Chapter 113: The Weight of a Knight Family

Chapter 113 The True Worth of a Knight's Family

The three were escorted by soldiers into the military camp.

After inspection, Guze and Luota’s identities were quickly confirmed, and they were released.

Luota glared at the officer and snapped, “Is this how you treat magicians?”

The officer replied apologetically, “We deeply regret the inconvenience suffered by the two esteemed magicians, but we had no choice.”

“Earlier, adventurers emerging from the mine launched an attack on our troops, causing heavy casualties.”

“We were forced to verify everyone’s identity.”

Li Wei was not released—his identity remained questionable.

No one could confirm whether he was who he claimed to be.

In the end, it was only after Guze and Luota vouched for him that the army agreed to let him go.

“Thank you both for your help,” Li Wei said.

Guze smiled. “Don’t mention it. Without you, we wouldn’t have made it out safely either.”

He hesitated a moment, then asked, “But… is your summon alright?”

Guze had noticed that Li Wei had emerged long ago, yet the golden anteater still hadn’t appeared—he feared it had perished in the swarm of iron-eating ants.

After all, it had stayed behind to cover their escape; a little concern was only natural.

“It’s fine,” Li Wei replied. “It has escaped danger and remains underground—it didn’t come out.”

“That’s a relief. Otherwise, if you’d lost a second-tier summon over this, we’d never forgive ourselves,” Guze said.

Luota ventured, “May I ask—did you originally possess the golden anteater as a summon, or did you tame it recently?”

He was genuinely curious.

“Tamed it recently,” Li Wei answered. “That’s my supernatural trait.”

Luota nodded slowly. “Ah, I see. Thank you.”

He asked no further.

Supernatural traits were deeply personal.

No one would reveal the full extent of their abilities to another.

Unless it was someone beloved, someone irreplaceable.

Most adventurers built their entire power system upon their unique supernatural traits.

To know another’s trait was to hold the key to crafting a counter-strategy tailored precisely against them.

Li Wei then asked what had happened at the camp.

Guze gave him a brief account.

“Now, the army wants to identify the murderer responsible for killing the soldiers—and his accomplices.”

“Trying to find the culprit through screening is extremely difficult. On the surface, everyone appears to be a registered adventurer from the Adventurer’s Guild.”

“But secretly, some have been bribed, acting under orders from external forces, sowing chaos from within.”

“No one knows who they truly are.”

Guze sounded pessimistic.

He wasn’t skilled in deduction or investigation.

Luota said, “If only there were a mind mage here—cast a truth spell on each person, and the enemy would be exposed instantly.”

“As far as I know, in the entire Maple City, only the Tower Master is a mind mage,” Guze said uncertainly.

Li Wei looked puzzled. “Are mind mages really that rare?”

Guze glanced at him, assuming he was just a summoner unfamiliar with the intricacies of magic.

He explained, “Mind mages differ greatly from ordinary mages—the difference lies in their supernatural traits.”

“Only those whose minds have awakened can learn mind-based spells.”

“Most mages experience elemental awakening.”

“Those with mental awakening are exceedingly few, and mind spells themselves are scarce.”

“This results in mind mages being almost nonexistent.”

“And secondly, elemental spells are generally more powerful than mind spells. Even if one *can* learn mind magic, they might still choose not to become a mind mage.”

“The elemental path offers broader options, easier access to spell frameworks, simpler learning…”

Li Wei understood now—being a mind mage was thankless, arduous work.

Luota added, “Still, it’s not entirely fair to say that. High-level mind mages are far more terrifying than elemental mages. Mind spells are subtle—often, your opponent is already ensnared before they even realize it.”

Li Wei nodded in agreement.

In terms of subtlety, mind magic surpassed shadow magic by countless degrees.

At this very moment, Guze and Luota were already under the influence of a mind spell—failing to recognize Li Wei for who he truly was.

And neither had the slightest awareness.

Li Wei glanced around. All adventurers who had emerged from below were detained within the camp, temporarily forbidden from leaving.

Soldiers patrolled the perimeter.

But Guze and Luota, as official magicians of the Mage Tower, were allowed free passage—free to come and go as they pleased.

They carried the backing of the Mage Tower; should any issue arise, the authorities could be held accountable.

Clop, clop, clop!

Leina rode into the camp on her warhorse, her gaze hidden beneath her helmet sweeping across the crowd.

It lingered briefly on Li Wei.

His identity raised the most suspicion.

A wandering summoner from outside, with no identification.

Who knew what his true purpose was?

Shhh, shhh, shhh!

Li Wei heard a familiar sound and quickly turned his head.

“That sounds like iron-eating ants.”

Guze and Luota paled upon hearing this.

“Damn—if the iron-eating ants have emerged…”

“Aaah!”

Screams erupted from outside the camp.

Leina immediately spurred her horse to investigate.

An officer rushed in, shouting, “I beg you—all capable individuals, please help exterminate the iron-eating ants!”

The crowd remained unmoved.

"Heh! Use us when it's convenient, discard us when it's not—do you think we're your slaves?"

"If you've got the guts, deal with the iron-eating ants yourselves!"

"I sure as hell won't lift a finger. Anyone who wants to can go ahead."

The officer hadn't expected such a reaction.

His face darkened; he hadn't anticipated these professionals would be so uncontrollable.

Utterly disobedient.

Li Wei, however, was unsurprised.

They had already suffered defeat underground, barely escaping with their lives, only to be treated like enemies upon return.

Their fury had been building for some time.

The officer quickly turned to Brad. "Captain Brad, the city lord has hired the Radiant Mercenary Corps—"

Brad cut him off. "Apologies, but our contract is to repel external invaders. We bear no obligation to exterminate iron-eating ants. That falls outside our duties."

No way would he stick his neck out now and provoke the group’s wrath.

Otherwise, his reputation would be ruined overnight.

Rumors might even paint him as a lapdog of the city hall.

He still intended to move within circles of the supernatural.

Refusing wouldn’t offend the city lord—

at most, it would anger this mine overseer, an officer. But what was one officer to him?

Even if the man held higher rank, authority didn’t extend over those touched by power.

At worst, he’d draw his blade, leave for another city, and remain a fearless man.

Clop, clop, clop!

Leina rode into camp on her warhorse. "In the name of House Goldshield, I beseech each of you—lend me your strength to destroy the iron-eating ants.

Afterward, House Goldshield will reward you handsomely."

At her words, the crowd stirred.

"Since it's House Goldshield making the request, we ought to show respect. I'll fight."

"So will I."

"Follow me!"

Brad stood up. "Radiant Mercenary Corps—assemble!"

Leina glanced at the gathering warriors and bowed deeply. "Thank you all for your generous aid."

Li Wei wore an expression of astonishment. "Is the name of House Goldshield more powerful than that of the city lord?"

Gu Ze replied, "Yes and no. House Goldshield is a knightly house—they keep their word without fail."

Li Wei understood then.

(End of Chapter)