With Hank and his crew joining them, the previously heavy mood lifted considerably.

The burly men were heading to the Imperial Capital to visit old friends. They’d happened to meet this same caravan on the road and asked for a ride.

In return, they shared fresh vegetables, fruits, and all sorts of food with the passengers.

These men were indeed bandits—but also pitiful souls who could never go home.

Hank explained they’d been tricked and trafficked by a black-market merchant from remote mountains years ago, enduring endless torment. Only a year ago had they finally escaped.

Penniless and burning with rage after their ordeal, they’d turned to robbing corrupt merchants to help the poor.

...

...

..

"Sir Mu Yi," Hank boomed, chugging cheap liquor with a carefree grin. The scar on his face looked less fearsome now, almost strangely endearing. His cheeks flushed slightly from the drink, as if genuinely happy to have met Mu Yi. He took another two swigs.

"You’re not continuing as bandits?"

Mu Yi rested his chin on his palm, watching the bald man quietly.

Every world, every era had people crushed by those above them.

But Hank’s group was different. Though from the lowest rungs, they chose to fight back.

It might not change much, but it gave their hearts peace.

"Haha! We dare not. We’ve targeted those black-market bastards too often—they won’t keep letting us slide."

"Even a cornered rabbit bites. Those heartless scum? They’ve got power and money. Push them too hard, and we’re the ones who’ll pay."

Hank scratched his head helplessly. Their strength was limited. If the merchants truly hunted them down, they stood no chance.

Worse, their actions endangered nearby villagers. If caught, they’d suffer—but dragging innocents into it? Unthinkable.

Better to leave this trouble spot now and return to their quiet hometowns.

"Uncle, you guys are so brave! I’d never have the guts," the straw-hatted youth admitted, admiration mixed with fear in his voice. Good intentions or not, one misstep meant death—or brutal revenge.

"Luo Er, you drive. Go chat with Sir Mu Yi and the others," another young man said, clapping the youth’s shoulder before taking the reins at the front.

"Got it! Thanks!" Luo Er grinned, tossing his straw hat aside as he climbed back inside.

Spotting Olienna huddled silently in the corner, he smiled. *Still beating herself up over it?*

"Miss Olienna! I’m Luo Er. Truly honored to meet such a beautiful lady." He tossed his hat aside and offered his hand warmly.

No flattery—he’d genuinely never seen a girl so delicate in his mountain village back home.

"A-ah, hello." Startled from her guilt, Olienna hastily shook his hand.

"Eh?" A strange sensation shot up her palm. Instinctively, she squeezed his hand twice—soft, smooth skin left her bewildered.

"Miss Olienna... are you fond of me already?" Luo Er scratched his head, blushing. He loved pretty girls, but such boldness flustered him.

"A-ah! S-sorry..." Olienna pulled back, forcing an awkward smile. Behind her back, her fingers unconsciously rubbed together, chasing that odd feeling.

"Luo Er, what’s that glittering around your neck? A necklace?" Mu Yi asked, eyeing the shiny object. A poor village boy shouldn’t own fine jewelry.

"Hmph! Knew Mu Yi had the sharpest eyes!" Luo Er puffed his chest proudly, pulling out a gleaming shell necklace. "See? My mom strung these silver-glow shells herself!" He waved it before everyone.

"Woah... it’s gorgeous..." Olienna’s eyes sparkled. Silver-glow shells weren’t valuable, but their tiny, luminous glow was uniquely beautiful.

"Right? Bet even you’ve never seen anything this pretty, Mu Yi~" Luo Er dangled the necklace teasingly before Mu Yi. This treasure from his mother’s farewell deserved showing off.

"Show-off," Mu Yi waved dismissively, though warmth flickered deep in his eyes. *Meeting kind souls right after arriving in this new world... maybe this journey won’t be so bad.*

"Hehe, jealous? If you swear brotherhood with me, I’ll gift you one shell as a token~" Luo Er pointed at the shells, his slightly androgynous face flushing pink against his sun-darkened skin.

"Deal. I’ll take that one." Before Luo Er finished, Mu Yi pointed at the largest, most radiant shell.

"Whoa! That’s the best one! No one picks the crown jewel first!" Luo Er yanked the necklace back, clutching it protectively like a kitten guarding its food.

"Just joking." Mu Yi chuckled. He didn’t need trinkets.

"Haha! Since fate brought us together, I’ll treat everyone to a feast in the Imperial Capital!" Hank threw an arm around Mu Yi’s shoulders. "What do you say, Sir Mu Yi? Luo Er? Miss Olienna? And Miss Aiva up top? A proper meal when we arrive!"

*So long since I felt this light... Meeting Sir Mu Yi and these travelers before leaving this land—truly lucky.*

"Yesss! Uncle, you’re the best!" Luo Er whooped. *All-you-can-eat, here I come!*

"Uh... I haven’t agreed yet—"

"And you have the nerve to refuse? You nearly crippled someone back there."

"Mmm... my bad..." Mu Yi slid beside Olienna, flicking her forehead with a faint smile. *This reckless girl’s actually fun.*

"Aiva. Hear that? Hank’s treating us in the Imperial Capital." He tapped the carriage roof.

"Heard, Master." Aiva’s voice drifted down, her eyes slowly opening atop the carriage. Her waterfall of cerulean hair danced in the wind, but a flicker of unease darkened her gaze. *This restlessness... what does it mean?*