One autumn morning, Sidesei returned from outside, his expression full of good news.

　　Their usual work—assassinating lone patrols or dealing with far-off troubles caused by other races—left everyone exhausted. Seeing Sidesei so cheerful lifted their spirits.

　　Puning understood him best.

　　“Old buddy, making a big profit is good news.”

　　“Why can’t we do it together?” Sidesei clapped twice, gathering everyone.

　　First, he pulled a book from his pocket titled The Unexpected Death of a Patrol General by Zhuo Wen Nepulangming.

　　Most ignored the content, except Charles.

　　Next, Sidesei handed out a notice: a notorious thief gang from the 17th Patrol Squad had a bounty—one thousand gold coins.

　　Pei Ruya cheered. “We did a great job, didn’t we?”

　　“Yes, worth celebrating. You’ll be even happier with the second news,” Sidesei said.

　　“Don’t keep us in suspense,” Daiyaniu said impatiently.

　　“Alright, boss. The second thing—Leviathan Mountains, home of the pterodactyls. A group of troublemaking orcs has appeared. Their leader, Zedonath Falk, just inherited his position and lacks time to handle them. He’s gathering capable people. Selphili, Lumira, how long has it been since you worked? Spread your wings.”

　　Two grey-feathered harpies stepped forward. One said, “Map, baby.”

　　Sidesei handed the third item to the silent harpy.

　　“Selphili, don’t be lazy when you go out,” he teased.

　　Lumira gave a dismissive look and walked out.

　　Meanwhile, Charles read the disturbing book.

　　It recounted a green-scaled lizard warrior and magician attacking a patrol squad for the Flame Magic Sword, dying together. The narrative spiraled into chaotic personal lives of the warriors and lizards.

　　After reading, Charles began to understand Puning’s words.

　　The worst part? The book mentioned a place that shouldn’t be mentioned.

　　If someone believed the Big Green Frog Inn was Kura’s stronghold, Durdan would be suspected of collaborating in the patrol squad attack—putting his friend in grave danger.

　　Charles voiced his worry, and a brief silence fell.

　　“No one believes that clown writer, I suppose…” Puning comforted.

　　A few minutes later, Dainio spoke.

　　“Do you want to confirm it yourself?”

　　“If possible…”

　　“Remember: if anything happens, don’t mention the Poison Feather Society. Also, avoid contact with Selphili and Lumira outside.”

　　“What a cold-hearted guy,” Periya muttered under her breath.

　　“It’s not just the lizards—everyone’s the same,” Dainio emphasized.

　　Charles stood, observing the quiet hall. Only Syl was spitting out bubble-shaped flames on a stool.

　　Back in his room, Charles polished his arrowheads, paired them with his steel sword, and equipped the steel wire magic blade.

　　Stepping out, he saw Periya nearby.

　　“Aren’t you going to say something?” she whispered.

　　“This is a nice place,” he replied.

　　“I mean about me,” she clarified.

　　“You’re not bad either,” he said.

　　“Okay, have a nice journey, lizard.” She turned toward the central hall. After a few steps, she paused. “Maybe I’ll come find you—if that cold-blooded girl with smooth skin agrees.”

　　“Thank you.”

　　Charles watched her back as he set off for Raybilu Forest. He asked Sidesei for a map before leaving and bid farewell to everyone.

　　More than ten days later, he entered the Raybilu region, lucky to encounter no trouble.

　　Compared to Lelet Forest, the environment was harsher. Lelet was mostly plains; here, small hills ten meters or more were scattered, along with several high mountains.

　　The deadliest factor: Raybilu was under the Yuoou Kingdom’s jurisdiction. Humans lived near the kingdom, while orcs roamed the border.

　　Patrolmen rarely ventured near Kapekotte City. Nobody wanted to risk their lives, human or orc alike.

　　Winged people had a notable reputation here. With some inquiry, Charles found his friend’s residence.

　　After climbing dozens of hills, he arrived at a small forest called Frum.

　　There stood a hotel twice the size of the Big Green Frog Inn, guarded by four winged people.

　　He looked at the blue flag and the new hotel name, laughing quietly.

　　“Big-eyed Frog? That’s a good name,” he said.

　　As he walked in, a winged soldier stopped him.

　　“What’s a new face like you doing here?”

　　“Don’t worry, Durdan is my friend,” Charles replied.

　　“What proof do you have?”

　　At that moment, Durdan appeared, thrilled to see him.

　　“Charles! Oh… my old friend, why are you here?”

　　The two embraced.

　　Inside, the inn was bleak—no customers.

　　“What’s going on? Why so quiet?”

　　“Sit down, I’ll tell you.”

　　Durdan had been forced to return due to family troubles. Clan disagreements, suspicion of his father’s methods, and people avoiding the inn had made life difficult.

　　He rambled, forgetting to prepare fried frogs. Half an hour later, he finally remembered, brought food, and two bottles of red apple wine. Filling two glasses, he asked, “Old buddy, what brings you here?”

　　Charles placed the book The Unexpected Death of a Patrol General on the table.

　　Durdan immediately understood the situation from the title. Flipping through, he noticed something inappropriate inside.

　　“I see… has anyone come causing trouble?”

　　“Thanks for coming. So far, no one has. That writer isn’t reliable, I hear. Do you have plans? Consider becoming a hunter again, here?”

　　“Another fresh start?” Charles considered, then shook his head. “Not for now.”

　　“So… you’ve joined… right?”

　　Charles wagged his tail, drinking the apple wine in one go.

　　“What do you think?”

　　“Making new friends is good. I’m happy for you.” Durdan lowered his voice. “Are your companions reliable? They seem lazy.”

　　“Do you need help? Under a different name, I mean.”

　　“As expected of a longtime friend. Help me find something—a copper bracelet symbolizing the Fangke clan.”

　　“Durden Fank?”

　　“Yes.”

　　“There must be a design on the copper bracelet. Not frog eyes?”

　　“How about a winged dragon?”

　　“Not bad. Where should I negotiate?”

　　Durdan looked surprised. “Man, have you really joined? How come you don’t know anything? They are at the Shuangxi Stronghold. Forget it—I’ll draw you a map.”