Chapter 186 – Nightwalker Alliance

After the first round of combat, Punk fully realized that the fatty “Iron Tower” before him was an extremely troublesome opponent. The flabby flesh on his body only appeared to be fat—if he wasn’t mistaken, it was likely filled with a peculiar substance that could change form at will. Moreover, its compatibility with Battle Aura was exceptionally good, allowing large amounts of Battle Aura to be infused into it for enhanced strength.

Having deduced this far, Punk couldn’t help but frown slightly.

This “Iron Tower” truly lived up to his nickname. Being able to so easily withstand a Kinetic Cone was sufficient proof of his formidable defensive capabilities.

However, if he were merely a sturdy turtle shell, Punk wouldn’t feel intimidated. Almost immediately after the “Kinetic Cone” failed, Punk had already completed a new spell.

“Formal-Level Conjuration Spell—Kinetic Crush”

“Metamagic—Mana Compression”

Similarly, Iron Tower, who had taken a heavy blow to the neck, grew even more enraged. He swiftly turned around, aiming his spike-covered shield at Punk. Highly concentrated earth-attribute Battle Aura gathered around his short legs—it was clear this human-shaped beast was about to launch another Charge.

“Formal-Level Combat Skill—Charge”!

“Friends, how about giving me some face”?

Just as the next round of combat was about to erupt, a light, airy voice drifted into the arena.

Faced with an unknown entity whose intentions were unclear, both Punk and Iron Tower immediately halted their fight and looked toward the center of the arena. They both knew that the most unstable factor in a battle was the sudden appearance of a “peacemaker.”

A man in a snow-white trench coat had appeared unnoticed at the edge of the arena. A gleaming rapier hung at his waist, and his messy hair was slick with oil. His sharp facial features, paired with a cunning smile, made him resemble only one creature—a fox.

“Damn it, are you looking to die too”!

Iron Tower truly lived up to his reputation as a madman—his very first words were filled with merciless mockery and provocation. However, his body remained in a defensive posture without moving. Clearly, though Iron Tower was a madman, he wasn’t a fool; he knew he had to guard against Punk’s sneak attacks.

Punk, on the other hand, remained silent, watching the unidentified man in white with caution.

By now, there wasn’t a single guest below the Formal-Level left around the Yubeika Livestock Cabin. The five Formal-Level powerhouses gathered here had fallen into an eerie balance. The atmosphere was extremely tense—even the usually composed Boss Lady had lost her detached demeanor.

Similarly, no one dared to make any rash moves. In such a tense situation, any action that could be interpreted as an attack might draw focused fire from the others.

The tense atmosphere lasted a full two minutes. Finally, the man in white spread his hands and broke the silence.

“Everyone should be a bit calmer now. Allow me to introduce myself. I am the branch chairman of the Nightwalker Alliance. You may call me White Night. While passing by, I happened to notice everyone’s strength and would like to sincerely invite you to join our Nightwalker Alliance, to seek profits together in the darkness.”

After speaking, the man who called himself White Night carefully performed a noble’s invitation gesture and then fell silent.”What are the conditions for joining, what benefits do we get, and what confidence do you have to pursue so-called interests?”

Punk almost immediately followed White Night’s words with his question.

After Punk finished asking, everyone prepared to listen carefully to White Night’s response. After all, all five Formal-Level powerhouses present were thoroughgoing egoists—they would never do anything without benefits.

“Yeah, I hate pretty boys like you the most! If there’s no benefit, I ain’t listening to you!”

This was Iron Tower’s query, with a slightly different focus…

Hearing Punk’s question, White Night smiled amiably and said:

“Our Nightwalker Alliance operates on a very loose system. Accepting missions is entirely voluntary. Those who take on missions share the spoils, while those who don’t naturally get nothing. The alliance itself is merely a platform provider and mission announcer. Of course, most of these missions align with the alliance’s interests, which is the ‘payment’ the alliance requires.”

“We need to understand that due to the suppression by Dillon Kingdom’s National Guardian Archmage—Sayulong—we ‘sensitive’ individuals are forced to hide in the shadows, unable to obtain sufficient resources. Therefore, we should unite and engage in ‘hunting’ together! As for our alliance’s confidence… I’ll tell you, our Chairman’s title is ‘Silver Staff’!”

“Silver Staff? Is that Archmage Silver Staff, the master of Black Fort Camp?”

After hearing White Night’s explanation, Bloodclaw was the first to exclaim.

Everyone was utterly shocked at this moment. They never imagined this organization had the backing of the only powerhouse capable of rivaling Dillon Kingdom’s National Guardian Archmage. Iron Tower immediately made his decision:

“I’m in! I’ve long been sick of those hypocrites roaming everywhere. Make sure you let me kill to my heart’s content when the time comes.”

“No problem. Attacking some Churches and Nobles is an inevitable part of our operations.”

White Night smiled and tossed a pitch-black card to Iron Tower, then said:

“That card serves as identification. Missions will also be notified through it. Please keep it safe.”

After speaking, White Night turned to Punk, Bloodclaw, and Boss Lady:

“Would you all like to join as well? This card contains no traps or mechanisms. Archmage Silver Staff is only a Master-Level powerhouse, not Legendary. I believe the spellcaster over there can perform proper verification.”

Before anyone could respond, White Night threw black cards toward the three of them with such precise trajectories that each card flew accurately into their hands.

Punk cautiously stepped back and ordered Golem Two to catch the card for him.

The card’s material was utterly ordinary—just paper with relatively high magic conductivity. Only the magical imprint on it proved it genuinely came from a Master-Level powerhouse.

After a quick System scan, Punk confirmed the card only contained a text transmission array. As a mage with secondary training in alchemy, he could basically ascertain the card hadn’t been tampered with.

Seeing everyone carefully accept the Black Cards, White Night smiled contentedly and continued:”There’s no need for everyone to be so tense. The authenticity of the mission can be verified by each of you personally. Even withdrawing midway through the mission is permitted—as long as you don’t betray us at the critical moment. The only thing you’ll lose are the spoils of war. You also don’t need to carry the cards with you. Let me emphasize again! All missions in our Nightwalker Alliance are entirely voluntary.”

Hearing White Night’s clear explanation, and with Punk’s reaction confirming the cards themselves were not problematic, Bloodclaw and the boss both put away their Black Cards.

Punk glanced thoughtfully at White Night, who maintained his smile throughout, then stored his own Black Card inside his Ring.

Though he seemed to casually accept the Black Card, Punk still believed this day’s events—from encountering the madman Crusher “Iron Tower” to this unidentified White Night stepping in to mediate—were no coincidence. Moreover…

“So, all the Formal-Level professionals from Black Fort Camp are gathered here today after all!”

Punk quietly withdrew his perception, silently pondering this realization.

(End of Chapter)