What exactly happened that required the deployment of so many people?
And if we delve deeper.
The Adventurer’s Guild and the Cavalry Corps are two separate systems. Even Guild Leader Rich does not have the authority to command them; the Corps has its own commander.
Both are roughly on the same level, but if you look closely, the position of the Cavalry Corps’ Knight Commander is above Rich’s because Rich is just the manager of a local civilian organization, whereas the former belongs to the provincial military institution.
"Let’s find a place to rest first." Aaliyah said with concern.
"Okay." Gauss indeed felt a bit tired as well.
Long periods of travel, cautious reconnaissance, escaping with all their might, and then almost non-stop walking back.
Even a person of extraordinary endurance would unavoidably feel exhausted after such an ordeal.
"Is there anywhere to rest in this town?"
"Yes, there is." Aaliyah nodded. "I think I saw some inns and taverns run by merchant businesses already open along the way."
The bustling life of people is all driven by profit.
In places where people gather, there naturally arises demand.
Especially in places like the newly developed 11th Outpost, filled with opportunities and dangers, shrewd merchants are always the first to arrive, providing essential services and goods for adventurers, soldiers, and laborers.
Whether it’s weapon supplies, a warm bed, a meal, a mug of ale, or a moment of gentle intimacy to relieve stress.
The three of them walked along the slightly muddy main road, avoiding a caravan transporting lumber.
They soon came upon a relatively flat open space and saw several buildings with simple signs, mostly made of wood and stone. Workers were still busily renovating the exteriors.
But seeing the steady stream of people through their doors, it was clear they were already in business.
The clientele mostly consisted of adventurers, but they could also see some laborers taking a rest.
"Hey handsome, want to come in and relax a bit? It’s a lot of fun."
By the roadside, a scantily clad woman leaned against a porch, throwing a seductive glance at Gauss, her eyes flirting.
She then ran her tongue over her fiery red lips and deliberately pulled down her neckline.
Her gaze lingered on Gauss, assessing his refined equipment and his weary yet undeniably handsome face, identifying him as a desirable customer with purchasing power.
While adventurers often included those who were exceptionally attractive, most were rough and brawny, making someone like Gauss, who exuded charm, quite rare.
Gauss didn’t stop; he merely glanced at her with indifferent eyes, shook his head gently, and continued walking.
Having such keen Perception isn’t entirely advantageous either.
He could sense the cheap perfume and sweat mingled with an imperceptible hint of illness emanating from her, and he could feel the hollow Life Energy within her.
All of this made it difficult for him to entertain any romantic thoughts.
Aaliyah slightly furrowed her brows, giving the woman a few more glances.
She then quickened her pace, walking beside Gauss, blocking the woman from view.
Serdur maintained his indifference toward the whole situation.
Seeing Gauss uninterested, the woman looked disappointed but quickly turned her attention to other passersby.
The trio searched along the street and finally chose an inn that seemed relatively decent, with wooden signs depicting a mug and a bed. The name was simple, "Lucky Rabbit Foot."
Pushing open the door, the interior space was small, filled with the scent of ale, tobacco, and cooked meat.
About a dozen wooden tables were casually arranged, with adventurers dining and conversing in low voices.
Behind the counter, a slightly plump middle-aged man in an apron was wiping cups. Seeing the three, his eyes lit up, and he warmly greeted, "Welcome, dear adventurers! Would you like to dine or lodge?"
"Both. We need three adjoining rooms, some food, and hot water for a bath, quickly." Gauss glanced at the price list overhead and placed a small pouch of coins on the counter, speaking succinctly.
Though he wasn’t very hungry, his two companions still had empty stomachs.
"Sure thing." The owner’s smile widened, retrieving keys. "Rooms are on the second floor, at the end of the left corridor, three connected rooms. Your meal will be brought up shortly. Today we have freshly stewed venison soup and bread, plenty to go around."
Gauss nodded, accepting the keys.
After finishing their meals and baths.
Gauss felt his fatigue weighing even heavier on him.
"I’m going to rest in my room now. Call me if there’s anything unusual." he told Aaliyah and Serdur.
"Don’t worry. Have a good rest."
Gauss went into his room and closed the door.
The room was quite basic, with a hard bed, a wooden cabinet, and a table and chairs, but it was relatively clean.
After confirming there was nothing amiss, he relaxed and threw himself onto the bed.
He closed his eyes, sensing the huge egg nestled silently near his chest.
It lay quietly, emitting a very faint, gentle warmth.
It no longer actively absorbed Magic Power and was dormant, as if the prior "feast" was enough for it to digest for some time.
"What exactly are you?" Gauss silently questioned in his heart.
Especially the abnormal racing heartbeat he experienced before, he had only felt that when he first encountered the White Bone Staff.
Is there some connection or bond between it and him?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to communicate with it now.