Chapter 29: Fang Ming

  As the giant bird began to take flight, Nitaan excitedly looked around at the scenery. Silalai town starts to shrink. He used to think that Silalai town was big, but now it becomes so tiny when looking from above.

  Upon reaching a certain altitude, Nitaan suddenly felt a change in the air. The surrounding temperature dropped. The cold air outside became meaningless as the Sunbeam turtle shell provided warmth.

  "Let me introduce myself again. I am Fang Ming, a representative of the Fang Trading Group, Firegan Kingdom branch," Ming said to Nitaan.

  Fang Trading Group has a branch in Silalai town? Nitaan mused.

  Nitaan had heard of the Fang Trading Group before. Although they are not quite a continental-level trading group like the Qianbao or Itsuka Trading Group, Fang Trading Group was a large group with numerous branches in the major cities of each major power and country.

  "Nitaan, a former genius and head of the special patrol unit in Silalai town. And this is my companion, the amazing giant dog, Kiita," Nitaan replied jokingly.

  "Thank you again for the Gold Treasure ticket."

  "Woof!"

  Thank you, Pretty Sis!

  "It's nothing. Spending a small amount of money to get to know someone so talented and promising is more than worth it," Fang Ming laughed.

  "Then I’m so sorry we're going to disappoint you. If you know me, then you should already know my situation." Nitaan shook his head wearily.

  "Please don't underestimate yourself so much. Just the fact that you have a very high chance of becoming an Enlightened is more than enough to be considered a genius," Ming replied.

  "Even with your current situation, you still managed to assassinate First word Engraver. Capable of doing that while being just a Learner is far from the word ‘disappoint.’" Ming smiled slyly.

  Nitaan raised his eyebrows slightly. Besides that group of adventurers, Nitaan, Kiita, and the Uthumpohn family, no one should know about the incident in the forest.

  "Our network is quite extensive," Fang Ming smiled sweetly.

  Nitaan shrugged. He hadn't worried about it from the start. Even if it leaked out, it wouldn't be a big deal. After all, he had already applied to participate in the tournament. In the future there would be a lot of informants investigating competitors.

  "It's mainly from luck and poison. It's not a big deal."

  "I’m pretty sure even if I have 100 lucky Learners armed with diluted poison that is barely able to paralyze First word Engraver, no more than 3 would be able to achieve what you did," Fang Ming urged.

  "That’s kind of exaggerated. If I were to do it again in the same conditions, I might not succeed." Nitaan shook his head.

  "But it might still succeed, right?" Fang Ming smiles knowingly.

  "Again, it depends on luck," Nitaan replied. He doesn’t really like this kind of ‘smart’ merchant.

  "And may I ask why our lucky one suddenly wants to move to the capital?" Fang Ming inquired indirectly.

  Nitaan thought for a moment. That tournament was publicly announced. If he were to participate, it would be normal for other competitors to gather information on the remaining competitors.

  The more I can remain mysterious, the better. Besides, the fact that Kiita and I can share our powers is quite special.

  Especially that we can share Words of Power. That should be our trump card. Nitaan pondered.

  "Personally, I'm half-believing, half-doubting what you said about wanting to be an adventurer. Your abilities are certainly undeniable, but my gut feeling tells me your main purpose is something else," Fang Ming said with a smile, her gaze fixed on Nitaan's deep blue eyes.

  "The gut of a top-tier merchant?" Nitaan laughed.

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  "Part of me does want to be an adventurer, but I've also considered joining the Patrol unit again or the City Guard unit of the capital," Nitaan replied, mixing facts and lies.

  "The Patrol unit in the capital is practically jobless, unlike Silalai town, which is bordered by a forest. Ratana City does not require constant patrol to guard the area." Ming said, looking puzzled as to why Nitaan wants to work at a Patrol unit again.

  "I've always thought that with so many different borders around the capital—forests, mountains, lakes, and so much more—the Patrol unit must have a heavy workload."

  "Total opposite," Fang Ming explained. "Ratana City is a gathering place for countless unimaginable Fate Scripters. There's no way any danger can happen.”

  “All the devil beasts in the area are keeping a low profile, wary of being wiped out in an instant," Fang Ming explained.

  Nitaan remained silent, his face expressionless, but his mind was reeling from his own stupidity.

  That's right. How could they let anything dangerous lurk around?

  "And have you forgotten? The sole ruler of the Crimson Throne, Lady of Fire, Queen Gomain Akni Firegan also resides in the Ratana city," Ming added.

  Nitaan nodded. Considering the queen's strength, Ratana City should be a place no one dares to trespass.

  "So Patrol unit is a no-go," Nitaan sighed.

  "But City Guard unit is a completely different story," Fang Ming rejoiced. Giving an opinion is one of the best ways to get close to someone.

  "I think the City Guard unit is quite suitable for you."

  “They are responsible for suppressing offenders and preventing crime. Since Capital is a home to many major families, underground factions, merchants from other territories, and other intelligent races like Rubias race and Tsubas race. There are also pirates from the southern seas who frequently send goods for trade. It's incredibly chaotic," she explained.

  "And Fang Trading Group?" Nitaan smiled slightly.

  "We are also part of a merchant from other territories.” Fang Ming answers with a smile.

  “Firegan Kingdom is open to free trade. While this has led to diverse and rapidly developing trade, it has also allowed other major powers to easily expand their influence. It could be called a double-edged sword," Fang Ming shrugged.

  "But ultimately, as long as the queen protects this kingdom, Firegan Kingdom will never be shaken," she replied with an enigmatic smile.

  "At most, they can only expand their influence and build networks with those of future potential, like you, Nitaan," Fang Ming said, her eyes gentle yet gleaming with the insatiable enthusiasm of a merchant seeking friendship.

  Nitaan didn’t answer or refuse. He smiles back and changes the subject. "Why do you think the City Guard unit would suit me best?"

  "Actually. I think the most suitable roles for both of you are adventurers."

  Nitaan tilted his head in confusion. Being an adventurer did offer good income and freedom, but it also came with high risks and frequent travel. Especially since the capital city wasn't near the borders or dangerous areas, high-level adventurers often had to embark on long journeys for specific missions.

  “Since you left Silalai town this early, I assume you aim to quickly comprehend your word and become First word Engraver, right?”

  Nitaan didn't answer, only smiled with an emotionless gaze.

  "Learner who wants to become a First word Engraver must thoroughly understand their word. Many people agree that the most effective way is to encounter new things, accumulate experience, and discover what lies in their heart and soul." Fang Ming lay back on her seat, slowly talking about the path where every Fate Scripter has to walk.

  Nitaan nodded slightly. From what he had learned, this method was considered by most to be the most suitable.

  For a person to truly know themselves, they must be shaped by diverse life experiences so that they can truly answer what they truly are. While not always the case, many people agree about this.

  This is why those who discover Word of Power early are considered geniuses. Generally, people discover their first word around the age of 20, having completed childhood, entering adulthood, and understanding a bit of themselves.

  Therefore, a person's first word is often discovered around the age of 20. Those who discover their word as early as 15 are gifted. They possess high spiritual power, have a strong sense of self, and understand what they want. Even without extensive experience, they truly know their own heart.

  Another type of person who can quickly discover their word is someone who has truly experienced something that shapes their heart. That experience opens up opportunities for them to discover what they truly desire.

  Nitaan also falls into this category. He discovered Link at the moment he desired to understand his parents' final messages.

  "Some people may one day understand their soul on their own, comprehend the word, and naturally become Engraver, but not many," Fang Ming explained further.

  "Therefore, you joining the City Guard unit, meeting various people, and encountering different criminals is not as impactful as traveling, undertaking various missions, encountering new places, fighting strong enemies, overcoming challenges, and experiencing things that lead to self-fulfillment."

  Nitaan remained silent, a smile playing on his lips. Fang Ming's gaze remained fixed on Nitaan without wavering. After a moment, Nitaan spoke again:

  "I appreciate your suggestions and advice, so just tell me your goal already." Nitaan smiled, his eyes unreadable.

  Fang Ming was stunned. She felt her breath catching in her throat. Kiita, who had been lying still beside Nitaan, now looked up and stared intently at Fang Ming.

  She swallowed what stuck in her throat. Kiita’s pitch-black eyes look to her like the eyes of a predator who observes their prey.

  What had shaken her more is Nitaan, who is only 20-ish and also has that kind of eyes.

  "Fang Trading Group does have a genuine offer for you, Mr. Nitaan. It's not that we're trying to take advantage of you. We just want to know you more before engaging." Fang Ming said in a lowered tone.

  "According to our information, your detection abilities are essential for one of our crucial missions. It’s about Ancient Ruins Exploration."

  Nitaan remained silent, gazing directly into Fang Ming's eyes as if trying to find something there.

  Ming couldn't read his expression but looked back sincerely, expecting this young man to speak next.

  After a long moment, Nitaan smiled slightly and continued:

  "Thank you very much for your advice, and also for the two tickets."

  Ming's face brightened.

  "Th-thank you very much. Our trading group will compensate you for your time generously. We will also provi..." Nitaan suddenly raised his hand as a signal to stop.

  "I have a small matter to attend to first. Once everything is settled, I'll come to your headquarters in Ratana City," Nitaan said.

  Fang Ming's expression clouded over slightly but quickly improved.

  Nitaan didn't directly refuse, though his reluctance to join their group was quite clear. Yet he didn't completely reject the idea of ??working with them either. It meant he was willing to collaborate if the opportunity arose, provided it was beneficial to him.

  "You can come anytime. I'll welcome you warmly," Fang Ming smiled sweetly again.

  The two chatted a little more before going back to rest.

  After a while, Nitaan drifted off to sleep, his breathing calm and rhythmic. Fang Ming secretly glanced at him. In his sleep, Nitaan looked like a normal handsome young man, a stark contrast to the predatory gaze she had encountered moments before.

  She might be imagining things, but Fang Ming felt as if Nitaan had simply closed his eyes, not really fallen asleep.

  Time passed, and Nitaan was awakened by the resounding voice of Captain Mekha.

  "We will arrive at our destination soon. Passengers can see Ratana City, the capital of Firegan Kingdom, ahead.”