Michael Anderson, accompanied by a few of his trusted followers, heads towards the city gate for the gathering. 

The city lord stands atop the city wall, awaiting the arrival of the team.

Being the closest to the city gate, Black Rose’s headquarters was the first to dispatch Michael Anderson and his followers, who swiftly mounted their horses and galloped towards the city gate.

They naturally became the first heroes to arrive.

The city lord looked at Michael Anderson with a smile, remarking, “Just as expected of one of Rose’s men, always full of fire and vigor, truly an embodiment of Rose herself.”

Michael Anderson quickly knelt on one knee, bowed his head and responded, “You flatter me, my lord. The gap between our guild leader and me is as vast as the heavens. There is much I still need to learn. Our guild leader often speaks highly of you, saying that despite facing countless trials and tribulations, you still remain vibrant and vigorous, a truly remarkable feat.”

The city lord instantly held Michael Anderson in higher esteem. 

This didn’t match the rumors he’d heard about him. 

Helping Michael to his feet, he said, “Ah, I’m old and no match for you young people. You see, even a minor Dark Lord is a problem that requires your assistance to solve.”

“I understand what you mean, my lord,” Michael Anderson replied calmly, “I will do my utmost to ensure this issue is resolved.”

Just as the city lord was about to speak again, he noticed the representatives from the other two major guilds had arrived. 

He chuckled and gave Michael Anderson a meaningful pat on the shoulder.

“Bounty Guild’s William Wilson, at your service, my lord.”

“Mutual Aid Guild’s David Sanders, at your service, my lord.”

Both men dismounted simultaneously and hurried to greet the city lord, worried that he might not know their names. 

Their entourages all knelt on the ground.

The city lord stroked his beard and nodded. 

He then declared, “Now that everyone is here, let’s get down to business. Samuel Jenkins, come meet your new comrades. These are the men you’ll be able to trust unconditionally in the upcoming mission.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a tall, slender man with an eyepatch emerged from the left.

“Allow me to introduce Samuel Jenkins, a talented individual selected by the lord’s mansion. Despite his young age, he has already reached a C+ level of power. I propose Samuel Jenkins as your captain. I trust no one has any objections?” 

The city lord’s face was filled with a jovial smile, his implications clear.

The two kneeling men exchanged a glance and finally spoke in unison, “No objections.”

The city lord turned his gaze back to Michael Anderson. 

At that moment, Michael stood with his arms crossed, his face expressionless.

“I have no objections either.”

The city lord, stroking his beard with a kindly smile, continued, “Very well, it’s getting late. Samuel Jenkins, lead your team and set off.”

“Alright,” Samuel Jenkins responded impassively, then promptly mounted his horse, ready to go. 

He addressed Michael Anderson and the others, “From this point on, you’ll follow my orders and report to me about anything that happens. Understood?”

William Wilson, still kneeling, felt a flash of irritation. 

After all, he was an elder of the Bounty Guild. 

Even if he wasn’t the captain for this mission, he didn’t expect this blatant show of authority. 

Just as he was about to protest, he caught sight of the city lord, whose benevolent gaze caused him to swallow his words.

Staring intently at Samuel Jenkins, he forced a chilling smile and said tonelessly, “Understood, Captain Samuel Jenkins!” 

The emphasis on ‘Captain’ was clearly loaded with sarcasm. 

But Samuel Jenkins seemed oblivious, just giving a nod and saying, “Good. Follow me now. We’re heading to the Abandoned Temple.”

They each mounted their horses and followed behind Samuel Jenkins without pause. 

They had just arrived at the vicinity of the Abandoned Temple by noon. 

The sight before them was troubling. 

The once dense forest was now gone, leaving only the Abandoned Temple in a vast open field, dotted with countless tree stumps.

Samuel Jenkins, brow furrowed, turned to Michael Anderson, “You’ve been here before, was the forest gone then?”

Before Michael could answer, William Wilson sneered, “Aye, Captain, how could you not know about this? This has been circulating in the Bounty Guild for a while now. Did you not do any research before coming here? I gotta say, as a Captain, you’re dropping the ball.”

David Sanders, sensing the tension, quickly tried to diffuse the situation, “Well, it’s no big deal. Whether we knew earlier or now doesn’t really matter. What’s important is that we find this elusive Dark Lord soon.”

Samuel Jenkins kept his gaze locked on William Wilson, only to ask again, “Michael Anderson, did you hear my question?” 

Michael Anderson, sitting on his horse, realized Samuel Jenkins was using him to establish authority. 

His best option was to muddy the waters even further.

He responded, “What William said was correct. Our aim is to find the Dark Lord. We didn’t come here to gather intel or to argue.”

Samuel Jenkins grunted, leading his horse to a large tree, seemingly unconcerned about the bickering. 

The others, seeing this, dismounted to rest as well. 

The rough journey had left them all utterly fatigued.

While the team was resting, the Earth Dragon Laborers in the depths of the dungeon collected all the surrounding wood for the construction of the Processing Factory and Training Ground.

Ethan was lying in a wooden house, with Mia snuggled up on him, 

“I can’t believe the Dark Lord’s camp has so many resources. Those Earth Dragon Laborers were hauling all night long.”

“I think that’s pretty normal. The more resources, the better,” Ethan held Mia closer, taking in the sweet scent of her hair.

Mia suddenly blushed, “What’s going on? We just did it once, didn’t we?” 

Ethan gave her an innocent look and pointed down, “Can’t help it. Little brother likes you a lot. I can’t control him.”

Mia sighed, slightly exasperated, “This can’t go on. I’m still sore. Ethan, maybe you can find me a sister?”𝑜𝗏𝓛xt.𝗰𝒐𝑚

Ethan was taken aback, “You won’t get jealous?”

Mia shook her head, “It’s fine. I can’t satisfy you alone anyway. Plus, it gets really boring being alone all the time.”

Ethan leaned over, whispering into Mia’s ear…

Back at the camp near the Abandoned Temple, William Wilson began causing trouble. 

Samuel Jenkins’ inaction was giving him a sense of satisfaction. 

He no longer avoided Samuel Jenkins, shouting at his subordinates, “I’m telling you, I’ve never been part of a team like this. The captain does nothing. What’s he for? To claim credit after we’ve risked our lives?”

David Sanders, who seemed to have some rapport with William Wilson, quickly retorted, “Don’t be so harsh. Maybe he’s just inexperienced as a captain. Let’s give him some time.”

Upon hearing the word ‘time’, William Wilson instantly blew his top, “Time, oh you’re aware of time too, are you? Up to now, we don’t have a shred of intel on this mysterious Dark Lord. We have no clue about the extent of his current power, or even his location! I think it’s high time we change the leader of this team!”

This abrupt outburst instantly sent a wave of tension throughout the group. 

However, unfazed, William Wilson remained seated, continuing to eat his meal. 

Meanwhile, Michael Anderson and David Sanders both looked a bit uneasy.

Unbeknownst to them, Samuel Jenkins had joined the group and addressed William Wilson, “If you were dissatisfied with my leadership, why didn’t you speak up in front of the city lord? Instead, you’ve continuously dampened the team spirit. If this continues, don’t blame me for getting ruthless.”

Never having been threatened this way, William was infuriated. 

Ever since he joined the Bounty Guild, his rank C strength had always afforded him a luxurious life. 

Now he was being threatened by a whippersnapper? 

Just as he was about to stand up to retort, Samuel Jenkins drew the sword from his back, twirling it as he said, “This is the sword that was given to me by the city lord when I reached C+ level. Its name is Blizzard. It shares a similar elegance with the Single Leaf of Rose the guild leader.”

Subsequently, he pointed the sword tip at William Wilson, “Do you want to try it?”

The followers of William Wilson instantly drew their weapons, glaring ominously at Samuel Jenkins. 

Some even bellowed, “Put down the sword! If you dare to lay a finger on us, even if you’re a city lord’s man, no one will protect you!”

The atmosphere immediately became tense. 

However, William Wilson suddenly broke into a hearty laugh, took a step back, and said, “Indeed, the captain chosen by the city lord is extraordinary. I’ve never seen anyone daring enough to point a sword at their own people. I guess you’re the only one in the world.”

Just as Michael Anderson was about to step forward and mediate, William Wilson suddenly became serious, bowed towards Samuel Jenkins and said, “I formally apologize to Captain Samuel Jenkins. I deeply regret my previous actions and I hope that the captain can let bygones be bygones so we can complete the mission promptly.”

This sudden turn of events left not just Michael Anderson, but also Samuel Jenkins dumbfounded. 

After a few seconds of surprise, he sheathed his sword and said casually, “I accept your apology. Now let’s focus on finding the Dark Lord and successfully complete our mission.”

William Wilson’s face was full of smiles, “Alright, I’ll use my contacts immediately to find the Dark Lord’s location.”

Samuel Jenkins nodded and stayed next to his horse for the rest of the time.

David Sanders then whispered mysteriously to William Wilson, “Why are you playing that card again? Haven’t you had enough of it?”

With a sly smile, William Wilson replied mysteriously, “I’m curious to see if he is really worthy of being my ‘captain’!”