Ethan nodded, accepting the entry permit from the soldier.

Just as he was about to enter Northwood, a piercing voice rang out.

“Stop!”

Ethan acted as if he hadn’t heard, continuing to walk forward.

The voice behind him grew more annoyed.

“I told you to stop, didn’t you hear?”

Ethan quickened his pace slightly.

Even though he had an entry permit, he wouldn’t withstand detailed scrutiny.

If they noticed something odd from minor details, his situation would become quite dangerous.

Before Ethan could take another step, a row of soldiers standing nearby blocked his path.

Left with no choice, he turned around.

The sound of high heels tapping on the ground reached his ears.

Seeing who it was, Ethan’s face twitched uncontrollably.

The golden curly hair and the dense beard on the chin gave him the chills.

The person was none other than one of the three vice guild leaders of the Rose Guild, Lipstick Man — Nathan Turner.

Nathan Turner quickly walked up to Ethan, his pinky raised, and said with a shrill voice, “Didn’t you hear? I told you to stop!”

Ethan put on a surprised expression and replied, “Oh, I didn’t know. I was lost in thought and probably didn’t hear you, sir.”

Ethan’s good manners seemed to please Nathan Turner, who nodded in satisfaction.

Though a vice guild leader, due to his eccentric dressing sense and peculiarities, barely anyone dared to associate with him.

Nathan Turner covered his mouth and laughed, his laughter unpleasant to the ears, “Hehe, you’re promising, lad. I, the vice guild leader, am quite pleased. There’s no need for further scrutiny.”

Ethan looked puzzled.

Nathan Turner noticed his expression and explained, “In order to further strengthen Northwood’s security, apart from the necessary entry permits, one needs to undergo scrutiny. Like where you live, where you work, and other basic questions.”

Suddenly, Nathan Turner spoke proudly, “Our guild is responsible for this task. We voluntarily take up the duty of this scrutiny, shouldering a part of the responsibility for the Northwood city lord’s office.”

Seeing this, Ethan clapped his hands and said, “Sir, you truly are the pride of Northwood. Always considering the people and shouldering burdens for the city lord’s office, I’m truly in awe!”

His flattery made Nathan Turner feel ecstatic.

“We’re just doing what we should. It’s nothing. You can go on about your business. I, the vice guild leader, have more inspections to do. If you’re looking for work, I can put in a good word for you. You can stay by my side, not promising riches, but at least you’ll get a taste of success.”

As he watched Ethan, Nathan Turner felt a pang of compassion.

He thought to himself, “This lad might not be powerful, but he sure knows how to talk. It would be beneficial to bring him into the guild. If he could charm the guild leader, he might be able to help me!”

Ethan felt a bit uncomfortable under Nathan Turner’s gaze, quickly made up an excuse and left his sight.

Entering Northwood, Ethan looked around curiously.

To heroes, Northwood was just a place to pick up and turn in missions, nothing special.

But to a Dark Lord like Ethan, he had to be alert of his surroundings at all times in the outside world, never knowing when disaster might strike.

In a city like Northwood, he could feel a sense of security that he had never felt before.

Ethan sauntered through the streets and alleys of Northwood, his fatigue nonexistent thanks to the benefits of his Golden Divine Dragon Bloodline.

Soon, he arrived at Northwood’s snack street, bustling with the night market.

Various vendors hawked their goods, shouting lively sales pitches.

“Lamb skewers! Fresh lamb skewers! If it’s not tasty, you don’t have to pay!”

“Beer, beer! Fresh from WL Manor, just opened today, guaranteed to be delicious.”

“Ring toss, ring toss! A single gold coin for a try, you keep what you win! The grand prize is a D-rank Firebird’s egg, worth much more than the cost, come and see!”

Ethan immersed himself in the snack street, munching on a skewer of lamb in one hand and sipping beer with the other.

ƥαṇdαs ηθνε| Unperturbed by the stares from people around him, he downed the beer and finished off the remaining skewers.

Having had his fill, Ethan prepared to leave Northwood and head back to the Abandoned Temple.

Glancing at the massive clock on the City Lord’s Mansion, he noted half an hour remained before curfew.

The journey to the city gate would take about 10 minutes.

Ethan’s path was virtually unhindered, with no significant obstacles encountered.

He also discreetly memorized the positions of the city wall sentries for future reference.

At the city gate, he stood out as he prepared to leave while others rushed to enter the city before curfew.

If anyone was outside when the gates closed, they’d have to spend a night in the wild, which could be dangerous if attacked by monsters.

Handing over his exit pass to the soldier, the soldier scrutinized it and confirmed, “There are 20 minutes until the curfew. Once it’s in effect, you can’t enter the city. Are you sure about this?”

Ethan nodded in response.

As he was about to step out, the soldier placed a hand on his shoulder, which made Ethan’s muscles tense up.

“Are you ETH?” The soldier asked using the name Ethan had given.

“Yes, what’s up?”

“Our boss said you’re staying in Northwood tonight.”

Relieved that his cover hadn’t been blown, Ethan asked, “Who’s the boss?”

“That’s not your concern. Just follow me, and I’ll take you to him.”

The soldier replaced his post with another, and led Ethan through the alleys of Northwood to a luxurious restaurant.

The grandeur of the interior was breathtaking, with gleaming marble floors, a crystal chandelier suspended five meters high, and ornate carvings on the four pillars.

After handing a card to the reception, the soldier led Ethan up a staircase to a private room, warning him, “When you go in, the boss is the one with lipstick on. Don’t speak out of turn or make eye contact with anyone else.”

With a few knocks on the door, Ethan was invited in by a high-pitched voice.

Inside the room was only one person, Nathan Turner.

He gestured for Ethan to sit next to him, but seeing Ethan’s hesitation, Nathan reassured, “It’s okay, sit wherever you want. I’m not who you think I am. I’ll explain later. I didn’t want you to leave because our guild leader is dining here tonight.”

Pointing to the center seat, he added, “I’d like to introduce you to our guild leader. Depending on how well you perform tonight, the guild leader might offer you a position if she’s pleased.”𝑶𝑣𝓵xt.𝗇𝓔t