The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 165: Back in Notrelune

Chapter 165: Back in Notrelune

Outside the ruin, Hex noticed many more tents and camps were set up than when they arrived.

When they entered, the tents were placed haphazardly. And there were only a handful of vendors and merchants, who tried to sell their wares by going from person to person.

But now, looking at the structured setup before him, Hex couldn’t help but compare it to a town. The vendors and merchants were grouped at one side, while spectators and thrill-seekers were beside them. Closer to the gate were the camps of the participants and the command center, manned by the Hawks and the governor’s staff.

"Are you returning to the city or are you staying here?" Hex asked Althea. Since rejoining the Hawks, her decisions depended on their activities.

"I will stay here. Besides participating, the Hawks are still required to oversee the overall order in the camp. We are also the first to support in case things go bad."

Hex nodded. He knew Althea couldn’t be persuaded from things she considered her duty. And he didn’t intend to convince her. She lived her life and he did his.

"I will stay too. I like the Hawks."

Hestia spoke suddenly without anyone asking her. It didn’t surprise Hex though. He saw her fidget for a while and she didn’t even complain about her time with the group.

"That’s nice," Hex said with a smile. "But you don’t need to seek my approval. You don’t owe me anything. It’s the opposite if I am being honest. The Hawks will rejoice to have someone like you in their group."

Hestia’s eyes lit up at Hex’s words. It seemed to have weighed on her mind for some time. She smiled and hooked her hand in Althea’s, who laughed.

Seeing her happy made Hex smile. He meant every word he said to her. She taught Hex quite a lot and she was there all the way. But it was clear she needed some other purpose in her life. Losing all her acquaintances had taken its toll on her. Hex knew she didn’t sleep well at night, nor did her smile reach her eyes. But now, she had a genuine smile on her lips.

’Having people around her, who can rely on her, seemed to have given some purpose. She has always been a natural leader. I bet she will be an officer or higher within no time.’

The three talked a bit longer about things they encountered and would do. Althea offered him a place in the old camp but he refused, letting them know he had other plans. But he didn’t go into details.

At sunrise, he parted ways with them. The camp was just coming to life. It felt weird to be amidst humans again. After a week of silence, where almost every energy signature meant an enemy, he was still on edge. He kept his distance from everyone and would slice the throat of anyone who tried to approach him.

Luckily, as a solitary figure, no one knew him. So, no one approached him. He wandered around, eye-shopping at the various stalls. Some were buying things but most were trying to sell things they had found.

Hex saw people even selling old, dust-covered artworks. Unlike him, who focussed on hunting and harvesting crystals, others were on a scavenger hunt. Their main goal was to earn enough Sterren to live comfortably. Hex was shocked when he heard the prices rising to a few hundred Sterren for some of them.

’What the hell? These things can be used to kill rodents at most!’

It would take time for Hex to realize the value of some things wasn’t solely based on their ability to attack or defend. Some were priced based on their ability to entertain and keep people’s attention diverted from the suffering and tests of life.

After some time, when it was time, he joined a caravan, returning to Notrelune. He saw Tarquin’s team at the front.

Just as they departed, Hex saw another group arrive. He watched them but suddenly tensed up when he noticed the royal emblem. Even though he didn’t recognize anyone outside the coach, he was certain it belonged to Solos, the thirteenth prince.

’It can’t be coincidence. The Divine Lord has something he needs in this ruin. But this time, I won’t allow him and his followers to do as they please.’

Hex didn’t stop the coach and stayed. Whatever the Divine Lord was planning, it was already in motion. His staying wouldn’t help. He rather spent the time increasing his strength.

The return trip was slow but without any major disturbance. This time he was in the middle of the caravan. Even if there were inconveniences along the way, it didn’t reach him. The groups at the front and the back would take care of them.

Hex used the journey to rest. With his sharp senses, no one could rob him of his belongings. He knew once they were in Notrelune, he would get no sleep.

They reached the city at dusk. The brightly lit marketplace welcomed the returning people with great fanfare. Many vendors specialized in foods, drinks, and comparable services hung banners, offering discounts and rarities.

’They know how to make money. Very few people can stay away from civilization without missing it. Many returnees will indulge themselves, spending more than they made in the ruins.’

Sure enough, people stormed toward these places as soon as they exited the caravan. Hex, however, didn’t stay. He used the masses to disappear from view and entered an abandoned alley.

Using the dark, he changed into other clothes in his backpack and used the morphuse box to alter his appearance.

...

"Sir Mike, you were away for so long! Did you also visit the ruin?" Ember asked excitedly as soon as Hex entered through the wooden doors. Aria only smiled shyly at him but she seemed equally curious as Ember.

"No. I don’t see the point in fighting if I can just enjoy the finer pleasures of life." Hex didn’t explain too much. He continued to act according to the persona he created.

He flirted with Ember a little longer and teased Aria now and then before retiring for the night. There were no letters but he didn’t expect them so soon.

Sure enough, when he woke up the next morning, he saw two letters slid in through the gap below the door. He hurriedly read them, smiling afterward.

"Time to increase my strength by leaps and bounds."