[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-bear-school-astartes":3,"chapter-bear-school-astartes-bear-school-astartes-chapter-23":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Bear School Astartes",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1620082,2087,"Chapter 23. Banquet, Fork Tricks","bear-school-astartes-chapter-23",23,"\u003Cp>They spent the entire day clearing the surrounding waters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In sync with the fishing times of the Auridon villagers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duo of Lann and Bernie expanded the safe area of the village fishing grounds by approximately five kilometers to the east.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this period, nearly twenty Water Ghosts were slain by the silver sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The process of each hunt was identical to the first: after landing, Bernie led the tracking, while Lann observed this craft from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon encountering Water Ghosts, the Demon Hunter was responsible for the battle, and in the end, Lann still broke the corpse of the Water Ghost to pieces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twenty Water Ghosts together could easily massacre the villages in Velen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But fortunately, these Water Ghosts were scattered, and the group of five seen for the first time was the largest; otherwise, the young Demon Hunter would really have a headache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the sun was about to sink into the surface of Lake Fick, the two returned to the village together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Bernie’s small boat just approached the village harbor, this fisherman and hunter raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey.\" He called softly, signaling the Demon Hunter sitting at the bow with his back turned to look back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the dimming light, the village harbor was bustling with people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinarily, people should have gone home by now, or gathered in the tavern, but instead, they were all gathered at the pier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were absent-mindedly weaving fishing nets, others sat on barrels swinging their legs. Old Allen stood at the front, puffing on his tobacco.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When people saw the small boat approaching, they cheered loudly, each dropping whatever absent-minded task they were engaged in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They immediately crowded over, each craning their necks to look into the boat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Allen stood at the front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Water Ghost ears! So many Water Ghost ears!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stench and the dirty blood didn’t trouble him at all; his excited shout elicited a large cheer from the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first time Lann, in this world, was welcomed ashore as if he were a hero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Allen’s hand slapped hard on the young man’s shoulder armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I never thought...\" He seemed a bit tongue-tied at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I really didn’t think you were telling the truth!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though Lann had tried hard to interact with them in a way that aligned with the local mindset, and despite doing this much preparation... the distrust of Demon Hunters still existed among the people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was caused by years and years of racial atmospheres.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now... what does it matter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man also heartily returned Old Allen’s gesture, the gloved hand slapping the old man on the back, causing him to cough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even so, the old man and the surrounding villagers still laughed loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trust had been established.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The yearning for a better tomorrow could dilute all sorts of baseless hatred and discrimination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sorry, truly sorry, Lann.\" Old Allen had to shout close to Lann’s ear amidst the cheering to ensure he was heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For my, for Auridon’s villagers’ doubts about you, come on, my friend, I have to buy you a big drink!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Royal Vizima?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Royal Vizima!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So the men and women of the village laughed together and surged into that small tavern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>~~~~~~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The small tavern wasn’t large, so in the dim night, just a few candles were enough to provide illumination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Usually supported by only a few fishermen, today the little tavern welcomed a crowded and lively business day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a few women had brought instruments from home, and to Lann, the sound of these instruments was similar to flutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tune was cheerful and melodious, and even though it repeated, it didn’t feel annoying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the table, the young man downed a large gulp of golden Royal Vizima beer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This beer’s fermentation was overseen by professional brewmasters from the Temerian Capital—Vizima.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The timely addition of hops gave the perfectly fermented alcohol a touch of refreshing bitterness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bang!\" The half-full wooden beer mug was smashed onto the table, the young man licking at the beer foam at the corner of his mouth, not quite satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice echoed in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sir, if I may. I really didn’t expect anyone to want to add honey while drinking beer...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mentos, shut up!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, sir.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smart brain complied smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How many times have I told you! Can you really call a stress response a unique taste?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The interaction with the intelligence system ended quickly, and sitting opposite Lann, Old Allen held a glass of cheap homemade wine, chuckling as he pointed out the bartender to Lann.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bill is cleaning the Water Ghost’s right ear you brought back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man followed the direction of the pointing finger, seeing the bartender not only cleaning the ear but amusingly nailing the polished ear to the wooden wall behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I came in, Bill told me that this tavern would be called ’Water Ghost’s Right Ear’ in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann raised an eyebrow, \"What a pity, I can’t charge him royalties from this name.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Allen laughed heartily, then emptied his glass of wine in one gulp, letting out a long breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whew—I must head back now, the banquet won’t last much longer, and Bill’s stocks are almost drained. You can still catch a meal if you return soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann shrugged indifferently, gesturing Old Allen to go ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the old man lifted his butt, then seemingly thought of something else, his expression conflicted as he again sat down, leaning closer to the young man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lann, um... can you in the future... not perform your fork trick in front of my wife?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fork trick? Oh, you mean the time I threw a fork at a rat?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bernie, standing not far away, keenly heard the words \"trick\" and took his seat beside them, eager to hear the fun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Trick? What trick are you guys talking about?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fisherman and hunter finally removed his long leather gloves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann chuckled lightly, bringing the glass to his mouth, while Old Allen’s expression twisted a bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He threw a fork and hit a rat during dinner yesterday.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s it?\" Bernie pursed his lips abruptly as if suddenly losing interest. \"I could do that too. Though rats are slippery and delicate, I can still do it if I get a bit closer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Allen continued to focus on Lann, ignoring Bernie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh yes, you could do it. But it wouldn’t be during dinner time, nor would the rat be four or five meters away from your single candle at home.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bernie’s mouth slowly widened and his head gradually turned towards Lann beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hand holding the glass froze in mid-air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man merely shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought it would be quite entertaining.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I do find it amusing indeed,\" Old Allen said with visible discomfort on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If there’s nothing to do, I could watch you throw forks all day... but don’t do this in front of Hibona again. She didn’t even dare to come to the gathering today and hung a rabbit’s foot by our bed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, rabbit’s foot is useless against magic, curses, monsters... basically useless against anything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann kindly reminded him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Allen frantically scratched his head, \"I know, but isn’t it just to give her peace of mind? Besides...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re a good person, Lann. We have no reason to be so wary of you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The village elder continued scratching his head, but Lann’s drinking motion paused briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bernie, oblivious to everything, chimed in, \"Indeed, Lann, you’re a righteous person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The slightly bitter beer at this moment felt to have a wonderfully sweet aftertaste in the mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man’s lips unconsciously curled into a smile: \"What else can I say? Old Allen, your rat truly is lucky.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha! Then it’s all settled! When you get back, eighteen Water Ghost’s right ears, eighteen Auridon coins, cash on hand!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann raised his glass, toasting to Old Allen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Allen finally got off the bench, walking out of the tavern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, in a corner of the tavern, a young voice pierced through the layers of noise, captured by the Demon Hunter’s senses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn’t it only natural for monsters to kill monsters? Earning money by swinging a sword, what’s the difference from being a murderer, a robber?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice carried a sense of resentment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Demon Hunter’s ears, that corner of the tavern fell suddenly silent for a brief moment upon hearing these words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon after, seemingly trying to mask the young voice, other sounds in the corner began to speak loudly, laugh, sing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apart from this corner and the Demon Hunter, no one else heard such a statement in the tavern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann’s lips pressed together while no one guessed a Demon Hunter’s hearing was this acute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could easily stand up now, pinpoint the source of that young voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The villagers who regarded him as a hero would certainly take his side too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he sighed, choosing not to do so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he recognized that young voice, named Little White.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last surviving orphan of villagers killed by Bordeaux.\u003C\u002Fp>",1512,"2026-06-06T10:40:07.661Z",1,"novelbin.me","d0786a07ba77b82cd2ff217271d90cd71e335b987142eaf4036c9fb68e273b41","bear-school-astartes-chapter-80","bear-school-astartes-chapter-79",1043,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbear-school-astartes-cover.jpg"]