Chapter 116
Celesse and Hamund could only offer so much help; certainty was not guaranteed. vin had to
think of another way.
The next day, vin received a delivery list and, carrying a stone urn, made his rounds, eventually
finding Balder in the Arena of the ninth district.
? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.
Thisrge, jovial man watched the impressive sparring in the Arena with a smile, taking special note
of several young Protégés.
In his hands, he held a leather tome, neatly listing over three hundred names of Protégés he saw
potential in. But Balder didn''t just pick anyone—he followed a process. First, he made acquaintance
in private, garnered favor, then observed silently, took notes, and, when the time was right, lent a
helping hand.
Balder was not only selecting guardians for his family but also ''troops'' for himself. Thus, he valued
talent and potential, but even more so, character and determination. Typically, he''d observe for a
couple of years before making a final decision. If suitable, he would vie for them wholeheartedly; if
not, they would remain friends.
"vin?" Seeing vin, Balder greeted him warmly. "I''ve been meaning to speak with you; you
participated in the hunting tournament."
Passing by Balider, vin suggested, "Could we talk somewhere?"
"Of course, of course." Balder had been eager to discuss matters with vin, who had defeated
Galos at the Arena and survived the hunting tournament. vin''s soaring momentum, like a hawk
taking flight, had piqued his interest even more.
vin, with his urn, left the Arena, heading to a grove at the foot of the mountain.
Balder strolled in with a hearty chuckle, his loyal followers wisely staying outside to keep watch.
"So you''ve been wandering every Arena, hunting for targets? Are you not afraid that Cobalt Strike
wille knocking?" vin put down his stone urn, eyeing the approaching Balder.
"Far from it, I''m a man who enjoys making friends," Balder squinted and grinned, his features nearly
disappearing into his jovial expression.
vin sized him up carefully. "What''s your standing within the Mollen family?"
Sharp as a tack, Balder''s eyes narrowed into slits. His smile was wide and good-natured. "I have a
say."
"I''ve got a proposition, and I wonder if you''d be interested."
"Speak your mind, vin. I''m always interested in making friends."
"I was hoping to make a friend of you, someone trustworthy." vin had inquired through Carlys
and knew Balder''s identity was special, quite likely a direct descendent of the Mollen family. As for
the specifics of his status, she wasn''t too sure, but that direct lineage was enough for vin.
"Have you encountered some trouble?" Balder suddenly became alert; he''d been observing vin
for a while. This young guy was as stubborn as they came, the sort who wouldn’t stay down unless
utterly vanquished, tough to the core. Why would he suddenly be looking to ‘sell himself?''
Unless it was a matter of great importance, vin wouldn''t be making such a decision.
"Am I worth making your acquaintance?"
"Of course! It would be my honor!" Balder acknowledged vin''s value, especially at this moment.
"In making you my friend, you help me with a task." When vin spoke of making friends, it was
essentially a euphemism for pledging service. As for to what extent and in what manner, that was
for Balder to weigh. vin couldn''t ce all his hopes on Celesse''s master; he needed an external
force to spur things on, and Balder was the prime choice.
"To serve you would be my honor," Balder said, all smiles and politeness, yet his true thoughts
never showed on his face. He always looked courteous, no matter the circumstances.
"Help me secure a spot in The sh of Eight Orders," vin stated inly.
Balder looked at vin intently. A smile was stered on his face, but his gaze shifted, "Are you
serious?"