Chapter 83: [Bonus Chapter] Illegal Entry!

[Golden Ticket Bonus Chapter]

***

Soon the carriage arrived at the Vermilion Kingdom border without much of a problem. Eve submitted her parchment and spoke with the captain. Though many didn't see it, Nox saw the captain's eyes widen as Eve whispered something in his ear.

Later, the captain, dressed in a military uniform, walked up to Nox.

"So you're his grandson. I'm a big admirer of your grandfather," Captain Nate said with a smile. "All of us are, due to his heroic deeds in the Great War of Rebirth. As his descendant, you're welcome to pass this border freely from now on."

A moment later, Eve and Nox passed the border.

'Is that old man actually someone important?' Nox wondered. 'What was that man even saying?'

Because he had never paid much attention to his grandfather, Nox didn't know a lot about the old man. He only knew that he was a sickly old man with some screws missing in his head and, most importantly, owned a wyvern.

Yes, a wyvern! 'Tsk, why am I smiling immediately when I think about Doombringer?' Nox berated himself.

"Hmmm!" Eve abruptly came to a stop and looked ahead. Nox followed her gaze and saw a rocky outpost surrounded by high walls with a white flag billowing in the wind.

Eve scanned the surroundings with her gaze before resuming her walk. Soon, they drew closer to the base. A long line of people could be seen, but Eve didn't join this line; instead, she veered to the left.

Nox was curious but didn't say anything and simply followed behind her. Soon, they reached an isolated spot and saw a rugged-looking man sitting on top of an unusually large rock.

"Traveler?" Eve said to the man.

"Traveler," the man replied. It seemed to be a code word. Nox watched intently and took note of their interaction. He watched as Eve handed a pouch of money to the man. Then the man jumped up from the huge boulder; his muscles suddenly grew larger, and he rolled the huge rock aside, revealing a deep, dark tunnel.

"Unfortunately, this is the end of the road for me," Eve turned to Nox. "Through this tunnel, you'll enter into the Snowhelm Kingdom."

'So this foolproof plan was illegal entry.'

"Thank you, Master, for everything," Nox said from the bottom of his heart. "Thank you for training me and guiding me all these years."

"You're a good kid," Eve nodded her head. "At least not an asshole like your father," she muttered in a tone that only she could hear.

"Nox!" Before Nox entered the tunnel, Eve called out. "Stay safe."

"I will," he smiled and entered the tunnel. As he did, Nox didn't know if his eyes were playing a trick, but he saw a smile on the face of his strict, monotonous master. 'It can't be.'

Meanwhile, on the outside, Eve suddenly burst into black mist, scaring the living daylights out of the rough-looking man.

---

Nox stepped into the tunnel, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. The air was damp and musty, filled with the scent of mold and decay. He could hear the sound of dripping water echoing off the walls.

But he wasn't alone.

Because of torches built into the walls, Nox could see dozens of people inside, all moving in one direction. He figured they were all people entering illegally.

'Huh.' Nox's arm moved on its own and grabbed the hand of someone. "What are you doing?" he growled at the thief who wanted to steal from him. He clenched the person's hand hard, and the snap of bone was heard.

"Argh!" It was only when the person screamed in pain that Nox realized it was a kid.

The undernourished kid pleaded with teary eyes. "Please, I'm sorry, I'm just hungry! Spare me, sir."

Nox let go of the kid's hand. He looked to the side and noticed some rough-looking people sitting there. They seemed like beggars on the streets back on Earth.

'Sigh.' Nox put his hand in his pocket and summoned a large wrapped meal from his inventory and handed it to the boy, who was still pleading.

"Here, take this and share it with your friends... always go for the fat ones; they're wealthy and can't run," Nox advised and walked past the boy, leaving him stunned as he realized what had just happened.

"H-he gave me food," the boy stuttered. "Thank you, sir!" he called out, but Nox was already gone.

Meanwhile, a boy with black hair falling across his forehead and a cross-shaped scar below his eyes watched the scene unfold with keen interest. A glint of intrigue flashed in his eyes.

'So fast.' A moment later, the scared boy rushed to catch up with Nox.

Nox suddenly felt someone bump into him from behind, and he crashed into a broad-chested man. Searᴄh the Nôvelƒire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Stupid lad!" The man bellowed, hot steam coming out of his nostrils. "Watch where you're going!" He raised his hand to slap Nox.

Nox was confused; he hadn't intentionally bumped into the man; someone had bumped into him from behind. But the man didn't look reasonable, so he didn't explain himself. Of course, he didn't intend to stand by and receive a slap.

However, before he could act, someone stepped in front of him and stopped the hand.

"It wasn't the kid's fault, big man," the tall youth flashed a smile.

The man frowned, clearly enraged. "Get out of my way, you twerp! I must discipline this boy." He tried to move his hand but realized he couldn't move a muscle. The man's fierce expression began to turn into a horrified one as he felt his bones crunch, and he pleaded.

"Hmph, don't go around hitting kids; that's child abuse. Now get lost from here," the youth sneered and let go of the broad-chested man's arm. Knowing the youngster was stronger than him, the man hurriedly rushed forward to the front... something he would regret later.

"I had everything under control," Nox said when the tall youth turned to him. The tall youth, around 16-17, had a distinct cross-shaped scar just beneath his eyes.

"You're welcome," the boy said.

Nox nodded and walked past the boy.

"By the way, my name is Jack," the boy hurriedly followed. "Is this your first time coming to Snowhelm Kingdom? Hey, what's your name?"

"Yes," Nox replied, not planning to continue the conversation; he just wanted to get out of this smelly tunnel.

"Hey, you didn't answer my question," Jack continued, walking fast to catch up with Nox.

"Sigh, if I tell you my name, will you leave me alone?"

"That would depend on my mood," Jack smiled. "I find you very interesting, so it would be difficult to leave you alone. I just want a friend. Besides, I can show you around since this is your first time here."

Nox thought for a moment and looked at the handsome boy. "My name is Sully."

"Sully. Nice to meet you," Jack stretched out his hand, and the two shook hands. Nox didn't think it would be bad to have a guide but still decided to keep his guard against the eccentric boy.

Just like that, the two walked further into the tunnel.

"You should be very careful in this tunnel; there are lots of hoodlums down here, but since you're sticking with me, you'll be safe," Jack claimed while puffing out his chest.

'Safe...' Nox thought. 'I was never in danger though... it's the hoodlums that are not safe.'

---

Sometime later, Jack noticed Nox staring intently at the walls. "How did this place come to be?" he looked at his 'guide.'

"Hmph, you asked the right person," Jack smiled. "This place was said to be built during the War of Rebirth by mages who specialized in earth magic to escape the city. However, after the war... after the war, the tunnel was abandoned due to the devastating aftermath."

'This war, I've been hearing about this war a lot in the past years. When I return, I'll definitely learn more about it.'

Jack continued, "The mages who built it were either dead or had fled, and the survivors didn't want to remember the horrors they experienced during the war."

Nox nodded. "But why is it still here? Why hasn't it been destroyed or sealed off?"

Jack shrugged. "Some say it's because the tunnel is protected by powerful magic, while others claim it's because the Snowhelm Kingdom wants to keep it as a secret passage for their own purposes. There are many rumors, but I don't care. Since we can use it to infiltrate this kingdom, then it's fine."

"By the way," Jack said, "what's your reason for coming here—"

ROOOOAR!

Suddenly, a thunderous bestial roar tore through the air inside the tunnel, and a hot, putrid gust of breeze that smelled like rotten fish washed over everyone in the tunnel.

Instantly, everyone's expressions took a 180-degree turn.

"By the gods, it can't be... not here... not now!" A woman paled with widened eyes, yanking her children behind her.

"Don't tell me it's what I'm thinking!" A man nearby stammered as he shook like a leaf, his eyes fixed on something ahead. A puddle of yellow liquid formed at his feet.

"Ah!" Jack suddenly exclaimed as a giant odachi with tendrils of violent lightning dancing on it appeared in his grasp. He turned to Nox, the blue flash illuminating his face.

"I forgot to tell you this; hoodlums aren't the only problem with this tunnel."

"I noticed." Nox didn't panic; instead, his trusty dagger and shield appeared in his grasp.

---

In the Taming Space

[Panda Fight! Panda fight!] Thirteen roared with excitement when he sensed the presence of a powerful foe nearby.

Even the usually lazy Fluffington was now standing on his feet.

"No!!!! Somebody save me!"

A piercing scream suddenly attracted Jack's attention as he turned to the front just in time to see a horrifying scene. A hulking creature had emerged from the other side of the tunnel and had grabbed the broad-chested man. The giant beast threw him into its wide maw filled with razor-sharp teeth, and blood splattered on the faces of everyone.

Silence! Total silence enveloped everywhere.

Jack wiped the blood off his face and said with a bitter smile, "There are also beasts... beasts that are unusually powerful."

***

_Current Missions_

Golden Ticket for 3 Chapters: 60/100

Power Stones for 1 Chapter: 140/200

Castle for 5 Chapters: /0

Another Bonus Chapter would come tomorrow to complete the two Bonus Chapter as promised.

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