113: Aleister's perception

"Fine, I see you're trying to strike me dead and start your own business, aren't you!"

"Roar! I just learned this move and haven't gotten used to it yet. I'll definitely control my power better next time."

"Is that so? Why don't I believe you?"

"Roar! Don't insult a pure-hearted Purple-Eyed Magic Lion."

"You, pure-hearted? I hope you're a man of your word, otherwise, I think reducing your meals to twice a day would be just fine."

"Roar! Could you really bear to see me go hungry?"

"I could!"

After teasing Bai Ze, Lister still felt a lingering fear in his heart.

He had no idea when Bai Ze had learned such a powerful magic skill.

But surprise aside, he wasn't entirely shocked.

Because magic beasts like the Purple-Eyed Magic Lion not only have high bloodline levels but also possess extremely high intelligence, being among the smartest even when compared to humans.

After they are laid as eggs but before they hatch, their parents immediately pass on all the cultivation knowledge they've acquired in their lives.

Through a Mental Imprint, they transmit everything to the little Purple-Eyed Magic Lion inside the egg.

This is done to prevent potential emergencies—just like what happened to Bai Ze's parents, who died too early in an accident.

It is because of this Mental Imprint that once they reach a certain stage of growth, they can independently learn new cultivation knowledge within a very complete and convenient system.

Although Lister hadn't known exactly how strong his Magic Shield had become before.

But through the fierce attack of Bai Ze's Lightning skill just now, he had gained a rough idea of its level.

His confidence for the upcoming battle with those mysterious people, who might be Wizards, grew even stronger... Time flew by, and soon it was late at night.

Having finished his day of free labor, Alaster lay on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

After twenty days of living in the Ironthorn Territory, he had fallen in love with this land, as well as its people and things.

Although the daily labor was exhausting, and he wasn't paid, he was provided with three filling meals a day.

Coupled with the gold coin Lister had given him during his last mission, he was living quite comfortably now.

Furthermore, because he had always worked hard without slacking off, the Serfs in town liked him very much and didn't make things difficult for him during work.

However, he felt a bit strange today; since the afternoon, he had felt as if several pairs of eyes were watching him.

But after observing surreptitiously for a long time, he hadn't found any suspicious people around.

For a brief moment, he even wondered if the manual labor was starting to affect his mental state.

Yet that feeling of being watched never dissipated, so he had been staring blankly since returning to his lodgings.

The three people watching him were none other than Red and his companions, who were currently stationed outside Alaster's residence.

Sensing the uneven breathing from inside the room, Spartacus whispered in wonder, "That kid Alaster's perception is really strong; I was almost discovered by him this afternoon."

Red gave him a cool glance, making him feel an instant chill down his spine. He said dejectedly, "I understand, Master. I'll do extra training when we get back."

Hearing this, Red withdrew his gaze and said softly, "You both must be two hundred percent alert tonight. Since Lord Lister arranged for us to do this task, it certainly isn't without reason."

"And this youth Alaster is indeed quite good. It's no wonder he caught Lord Lister's attention; perhaps he will be heavily relied upon in the future."

"We must guarantee his safety one hundred percent."

"Also, you must keep Lord Lister's specific instructions in mind. If a battle really does break out later, you must not be negligent. Do you understand?"

"Understood," Spartacus and Seguin replied in low voices.

Meanwhile, outside the northern part of Ironthorn Town.

Three figures, their bodies completely covered in black robes with no faces visible, quietly emerged from the dark night.

Looking at the dilapidated Ironthorn Town, which had not yet begun its transformation, a seductive female voice came from beneath the black robe of the person on the left.

"Deacon Bentham, in such a small and barren territory, let alone hiding someone, it's a question whether one can even make a decent living. Would that boy really flee here?"

Before the black-robed person in the middle could speak, the one on the right said in a mocking male voice, "Tsk tsk, Vicky, I think it's not that this territory is small and barren, but that you're afraid it's too dirty and smelly, which would offend your sensibilities."

"Hmph! Yalman, who else but a crude, messy fellow like you would say that? Is it wrong for a delicate beauty like me to mind such things?" Vicky retorted unhappily.

"Pfft, 'beauty' my foot," Yalman sneered teasingly. "The 'old lady' part suits you well, though. In your thirties, you certainly are an old lady."

"Yalman, you're looking for—"

Vicky, beneath her black robe, looked furious and was about to retort again when Bentham, the black-robed man in the middle, sharply interrupted, "Enough!"

Immediately, the two fell silent and said no more.

"It is indeed a bit barren." Bentham observed Ironthorn Town and nodded, then continued, "However, according to the Ritual's detection, the general direction of that boy's flight is this way."

"We've searched many territories along the way and found nothing. Since we're passing through here, we might as well treat a dead horse as if it were alive and try searching."

"As for you, Vicky, put away your bad habits for now. Even if you're repulsed, you have to hold it in. You should know the importance of that Scroll."

"Yes, Deacon Bentham," Vicky replied respectfully, not daring to argue.

With those words, the three figures moved like the wind, speeding toward Ironthorn Town.

Soon, they reached the outskirts of Ironthorn Town. Just as they were about to sneak in, several flashes of firelight suddenly appeared nearby.

Seeing this, the three quickly found cover and hid.

Once the heavy footsteps faded from their ears, Vicky whispered in surprise, "In such a small territory, there are actually Soldiers patrolling late at night?"

Beneath his black robe, Bentham's expression couldn't help but show some surprise. He whispered, "It seems the lord of this territory has some capability. When we sneak in later, keep your movements light and be careful not to be discovered."

"We are only here to find that boy. We must not clash with the local lord, otherwise our identities might be exposed, and the consequences would be disastrous."

Hearing this, the two nodded in understanding. Meanwhile, beneath his black robe, Yalman showed a hint of curiosity about who the lord of this place was.

Taking advantage of the patrolling Soldiers moving away, the three flickered and slipped into the interior of Ironthorn Town.

On a nearby rooftop shrouded in darkness, a small figure also vanished.