"Star Mark" has achieved victory, an unprecedented victory, a victory that is worthy to be recorded in human history. For the entire week, all news and newspapers across the continent have been reporting the same message - "Star Mark" is victorious! Facing more than a hundred Wolf Riders and wiping them out, regardless of being constantly ambushed by expert Wolf Rider scouts during retreat, they still managed to eliminate the enemy due to their formidable combat power, reducing the Silver Wolf Head squad to just six slightly injured men. This kind of achievement was unthinkable in the past, but a team with an average age of just 17 years old did it! Ever since humans have been continuously losing ground and strategically key places on the Panini Grasslands, this undoubtedly serves as a powerful morale booster. All countries are spreading the exploits of Star Mark, fueling the zest of more powerful individuals to join the battlefront. The Commanders of the Human Alliance promptly decided to award Star Mark with the "Third Class Medal of Freedom" in recognition of their deeds.
In the Northern Empire's Buleinia, known for its winter hot springs, lies a small border town named Leamington. The town attracts numerous tourists from across the continent. In a small underground bar, the magic screen is playing the battle footage brought back by Star Mark. Coupled with the exhilarating background music, it makes one's blood boil with excitement.
"These kids are quite something!" An elderly bartender comments as he wipes the glasses in hand, talking to the only patron who had passed out drunk at the bar top, adding another statement.
"They still fall short compared to that little chap of yours!"
"Oh? Have you crossed paths with Number 17 before?" The scruffy-bearded drunkard shoots upright and downs another glass of strong liquor, glancing at the news.
"That was before he joined you guys. Back then, he was a frequent customer here, but he seldom visits now."
"Oh? Just by looking at that kid being always lascivious and unproductive, didn't expect he has quite a stories!" The man asks for another serving, and the bartender pours him another glass with a grin.
"No ordinary folks will be able to join your ranks. And Bret, you seem to have a good mood today! I heard the impoverished church has recently struck it rich?" On hearing this, the man pulls out three Rilla from his pocket.
"Not exactly getting rich, just not losing wages anymore. Take it! I owe you three months of drink money."
"Looks like the rumours are true indeed. Then, this drink is on me. Cheers to you not having to stay around here anymore!" The bartender laughs as he collects the money, filling another glass of liquor for him. Bret drains it in one gulp, then dons his black cloak and says,
"Ahh! Indeed, these past six months seems pretty long! But, I can't return to the Saint Capital yet, I have to head to the next location. But, I should be able to rest easy here at Leamington for a while. Goodbye, boss!"
~~
"You didn't seize this past month to develop relationships with these beautiful ladies?" On the outskirts of Sunset Fortress, in a secluded woodland, two shady figures huddling together smoking.
"No. However, I heard you have developed relationships with quite a number of women this past month?"
"Ah, that's a long story! As the face of the church, I have visited more than ten towns this past month, spreading the gospel of the church. Every place I visit welcomed me with flowers, applause, and passionate kisses!...." Before he could finish, a puff of smoke blown onto his face caused him to cough.
"Cut it out, Clomis. How come I heard they were all middle-aged women?"
"Cough! Cough! Those are all rumours. It's just that there are too many people jealous of me, and you are one of them, Ray! Want to see the group photos of me and the young nuns?" Clomis was going to reveal a stack of photos he took out from his bosom, but Ray kicked it away.
"Roll! Let's get down to business. What brings you here all of sudden?"
"A goodwill team from the church! At present, the entire continent is focusing on Star Mark, so of course the church would like to express its good intentions. But I must say, Ray, you must have contributed quite a bit here, right?"
"Yeah, a bit. The boys and girls here aren't too shabby. Don't you have other matters to attend to?" Ray squinted as he exhaled a puff of smoke, putting out the cigarette butt.
"Just passing by, nothing else!"
"Oh! Well, then that's good. I have been at leisure here for a few days."
"But, I do have some good news to share with you!" Clomis mysteriously moved closer to Ray, causing Ray to instinctively take two steps back.
"Your goddess, the superstar Miss Cecilia has secretly arrived at the Sunset Fortress! She is currently at the church's goodwill team residence!"
"What? Cecilia from the Free Federation?"
"Yes, when I visited the Free Federation, she arrived at my bedroom late at night! Honestly, I was a bit thrilled! Then, she requested to secretly infiltrate the church's goodwill team to visit the Sunset Fortress. Considering my bro being here, of course, I agreed! She is going to perform after the award ceremonies tomorrow. Exciting, eh? But, I do have some bad news to share with you.”"Um... you say..."
"Tomorrow you have to do the external field "cleaning", after all there are so many big shots in the Sunset Fortress now, the staff is not enough, a little accident could be quite troublesome!”
"No problem, I can sneak in, they won't care about me. And if something really happens, I would notice.” Just as Ray was finished speaking, he saw Clomis's strange look questioning,
"What's the matter?"
"Gossips said that you, along with Lundstedt and Eliot, are playing trios, so everyone in the internal affairs office dare not offend you, fearing pillow talks. Turns out it's true!” Before Ray could get angry, Clomis continued.
"But anyway, tomorrow there will be quite a few top talents participating in the ceremony, one more or less of you doesn't matter. Do you want me to help you sneak into the backstage?" Looking at the excited expression on Ray's face, Clomis kicked his legs up, and extended his hand, saying.
"I heard that the best tobacco from the orcs is produced at the foot of the Snow Mountain, the refreshing frosty tobacco strands, be generous and give uncle me two packs first!"
