.

Lando gave Locke a long look. He didn’t know what Locke was after, but for someone who had already decided to leave to turn around and request to travel together—this could only mean trouble. Let him make the first move; then Lando could counterattack as the victim and remain the picture of innocence.

Perfect plan!

“I’ll be staying here for a day. We can leave tomorrow, all right?” Lando asked.

Locke nodded. “No problem.”

“…Lando. That’s my name.”

“…”

The two went to an inn and booked their rooms. Once Locke had settled in, he went to find Lando, hoping for some conversation and perhaps to glean a little information, but Lando was nowhere to be found. When Locke hurried out in search, he discovered Lando in a nearby tavern, eating with gusto.

Yes, Locke knew this tavern—its roast meats were famous throughout the region.

Thus began Lando’s culinary tour of the new city, with Locke trailing discreetly behind. Lando visited two taverns, three restaurants, and sampled a variety of snacks before returning to the inn, thoroughly satisfied.

Locke, meanwhile, followed with an empty, rumbling stomach, questioning his life choices. For fear of losing sight of Lando, he had watched him eat his way through the city, but hadn’t eaten a thing himself.

Back in his room, after a hasty meal, Locke reflected on his feelings. Perhaps that strange aversion had no special cause, or perhaps he was simply jealous that Lando was so handsome.

He laughed quietly at himself and decided that after traveling together for a while tomorrow, he’d find an excuse to part ways.

Just as Locke was about to sleep, his keen senses caught an unusual sound from the next room.

“My neighbor? Isn’t that—?!” Locke’s face changed. He hurried to Lando’s door, listened intently, then threw it open—only to find the room empty.

At that moment, Lando was already indulging his favorite pastime in every city—archaeology!

Humming a cheerful tune, hidden beneath a dark cloak, he slipped past the patrolling guards and headed straight for the city center.

Standing before a grand mansion, he scoffed, “All these governors’ mansions look the same—same location, same design, not a trace of originality.”

With that, he vaulted over the wall.

No sooner had Lando entered than Locke arrived, his eyes flashing with a faint blue light as he too slipped over the wall, following in Lando’s footsteps.