Chapter 427 – Cooperation

“He really seems like a thoroughly troublesome fellow, this Sosend Jess.”

Rubbing his temples with his fingers, Punk’s tone carried a hint of helplessness. Although he had anticipated that the place where Ovakain fled would contain obstacles that could hinder him, he never expected the trouble to be this significant. At this rate, before even dealing with the previous Master-Level powerhouse Ovakain at level nineteen, he might end up provoking the mysterious level nineteen mage, Sorsend.

“But still…”

Punk silently glanced at the visibly tense Zola and let out a faint sigh. For him, it was better to learn about the enemy’s strength in advance than to discover it unexpectedly during a fight. Moreover… if possible, Punk wasn’t keen on provoking this Sorsend just yet.

Adopting a tone that was both probing and skeptical, Punk spoke coldly and slowly to Zola:

“I must remind you, Miss Ranger, while the enemy you described does seem to have qualities worth guarding against… I don’t see how this concerns me. No matter how you look at it, there’s no reason for me to provoke a spellcaster stronger than myself, especially without any tangible benefit.”

“No, that’s not right.”

Hearing Punk’s indifferent and detached words, Zola quickly refuted:

“Perhaps you don’t want to provoke Sorsend, but from what I know, Sorsend is likely already planning another ‘hunting operation.’ Even if you try to avoid the Nightmare Cult, Sorsend—who never knows how to give up—will surely come after you. In this Raging Wave Desert, the Nightmare Cult’s influence is everywhere. Unless you avoid all towns and merchant caravans, Sorsend’s schemes could strike at any moment. Instead of waiting for the enemy to prepare their methods and catch you off guard, wouldn’t it be wiser to take the initiative and catch them unprepared? Isn’t that the right way to face danger?”

Perhaps worried that Punk and Kane weren’t taking the threat seriously enough, Zola’s voice grew more urgent. Her agitation even caused her Battle Aura to fluctuate intensely, and the gentle breeze swirling around the female ranger grew restless due to the overflowing energy.

Though neither showed any outward change in expression, both Punk—who remained stoic throughout—and Kane—who kept his smile intact—began to weigh the situation carefully in their minds.

As Zola had pointed out, Punk had his own reasons for needing to stay in the Raging Wave Desert, while Kane’s goal from the start had been targeting the Nightmare Cult. Neither of them were Stalkers skilled in concealment, and visiting towns to gather intelligence and replenish supplies was unavoidable. Under such circumstances, hoping to evade the scrutiny of a level nineteen mage with widespread influence through mere avoidance was clearly unrealistic.In a sense, Zola wasn’t wrong—it wasn’t about whether Punk and Kane wanted to provoke Sorsend, but rather that Anderson might show up fully prepared at any moment. Thus, whether they liked it or not, Punk and Kane had to face the reality: they had gained a relentless, Master-Level 19th-tier Mage as an enemy. As for the reason… could bad luck count as one?

“Alright, alright, what can you do? This lord hasn’t been in the mood for killing lately, but if someone’s rushing to their death, who am I to stop them?”

Swaggeringly slinging his lance over his shoulder, Kane’s tone instantly brimmed with confidence. He seemed to have never regarded Sorsend as a threat from the start.

“That guy’s called Sorsend, right? Daring to talk about some ‘hunting plan’? How laughable. Doesn’t he fear his tongue might slip from all that big talk? Hunting this lord? This lord will be the one hunting him! Hehehehe, let him come. My lance has been thirsting for a fight for far too long.”

Amidst his eerie “hehehe” chuckles, Kane deftly twirled his lance, carving intricate patterns in the air. The gleaming golden tip repeatedly cast blinding reflections across Zola’s face.

However, unlike Kane’s bravado, Punk’s words were far more pragmatic:

“So, Miss Zola, are you suggesting… you wish to collaborate with me and this seemingly hyperactive knight?”

“Hey, hey! I heard that ‘hyperactive’ remark!”

“…………”

No one paid any attention to Kane’s outburst. Punk and Zola continued to gaze at each other with calm, profound eyes.

“Yes, Mage. We share common interests.”

Taking a deep breath, Zola spoke earnestly:

“Sorsend has corrupted my family with vile Abyssal energy. My relatives have been bewitched by that demon in human skin. I’ve long despised this Nightmare Cult that uses my family to expand its influence. But too many in my family are under Sorsend’s control, and my strength… is insufficient to confront that evil mage. Thus, I need the help of powerful allies.”

At this point, a deep resolve flickered in Zola’s eyes.

“Then… what must we do, and what assistance can you provide? What do I gain upon success, and what do you seek in return?”

Indifferently ignoring Zola’s intense gaze and clenched fists, Punk addressed her with the tone of a cold transaction.

Having anticipated this, Zola promptly replied:

“You only need to go to the Royal Capital, ‘Sandstone City.’ It hasn’t been fully infiltrated by the Nightmare Cult yet. I will return to the cult to investigate Sorsend’s hunting plan. I’ll then deliver the intelligence to Earl Jeff at Noble Mansion No. 89 in Sandstone City. You can retrieve the information and communicate with me through Earl Jeff. We’ll plan our next steps from there.

As for the distribution of rewards after success… I can guarantee that Sorsend possesses not only a vast trove of precious magical materials but also recorded knowledge on ‘law comprehension’ and ‘Abyssal energy.’ I am willing to relinquish all these treasures to you!”Hearing Punk’s inclination to agree to cooperate, the valiant female ranger immediately and sincerely laid out her bargaining chips.

Although Zola’s words and emotions were sincere enough, Punk still did not answer her question right away.

He did not trust this female ranger’s words, and of course, he did not dare underestimate Sosend Jess, the spellcaster who roamed freely across this Raging Wave Sand Sea. On the other hand, Punk was genuinely very interested in the “wealth” Zola mentioned. Moreover, he had a vague premonition—if handled well, this matter concerning the Nightmare Cult could greatly aid in the pursuit of Ovakain. Not to mention, he would also have a capable companion—Kane—by his side.

The only thing that worried Punk now was that he could neither guarantee that Zola’s “request for cooperation” was not part of Sosend’s “hunting plan,” nor could he ensure he would obtain sufficient intelligence about Sosend before a direct confrontation.

“Intelligence… nothing deserves more careful consideration than intelligence… Wait, if it’s about intelligence… could that spell be of use?”

In the midst of his contemplation, relying on the terrifyingly sharp thinking ability of a Master-Level powerhouse, Punk suddenly recalled a highly practical spell that might give him a significant advantage. Although due to the spell’s peculiar nature and side effects, Punk had to be extremely mindful of its usage limitations, now, upon careful thought, it might just be the perfect time for it to make an appearance.

At this thought, a faint smile finally curled at the corner of Punk’s lips:

“Very well, then, Miss Zola, let us wish ourselves a pleasant cooperation for now”!

(End of Chapter)