Just as the Scarred Man paused his outburst to take a sip of water and was about to resume his ranting, the door was violently flung open by a powerful gust of wind.

Everyone's attention was immediately drawn, and they turned their heads to look.

An elderly gentleman, leaning on a walking stick, attired in an immaculate tailcoat and donning a black bowler hat, emerged at the doorway.

Perched on his shoulder was a pitch - black raptor, its eyes glinting with a menacing red light as it swept a sinister glance across the occupants of the room.

The Scarred Man's brows knitted tightly together at the sight of this individual.

"Snooker, why are you still here? Where is the young master's cargo?!"

The elderly gentleman squinted his eyes, and his voice, particularly deep, resounded like a muffled thunderclap to the ears of those around him.

The Scarred Man was not overly daunted by the interrogation. His prolonged shouting had left his voice somewhat hoarse.

"The Black Sword? Why aren't you properly safeguarding your young master in the shadows? What brings you here?"

The newcomer was one of the mages assigned by Lord Punk to protect his offspring.

They were all dark mages who had sought refuge with noble families of influence, unwilling to endure a life of perpetual flight.

"The young master could no longer wait, so he dispatched me to retrieve the cargo. However, it appears that you've botched the task, Snooker."

The elderly gentleman brandished his walking stick and, with a swift flash of his figure, accompanied by a powerful gust of wind and the pitch - black raptor, materialized before Snooker, the Scarred Man.

Face - to - face, his slightly cloudy eyes regarded Snooker with an unreadable expression.

A bead of sweat trickled down Snooker's forehead, and he silently cursed this strange old man, who seemed like a monster, in his heart.

"As you can see, I've lost the cargo." Snooker readily admitted it, for it was already an obvious fact.

"You're just as inferior as the scars that mar your body. You couldn't even manage such a simple task."

The elderly gentleman's face contorted into a sneer, a blend of mockery and disdain.

"Hmph, I wager even you won't be able to track down the culprit who made off with the cargo."

Snooker resorted to a rather crude attempt at goading.

"Don't lump me in with the likes of you. In the face of great magic, all truths will be laid bare."

Surprisingly, the elderly gentleman known as the Black Sword actually took the bait.

This prompted the other mercenaries to start whispering among themselves, but a single fierce glare from Snooker silenced them all instantaneously.

Noticing that the Black Sword remained unfazed, Snooker continued, "Anyone can talk the talk. Why don't you show us what you're truly capable of, great... ma... gi... cian!"

This tone clearly struck a nerve with the elderly gentleman. He swept his walking stick through the air, and a tempestuous black gale instantly whipped up within the room.

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The black raptor on his shoulder emitted a piercing, ear - splitting screech and flapped its wings vigorously.

The mercenaries were sent sprawling in all directions, and only those of considerable strength were able to maintain their equilibrium.

Amidst the howling tempest, the Black Sword ascended into the air, his lips moving rapidly as he intoned some incantation.

After a short while, he began to move, slowly making his way to the courtyard where the empty cages were situated.

Snooker, in turn, led his subordinates and followed suit.

The black wind grew even more ferocious, with bone - chilling wind blades radiating outwards from the Black Sword, forcing the mercenaries to shield their faces with their hands.

I should have held my tongue. Does this old codger think making such a grand display is impressive?...... Snooker thought resentfully.

Just as he was about to call a halt, faint, almost imperceptible apparitions materialized before them.

However, as a warrior of formidable physical prowess, Snooker was naturally able to discern them.

The scene did not persist for long before dissipating, and at that moment, the Black Sword also ceased his incantations.

He landed smoothly and gently stroked the feathers of the black raptor on his shoulder, a self - satisfied smile playing on his lips.

"Did you find him?" Although he was already certain in his heart, Snooker still inquired.

The Black Sword shot him a cold, disdainful glance. "How dare you doubt me? Do you wish to experience the might of my wind blade magic?"

Snooker remained silent, awaiting an explanation.

"It's a fellow who is utterly ignorant of magic. He didn't even manage to cover his tracks properly on the surface, let alone employ any magical concealment. I scarcely had to exert myself."

Upon hearing this, Snooker felt a sense of relief wash over him.

Recalling the frustrations of the day, an uncontrollable murderous intent flared in his eyes. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go and confront that scoundrel now! I've already devised ways to make him pay!"

...

In Bayek, at Glen's abode.

Upon Ravel's return after completing his chores, Glen took it upon himself to prepare a rather sumptuous repast.

Bearing in mind that the forest elf adhered to a vegetarian diet, he specifically added several vegetarian dishes.

He also prepared a dipping sauce, which imparted a unique flavor to the vegetarian dishes when used.

At first, the elven maiden wore a look of disdain and extolled the virtues of the food in her own tribe.

Ravel and Tia listened, their mouths watering.

However, after reluctantly taking a bite and dipping it in the sauce, Gotaya reluctantly remarked, "It's not as revolting as I anticipated."

"Wow! Then how delicious must the food of your elf tribe be! I'm dying to try it!" Tia exclaimed, her eyes shining with anticipation.

"The food of our elf tribe... How... How could it be casually shared with you humans? Don't even think about it." Gotaya replied, sounding somewhat guilty.

Tia deflated like a punctured balloon and looked dejected.

Ravel stared at Tia for a moment and couldn't resist saying, "Tia, you seem to have become rather lacking in manners. Your words and actions are those of a commoner."

"Ah?" Tia was taken aback and was on the verge of apologizing.

At that moment, Glen said icily, "Do you dare to put on airs in my home? Do you think your workload is too light, or are you asking for another beating?"

Ravel immediately lowered his head and trembled.

Glen then turned to Tia, who had become visibly tense. "Manners are appropriate only in certain situations. There's no need for them here, so there's nothing amiss with your words and actions."

Perhaps it was the conviction in Glen's tone that caused Tia to relax a little.

Gotaya, standing to the side, stole glances at Glen and then at Tia, her thoughts a mystery.

After the meal, Glen learned from Gotaya that the Black Crow had seemingly come looking for him.

Glen made a mental note of this and decided to pay a visit to the Black Crow's residence the following day.

After all, they had known each other for some time, and he had never been a guest at the other's abode.

Subsequently, he cleared out a room on the second floor and, after some tidying up, transformed it into Gotaya's chamber.

With only three people residing in this ordinary two - story house, Glen was making the most of the available space.

Of course, Ravel, who lived in the warehouse, was not included in this count.

"By the way, I also have a basement. If there's a need for additional accommodation, it can house two more people..."

Before drifting off to sleep, he entertained this thought.

However, no sooner had he closed his eyes and was on the verge of succumbing to slumber than the howl of Night Roar reverberated in his mind.

He abruptly opened his eyes, sat up, and upon reflection, the sensation he had just experienced did not seem like an illusion.

"Could it be that... Night Roar is sending me a warning?!"

Just in case, Glen decided not to ignore it.

He threw open the window and leaped out without hesitation.

The figures of the monsters roaming the streets scattered and fled in all directions.

As soon as Glen landed, he set off towards the outskirts of the town without a moment's hesitation.

As he drew closer, he gradually heard the rumbling sounds of a fierce battle, interspersed with the occasional pained howls of Night Roar.