Fairy Tale: With Sin Of Pride

In their experience, caution rarely correlated with strength. Only weaker teams tended to be overly cautious about their surroundings. However, when examined from a different perspective, the situation became more intriguing.

"Your Majesty, they might not be an ordinary team. Either that, or the country they represent is anything but ordinary," one of the men remarked.

The leader pondered this observation before speaking. "What should we do now? Should we change our target? It might not be so easy to handle this group!"

"Change the plan," he decided. "I didn't expect the first choice to be so challenging. It seems I need to exercise more caution in the coming days."

Still, he couldn't help but muse, "It's hard to believe there are only five of them. That imagery in the stones... it could be a god."

---

Meanwhile, the convoy approached the territory of Dekli City, and the atmosphere shifted. "Once we're in Dekli, we'll be safe," someone murmured.

The team's leader, the legendary magician Ken Taili, had earned his position through remarkable feats, including slaying a prince in combat.

As a central figure of the Federal Allies, the Dwarf King himself had advised him against taking unnecessary risks to avoid endangering their broader mission.

Rhodes, however, had stealthily followed the convoy into Dekli City. Observing the lively streets, he marveled at the transformation. Just weeks ago, this place was a desolate town.

"All this prosperity, just because of a battle exchange competition. The merchants here must be raking in fortunes," Rhodes muttered.

As he wandered through the streets, a young man approached him, hesitantly asking, "Are you with the Federal Allies?"

The man seemed unsure, expecting the leader to be someone renowned, perhaps even the Dwarf King.

Yet the attire of Rhodes and his companions unmistakably marked them as part of the delegation.

Ken Taili stepped forward, removing his hat. "Have you forgotten me?" His tone carried a mix of disappointment and irritation.

Realizing his mistake, the young man quickly bowed. "Master Ken Taili! My apologies. Please follow me—your rooms and meals have been prepared. Rest well tonight, and I'll guide you around the city tomorrow."

The team members nodded, understanding the importance of their duties. Though powerful, they knew the combatants they would face during the competition were elites, far beyond their own level of skill.

---

Rhodes, however, chose not to stay with the team. He wandered off, exploring the city alone. The opulence of Dekli City stood in stark contrast to the simpler, more utilitarian Federal Allies' territories.

As he strolled, a figure darted toward him. It was a woman, moving quickly and with apparent desperation. Rhodes frowned, sensing nothing extraordinary about her.

"Excuse me, can you help me?" she called out, her voice tinged with urgency.

Rhodes stood his ground, letting her approach. Just as she expected to collide with him, he stepped aside, leaving her stumbling forward.

"Ah!" she cried as she nearly fell, but Rhodes was already beside her, watching with mild amusement.

"Why didn't you catch me?" she asked, bewildered.

Rhodes shrugged. "You were in such a hurry. I figured it was better to move out of the way."

Before she could respond, a group of men appeared, surrounding Rhodes. Their stances were threatening, their eyes glinting with malice.

Rhodes glanced at them nonchalantly. "And what is this about?"

Before anyone could answer, the woman clung to his arm and smiled sweetly. "Sorry about this," she said softly.

Then, raising her voice, she shouted, "Help! This man is trying to kidnap me!"

The accusation startled onlookers, and the men around Rhodes closed in. One of them sneered, "You'd better come with us quietly. Resist, and things won't go well for you."

Rhodes sighed, exasperation evident in his expression. "Such a cliché trick. How utterly boring."

He shrugged again. "Fine. Lead the way."

His calm compliance stunned the group. Even the woman gripping his arm looked at him in disbelief. Nonetheless, they took him away without further resistance.

The people in the bustling streets merely glanced at the scene and carried on. For the local law enforcement, unless merchants were involved, such incidents were rarely their concern.

---

The group escorted Rhodes out of the city, retracing his path into a forested area. They led him to a large, isolated house, where more people waited.

Inside, the woman finally released his arm, albeit reluctantly. Rhodes glanced at her with mild irritation. "You've been clinging to me this whole time. You can let go now—I'm not going anywhere."

The woman's expression betrayed a mix of embarrassment and pleasure as she reluctantly stepped back. Her gaze lingered on him, admiring his athletic build and confident demeanor.

"Alright," Rhodes said, addressing the group. "You've dragged me all the way here. Now, what do you want? Speak plainly—otherwise, you won't like the outcome."

The leader of the group stepped forward, a smirk on his face. "It's very simple, kid, we just brought you here. Seeing that you don't have much money, let me know your team's address and I will send someone to deliver the ransom letter! If they want to save your life, they better arrange for tens of thousands of gold coins."

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