Chapter 113


    As dusk descended upon thend, the weary band of adventurers found a suitable clearing within


    the ancient forest to set up their encampment.


    A single Ironhide Bull was clearly insufficient to feed the six hundred souls present, so the middle-


    aged Protégés set out in groups to hunt, bringing back various Magi-Monsters to roast over open


    fires.


    Gathered in groups of a dozen or so, they spread out across the woond, their lively chatter


    mingling with the crackle of mes.


    "vin, how on earth have you managed to survive these days?" Some Protégés gathered around


    vin''s campfire, partaking in the bountiful bull meat, eyeing him curiously. His appearance was


    striking; his clothes were clean and in order, his hair well-groomed, and hisplexion rosy,


    seemingly faring better than the rest.


    "Was I supposed to perish?" vin quipped with augh.


    "No offense meant, we''re just curious."


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "Just persevering, I suppose. I''ve been rather fortunate; death seems to avoid me. Eight years and


    still going strong. I reckon I couldst another eight."


    A chorus of good-naturedughter followed.


    Cedrick, nonchntly picking a piece of the bull meat from the grill,mented, "You seem


    stronger."


    "Have you a keen sense for auras?" vin asked, tossing another log onto the fire.


    "I''ve seen you before."


    vin raised an eyebrow at Cedrick, who tilted his head, meeting his gaze unflinchingly.


    By the fire, the others couldn''t help but sense the strange interest Cedrick had in vin.


    Cedrick took a swig from his sk, then offered it to vin. "How did you manage it?"


    "Fortune favors me, and I''ve stumbled upon a few opportunities," vin replied, after taking a gulp


    from the sk, preferring to keep it brief. This odd fellow always seemed dangerous, an enigma


    hard to decipher.


    Just then, Mari arrived with the Protégés from Botanic Haven.


    "Mari?" The nearby Protégés stood up, admiring the woman who was as pristine and cold as a


    snowke by the glow of the campfire.


    "Where is the Voilet Thistle?" asked Mari, her gaze icy.


    "I tossed all five. How do you think I survived?"


    "Prove it," the Botanic Haven Protégés demanded, skeptical of vin. They had searched for three


    days to find Mari, nearly driven to madness, yet she had not mentioned what had transpired that


    day, only that vin had taken the Voilet Thistle.


    "How can I prove it? Should I summon the Violet Lion to testify?" vin responded with a shrug.


    "What''s with that attitude? We are demanding the Voilet Thistle, not your life story!" One of the


    Botanic Haven Protégés snapped, annoyed. The other Protégés from Cobalt Strike showed them


    great respect, yet this rogue always seemed to mock them.


    "Is the Voilet Thistle yours to im?"


    "Webored for two days and used many Elixir Herbs and Elixir Fruits to lure away the Violet Lion."


    "Well then, thank you for your efforts," vin replied, nodding with a wry smile.


    "Listen here, vin, don''t bite the hand that feeds you. If Botanic Haven decides to execute you, no


    one will stop them."


    The surrounding Protégés began to gather, curious about themotion. Was vin shing with


    the Botanic Haven Protégés? Thed sure was a tough one, taking no nonsense from anyone.


    vin pursed his lips. "I''m not looking for trouble. Alright then, the Voilet Thistle is indeed with me."


    "Hand it over!" the Botanic Haven Protégé demanded, energized.


    vin pointed at Cedrick with a grin. "Sold it to him for a good price."


    Cedrick continued to eat his bull meat, paying no mind to the Protégés, nor sparing a nce at


    Mari.


    "You dare to toy with us!" the Protégé barked coldly, fuming at the boldness.


    "What''s the matter? You shout at me, but don''t want to question him? Don''t be a coward. I''ll ask him


    for you. Cedrick, they''re asking if you''ve eaten the Voilet Thistle," vin teased, poking fun at


    Cedrick.


    The other Protégés couldn''t help butugh at the situation; vin was bold indeed, taunting Botanic


    Haven Protégés and even daring to jest with Cedrick. Strangely, Cedrick didn''t retaliate; he seemed


    to take no offense.


    "vin, don''t overstep. Botanic Haven is not to be trifled with by the likes of you," one of the Botanic


    Haven Protégés growled, pain seething in his teeth. If it weren''t for the audience of Protégés, they


    might have dealt with him then and there.


    "I''m telling you, I don''t have it," vin insisted.


    "We''ll search your belongings."


    "That won''t be necessary."


    "Give it here!"


    vin chuckled lightly. "Don''t overstep. I may be but a servant, not of noble blood, but I''m not one


    to be trifled with."


    Mari nced at vin, then suddenly turned and walked away. "Let''s go, the Voilet Thistle isn''t


    with him."