Barl, a small island just beside the territory of the Soron family, didn't have a noble ruling over them. Unlike every territory in the human kingdom, only the king had rule over Barl.

Barl lay right in the middle of Urn, a state governed by Duke Lionheart, and Zyr, governed by Duke Soron. For the past 200 years, both families had been trying to claim the land for themselves because of the trade opportunity it offered.

Seeing the disparity it caused between the two families and their vassals, the previous emperor decided to make Barl independent from any noble status other than the royal family.

But still, the two states had been profiting the most in this area, and most of the nobles here were vassals under the two families, sneakily trying to rule over the land.

This indirectly made the city grow exponentially. Being influenced by the two families made the city stable and secure for the people and their businesses.

However, the sense of security in the city seemed to dissolve after the recent kidnapping incident. Though the news was still treated as a rumour, once people expected the truth, the situation in Barl could change for the worse.

'This is going to affect my travel as well,'

Levi thought as he looked at the large wooden buildings adorned with fancy panels and images of large, well-made ships drawn on the walls. The ship ticket agencies, located just behind the docks and ports, resembled a snake writhing on the ground, not tall but large enough to cover the entire width of the island.

The problem was,

'Every single one of them is closed, and the kidnapping incident is the culprit behind it.'

Levi needed a small ship to either buy or borrow, but getting one in this situation wasn't possible. To prevent the trafficking of the kidnapped children, every ship route had been blocked, and the only way in and out of the city was the train or the teleportation gate, both guarded 24/7 with heavy security.

If the kidnapping cases stopped, it would probably take a week to reopen the travel routes, but only for trading, and Levi wouldn't get be allowed to use it. Let alone rent a ship.

Even without this incident, a teenager like him, a commoner, borrowing a ship for "fun" would be suspicious. But he had a simple plan: just throw money at the owners, and he would get the ship.

Now, bribing was out of the question. Every store's transaction would be heavily scrutinized. If they found out Levi had bribed them, the possibility of getting jailed would be certain.

Now Levi had two options. Get a ship from another city. However, the journey would take two months, and he didn't have that much time. So the first option was a bust.

The next option was to solve the issue here and then get a ship. Though the sea routes here teemed with the most dangerous sea monsters, it would take him only three days to reach the mermaid's home.

'I didn't want any involvement in this incident.'

This event wasn't in the game, so he had no clue how to proceed with it. Also, unnecessary interference could spring up troubles for him.

Even though saving the children out of sympathy could be good, but-

'I couldn't care about kids that I have never seen or put value towards my goal. Now they are just puzzles I need to solve so I can get back on track.'

Immediately, the image of his mother angry and disappointed sprouted back, but this time he ignored it.

Levi walked back and looked for a hotel to stay at. As he walked through the crowds, avoiding getting any attention from the undercover awakeners and guards, he felt a hand coming at him from behind.

He didn't feel any hostility from the hand in front of him, though he did recognize the presence behind him, and it was too late to run.

'Why is he here?'

The hand reached his shoulder. Levi looked back and acted a bit surprised.

"It is you."

Blake, under a black hood and wearing normal commoner clothes, confirmed that it was Levi. Behind him was another figure, taller, also wearing a hood and an additional cloth covering his lower face, only showing his ferocious green eyes.

He stared at Levi, and both gave each other a little nod.

Levi had only seen Blake's knight, Kuma, in the game but not in real life. He peeked through Kuma's stats and internally smiled. 'Same monstrous stats and potential like in the game.'

The three realized they were blocking the way for the people. Without any words, the three walked to the side of the street but didn't know what to say.

'Why did I call him? It's not like we are close enough to have a conversation.'

Blake thought to himself.

The last time they talked was after Levi saved Blake, sitting on a bench, talking about the unwanted memories they had exchanged. That was a month ago, and since then, Blake didn't know how to start a conversation, and Levi couldn't be bothered.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"I think we should find a more private spot to talk,"

Kuma whispered as he pointed at the passersby glancing and gossiping about them. After all, two of them wore hoods to cover their identity, and the other looked like a gangster, with a scar on his face.

Levi didn't have anything better to do. The lesser eyes hadn't found any suspicious activity yet, nor did he have any plans, so he followed the two to a normal-looking inn beside the ticket shops.

They reached a single room on the top floor of the inn and welcomed Levi in. It was an average room, with two single beds, a cupboard, and a small stove, not anything fancy but also not a flea-infested room with a creaky door.

Levi just looked around and sat on a chair beside one of the beds. Rika inside Levi's pocket slept soundly, and the central eye had already started to weaken her presence.

Letting them see Rika with him would only brew questions and many investigations that he didn't want to deal with.

Blake sat opposite him, and Kuma poured a cup of tea for Levi and introduced himself as he passed it.

"I am sorry for the late introduction. I am Kuma Jini, the head knight in the Soron family and the young master's knight."

Levi also gave a small bow and introduced himself, "I am Levi. It's an honour to meet the renowned Crimson Wolf."

With his skills as a knight, long hair, and dark eyes, everyone called Kuma 'The Crimson Wolf' of the Soron.

His lips seemed to slightly twitch as Levi said that.

"Are you finding Barl good for your vacation?"

Kuma asked. Asking Levi directly for his reason for coming here felt rude and nosy, and that is why he had to do this. Seeing Blake hesitant to talk, he had no option, and Levi's talent piqued his interest.

"I am not here for a vacation."

There was no need to lie. Once Levi borrowed a ship, Kuma would eventually find out that the vacation was a facade.

"And I assume you aren't here to relax as well," Levi added. Kuma just smiled but didn't answer. Both sides concealed their goals.

Kuma sat opposite Blake's bed and watched Levi take a sip.

Even though Kuma was still thankful for what Levi did, his eyes and mind couldn't fathom how an average student in the academy fought, managed to survive, and protect Blake while fighting against a majin and a well-trained knight.

Blake also had participated in that fight, but when he spoke about it, he gave Levi the credit. Not out of generosity but because it was the actual reality.

Levi noticed Kuma's gaze and asked, "Is my presence a bother to you?"

It wasn't a provocative question but a genuine one, and Kuma immediately denied, "Please don't misunderstand. Your presence will never bother me, after what you have done for the young master."

Blake also nodded, because he too was still thankful, but didn't know how to express it.

"It's just I find it odd that you did all of that and asked only for money in the end."

Levi asked for 500 million Dale to save Blake. It was a hefty sum but not for a Duke and could be considered a measly reward for saving the life of the heir of the family.

The family still planned to reward Levi more in a private manner because they needed to hide the incident but couldn't decide on what and how to reward him.

"Is there something else you want?"

Kuma asked and looked at Blake, who had been ordered to do so a month ago and came with no answer. He didn't know why, but the young master seemed to lose the ability to speak in front of Levi.

Why? Only Blake knew.

Levi currently didn't desire anything except money. Most items or relics he wanted belonged to the Ten Heroes. Taking them would hinder their growth. Even if he desperately wanted it, he could ask Roman, the headmaster, or even the Toxotai family.

They still hadn't rewarded him for saving Irene.

"Then, can I ask you something?"

Levi said as he put the cup down. Kuma looked at Blake, who nodded.

"Please ask us."

Though Kuma wouldn't want Levi to ask anything controversial.

"Why are you guys here?"

A straightforward question, not unanswerable but a bit hard to answer, as both the knight and his master looked at each other, communicating just from looks.

In the game, Blake had never visited Barl at this stage. Levi did know the actions each character took after and before each event. He didn't have a perfect memory, just played the game a bit too much.

This kidnapping event also never happened, so there could be a possible connection between Blake and the event.

Kuma and Blake didn't answer for a while and just stared at each other. Only the sound of the wall clock and Levi tapping his feet echoed through the room.

Until finally, Blake decided to speak,

"We are here to find something."

Levi had guessed about it but now he was sure. A skill that Blake got in the second arc of the game. Blake's father had found the skill book but didn't use it for himself and hid it on a small island just beside Barl.

The current Duke also didn't take it and wanted Blake to have it, but only after a certain time. However, he changed his mind and permitted Blake to get the skill book.

Though the island was inhabited by monsters, that is why Kuma was sent to accompany them.

"Only help him, if his life is in danger, otherwise don't even lift a finger." That is what the Duke ordered Kuma.

To him, Blake wasn't weak. His son just seemed to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, but a boy like him would blame himself. That is why he wanted to uplift his son, in his way.

Levi didn't ask any further, unlike what Blake thought, "Don't you want to know what we are here for?"

Kuma was a bit surprised when Blake said that. Seeing Blake, the arrogant, polite, and well-behaved, questioning others, felt odd.

Levi shook his head at the question and looked at Blake, "But instead of asking you that, I have another request?"

Blake, without thinking much, immediately accepted, "Go on."

Levi looked at Blake and then at Kuma. Determination and calmness filled his eyes. Kuma felt a shiver run down his spine when he saw that. A student having such a gaze was far beyond normal.

"I want your help to solve the missing cases happening in Barl."

Immediately, Kuma and Blake tensed up. That was the worst Levi could ask.

Blake and Kuma, directly involved with the Soron family, weren't allowed to interfere with this incident, being directly related to Duke Soron. Unless the emperor gave permission, they could only watch the incident unfold.

If they helped him and got caught, the consequences would be immense. Soron might lose their trading rights in the city. Kuma could get punished by the royal family, and his knight status would be taken away.

Blake also would be punished, but nothing too severe.

"No, we can't help you with that. And I can't let you get involved in this," Kuma said. He owed Levi and respected him, but this choice, he couldn't accept, nor could he let Levi do it. 102 children missing wasn't normal, and they didn't know who, but something strong was involved.

"Your life will be in danger, and though you are strong, I refuse to believe you can solve this. You could lose your life, and I cannot let our benefactor do so."

Kuma's tone had become deeper and more serious. Blake also added,

"Plus, you're a student. I doubt the Awakens here would let you do or investigate anything freely. They would pack you up and call the academy to pick you up."

The academy allowed students the freedom to do anything, even explore dungeons under supervision, but not something this dangerous.

Levi knew this would be the answer and had a plan for it. It's just the plan that misused the authority he possessed.

'Even if someone finds out, I think he can deal with this. He is the Saint after all. And after all the trouble he put me through, he deserves it.'