CHAPTER 518: CHAPTER 276: WHO IS HE? WHERE IS HE?

Andre’s party followed behind Bayer and Heidi, stopping at the Beast Cart station to await its arrival.

For the two Undead like themselves, Andre and his group seemed much more at ease, and even started becoming friendly.

They could see that these two, one with status and the other with strength, had their own advantages.

Their ability to blend in well at Hope Village, first, meant that Hope Village treated them nicely and trusted them. Second, it was due to their own capabilities.

If they could gain some guidance from them, it would benefit their life in Hope Village.

"Lord Bayer, the village chief really holds you in high regard! I assume you’ve made significant contributions to the territory, right? I wish I could be like you someday," said Andre, the highest level among the four, yet he didn’t have the arrogance of a strong person. After all, Andre had lived in a city territory crowded with strong individuals before becoming Undead. Even as an intermediate mage, he was a lower-ranked individual, having learned to be humble and aware of the right time.

Therefore, even now that he was a stronger individual in Hope Village, he would not show off. Adapting to life here was what mattered most.

In fact, Bayer rather appreciated such people. As long as their intentions were good, they could play a role in the territory.

Thinking this, Bayer opened up, "The village chief indeed places great trust in me, but that’s because I serve wholeheartedly. If you can act like I do, your future days in Hope Village won’t be bad."

Bayer knew the Undead naturally had their interests tied to Hope Village. They wouldn’t do anything to wrong Hope Village. However, not betraying Hope Village was one thing, but serving it wholeheartedly was another.

He was quite willing to win over more hearts for the village.

Of course, even if he didn’t do so, he believed that, with Hope Village’s favorable treatment of residents, sooner or later, they’d offer their sincerity.

But getting them to devote themselves a little sooner wouldn’t hurt the territory, would it?

Listening to Bayer’s words, Andre nodded without hesitation, "I will."

Mario added right after him, "And so will I."

Diyou’er and Servus, seeing their quick loyalty, both looked a bit helpless.

They too had thoughts of working well in Hope Village, but that would have to wait until they understood it better.

But here they were, upstaged by two go-getters in terms of showing off.

For the first time, the two felt out-of-place with their usually cautious characters.

Bayer, observing their reactions, noted that unlike Andre and Mario, these two were not as smooth in character, but they also had the technical skills the Lord needed.

Nevertheless, Bayer said nothing to console them.

Because once they started working, they’d realize that as long as they did their jobs well, that was enough for the territory, and they’d have their peace. But if they wanted more, they’d need to contribute more.

The survival rules of Hope Village would eventually teach them that.

At that moment, a Beast Cart halted before them.

"Let’s get on! I’ll take you on a quick tour of the territory, then you can get started with work," Bayer said.

"Okay," the four of them responded, instantly focusing their attention on the Beast Cart.

In truth, they’d already noticed the Beast Cart, and were genuinely amazed by this vehicle that served all residents.

After all, it was their first time seeing a territory where Beast Carts served the common folk.

After the six of them got on, about a dozen others followed suit, quickly filling the cart.

Among those who boarded were many residents from other territories; they lit up upon seeing Bayer’s group.

"Holy shit! That’s a lot of Undead!"

"This is my first time seeing Undead!"

"Aren’t Undead supposed to be seen as an evil force in this world, unwelcome and driven off if they appear in a territory?"

"Of course, there are exceptions, like those summoned through special buildings, and some territories have nobles who keep Undead as servants—it all depends on the situation."

"I see."

"There are quite a few Undead in Hope Village too, and there are even Undead Soldiers in the barracks. Don’t make a big fuss."

"It’s my first visit."

"Can Undead Mages summon souls or skeletons? Or cast terrible curses on people?"

"..."

As the person asked, images of the Undead from movies came to mind.

Originally, Andre and the others had been holding back, not joining in the discussion.

After all, Undeads’ appearing in human territories were indeed rare.

Their curiosity was understandable.

But they couldn’t resist listening in, curious to hear what would be said.

It seemed that Bayer and Heidi caught the shift in Andre and his party’s thoughts, exchanging glances with a hint of amusement in their eyes.

Hope Village Residents often had strange misconceptions about the skills and existence of the Undead which they had experienced. Once they got to know better, it would be fine.

These people came from the same places as many residents of Hope Village. It was quite normal for them to be curious.

It also gave them a chance to experience it for themselves.

While Bayer and the others let things take their course, Andre’s party heard the last thing said by the people.

That prompted Andre to react.

"Not all Undead Mages summon skeletons, cast curses, or summon souls. This is all made-up, and you’re slandering us," Andre turned around to scold the chattering group.

Being Undead, often confined to the Undead Kingdom, already placed them in an awkward position. Now they had to face other people’s slanders too. Could they just let it be?

They could not!

As Andre finished his outburst, a sudden hush fell over the Beast Cart.

Those who had been discussing animatedly suddenly all turned their gazes towards Andre.

They were just worried about not getting answers to their questions, and here was someone offering them willingly.

In the next moment, smiles appeared on their faces.

For some reason, Andre suddenly felt there was something unsettling about those smiles.

As he became aware of it, the people already began addressing him.

"Sorry, we didn’t know, so we could only speculate."

"So, can you tell us what the Undead are really like?"

"You said not all do, but does that mean some Undead Mages do?"

"Do you?"

"Can you tell us about the Undead Kingdom? We’re really curious!"

"Does the Undead Kingdom really have no exit?"

"..."

Question after question arose, leaving Andre with only one thought in his mind.

Who was he? Where was he?