Samsara Paradise: Dream Weaver of Connections.

At this moment, Leonard's mind was clearly not on the gambling table.

He sank lazily into the high-backed chair, his back pressed against the rough leather seat, toying with a gold coin in his hand, his eyes somewhat unfocused.

The affairs of the guard were overseen by Ruth Jack, a meticulous former officer of the Sun Legion.

The training schedule and patrol routes were planned meticulously, and even the hay in the stables was calculated to perfection.

This "big shot" who held the title of deputy captain, apart from occasionally needing to personally protect Lin Yi when he went out, spent most of his time bored out of his mind.

Lin Yi seemed to tacitly approve of this situation. As long as he didn't cause any major trouble that could shake the foundation of the castle, Lin Yi would let him "maintain relations" in the city.

Thus, the "Golden Dice" casino naturally became Leonard's most frequented place of entertainment.

Here, winning or losing doesn't matter much to him; what truly captivates him is the feeling of being enveloped in awe and flattery.

The casino owner, Lame Jack, and Johnny "Rat," the leader of the Grey Rat gang who roamed the area, both treated him with utmost respect, regarding him as a bridge connecting the manor and the underworld. This greatly satisfied Leonard's vanity.

"Lord Leonard, your luck is absolutely incredible! If you keep this up, one more bet and you're sure to sweep the board!" The dealer, a thin man with wrinkles around his eyes, bowed obsequiously as he shook the dice cup.

Leonard let out a soft, unintelligible hum, and was about to casually push a few silver coins out.

Suddenly, a figure wearing a tattered, greasy leather vest slipped through the crowd like a slippery eel and quietly approached his side.

He was a low-level thug in the "Grey Rat Gang," nicknamed "Fast Foot," who was responsible for acting as eyes and ears in the dirtiest corners and darkest alleys of the city, catching any unusual activity.

Quickly, he tiptoed close to Leonard's ear and whispered a few words in a breathy voice that only the two of them could hear.

The slight glint of intoxication in Leonard's eyes, fueled by alcohol and flattery, quickly faded, replaced by a sharp, hawk-like edge.

"A small-time grocer from the south? Inquiring about the lord everywhere—in 'Muddy Pit,' 'Red Lantern,' and around the docks?"

"Yes, sir! Brother Mouse gave the order himself, and the brothers have been taking turns watching him all day." Quickfoot nodded hurriedly, speaking rapidly.

"This guy looks disheveled and you wouldn't even notice him in a crowd, but his way of questioning people is really weird! He specifically targets those gossipy drunkards in the 'Muddy Pit' and those vagrants in the dock area who would say anything for a few copper coins. Our men pretended to be curious and went up to him to get some information out of him. He only vaguely said that he wanted to find a way to curry favor with you, sir, but Brother Rat said that his behavior was a bit off, and he had a sinister aura about him."

"A tribute? Hmph, why bother with such sneaky tactics, sneaking into rat holes? Even the rats in the back alley of 'Muddy Pit' know that if you want to show your respect to the lord, the proper way is to go directly to the castle gatehouse and deliver a letter!" Leonard sneered.

Having struggled and fallen on hard times at the bottom of society, he has an almost instinctive sensitivity to conspiracies.

"Keep a close watch! Send the most alert men to record his every move from morning till night, every patch of mud he's stepped on, every furtive face he's seen, and every word he's said—even if it's just a fart! But remember, follow him like a shadow, don't alert him, and most importantly, don't let him notice, understand?"

"Understood! Brother Rat personally arranged it; they're all the smartest brothers, I guarantee he won't find out!" the thug quickly assured him.

Leonard gave a satisfied "hmm" and said no more.

He casually grabbed a handful of sweat-stained and dusty silver coins from the pile in front of him, then picked up a few gleaming gold coins and stuffed them into Kuaijiao's hand without even looking at them: "Here's a reward for you. Buy some wine to soothe your throat. If you do a good job, there'll be plenty of good stuff to come!"

Then, Leonard pulled out a hard paper voucher bearing the lord's manor's flame emblem from his pocket and handed it to Quickfoot: "Take this to your boss and tell him to go to the logistics department at the castle guard's garrison and collect a thousand gold coins with this. Tell him to keep his mouth shut."

With trembling hands, Kuai took the light yet enormous pass, which represented a huge fortune. He then touched the heavy silver and gold coins in his pocket, so excited he almost fainted: "Thank you, sir! Thank you, Lord Leonard! Don't worry! Brother Rat and we brothers will risk our lives to handle this matter perfectly, to your and the lord's satisfaction!"

After saying that, the thug quickly disappeared into the noisy crowd.

Leonard watched the direction the thugs disappeared in, swept the money on the table into his leather bag, and waved to the dealer: "I'm done playing, I have important business to attend to."

He stopped looking at anyone, strode forward, and walked straight through the murky air filled with the smell of cheap tobacco and sweat, leaving the intoxicating noise of the casino completely behind.

Leonard knew very well who had given him his current status.

Without any delay, he went straight to the lord's mansion.

The castle was brightly lit under the night sky. The guards at the gate recognized Leonard's face. When they saw him striding in, they immediately straightened their backs, respectfully pounded their chests in salute, and opened the heavy iron gate.

Leonard nodded slightly, and without pausing, walked through the courtyard and corridor, heading straight for Lin Yi's study where he handled official business.

He knew that Lin Yi was used to handling important matters late at night.

Inside the study, Lin Yi was standing by the window.

Leonard took a deep breath at the door and knocked.

"Come in." Lin Yi's calm voice came from inside the door, not loud, but clearly penetrating the door panel.

Leonard pushed open the door, closed it behind him, and strode to the desk. He stood ramrod straight, his face no longer showing any of the frivolity he had displayed at the casino: "Sir, it's an emergency!"

"speak."

“A stranger, posing as a southern grocer, has been gathering information about you in the city’s underground locations, especially in the mud pits, red lanterns, and dock areas, for the past few days. His methods are covert, but his approach is professional; he targets marginalized individuals who are easy to pry open. Our people are watching him, but haven’t alerted them yet. Based on observation and probing, this man is definitely not a simple businessman. He seems to be scouting, or rather, gathering intelligence.” Leonard succinctly and clearly stated the information quickly reported and his own judgment, without any unnecessary embellishment.

Lin Yi listened quietly, without any surprise on his face.

"Have they finally lost their patience in the capital?"

"We wiped out the bandits in Rift Valley first, and their plan to use someone else to do their dirty work failed. Sending a scout over here to find out the details is very much in line with the style of that 'good brother' August."

“Sir, should we…” Leonard made a grabbing gesture, a fierce glint in his eyes.

"No rush." ​​Lin Yi raised his hand to stop him, a playful smile playing on his lips. "Since the guest has come from afar and wants to play hide-and-seek, let him play for a while."

“Anyone who dares to extend their claws should be prepared to be chopped off at the root. Leonard, have your men keep an eye on things and set up the net. Now that this snake has entered my territory, it won't be able to escape.”

“Yes, sir!” Leonard straightened his back and replied in a deep voice.

"Go ahead, and call Jack and Annie over when you leave."

As Leonard's footsteps faded at the end of the corridor, the study door was gently closed, leaving only the crackling of burning wood in the fireplace echoing in the silence.

Not long after, there was another knock on the study door.

“My lord.” Ruth Jack nodded slightly. He was wearing light leather armor and still smelled of dust and sweat from the training ground. He stood up straight.

During this time, he devoted himself to recruit training. The glory of leaving the Sun Legion did not diminish his professionalism; on the contrary, it was revitalized in this land that needed him.

Springhall Anne, on the other hand, seemed like a completely different person; the gloom that once shrouded her brows was replaced by an almost languid composure.

She wore a clean and neat lab coat, her blonde hair was casually tied up, with a few strands falling beside her cheeks, and she held a crystal bottle containing a pale purple liquid in her hand, which emitted a strange herbal fragrance.

"You called for me, sir? I hope it's not because my experiments were too disruptive. The stability tests of those new formulas do require a little... um... a little burst of energy."

"Have a seat. Are the training and experiments going smoothly?"

"The new recruits are all promising talents. Although their foundation is as thin as paper, they are obedient and hardworking, and they have the fierceness of the wolf cubs of the North."

Ruth Jack's words were concise, yet a hint of satisfaction shone in his eyes. "Give me another month, and I'll be able to show myself in public, at least I'll know where to aim the knife."

Anne shook the bottle in her hand: "Things are going very smoothly on my end too. Those old men at the Doctors' Association were quite generous with their prices. I no longer have to worry about someone breaking down my door in the middle of the night and kidnapping me to make poison. Honestly, this is a million times more comfortable than when I was a student of that old viper Auguste; at least the air here is free." Lin Yi nodded, his gaze falling on the two of them: "Peaceful days are always short-lived; Auguste's greetings have arrived."

He succinctly recounted Leonard's report, and when Lin Yi described the other party's method of scouting the location, Annie's face showed a hint of disgust.

“Viper!” Anne blurted out. “It’s definitely Viper! Venomous Fang, August’s most skilled assassin and stealthman. I saw him a few times when I was mixing poisons at Blackwood Manor. Each time, he appeared and disappeared silently like a shadow. This guy rarely shows himself; I don’t even know his real name, only this code name. August sent him because he’s really desperate and is really going all out to get rid of you!”

"There's no such thing as a thief who can't be guarded against from a thousand miles away. Now that he's infiltrated Bloodclaw Fortress, rather than letting him lurk in the shadows like a real viper, we should invite him to come out and be our guest."

"Jack, spread the word first thing tomorrow morning. Say that the Castle Guard is urgently needing to recruit a batch of elite new guards due to recent expansion and defense strengthening. There are limited spots available, but the benefits are excellent, including room and board and generous pay. They are recruiting able-bodied young men from Bloodclaw Castle and all the surrounding villages and towns. Make a big splash and let everyone in the town know."

Ruth Jack instantly understood Lin Yi's intention: "To lure the snake out of its hole?"

"Given his abilities and mission, blending into the ranks of applicants is the least risky way. He needs an identity and the opportunity to enter the core area of ​​the castle."

"You need to personally oversee the recruitment process."

"Understood!" Ruth Jack replied in a deep voice, a long-dormant fighting spirit igniting in his chest, and the hunt began.

Lin Yi then turned to Anne: "Anne, your safety is of paramount importance. Viper's targets may include you, after all, you were once August's 'property,' but now you have become my ally. From this moment on, immediately move the food and water you need for the next few days into your alchemy laboratory, then completely seal the laboratory doors and announce to the outside world that you are conducting an extremely dangerous secret research. Viper is cunning and may try to infiltrate his servants to get close to you."

Annie nodded vigorously: "I understand! Don't worry, sir. I personally reinforced the lab door and even set up a few little surprises. Unless he uses a battering ram, he won't be able to get in. I'll just stay inside and play the coward for a few days, which will be perfect for me to work on those formulas that have been holding me back for so long."

“Very good. As for Leonard, I will have him put on a show. Remember, once he enters the castle, that's when we truly begin to control him. This show needs to be exciting, but also flawless.”

The following day, Bloodclaw Fortress was in an uproar.

The news that the lord's manor was recruiting new guards was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating huge ripples.

Notices were plastered all over the town’s bulletin boards and tavern doors, and guards rode through the streets on horseback, loudly proclaiming the news.

Generous benefits, all-inclusive food and lodging, and the opportunity to follow a heroic lord who slays sea monsters... every single one of these is enough to ignite the passion of the men of the North.

A long line formed in front of the castle gates just before dawn.

From naive teenagers of sixteen or seventeen to robust men in their thirties or forties, and even a few mercenaries with scars on their faces and fierce eyes, they all crowded in the crowd, standing on tiptoe, their faces a mixture of excitement and longing.

The traveling merchant, disguised as a viper, was also among them. He had changed into a worn-out coarse cloth shirt and trousers, deliberately smeared some dust on his face, made his hair slightly disheveled, and concealed all the sharpness in his eyes, trying to make himself look like an ordinary young man who longed to change his fate but also had a bit of the timidity of a countryman.

He moved slowly with the flow of people, observing the surrounding environment and the guard arrangements, secretly making plans in his mind.

The recruitment test was conducted in the square in front of the castle and was personally presided over by Ruth Jack.

The content is not complicated, but it is enough to filter out those who are not qualified.

These included demonstrations of moving stone weights, long-distance running, navigating simple obstacles, and basic weapon blocking and thrusting.

The viper deliberately suppressed itself, and its clumsy movements as it navigated obstacles were just right, nearly falling several times.

Viper deliberately suppressed his strength, but when it came time for the weapon demonstration, the moment he grasped the rough wooden stick in his palm, an instinct derived from countless life-and-death battles almost burst forth from his body.

He forced himself to control his muscle memory, trying to make his grip on the stick look awkward and clumsy. His thrusting movements were sluggish and his arms seemed weak and powerless when blocking. He even deliberately let the stick slip from his hand once when blocking a veteran's probing attack, which drew laughter from those around him.

"Haha! Kid, don't be nervous! You can't even hold a stick properly, how can you protect the lord!"

"Don't be discouraged! Pick it up and try again!"

"Stabilize your stance! Yes, that's it!"

Ruth Jack thought the performance was too deliberate.

The way the other person glanced at their surroundings the instant the stick left their hand—though it was only a fleeting moment, it was as dazzling as a firefly in the dark.

This is not the reaction a farmer who has never handled a weapon should have.

This is a flaw revealed in a person who sees weapons as part of their body and has battle and killing etched into the depths of their soul, when they try their best to suppress their instincts but cannot fully control them.

Just like a tiger that can't completely hide the wildness in its eyes no matter how well it pretends to be a sick cat.

“Next!” Ruth Jack called out loudly, shifting his gaze without batting an eye, as if nothing had happened.

But he was certain in his heart that the cunning venomous snake had already taken the bait.

Ultimately, ten lucky individuals, including Viper, were selected.

They were brought into the castle, assigned to simple but clean barracks and uniforms, and officially became new recruits of the lord's guard.

The castle's heavy iron gates slowly closed behind them, shutting out the noisy world outside.

The induction ceremony was very simple. Ruth Jack stood in front of the line and solemnly gave a speech, emphasizing the discipline and loyalty of the guards.

Vice-captain Leonard stood to the side with his arms crossed, a cynical smile on his face, but his eyes seemed to be scanning the faces of the recruits, lingering especially on Viper for a moment.

That evening, Leonard fulfilled his duties as vice-captain, taking the group of new recruits to familiarize themselves with the nightlife of Bloodclaw Fortress, ostensibly to "build rapport and understand the local customs."

Our first stop was, of course, the Muddy Pit Bar.

Before even entering, the deafening noise inside could almost knock you over.

Bob, who had already received the news, greeted them with a beaming smile: "Oh my! Lord Leonard! And all you new warriors! Please come in, please come in! The best ale is plentiful! Today, my shop is treating you all to a welcome feast!"

The bar was filled with smoke and bustling with noise.

Mercenaries, sailors, and merchants alike cast curious or awe-inspiring glances at Leonard and the new recruits behind him in their brand-new uniforms.

Leonard casually occupied the largest table, gesturing for the recruits to sit down, and drinks and side dishes were served in a continuous stream.

"Stop pretending to be polite! From now on, we'll be brothers, sharing the same pot and licking blood from the same blade!" Leonard picked up his large wooden cup, took a swig, and wiped the foam from his mouth. "Serving in Bloodclaw Fortress, besides honing your skills and protecting the lord and the villagers, you also need to know who's in charge here! Which places you can go, and which places you can't trespass on! Who are your friends, and who needs... um... 'special attention'!"

Before he finished speaking, a lean, middle-aged man with shifty eyes, surrounded by several other men with similarly shrewd smiles, approached with a wine glass in hand.

The man who arrived was none other than Johnny "Rat," the leader of the Gray Rat Gang, who controlled part of the gray industry in the dock area.

"Lord Leonard! You've finally arrived! We brothers have missed you so much!" Johnny the Rat grinned from ear to ear, his tone as warm as that of an old friend.

"Look! Look! These are the warriors personally selected by the lord? They are all vigorous and strong, and they are definitely capable of handling important matters!"

"From now on, the dock area will be protected by the brothers and the brave guards, and we'll be safe and sound!"

Leonard glanced at him sideways, deliberately speaking with a hint of impatience and arrogance: "Don't give me that, Johnny. I'm just showing the new guy around, getting him familiar with the place. Don't cause any trouble in the dockside warehouse area! If it affects the lord's tax revenue and trade routes..."

Johnny the Rat's smile widened, tinged with obsequiousness: "Look at what you're saying! Don't worry, Lord Leonard, with you protecting us and with the Lord's reputation, our Gray Rat Gang guarantees to keep a tight watch on the docks. Even a fly flying by will have to pay taxes. We guarantee there won't be the slightest mishap. Come, brothers, let me toast you all. Please take care of us in the future."

Like the other recruits, Viper sat nervously in the corner, sipping his ale, his eyes lowered, seemingly bewildered by the noisy scene. (End of Chapter)