The most significant secret of this operation lies with the skeletal dragon.

During the time Fongo commanded the skeletal dragon in battle, Eric had only just succumbed to unconsciousness.

He would not awaken so swiftly.

Following the combat, he remained concealed within the sarcophagus.

And even if he were to regain consciousness, it would be within the sarcophagus, rendering him incapable of discovering anything.

Furthermore, when juxtaposed with a near thousand lives lost due to the longland mercenary core actions, Funha's own circumstances were trivial, unlikely to attract attention.

"Very well, I shall heed your counsel," Anar replied, burrowing in closer.

She blinked and softly suggested, "It's still early.

Shall we indulge in a little playful diversion?" Fong Hao gazed at her mischievous demeanor and immediately grasped the underlying meaning.

"Isn't inappropriate? It's quite late, and today has been exhausting.

" And Ji's starry eyes sparkled as she retorted, "I'm not tired, and you've only cast two spells.

What do you mean by being tired?" Without waiting for Fong how to respond, she took the initiative.

The nightlight stone emitted a faint glow, illuminating Ania's figure, which was entirely exposed to the air.

Her sun-kissed skin was smooth and firm.

Her athletic physique perfectly proportioned and upright, brimming with youth and vitality under the gentle illumination.

Her poised silhouette swayed gently with the light.

I was raised by an old orc who sought to find a village willing to take me in, a place where he could eventually retire.

But after much searching, no one was willing to accept me, and Jia suddenly spoke, her swaying waist gradually calming.

She locked her gaze with Fong Ha's, absorbing his warmth.

It was the first time Fong Hao had heard and Jia recount her past.

The Doya clan, known for their combative nature among the beast tribes, had surprisingly found no village during her childhood.

And then, Funhao prompted, "Then we stopped searching for a village and build a house on our own.

He taught me hunting and combat until the year I turned 15 when I advanced to become a hero and he passed away and Jia continued to narrate calmly.

The atmosphere inside the tent shifted becoming somewhat somber.

Fong Hao could distinctly sense and Jia's emotions.

This carefree girl, usually so untroubled, was revealing her feelings for the first time before Fong Ho could offer comfort.

and Jia continued.

The old orc instructed me to head west where human cities lay.

As long as I save enough money, I could buy a house and live there.

Suddenly, I discovered that playing cards was a quick way to accumulate wealth.

So, I began to learn.

Huh.

At this point, Ja let out a laugh.

But I ended up losing all the money I had saved, including my belongings.

It became evident that I was truly unsuited for gambling.

In a man of market, I encountered a human who seemed easy to deceive, borrowed 40 battle coins, and ultimately lost everything.

Accompanied by gentle breaths, and Jia recounted her tale.

Chapter 390.

Giant Horn Ridge.

When Fong Ho first encountered Inja, she struck him as a rebellious girl entangled in deceit and gambling.

Ultimately, after losing a wager against him, she was besieged by the undead and compelled to sign a hero's contract.

Having now heard In Gia's story, he began to comprehend the origins of her character.

The journey from the Orc City in the east to this place was no trifling matter.

Her inclination to gamble stemmed from a belief that it would yield quick riches as she aspired to purchase her own house in a human city.

"How do you find life here?" Fungho inquired further.

"Without much deliberation," and Jar replied, "Not bad at all.

It feels quite wonderful to have a home of my own.

" And Ja consistently maintained a high degree of loyalty, which was indicative of her satisfaction with her current existence.

"From the day you arrived, we have been family.

You are no longer alone," Fongha declared, raising his hand tole her hair while playfully pinching her furry ears.

And Ja swatted his hand away, yet her smile remained.

Fong Hao could distinctly sense her warmth escalating, her gaze becoming increasingly dreamy with a soft murmur of agreement.

She leaned wearily into him, nestling back into his embrace.

Although Fong how relished the joy and ja brought him, the hour had grown late, cradling her soft form, he resolved to rest, for they had more ground to cover the following day, just as he began to succumb to drowsiness.

And Ja spoke up, "How about when we return, we play with the air? I saw how much fun you all had at the pool last time.

Let us do that together.

" A sudden cough escaped.

Fong howl.

This was indeed the same in Jia unafraid and blissfully unaware.

You can ask a year about that if she agrees.

I have no objections, he shrugged nonchalantly.

All right, I'll ask her now.

Let us get some sleep.

We have a journey ahead of us tomorrow, Fong Hao urged.

Okay, she replied, and the tent fell into a tranquil silence as they gradually drifted into slumber.

Hey, do you think those white monkeys in the cemetery crawled out from the graves? Their pale skin.

Could it be related to the holy light? Let's not talk about graveyards at this late hour.

Do you think Lena will go mad upon seeing that letter and drain that fat man dry? Vampires feed on blood, not fat.

Enough chatter.

Sleep now.

The following morning, everyone had a light meal before embarking on their return journey.

The group hastily made their way, and by 5:00 p.

m.

, they approached the vicinity of Liix's city.

From a distance, they gazed upon the towering city walls.

A smile broke across Eric's dirt streaked face, glistening with tears.

I returned alive.

If I ever leave the city again, I'll be a fool.

And as for the Dragon Scale Mercenary Corps, just wait for me.

Standing upon a stone, Eric bellowed loudly, releasing the pentup fury that had been building within him over the past few days.

Surviving this ordeal was an unexpected stroke of fortune for Eric.

With his own business to manage, he had no need to risk his life as a mercenary.

His participation in the group battle was merely a fleeting whim, a desire to indulge in the nightly fantasies that every wealthy scion harbors.

Having experienced the chaotic reality, he had no desire to revisit such perilous escapades.

"Enough with the shouting.

Let us hasten into the city.

Everyone is weary.

" A bandit underling cast a disdainful glance at him.

"Indeed, we must hurry," Eric replied urgently.

The group quickened their pace, making their way toward the city.

Upon reaching the city gates, they spotted an elderly steward, a tired and formal garb, standing at the entrance and gazing out into the distance.

Upon catching sight of the disheveled Eric, a look of joy erupted on his face, and he rushed forward with the eagerness of a devoted servant.

Young Master Eric, are you unharmed? Is truly wonderful that you have returned safely without waiting for Eric's response.

The steward turned to his fellow servants, exclaiming, "Quickly, inform the master that young master Eric has returned in scathe, seeing his family's servant brought a sense of relief to Eric.

" He casually tossed his gear into the steward's hands.

"Have you all been waiting for me?" The steward nodded, responding, "Since yesterday, several have returned, reporting that the team you joined encounter peril.

They say the Dragon Scale mercenary corps deliberately set a trap, and now the entire city is a buzz with the news.

" The master and mistress were beside themselves with worry, instructing us to await your arrival, nearly dispatching others to search for you.

Upon hearing this, Fong Ha and the others understood the gravity of the situation.

It seemed many had indeed escaped and shared the tale of the Dragon Scale mercenary corps.