CHAPTER 61: UNDEAD EXTERMINATION

"Is that all you want to purchase?" the shopkeeper asked, eyeing Nolan.

"Do you have armor?" Nolan replied.

The man leaned forward slightly. Then he looked at Nolan’s outfit and smirked. "It’s for the girls, right? Because I can tell—the suit you’re wearing is far more powerful than any armor I could sell."

Nolan didn’t answer. The man walked to the back and returned carrying a heavy full set of armor. It gleamed like steel and covered the face and hands completely, resembling the gear of a palace knight.

"This will be perfect," Nolan said proudly. "At least it could protect their faces."

"You like this, right?" Nolan asked, glancing at Celia and Linda.

"No. Not one bit," Celia muttered.

"Master, it’s too heavy," she added quickly. Linda nodded in agreement.

"Oh, you don’t want this?" the man sighed, shaking his head. "I had a feeling you’d say that."

He disappeared again, then returned with lighter pieces. "How about this? It covers the arms, the elbows, one knee, and it comes with a chest guard. Much more flexible."

"Yes, I like that. That would be great," Celia said, relief in her voice.

Linda picked a different set—armor that protected her chest and legs, without being too restrictive.

Nolan examined both carefully. "This is good. The armor’s durable and very light—much lighter than that first one you brought. That one had too much weight. These are perfect, and they suit them well."

The shopkeeper folded his arms with a satisfied smile. "He’s actually right," he admitted.

Nolan thought the same to himself. Yeah, this man really knows his trade.

"We’ll take these. How much does it cost?" Nolan asked.

"Everything together comes to about sixty gold coins," the shopkeeper replied.

Nolan nodded. "Better that than nothing." He handed over the coins. "Alright, let’s go," he said to his companions.

As they stepped outside, Nolan caught sight of two familiar figures approaching—Peter and Garrick.

The moment they saw him, both men hurried forward and bowed their heads.

"Boss! Good morning!" Garrick greeted with a wide smile. "It’s been a while since we last met."

"Yes, boss," Peter added eagerly. "We’ve missed you."

Garrick leaned closer, his eyes burning with determination. "Boss, teach me how to get stronger. I want to follow you. Please, let me be your disciple."

Peter quickly echoed, "If you’re taking disciples, make me one too! I’ll follow you faithfully."

Nolan glanced at them, hiding his thoughts behind a calm smile. What are these two really after? If I deal with them now, more followers will show up again, calling me ’boss.’ Are they just trying to use me... or is there something else going on?

He chuckled lightly. "No, I’m not taking any disciples."

"See you," Nolan said, moving past them.

"Oh, but boss!" Garrick called after him. "If you ever decide to take one, let me be your first disciple!"

"Yes, me too!" Peter added, almost tripping over his words.

Nolan just smiled faintly. "We’ll see. For now, I’d better get going."

The two men waved at him energetically as he walked away.

"Master, ever since that day you pretended to lose, then later went back and defeated them, they’ve been calling you boss. Why is that? Do they have some hidden motive?" Linda asked curiously.

Nolan shook his head. "I don’t know. I didn’t sense any ill intent from them. It felt like they were truly sincere... as if they genuinely wanted me to be their boss. Maybe it’s just because they saw what I was capable of, how I dealt with them."

Linda frowned slightly, still doubtful. "So you really believe they mean it?"

"Don’t overthink it," Nolan said with a faint smile.

"Well, maybe you’re right," Celia chimed in. "Because you are great, Master."

Nolan exhaled and looked ahead. "Enough talk. Let’s head to the dungeon."

As they finally left the village and followed the winding path into the forest, the trees grew darker and heavier, guiding them toward the dungeon’s entrance. Two armored knights stood guard at the gate, as they always did. Nolan stepped forward, showing them the adventurers’ insignia. The knights gave a nod and stepped aside, letting the group pass.

The air inside was damp and cold, and the echo of dripping water filled the stone halls. Not long after entering, they spotted movement ahead—a slime slithering weakly across the ground.

Nolan halted. "No. This one is too weak. I won’t take it out. Today is for you to gain real experience. You’ll be the ones fighting." His gaze sharpened. "Watch carefully."

He pointed forward. "Linda. Take it out."

"Yes, Master." Linda steadied her bow, drew back the string, and let the arrow fly. The shot was clean, striking directly through the slime’s glowing core. The creature convulsed, then collapsed into nothing, splattering across the dungeon floor.

Linda lowered her bow, exhaling. Nolan nodded in approval. "Good. Aim for the core. Always."

They pressed deeper into the dungeon, torches lighting their path. The smell of rot grew stronger. Soon, figures emerged from the shadows ahead. Six undead staggered toward them, their hollow eyes fixed on the group.

"You’d better get ready," Nolan said calmly.

"Understood, Master," Celia replied as she drew her sword, steel glinting faintly in the dim light.

Beside her, Linda notched another arrow, her focus narrowing.

"Celia, go!" Nolan ordered.

Celia dashed forward, her blade flashing as she lunged at one of the undead wielding a rotten sword. The creature reacted unnaturally fast, raising its corroded weapon to block her strike. Steel met rusted steel with a sharp clang, and the impact forced her back.

"What?" she gasped, landing lightly on her feet. "It defended itself? But it doesn’t even have a brain!"

The undead lurched forward with jerky precision, swinging its weapon down at her. Celia steadied herself, parried, and pushed back, her strength and training keeping her balance. Sparks flickered as the clash continued—strike after strike echoing in the dungeon’s gloom.

Then she spotted it.

A brief opening.