With Gabriel's sharp hearing, he picked up on Kaizoku and Sylphy's conversation behind the large wooden crate.

Gabriel quickly generated a heat ray toward the crate with his fingers, burning away half of it.

Slowly, Kaizoku turned his head to the side, looking at Gabriel with an awkward expression.

"Hehe, hi..." said Kaizoku while waving his hand.

Gabriel could only facepalm, seeing Kaizoku hiding behind the burning crate. "Heh... You can't be left alone for even one day, huh?"

Kaizoku and Sylphy stood up. Sylphy glanced to the side, her expression annoyed. "Seriously? This situation just got so awkward."

Hizo, unfamiliar with them, stood guard. "Are they your friends, Mister Gabriel?"

"Yes, they're with us. Just ignore them."

Gabriel reluctantly introduced Hizo to Kaizoku and Sylphy. "Ugh, why is this happening. Hizo, meet Sylphy and Kaizoku. The purple wolf-girl is Sylphy, and the guy with the dumb face is Kaizoku."

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"Kai, Sylphy, this is Hizo. I'm on a quest for him, to rescue his grandfather. Now, explain why you're here."

Kaizoku and Sylphy exchanged confused glances before looking back at Gabriel.

"Uh, we're being hunted by Lord Thomas's soldiers. And bounty hunters are after us too. Sylphy said we can't hide at the tavern anymore because of all the bounty hunters hanging around there."

Kaizoku continued after a brief pause, hesitating. "Uh... so we need to leave this town. I'm not from here, and Sylphy isn't an adventurer who knows all the hideouts. You're the only one who can help us find somewhere else safe to sleep."

For the second time, Gabriel facepalmed, resigned to the situation.

With a defeated tone, he replied, "Fine… My reputation's destroyed just because I'm helping the hero. What a bright life I lead."

Gabriel unintentionally revealed Kaizoku's true identity as the hero.

Hizo's mouth dropped open, shocked at Gabriel's words. "Huh!? The hero!? So he's the hero we prayed for!? The one who will defeat the demon lord Ishayaki!?"

Annoyed at Gabriel's slip, Sylphy slapped him hard and immediately threatened Hizo.

Grabbing his collar firmly, she bared her sharp fangs.

"Alright, Mister Hizo, if you still want to live, keep your mouth shut and don't spread Kaizoku's identity as a hero. If you dare to reveal it, I'll make you my midnight food. Is that clear?"

Swallowing hard, Hizo stared at Sylphy, terror-stricken.

Unable to respond verbally, he simply nodded repeatedly, indicating his understanding.

Just like Hizo, both Kaizoku and Gabriel felt Sylphy's intense aura.

Overcome with fear, neither dared to interfere with her as she threatened Hizo.

Sylphy let go of Hizo's collar roughly. Then, she scolded Gabriel for his complaints and for exposing Kaizoku's true identity.

"Gabriel... I swear, if you reveal Kaizoku's true identity again, I'll eat your head and your entire body. Remember, we're fugitives hunted by the demon lord. If you keep exposing Kai's identity, we'll be dead! Hunted by the whole town! Don't ever do that again..."

"Everyone! Never reveal your true identity! Do you understand!?"

Everyone lowered their heads quickly, a sign of deep, overwhelming fear.