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A robust man in his thirties, muscular and with his left hand always on the hilt of his sword at his waist, and a large package tucked under his right arm, stood beside a woman cloaked in a magical robe, a mysterious glow flickering in her slightly clasped hands. Mengdie, with a quick glance, sensed Dubo's ill-intent for this visit. A wry smile on her lips, she prepared to adapt to the situation.
"Please."
Mengdie poured three cups of hot water, handing them to Dubo and his two companions as they sat down around the dining table. Dubo took a sip, his cold, expressionless eyes continuing to scrutinize Mengdie.
"Hmm. Although not very well-mannered, you are somewhat courteous."
Mengdie's forehead bulged with a vein. Damn, do I need your approval on my manners? What exactly are you here for?
Dubo set down his cup, raising his hand slightly. The muscular man behind him stepped forward, slamming his water cup onto the table and taking out the package from under his arm, placing it respectfully on the table.
The box was rectangular, exquisitely wrapped. The seal at the center bore the Silver Moon emblem, accompanied by a golden card. The words "To Miss Mengdie" shone brilliantly against the card's background.
Mengdie didn't take the gift box. More accurately, she couldn't understand the writing on the card and thus was cautious. After several minutes of trying to decipher it, she finally gave up, sighing and pointing at the card, "What does this say?"
At her question, Dubo's face grew even more displeased. His reaction made Aya and Nia, hiding behind the bedroom door, gasp in shock.
"Bang—!"
Dubo suddenly slammed the table, his face twisted with rage! He glared at Mengdie with eyes as large as copper bells, shouting, "You... you can't read?!"
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To her embarrassment, Mengdie indeed couldn't read. But being illiterate wasn't a big deal; no one is born knowing how to read. Unperturbed by Dubo's surprise, Mengdie clasped her hands, bowing slightly to him, her expression sincere.
"Yes, I can't read much. Can you tell me what it says?"
Dubo's shock gradually subsided at Mengdie's polite response. He looked her up and down, shaking his head, sighing.
"You can't even read? ...Ah, never mind. Can't expect too much from a girl in the poor district. This is for you; you can take it."
"What is it? If it's my payment... I suppose it wouldn't need to be delivered in such a gift box, right?"
Dubo snorted coldly, "Open it and see for yourself."
Mengdie couldn't guess what the old man was up to and hesitantly reached for the gift box to open it...
"Swish—!"
Suddenly! A cold gleam swiftly descended towards Mengdie's hand! Her heart sank, and she quickly stepped back! In just an instant, the cold gleam nearly grazed Mengdie's nose as it chopped the dining table in half.
The person wielding the sword was the muscular attendant of Dubo. The gift box was gently enveloped in a mist, floating leisurely to the female magician's side. Dubo, seemingly expecting this, remained calmly seated...
"Ah—!"
The sudden change terrified Aya and Nia in the bedroom. Aya tightly hugged her sister, covering her mouth to prevent any noise. But the sound of surprise still escaped the room, reaching Mengdie's ears.
Mengdie spread her hands, guarding the bedroom door. Her expression was grave, every inch of her skin emitting a sense of alertness.
"What do you mean by this?"
The swordsman retracted his blade, assuming a combat stance. The wide, heavy sword, almost as broad as a palm, seemed as light as a twig in his hand. The sharp tip aimed directly at Mengdie's heart, swaying with her slight movements, the intention clear.
"Do you still need me to explain my meaning, girl?"
Dubo crossed his arms, lounging in his chair, his eyes cold. The female magician behind him set down the box, clasping her hands, muttering under her breath. When she separated her hands, a small six-pointed star array, emitting a sinister black light, appeared in her palm.
The swordsman moved suddenly! He swung his massive blade horizontally at Mengdie's waist, the gust it created seemingly capable of slicing the air! Mengdie's expression hardened; rather than dodging, she stepped forward, her left fist gathering momentum, blasting towards the swordsman's face like a cannonball!
Yes, no need for explanations now. In this world, strength speaks the loudest; without it, all reasons are void!
"Earth Shield!"
As the shout echoed, Mengdie's fist accurately hit the swordsman's face! But the impact didn't burst his skin; instead, Mengdie's left fist felt pain. A faint yellow light had enveloped the swordsman's face at the last moment. Hitting it felt like striking solid ground!
The swordsman didn't give Mengdie much time to react, retracting his sword and using the hilt to strike at her waist. Though his moves weren't as trained as Edward's, his combat experience was likely far superior to ten Edwards combined.
Mengdie, startled, jumped up, stepping on the swordsman's chest. As expected, his entire body was enveloped in a faint yellow light, like stepping on a wall. With no other choice, Mengdie had to flip backward, hoping to gain some distance to analyze the situation.
Unfortunately, she forgot she wasn't fighting just one enemy. There were two!
The female magician's six-pointed star array emitted a yellow light again as she quickly chanted a spell, then slammed her hands on the ground! Almost simultaneously, the wall behind Mengdie softened and became sticky, like a quagmire.
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