Chapter Thirteen: Seeking Help

A few people had come to live together in his small squad day and night. At the thought of this, Rod’s scalp tingled—his bad instincts grew stronger by the moment. He knew that things would eventually go wrong if this continued, especially with Kiro and Wiski, who had been together for days on end, knowing many of his habits!
They had already started to doubt him. By giving them the chance to get close, wasn’t he seeking death? The more he thought about it, the more headaches he got. After a sigh, Rod could only brief Skora and Keroth, then led the group toward his own tent! Since he had joined them, he had to arrange things for them.
It was already pitch black; night had covered the land unnoticed. With mixed feelings, he led the group to the tent, where all the members of his first squad were gathered—72 people, none more, none less.
Looking at everyone, Rod gathered them together, asked them to be quiet, and then announced the situation. Immediately, everyone cheered. Who wouldn’t like more teammates? Especially in such a dangerous battlefield—everyone knew that one more person meant one more strength, unless they were fools.
After asking Curly to help the others settle in, Rod gave some instructions and headed outside. Soon, he arrived at Nightingale’s tent, which was specifically set up for the female members of their Death Scythe Squad! After all, there were quite a few female magicians among the three squads—nearly fifteen in total, a significant number.
Outside, Rod called out to Nightingale without hesitation. In less than a moment, she appeared at the door, looking at Rod with confusion. She didn’t know why he had come to see her at this time. It was clearly not about fighting—if it were, everyone would have gathered right away!
She had never seen him come to her before; this was the first time. It left Nightingale puzzled. She looked at Rod and said playfully, “Well, what wind brought our famous leader here? What’s the matter? Why are you shouting here?”
“Come with me. I need your help with something!” After much thought, Rod realized that Nightingale might be the only one who could help him now. Only she could assist.

“Heh, what’s strange—haven’t you always been so proud? How did you even think of asking us mere mortals to help you? I doubt I have the ability!” Rod’s words also stunned Nightingale, who then retorted sarcastically.
Frowning, Rod wondered why Nightingale’s words always seemed to carry a sting. He couldn’t figure it out—he didn’t seem to have done anything to offend her.
“Alright, enough joking. Come on, I really do need your help!” With a sigh, forced to ask for help, Rod lowered his head.
“Really need help? It’s not to ask me to help you pick up girls, is it? I don’t have that skill, and you don’t need my help either, do you? That girl seems to like you quite a bit!” But to Rod’s surprise, Nightingale said something he didn’t understand.
“But I’m so sad. Look, here I am, a living person standing in front of you, thinking I’m not bad-looking, yet I keep trying to help you, but you don’t even glance at me. How painful it is for me!” Before Rod could react, Nightingale flashed a seductive smile and continued.
“Are you crazy? What girl? Stop talking nonsense. I really do need you to help me with something!” Already in a bad mood, how could he have the patience to joke with her? With another sigh, he spoke impatiently.
Seeing this, Nightingale was also stunned, losing her playful demeanor and becoming slightly serious. She seemed to sense something was wrong—this was the first time she had seen such a Rod. They had been together for quite some time, and she knew him well! It seemed there really was something serious going on.
“Alright, no more joking. But I really have to warn you—better not get too close to that girl. It won’t benefit you. Otherwise, you’ll definitely regret it! Well, you decide for yourself. Let’s go over there and see what’s causing you to act like this.” She glanced at Rod, pondered for a moment, then sighed.
Feeling frustrated, Rod really didn’t understand what Nightingale was talking about—why he shouldn’t get too close to anyone. But right now, he clearly didn’t have the mood to deal with it. He followed Nightingale to a quiet spot in the barracks to avoid being disturbed.

Following the path, the two quickly arrived at a quiet corner of the camp. It was pitch dark, with very poor visibility, and no one was around—making it a good place to discuss things. “Alright, there’s no one here. You can speak freely!” They found a clean spot, sat down on the ground with a silk scarf taken from their pocket, and looked at Rod. Nightingale asked in confusion, “What’s the problem this time? You must know Kiro and Viski from the Holy Light Academy, right?” Looking at Nightingale, Rod said with a grim expression, “Yeah, I know them. We’ve fought against them before; they’re pretty good fighters. What’s wrong with them? And what does it have to do with you?” Nightingale frowned in confusion. “They’ve come here. You probably know that. Originally, there was no problem, but now that the Death Scythe Squad is involved, it seems Kiro has started to suspect me!” With a sigh and a troubled expression, Rod said to Nightingale. “They’ve entered? What’s going on?” Now, Nightingale also became anxious. If that was the case, it was indeed a tricky situation. She didn’t really care about herself—although they had fought before, this was a critical moment. Even if they recognized her identity, they wouldn’t necessarily cause trouble here. The main problem was Rod! “Skora and Keroth brought them to our squad. You figure out what to do. I’m at a loss. Damn it, if this continues, the beast invasion might end before the demon extermination even starts!” Rod said gloomily with a self-deprecating laugh. “Our squad? You… I don’t know what to say. You knew it was dangerous yet still let them join the Death Scythe Squad and assign them to our team. They’re just asking for trouble!” Hearing Rod’s words, Nightingale rolled her eyes in frustration. What else could it be but asking for trouble? “Forget it. Since things are like this, there’s nothing we can do. Here’s what I suggest: try to avoid contact with them as much as possible. I’ll think of a way to transfer those guys to another squad. That would be better. Be careful these days. Pay attention during battles—you should know which techniques can be used and which can’t! Use them wisely, especially the ‘Shadowless’ and ‘Autumn Wind’ moves. Those two moves of yours, though powerful, could expose you even to people you’re not familiar with if used carelessly!”

“How do you think I figured out your identity? It was during that battle with the Flaming Lion. Although you didn’t use Shadowless directly, anyone who fought against you could tell. You decide what to do!” Nightingale said after a moment of contemplation.

“There’s no other way; we can only rely on luck. Damn it, I don’t know how to put it—there’s no need to be so reckless if you want to die. You know who Kiro is; his stance was clear back then. Once he learned your true identity, he broke off relations with you. He almost took your life back then, and it won’t be different this time!” Nightingale sighed, rubbing her temples.

“There’s nothing else we can do. You figure it out. I’ll try to draw them to your side—be careful! Be vigilant these days, especially with the vampires and werewolves. They’re restless but haven’t taken any major action yet. There’s definitely something strange going on! Everyone, be careful. Damn it, I don’t know what those guys are up to!”

“By the way, what were you talking about before—some woman or girl? What nonsense was that?” Since things had come to this, there was no choice but to proceed step by step. Then Rod remembered those confusing words Nightingale had said when he first arrived and asked curiously.

“Oh, so you’re pretending now? By the training ground’s woods today! Heh, don’t say you forgot!” Nightingale’s interest was piqued as she asked with a cold laugh.

“The woods?” Rod repeated, frowning. Then he remembered something and slapped his head, realizing it must have been that little girl, Shirley. Damn it, how did he know about this?

Frowning, he stared at Nightingale for a moment. “How do you know about today’s events? I’ve only met her twice, saved her twice—there’s no real connection!”

“I don’t care about that. I happened to pass by there at noon to take care of some business and saw it. But be careful yourself. Again, don’t get too close—it won’t benefit you! Her grandfather isn’t someone you can offend! And don’t forget your identity. If her grandfather finds out, you’re dead! No one can save you!” Nightingale said calmly, looking at Rod playfully, though even she didn’t know why mentioning this made her feel a bit uneasy.

“Alright, let’s not talk about this. I actually have something to ask you as well; now is the right time to discuss it!” Taking a deep breath, Nightingale’s expression instantly became serious—so serious that it made Rod feel uneasy. Then she spoke in a deep voice. Her serious demeanor gave Rod a badpremonition, and the atmosphere immediately became tense and heavy.