Chapter 81: Mercenary

Lao Mao squinted, carefully sized up Robin, as if judging the truth of his words.

A moment later, he let out a cold laugh and said, "You claim the lord and the Wizard conspired to forge Knights into puppets? That's an interesting explanation. But do you think the people of Tutamen City would believe you? Especially the nobles—they don't care about the truth, only their own interests."

Robin clenched his fist and whispered, "I know it's hard, but I have no choice. If I can't clear my innocence, they'll eventually catch me. Lao Mao, I need your help."

Lao Mao was silent for a while, then slowly said, "Arranging a new identity for you isn't impossible. But you must understand Tutamen City's rule—no free lunch. What can you give me?"

Robin, having prepared, pulled a Gold Coin etched with strange symbols from his coat and handed it to Lao Mao: "These Gold Coins I found in the lord's secret chamber, bearing special symbols. I suspect they're linked to the Wizard and might expose the lord's plot. If you help me, this Gold Coin is yours."

Lao Mao took the Gold Coin, examined it carefully for a moment, a flash of surprise in his eyes. He looked up at Robin, his tone turning serious: "These Gold Coins... are indeed not simple. It seems the trouble you've attracted is larger than I imagined."

Robin gave a wry smile and said, "That's why I need your help."

Lao Mao pondered briefly, then nodded: "Fine, I can arrange a new identity for you. However, you must agree to one condition."

"What condition?" Robin asked warily.

"When you become strong enough, you must do something for me." Lao Mao's tone left no room for doubt.

Robin hesitated, but considering his current situation, could only nod and agree: "Alright, I accept."

Lao Mao showed a hint of a satisfied smile, then pulled a Parchment and a pen from his coat, quickly wrote an address, and handed it to Robin: "Go to this place and find a person called 'Hui Shu'. He will arrange a new identity for you. Remember, tell no one that you have seen me."

Robin took the Parchment, solemnly nodded: "Thank you."

Lao Mao waved his hand, his tone cold: "Don't rush to thank me; we merely take what we need. Remember your promise."

Robin said nothing more, turned and left Lao Mao's hideout.

In the night, he followed the address on the Parchment, passed several narrow alleys, and finally arrived at a dilapidated building. He knocked, and a moment later a thin man opened the door, his eyes wary as he looked at him.

"Who are you?" the man whispered.

Robin handed the Parchment to him: "Lao Mao sent me to find you."

The man took the Parchment, glanced at it, then nodded: "Come in."

Robin followed the man inside, feeling a slight relief.

Robin followed Hui Shu inside; the room was dim and cluttered, walls lined with strange items, the table piled with scrolls and jars.

Hui Shu gestured Robin to sit, then sat opposite, carefully sizing him up.

"Lao Mao sent you?" Hui Shu asked, a hint of doubt in his tone.

Robin nodded, placed the Parchment Lao Mao gave him on the table: "Yes, I need a new identity."

Hui Shu picked up the Parchment, examined it, then looked up at Robin: "Lao Mao rarely recommends people personally. Looks like the trouble you've caused is considerable."

Robin gave a wry smile, not denying: "Indeed, it's sizable. I'm wanted throughout the city; I need an identity that lets me start anew."

Hui Shu pondered briefly, then retrieved a thick volume from a drawer under the table, flipped a few pages, and asked, "What kind of identity do you want? Merchant? Mercenary? Or ordinary civilian?"

Robin thought for a moment and replied, "A mercenary. That identity is freer and suits my movements."

Hui Shu nodded, quickly scribbled a few lines in the volume, then took a Mercenary Badge and an Identification Document from a nearby cabinet, handing them to Robin: "This is your new identity—Luo Yi Black, a mercenary from the frontier. Remember, from today you are Luo Yi, no longer Luobin Gabriel."

Robin took the badge and identification, solemnly nodded: "I understand."

Hui Shu produced a set of Leather Armor and weapons commonly used by mercenaries, handing them to Robin: "These are your gear. Remember, a mercenary's freedom comes with rules. Don't cause trouble, and don't let anyone doubt your identity."

Robin took the gear and quickly changed into it.

The Leather Armor, though a bit worn, fit well, and the weapons were well maintained.

He grasped the Sword in his hand, feeling a long‑missed sense of security.

"Thank you," Robin said.

Hui Shu waved his hand: "No thanks needed; I'm just following the rules. Lao Mao has already paid."

Robin nodded, about to leave, when Hui Shu suddenly called out: "Wait."

Robin turned back: "Anything else?"

Hui Shu picked up a small Talisman from the table, handed it to Robin: "This is an Enchanted Talisman; it can hide your aura to avoid tracking. Its effect is limited, but better than nothing."

Robin took the Talisman, hung it around his neck, feeling a faint Magic Wave.

He thanked Hui Shu again, then left the room.

In the night, Robin—now should be called Luo Yi Black—walked the streets of Tutamen City.

His mood was a bit lighter than before, yet he still dared not be careless.

His enemies wouldn't give up easily, but he didn't understand why they targeted this little Knight; weren't those two Wizard Apprentices the real targets?

He decided to first register at the Mercenary Guild, officially beginning a new life as Luo Yi.

The Mercenary Guild stood in the city center, a towering stone building, its entrance bearing a massive Shield and Sword emblem.

Robin entered the guild hall, where voices roared, mercenaries gathered in small groups, discussing missions and rewards.

Robin approached the counter, handed the Identification Document to the staff. The staff glanced at it, then asked, "Are you a new mercenary?"

Robin nodded: "Yes, I wish to register as a formal mercenary."

The staff quickly recorded the information, then handed Robin a Mercenary Badge: "This is your badge; from now on you are a member of Tutamen City's Mercenary Guild. You can take missions here and earn rewards."

Robin took the badge and pinned it to his chest.

He glanced at the mission board, covered with all sorts of tasks, from escorting caravans to hunting magical beasts, everything imaginable.

He decided to take a simple mission first, to get familiar with mercenary life.

At that moment, a tall mercenary walked over, patting Robin's shoulder: "New here?"

Robin nodded: "Yes, I'm Luo Yi."

The tall mercenary smiled: "I'm Karl, a senior mercenary here. Seeing you're alone, want to team up? I just took a caravan escort mission; the reward's good."

Robin thought it over, seeing a good opportunity, and nodded: "Alright, I'm in."

Karl smiled satisfactorily: "Then it's settled. Tomorrow at dawn, we meet at the city gate."

(End of Chapter)