As the Gray Wolf Mercenaries gathered around the campfire, a hush settled over the night, shrouding the encampment in a quietude broken only by the crackling of burning wood. The air, heavy with the scent of roasting meat, seemed to hold its breath, amplifying the stillness that enveloped the mercenaries.

The usual sounds of the nocturnal world were hushed as if nature itself acknowledged the gravity of the moments unfolding in the camp. The distant chirping of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves played a subdued symphony, a backdrop to the muted conversations and the flickering dance of shadows cast by the flames.

Even the night breeze moved with gentle reverence, whispering through the branches without the usual vigor. The silence seemed to magnify the weight of unspoken thoughts lingering among the mercenaries, each lost in their contemplations as they stared into the dancing flames.

As the goats continued to cook and the embers glowed, Kael approached Tye and conferred with something.

With the campfire casting flickering shadows, the others did not notice Kael and Tye missing.

Kael and Tye decided to investigate the old man's house, seeking things that could be of use to them. The creaking door announced their entrance as they stepped into the dimly lit dwelling.

Tye, her eyes scanning the room, discovered a parchment tucked away in the crevices of the weathered bed. As she unfolded it, her brows furrowed in surprise. "His name is Enevar Lifer, and according to this, he was a quasi-noble," Tye revealed, her voice a hushed murmur.

Kael, ever perceptive, examined the parchment. "A quasi-noble? That explains the stubbornness. He must have clung to his past status, even in these humble surroundings." His gaze then shifted to the corners of the room, searching for clues.

Amongst the modest belongings, Kael's sharp eyes caught sight of an ornate ring lying on a dusty shelf. The carvings on it were intricate – vines entwined with ancient runes. "This seems more than just a trinket," Kael mused, his fingers tracing the designs. "Retired soldiers often keep reminders of their past."

Tye nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and concern. "It appears he was more than a simple farmer. Perhaps a retired soldier fallen on hard times."

Kael, entranced by the craftsmanship, slipped the ring onto his finger. "Whatever his past, this is a memento worth keeping." His decision made, Kael stowed the ring away, a subtle glint in his eyes suggesting a fondness for the mysterious and the valuable.

Kael, the Hound of the Gray Wolf Mercenaries, glanced around cautiously before turning to Tye with a stern expression. "Tye, keep Enevar Lifer's name a secret. We don't need unnecessary complications," he instructed, his voice low and commanding.

Tye, her brow furrowing in suspicion, couldn't help but question, "Why the secrecy, Kael? What's there to hide?"

Kael's gaze bore into hers, a subtle warning underlying his words. "Some information is best kept among a select few. Trust me, it's for the good of the group."

Though suspicious, Tye hesitated, her instincts telling her there was more to the story. However, a flicker of intimidation in Kael's eyes made her swallow her objections. "Fine, Kael. But I hope you know what you're doing," she conceded, her voice tinged with reluctance.

After a meticulous search of the old man's humble dwelling, Kael and Tye's efforts finally paid off. With a subtle creak, a hidden compartment behind a wooden wall revealed a dusty but sturdy chest.

The duo exchanged curious glances, the flicker of greed momentarily gleaming in their eyes.

Kael, his fingers deftly working the lock, muttered, "Well, well. Seems our old farmer had a few secrets of his own."

Tye, her curiosity piqued, couldn't help but grin. "Secrets that might just change our fortunes," she added, anticipation lacing her words.

As the lock yielded to Kael's expertise, the chest swung open, revealing a dazzling array of riches. Gold coins spilled over the edges, silver glinted in the dim light, and precious gems sparkled like forgotten stars. The mercenaries exchanged awestruck glances, their eyes widening at the unimaginable wealth before them.

Kael, his voice a mix of disbelief and triumph, remarked, "Looks like Enevar Lifer had more than just memories hidden away."

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Tye, reaching into the treasure trove, let out a low whistle. "This... this changes everything, Kael. We've hit the jackpot."

Kael and Tye emerged from the old man's house, a chest laden with treasures in tow.

The two mercenaries quickly decided to bring the chest outside, placing it near the campfire where the Gray Wolf Mercenaries gathered and cooked their food.

As the mercenaries gathered around, their eyes widened at the sight of the newfound wealth. Lanor, observing the scene, couldn't hide a hint of relief in his eyes.

The gleaming treasures within the chest became a symbol of unexpected fortune, a stark contrast to the harsh realities of their mercenary lives.

Kael, the glint of the chest's riches reflecting in his eyes, addressed the mercenaries gathered around the campfire. "We take this for ourselves. The old man won't need it where he's going," he declared with a note of ruthlessness in his voice already deciding the old man to be dead.

Gon, his eyes fixed on the gleaming chest, grunted in agreement. No more words need be said.

Tye hesitated before reluctantly nodding. She had long agreed to do this, and there was no use in backing off midway.

"Nice one, Tye, Kael..." Perry whistled at the sight of the riches. "So kind of you to share! Hah~ hahaha!"

As the mercenaries worked swiftly to divide the spoils, Lanor, the leader burdened by the responsibility of maintaining order within the group, observed with a patient demeanor. The Gray Wolf Mercenaries operated on an allowance-based system, and in the face of newfound wealth, Lanor took charge of overseeing the distribution.

"Easy now, everyone gets their share," Lanor asserted, his eyes flicking between the mercenaries. "That is a lot of gold... The old man surely has a lot for himself..."

With a mischievous grin, Perry leaned in, his tone conspiratorial. "You know, maybe this old man wasn't just a farmer. What if he was a retired bandit king, hiding his loot right under our noses?"

The suggestion hung in the air for a moment before Gon let out a hearty laugh, the sound echoing through the night. "A bandit king turned farmer? Perry, you've got a vivid imagination!"

Tye, caught between amusement and lingering unease, joined in the laughter. "If that's the case, we might have just stumbled upon the treasure of a legendary outlaw."

Perry, playing along, winked at the others. "Who would've thought this place would be the secret lair of a retired bandit king? Maybe we should start checking for hidden passages!"

The laughter spread among the mercenaries, momentarily dispelling the heavy atmosphere. Even Lanor, burdened by the weight of their recent choices, cracked a faint smile.

"Maybe our unconscious friend over there was a knight in his past life," Joruk joked, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Dendeng, the dual sword wielder with a penchant for wit, added with a smirk, "Or perhaps he was a renowned mercenary, seeking refuge in this quaint farm."

Marek, the usually silent and observant member, joined the jest in his own subtle way. "Maybe he was both. A knight turned mercenary, seeking a peaceful retirement."

Laughter echoed around the campfire, the flickering flames dancing in rhythm with the camaraderie among the mercenaries. Perry, always ready for a quip, chimed in, "Or maybe he was a bandit king turned farmer, as I suggested earlier. Who says he couldn't be all of them?"

Kael's expression shifted, and a palpable air of seriousness enveloped him. He caught Tye's eye and nodded towards the old man's house, a silent indication for her to join him in another round of investigation.

"Tye, we might have missed something," Kael said quietly, his tone devoid of the earlier levity.

Intrigued and slightly wary, Tye followed Kael back into the dimly lit house. They revisited where they found the treasure chest, their eyes scouring the walls and corners for any hidden compartments.

After a thorough search, Kael's keen eyes zeroed in on a peculiar section of the wall.

"Look here," Kael whispered, tracing his fingers along a subtle seam in the wood.

Together, they worked to reveal another hidden treasure chest, concealed with the same craftsmanship as the first. Tye couldn't help but marvel at the meticulous planning that had gone into hiding the wealth within the seemingly ordinary walls of the old man's dwelling.

As the chest swung open, revealing yet another cache of riches, Kael's eyes gleamed with a mixture of satisfaction and shock. "Seems our old friend had more than one secret to share," he remarked.

Tye, her skepticism giving way to a sense of wonder, added, "Who knew this place would turn out to be a treasure trove?"

Kael, fueled by the discovery of the second hidden chest, stepped out of the old man's house and called out to the other Gray Wolf Mercenaries with a sense of urgency. "Gather 'round, everyone. There's more to this than we thought!"

Intrigued, the mercenaries abandoned their individual pursuits and assembled, their eyes reflecting a mix of annoyance and curiosity. Kael explained the situation, his voice carrying a renewed fervor. "We missed more than we found. Help me search, and we might just unearth the treasures this old man has been hiding."

The mercenaries felt bizarre at the turn of events but nonetheless joined Kael in a concerted effort to turn the old man's house upside down. The once-quiet home echoed with the sounds of mercenaries overturning furniture, tapping on walls, and investigating every nook and cranny.

Joruk, with his uncharacteristic humor, quipped, "Who would've thought such a place had a basement full of treasures?"

Perry, ever the jester, added, "Maybe our friend here was a master architect of secret hiding spots. I'm starting to think he enjoyed the challenge."

As the search intensified, the mercenaries discovered hidden compartments, false floors, and concealed alcoves. Each revelation brought forth a new treasure chest, carefully stowed away as if the old man had transformed his dwelling into a clandestine vault.

In the end, a dozen more treasure chests were unveiled, revealing a wealth that surpassed the Gray Wolf Mercenaries' wildest expectations.

Perry nervously sweated, "Who in Seven Hells was the damn old man? Did he rob a Dragon's Hoard to have so much wealth?"