The Decision

Matthew swallowed the last bite of dried meat, nodded, and replied with a smile, “It was only right, Young Master Regg. No need to be so polite.”

Regg was not at all annoyed by Matthew's lukewarm response. He smoothly followed up, his tone becoming even more casual. “You are far too polite, Brother Matthew. For saving my life, no amount of thanks is enough.”

He paused slightly, his gaze shifting toward the hazy silhouette of the forest in the distance before returning to Matthew. “Speaking of which, looking at your setup, are you heading to town to take temporary shelter?”

Detecting the probing nature of the question, Matthew calmly met Regg's gaze and nodded. “Yes, the villagers are all heading there first.”

His answer was concise, revealing no further information.

Regg was not surprised by this answer. As a young noble, his education had been comprehensive, and he was well aware of how border villages responded to crises by forcing migrations.

Precisely because of this, he judged that a talented youth with Matthew's potential would never be content to wait in a village for an uncertain future. This was the perfect angle for recruitment.

It was also exactly what he hoped for.

Regg looked at Matthew and asked in a natural tone, “And after that? Do you plan to return to the village once the forest calms down?”

Sensing a subtle implication, Matthew's mind raced, but his face remained expressionless. He simply said flatly, “As for what comes after, it won't be too late to consider once everyone has safely reached the town.”

Regg was delighted to hear this, but he maintained his look of concern and sincerity on the surface. He added with even greater earnestness, “In that case, let us wait until everyone is settled before making plans.”

He paused slightly, his gaze drifting toward the dark silhouette of the distant forest. His voice carried a trace of regret. “For the forest to calm down, I'm afraid it won't be a short-term matter. I know what kind of monster caused that earth-shaking commotion—if that thing wants to take root in the outer area, it won't be over in just a month or two.”

Hearing this, Matthew raised his brow slightly. He already had a vague idea in his heart, but he feigned confusion on the surface and asked, “What happened in there?”

Seeing that the youth had finally shown a hint of curiosity, Regg did not hold back and shared everything he knew: “If I remember correctly, that monster is likely a Gold Rank monster nicknamed ‘Darkhoof.’”

As he spoke, a chill of lingering fear rose in Regg's heart.

This was something he had only gradually recalled as his panic subsided during the journey—scattered rumors about “Darkhoof.”

It was no ordinary Gold Rank, but a notorious existence that had been famous for many years. There were even rumors that it had touched the boundary of the next level.

Although Uncle Taylor was a half-step Gold Rank and incredibly powerful, his chances of survival were extremely slim in the face of a true Gold Rank beast... especially one like “Darkhoof.”

Because of this, Regg had actually accepted Uncle Taylor's fate in his heart, and he couldn't help but feel a slight chill.

Matthew remained expressionless on the surface as he listened to Regg's description, but a tempest raged in his heart.

Although he had long suspected it, he had not expected the other party to arrive so quickly.

In just a few short days, it had tracked them from the depths of the forest to the vicinity of the village. If Regg's group hadn't happened to barge into the forest and draw its attention, he would likely be the one confronted by that goat-headed, human-bodied monster right now.

Unconsciously rubbing the hilt of his sword with his fingertips, he lowered his gaze, concealing the sharp glint that flashed in his eyes.

As expected... the peace of a border village was far too fragile.

Just a bit of aftershock from the depths of the forest could force an entire village to migrate in panic. Meanwhile, those truly terrifying existences could cross the fragile borders at any moment and drag people into despair.

‘If I want true security, strength is the key.’

Matthew's mind raced, but his face remained calm.

Seeing him remain silent, Regg mistakenly thought he was shocked or perhaps afraid. A subtle hint of anticipation flashed in his eyes as he spoke, “Since the forest won't calm down anytime soon... I happen to need to return to the county seat now, and I do lack a few reliable and trustworthy helpers to escort me along the way.”

His tone was sincere, as if speaking from the heart: “You and Instructor Calm possess extraordinary skills and plenty of experience. If you are willing to escort me back to the county seat, I will certainly not mistreat you in terms of compensation—I can pay a portion as a deposit first and settle the final payment upon arrival. Not only that, but the county seat is rich in resources. If you wish to look for medicinal herbs or seek better opportunities with powerful factions, I can also help introduce you.”

Matthew raised his eyes to meet Regg's seemingly sincere gaze.

His heart stirred. ‘This is exactly what I needed.’

He already intended to head to the county seat to seek more opportunities. Now, he could earn a reward along the way and use this chance to enter a broader stage. It was indeed killing two birds with one stone.

As for the escort mission, it shouldn't be too difficult—he, Porter, and Calm all possessed Silver Rank combat strength, so traveling together to the county seat should be safe enough.

However, he still needed to ask the instructor's opinion on this matter.

After a brief silence, Matthew spoke slowly, “I understand your meaning, Young Master Regg. However, I still need to discuss this with Instructor Calm and see how the villagers are settled first.”

Seeing this, Regg knew he had done all he could. He didn't push further, simply exchanging a few casual words before turning to leave with the meat soup in his hand.

Before leaving, his gaze slowly swept over the camp, landing on a middle-aged man who was busy taking inventory of supplies and arranging food distribution.

Seeing the middle-aged man directing the others' work, Regg's heart stirred. He weighed the pouch at his waist, then walked toward him with calm steps, carrying his bowl.

Watching Regg's receding figure, Matthew withdrew his gaze, already having made up his mind.

He had already intended to head to the county seat to seek more opportunities. Now that Regg had taken the initiative to suggest it and the escort mission would provide a reward, it was indeed a win-win situation.

Although the journey might hold some risks, with the strength of himself, Instructor Calm, and Porter, arriving safely should not be difficult.

The only thing left to confirm now was Instructor Calm's intention.

He stood up, brushed off the grass clippings clinging to the hem of his clothes, and walked toward another campfire not far away.

Instructor Calm was sitting alone on a flat rock, wiping his one-handed sword.

The flames reflected off his steady face, his expression focused and peaceful, as if the surrounding noise and bustle had nothing to do with him.

Matthew approached and sat down beside Calm. “Instructor,” he spoke, his voice not loud, but clear enough.

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