In the blink of an eye, the news of the War God Temple's resurgence spread like wildfire.
For a moment, everyone in Storm City was talking about it. Most of them didn't know what it meant.
But this wasn't important because the mercenaries who retreated with the temple were bragging about their experiences in the Underdark. It was enough for them to enjoy for a period of time.
To those mercenaries, generous rewards and adventuring experiences were the best rewards.
Many of them had been staying in the taverns ever since they arrived in Cardiff City, bragging about their experiences in the Underdark while waving the strange trophies they had brought from the underground.
Enjoying the praises and flattery of the crowd, they had to admit that they succeeded.
People were fascinated by the mysterious tunnels in the Underdark, the terrifying and dangerous monsters, and the death in the darkness.
These things that had only appeared in their imaginations were now appearing in front of them in physical form.
This caused everyone to be extremely excited, and in a short period of time, all the taverns were filled to the brim. Whether it was the locals of Cardiff City, or the wandering merchants and travelers, they all went to the taverns to listen to the stories of the mercenaries' adventures in the Underdark.
"Did you know?
There were thousands of those Fire Lizards!! "
The mercenary standing on the table recounted his experience with his saliva flying everywhere. There was still a trace of fear in his eyes.
He grabbed the flask beside him and gulped down a few mouthfuls of wine until the alcohol revived his trembling heart.
He took a deep breath and continued to speak.
"They came at us like that, at us!
Did you know?
Those damn bastards can spit fire!!
They opened their mouths and spat out flames that almost roasted us into jerky!
Their sharp teeth are as big as daggers, and a single bite is enough to pierce a hole through you!! "
As he spoke, the mercenary took out a Fire Lizard's tooth and slammed it on the table. This instantly caused the audience to gasp in surprise. Many people rushed forward to look at the sharp, huge tooth and let out exclamations of disbelief.
Looking at this scene, the mercenary was even more pleased.
"Even an elite army would find it hard to survive under such an attack!!"
He waved his hands vigorously, once again attracting the attention of the audience.
"But we survived!
Not only did we survive, but we also killed those damned bugs!
Do you know how we did it? "
The crowd cheered once again, urging the mercenary to continue.
There were even a few generous customers who asked the owner to give the mercenary a bottle of good ale to express their encouragement.
As for the bottle of ale, the mercenary took it without hesitation and drank it in one gulp. Then, he began to speak loudly again.
As the people in the tavern listened to his narration, they would occasionally exclaim or exclaim in admiration, causing the entire tavern to be as lively as boiling water.
However, not everyone enjoyed a lively atmosphere.
Cotton sat listlessly in the corner of the bar, staring blankly at the noisy scene in front of him.
On the table in front of him were a few empty wine bottles. Cotton himself had a dispirited look on his face as he leaned against the chair. He no longer had the high-spirited look from before. Instead, he looked like a destitute beggar.
For Cotton, he never thought that he would actually end up like this.
In the beginning, he urged Viscount Balfe to find trouble with Zayen, just because he wanted to use the other party's power to teach that arrogant bastard a lesson.
However, everything that happened next was completely out of Cotton's expectations. He didn't expect that not only would Viscount Balfe not be able to take down Jenn, but he would also lose his life.
This also put Cotton in danger. During the time when Jenn left, he was like a mouse hiding in the stronghold, shivering.
He didn't even dare to step out of the door. Cotton was very clear that Viscount Balfe's family would definitely not let this matter go. They would sort out the entire matter, and in this way, they would naturally want to find out why Viscount Balfe wanted to find trouble with a destitute noble. At that time, once they discovered his existence, Cotton could imagine that he would definitely not have a good ending.
It was precisely because of this fear that when Locus led the retreat, Cotton took the opportunity to mix in with his team.
He was worried that he would be discovered by Jenn and then be kicked away, leaving him to die in this terrifying Underdark.
But fortunately, Jenn didn't notice his existence, which made Cotton feel a lot more at ease. In the end, he successfully left the Valkyrie Duchy with his attendants and came here.
Because Cotton had played a part in dealing with the Fire Lizards, he received a rather generous reward.
However, Cotton didn't only hope to obtain wealth. He also hoped to be recognized by the Temple of Light and become a decorated noble.
But when the news of Jenn receiving a Medal of Honor came, Cotton knew that his wish was completely shattered.
At this moment, Cotton was curled up in a corner, drinking mouthful after mouthful of poor quality ale.
His attendants had already left him and started a new life with generous rewards.
They had broken their vows to Cotton, but Cotton didn't find it strange at all.
The only one by his side was Dobby, who had always been loyal to the Cotton family. He had been the family's bodyguard ever since the Cotton family was a child.
And now, he was the only one by Cotton's side.
"Dobby …"
Cotton shouted in a muffled voice and knocked on the table.
Shortly after, a middle-aged man clad in leather armor walked over and stood respectfully beside Cotton.
"Young Master, what can I do for you?"
"Another bottle of ale …"
"Young Master, you can't drink anymore. Let me help you upstairs to rest."
"Another bottle!"
Cotton slapped away Dobby's outstretched hand, widened his eyes, and picked up the mug with trembling hands. Then, he poured the ale into his mouth.
Sensing the ice-cold, stimulating sensation flowing down his throat, at the next moment, Cotton's consciousness sunk into a dark abyss.
An ice-cold wind blew.
When Cotton woke up again, he realized that he was no longer in the chaotic tavern. It was dark all around him.
He opened his eyes in a daze and looked around in a daze. What entered his eyes was the dim light of a torch. From the wine barrels scattered around, he could tell that this seemed to be an underground wine cellar.
How did I end up here?
Cotton shook his head and tried to stand up, but only then did he realize that he was tied to a chair and couldn't move at all.
"Dobby!"
Cotton raised his head and looked around blankly. He called out the servant's name.
"Dobby!"
Just as Cotton was feeling doubtful, a voice suddenly sounded.
"I didn't expect you to have such great strength, Mr. Cotton."
Upon hearing the voice, Cotton's hazy mind instantly sobered up. He straightened his body and stared ahead.
Shortly after, Cotton saw a man in luxurious attire strolling toward him.
Following respectfully by his side was his most loyal servant, Dobby.
"Long time no see, Mr. Cotton."
With his usual elegant smile, Zayen looked at the man tied to the chair in front of him with a mocking expression.
"To be honest, I didn't expect you to have the guts to stay here and not leave after offending me.
But it doesn't matter. As the saying goes, a gentleman doesn't take revenge. Since you have given me this opportunity, I will naturally cherish it. "
"You …"
Hearing until here, Cotton glared at Jenn fiercely, but he couldn't say a word.
Facing Cotton's glare, Jenn's expression was still so leisurely.
Of course, Jenn knew why that idiot Viscount Balfe would foolishly find trouble with him. In front of Enoya, no one could hide their secrets.
As long as they did a little investigation of the corpse, they would immediately know the truth.
It was Cotton who instigated Viscount Balfe to go against him, which brought him such trouble.
Although for Jenn, this trouble wasn't really a problem, as a Demons, it was their innate skill to be vengeful.
Not to mention the other party causing trouble behind your back, even if the other party glared at you, if you didn't destroy the other party's family, would you still be considered a Demons?
"S-Sir."
At this moment, Dobby, who was standing beside Jenn, was pale. He evasively looked at Cotton while speaking to him in a low voice.
"I have already fulfilled your request, is it …"
"Of course, I always keep my word."
Hearing Dobby's words, Jenn glanced at him and nodded.
Then, he reached into his bosom and fished out a bag of coins and threw it over.
Dobby received the bag of coins and opened it. From his joyful expression, Cotton knew that his loyal attendant must have sold his master for a good price.
"Then, then I will leave first."
After keeping the bag of coins, Dobby glanced at Cotton again, but in the end, he didn't say anything.
Instead, he flashed a flattering smile at Zayen, and the slightly hunched servant turned around to leave.
At this moment, Cotton suddenly saw a gigantic, pitch-black figure descending from behind Dobby. Before the poor servant could react, he was crushed under the body of the pitch-black beast. Along with a shrill scream, splashing blood and chewing sounds, the next moment, the pitiful servant let out a blood-curdling scream and the sound of chewing drowned out everything.
"I have always believed that loyalty and trustworthiness are both virtues that need to be followed."
Looking at the pale Cotton, Jenn let out a chuckle. Then, he walked up to Cotton and looked at his sweaty face with a playful gaze.
"Believe me, Mr. Cotton, I will give you an unforgettable memory."