Chapter 319: The Annoying Fat Man

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Maze, 40th floor, Rogue Town.

Water Dragon Knights' Base.

"What? The light slime was stolen?"

A roar erupted from one of the rooms in the base. Ackerman, seated behind a desk, turned pale as he sprang to his feet, glaring with anger.

"Who did it? Where was it stolen?" he demanded.

Brook, shrinking under the captain's furious gaze, stammered, "It... it happened in Rogue Town. That guy called himself 'Silver Mask,' the leader of the Brotherhood. He blocked our path on the street and stole the light slime in front of everyone."

Silver Mask?

The Brotherhood's leader?

And it was stolen in Rogue Town?

Brook’s report contained a lot of information. Ackerman sat back in his wide chair, his expression dark. The theft had already happened; now, the focus had to be on how to deal with it.

Leaning back, his face thoughtful, Ackerman considered the situation. He had heard of the Brotherhood, which had been making waves recently. As the leader of the Water Dragon Knights, based in the Maze City, there was no way he hadn't come across their name.

Still, Ackerman hadn’t expected the Brotherhood to provoke the Water Dragon Knights, let alone for its leader, Silver Mask, to act personally.

After a moment, he waved Brook closer. "Since this happened in Rogue Town, let's wait and see. Brook, inform the Merchant Guild Alliance immediately!"

"Y-yes, sir!" Brook exhaled in relief, glad the captain didn’t seem to blame him. He quickly turned and left the room.

Watching Brook’s retreating back, Ackerman shook his head. Useless.

Standing up, Ackerman moved to the window, gazing out at the town below with a sly smile. Although the light slime was valuable and had been a long-term objective for the Water Dragon Knights, the Brotherhood’s magic liquor—capable of regenerating limbs—was just as precious.

Perhaps this incident could be an opportunity to force the Brotherhood to reveal their formula. With the Merchant Guild Alliance taking the lead, it would be the perfect chance to test Silver Mask’s strength.

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Rogue Town.

Merchant Guild Alliance Branch.

"You’re saying the Brotherhood’s leader, Silver Mask, openly robbed your goods in broad daylight?"

Bunir, seated at his desk, stared at Brook in disbelief. Who would be stupid enough to commit such a blatant robbery in public, especially in Rogue Town?

"You’re certain it was Silver Mask who took your goods?" Bunir pressed.

Although Bunir didn’t know much about Silver Mask, he had heard of the Brotherhood. The group had recently gained significant fame in the Maze City.

Brook frowned and nodded firmly. "I’m certain—it was him!"

Bunir rubbed his temples, exasperated. "Fine. The Merchant Guild Alliance will ensure justice for the Water Dragon Knights. Inform Captain Ackerman that until the Alliance resolves this matter, the Water Dragon Knights are not to use force in Rogue Town."

Why would the Brotherhood’s leader provoke the Water Dragon Knights? Bunir couldn’t wrap his head around it. The Water Dragon Knights were a colossal force in the Maze City. Provoking them was unwise, especially for a group originating in the slums.

The Brotherhood might have gained members drawn by its magical liquor, but their overall strength was still limited. The only wildcard seemed to be Silver Mask. Rumor had it that he single-handedly wiped out the Brotherhood’s Thieves Guild—a group that, while lacking god-level professionals, did boast several saint-level experts. Few could take them on alone, even among god-level fighters.

"What exactly was stolen?" Bunir asked.

"A light slime," Brook replied.

A light slime?

Bunir’s expression darkened. The Water Dragon Knights had spent over thirty years searching for a light slime, only for it to be stolen just as they finally found one. This wouldn’t end well.

Even if the Water Dragon Knights agreed not to cause trouble in Rogue Town, that didn’t mean they wouldn’t act outside of it. Bunir sighed, rubbing his temples. Playing the role of mediator was exhausting. Some conflicts simply couldn’t be resolved through compromise. Sometimes, force was the only solution.

---

The maze had no concept of day or night.

In Rogue Town, the bustling activity continued 24/7. Since arriving, the Brotherhood’s raiding team had been resting and recuperating. After all, better rest meant better performance.

Before they knew it, a day had passed. The next morning—or more accurately, after waking from a good sleep—Li Meng was forced to leave the comfort of his bed.

A luxurious beast-drawn carriage had arrived outside the mansion.

A portly, well-dressed man stepped out, accompanied by guards.

"Bella, look—a fat man has arrived," Li Meng remarked, watching the scene from the window.

The fat man and his entourage of guards were heading toward the mansion’s gate.

Bella, wearing a thin purple nightgown, approached the window.

"Do you know who he is?" Li Meng asked.

Bella shook her head. "The Merchant Guild Alliance rotates its stewards every year. It’s rare to see the same person two years in a row."

"So, the steward is the branch manager for the Alliance?" Li Meng asked again.

Bella shook her head once more. "The manager is called the 'Overseer.'"

Steward and Overseer—fancy titles for their roles. Li Meng turned away from the window and headed downstairs. "Let’s go meet him."

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First-floor hall, reception area.

The steward sat with a look of disdain, clearly uncomfortable in the worn-down surroundings. If not for his assignment, he would never have set foot in such a filthy place.

Seated across from him, Li Meng noticed the steward’s entourage: five adventurers, four king-level and one saint-level professional.

"You must be Silver Mask?" the steward asked haughtily, puffing out his chest.

"That’s me," Li Meng replied evenly.

"Hiding your face—how disrespectful," the steward sneered, his disdain evident.

Li Meng stared at the fat man in silence, baffled by his arrogance. Although the steward wasn’t an ordinary person, his strength was that of a low-tier professional at best. Money really was a powerful thing.

"Enough nonsense. You know why I’m here. You robbed the Water Dragon Knights in broad daylight. Such actions are unforgivable. However, since this is your first offense, the Merchant Guild Alliance has decided not to pursue the matter. Return the light slime immediately, and we’ll consider the issue resolved."

Mediator?

Li Meng wondered at the steward’s arrogance. His overbearing attitude was truly infuriating.