Chapter 161: Regional Bounty

In places tainted by traces of darkness, not only does the soil turn pitch-black as if soaked in ink, but the surrounding plants gradually wither as well. What’s more, all living creatures nearby grow increasingly weak… These are just some of the negative effects brought about by the traces of darkness.

If these traces aren’t dealt with quickly, they will continue to spread outward.

The wider the area affected, the greater the impact. Over time, the land will become a “dead zone”!

That’s why, even though everyone knows it costs a fortune to hire someone to deal with these traces, nobody is stingy about spending the money—some expenses simply can’t be avoided!

That said, this issue affects the entire continent, not just a single territory. Because of this, the church will also take the territory’s actual situation into account when setting prices, rather than charging exorbitant fees. After all, it’s part of their responsibility.

…

Conversations like this have taken place in nearly every territory nearby. When it comes to spreading news the fastest, though, it’s got to be the territory where Yun Li lives.

At first, she’d doubted Su You’s claim that “she could lead her people to repel dark creatures without a single casualty,” and wondered if Su You was just using the incident to boost her own reputation. But as soon as she returned to her territory with her caravan, she overheard several people along the way discussing the matter.

Yun Li, not understanding what had happened, was about to send someone to investigate when she heard yet another piece of news—

“The territory that repelled the dark creatures without any injuries just posted a regional bounty!”

Yun Li: …Lord Su, you certainly move fast.

She’d hurried home as quickly as she could, but before she’d even reached the city gates, the news was already everywhere.

With a sigh, and thinking at least of those bows and arrows worth a gold coin each, she said a few words to some members of her caravan.

“…You guys handle it.”

The caravan members, though unsure why, had always been obedient to their captain’s orders, so they didn’t ask any questions.

Following Yun Li’s instructions, they went to the mission hall and began searching for the regional bounty posted by Sunset Territory.

[Regional Bounty Board]

[Mission Number: 74165]

Mission Issuer: Sunset Territory

Mission Description: The new territory is recruiting people from all walks of life to join, with no restrictions except loyalty to the territory. Those with special skills will receive better treatment. Additionally, Sunset Territory welcomes merchants and caravans…

Mission Item: Map x1 (Map of Sunset Territory)

Mission Reward: None

Bounty Duration: Three days

…

One of the caravan members immediately spotted the newly posted bounty. He squeezed out of the crowd and quietly shared the details with the others.

“Is Lord Su recruiting?” Member A thought about the situation in Sunset Territory and added, “Actually, their planning over there is pretty good, and the lord is decent too. If my family weren’t here, I’d probably want to settle there myself.”

Short-sighted people might think a newly established territory has nothing and would just mean a hard life, but anyone with ambition or vision wouldn’t mind joining a new territory.

After all, new territories need people, and those with ability will be valued more and have greater opportunities to contribute. Once the territory develops, even if someone more capable arrives later, they’ll still be newcomers.

By then, you’ll already have your roots in the territory. Later arrivals may surpass you in ability, but they can’t erase your contributions.

Of course, this all depends on having a good eye for potential—if the territory has no future, you’re just wasting your time.

“Who doesn’t think that way…”

Member B glanced out of the corner of his eye at a few people who thought they hadn’t been noticed as they edged closer. He didn’t call them out for eavesdropping; in fact, he even spoke a little louder: “Think about it, this territory has only just started developing, but they’ve already killed a wild boar, then a tiger—no less, a Black-striped Tiger with impressive combat power… They even managed to recruit a mage!”

“A mage?” Member C looked at them blankly, as if he had no idea there was a mage involved.

“Didn’t you hear that explosion a couple of days ago? That was a mage fighting. Not sure what happened after, but that mage ended up joining the territory… I told you to get out more! You’ve seen that mage plenty of times, haven’t you?”

“Me…? Have I?” Member C looked even more confused, as he had no recollection of any mage.

He did remember the explosion, though—he’d been so startled by the noise that he’d fallen right off his chair.

“It’s the tavern owner!” Member B said, a bit exasperated. “All you ever think about is eating. Didn’t you realize the owner was a mage?”

Member C: “…Honestly, I didn’t.”

Member A: “Did you know the roast meat you’ve been eating lately was cooked by that fire mage using fire magic?”

“?!”

“Seriously?”

“Grilled with fire magic? That’s way too extravagant!”

…

As soon as Member A said this, surprised exclamations erupted all around them… from people they didn’t even know.

These were folks who’d quietly edged closer to eavesdrop after overhearing their conversation.

But what Member A said was so shocking that they forgot they were supposed to be sneaky, and couldn’t help but cry out in surprise.

With their eavesdropping exposed, things got a little awkward for a moment.

The eavesdroppers looked embarrassed, but luckily, the caravan members didn’t seem to mind.

“Sorry, we didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but we were just so curious about that territory that we got caught up listening…” The eavesdroppers all apologized, and the caravan members shook their heads, indicating it was fine.

They really didn’t mind being overheard—in fact…

Member A: “It’s fine. It’s not like it’s a secret.”

Hearing this, the eavesdroppers, who’d been about to leave after apologizing, paused in their tracks.

One middle-aged man pulled a handful of copper coins from his pouch: “Take this as my treat for drinks, to make up for eavesdropping.”

The caravan members exchanged glances, pretended to refuse a bit, then accepted the money.

It was clear the others wanted something from them, and it was obviously related to Sunset Territory. If they didn’t accept, the others would feel awkward about asking further.

“Well, since you’re buying us drinks, we won’t stand on ceremony…”

(End of chapter)"

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