Berserk: The Prophet

A hint of surprise and gratitude flashed in El's eyes, and he quickly said, "Green, don't worry, as long as it's within my territory, I will do my best to ensure the safety of your caravan."

"As for dealing with bandits along the way, I can arrange some experienced guards to accompany the team, and we can also devise a few secret and safe routes."

Green nodded, finding El's suggestion somewhat feasible, but still had some concerns: "Even so, the situation in southern Baldine is complex. Those bandits and other forces in the east will not give up easily. We still need to have strategies to deal with unforeseen circumstances."

El's eyes were firm, and he clenched his fist, saying, "Green, you're right. I plan to train a militia from among those refugees, specifically to protect caravans and defend the territory. However, the territory is currently short of funds, and it's difficult to procure the necessary training materials and weapons."

Green's heart skipped a beat. He remembered that he had some unused supplies and weapons in his system space, which might be of help. But he didn't immediately express his opinion. Instead, he continued, "This is indeed a problem, but training troops is not something that can be done overnight. We need to plan this carefully. By the way, you mentioned earlier that no caravans have passed through the territory for a long time. Besides the harassment by bandits, are there any other reasons?"

El sighed and said, "Alas, I wonder if some forces around here are secretly causing trouble, spreading rumors that are detrimental to my territory, saying that the security here is chaotic, causing many caravans to take detours."

Green frowned, pondered for a moment, and said, "It's hard to say whether those forces are behind this targeting of you. We can spread the word that my caravan will come here regularly with elite guards, so that the thieves won't dare to act rashly. At the same time, I can use the caravan's channels to help you clear up the rumors."

Al's eyes lit up, and he looked at Green gratefully: "Green, you've thought of everything. But we'll have to trouble you with clarifying these rumors."

Green patted Al on the shoulder: "Let's not stand on ceremony. By the way, I have some unused weapons in my other caravan. They're not exactly top-of-the-line, but after cleaning and refurbishing, they might be able to help you with your urgent task of training the militia."

El was overjoyed: "Really? That's wonderful! Green, you've been a tremendous help to my territory."

Green laughed and said, "If we all support each other, the territory will develop in the future, and my caravan's business will be more successful."

"That's true. I didn't expect you to be younger than me yet own more than one caravan. You must be quite wealthy. Are you really not of noble birth?"

Faced with El's curiosity, Green just smiled mysteriously, "Perhaps our ancestors were once glorious, but they have long since declined, and it has little to do with me."

Seeing that Green was unwilling to talk more, Al didn't press the matter further, but just laughed and said, "It seems you have quite a few stories to tell, Green. You'll have to tell me about them sometime." Green smiled and nodded in agreement.

As the two were talking, the butler rushed over and whispered a few words in El's ear.

El's expression changed slightly, and he immediately said to Green, "Green, I'm really sorry, there's been some trouble near the territory again, and I have to go and deal with it. We can discuss the matter we were talking about later."

Green nodded. "Go ahead and get busy. You can contact me if you need anything."

Al gave Green a grateful look, then hurriedly left with the butler.

Green watched El and the knights leave, thinking that perhaps establishing his own power here was a good option.

The so-called other caravan was simply summoned by Green using 20 refugees stored in his card slot and 20 newly drawn Pendor infantrymen at the border of Baldin, along with a supply wagon that could be exchanged for 30 Soul Points. As for the packhorses, they were quickly purchased from the system shop for 1600 coins and put into use.

He also casually tossed over all the old, unsold spoils from Pence.

As for the pass, forget it. These days, as long as you know someone, everything is easy. Just ask them to give you their name.

In short, after finishing those things, Green went to the veterans' tavern in the castle. Although few people drank there during the day, the tavern owner's place was a good place to gather information.

"Hey, hello guest! What would you like to drink so early in the morning? Ale or wine?"

Green smiled and replied to the tavern owner, "A glass of ale, please." The owner responded, turned around, and skillfully poured a glass of ale, placing it in front of Green.

Green picked up his glass, took a small sip, and casually asked, "Boss, have you heard anything about the Fierce Bear Gang lately?"

The tavern owner paused slightly, a flicker of wariness crossing his face before quickly regaining his composure. Wiping the glasses, he said, “The Fierce Bear Gang? Sir, why are you suddenly asking about them? The Fierce Bear Gang is a notorious mercenary group near Landier, with a two-year employment agreement with the kingdom. However, ever since His Majesty the King withdrew his troops from Landier, some of their mercenaries have been loitering around the area, bullying men and women and committing all sorts of atrocities. Everyone avoids them like the plague.”

"...I haven't heard any special news lately, but I've heard that they've been committing crimes around here. Apparently, a duke from the north wants to invite them to participate in a bear-hunting activity during the winter hunt."

Green downed the ale in his glass in one gulp. The cold liquid slid down his throat, but it couldn't extinguish the turbulent thoughts churning in his heart.

...It seems the Fierce Bear Gang might head north towards Baldian next.

"So...where in Balden does this Duke of the North reside?"

The tavern owner scratched his head, thought for a moment, and then said, "The fiefdom of the Duke of the North is quite far from here, almost spanning the entire Kingdom of Balden, in the northernmost city of Cold Ridge."

"The winters there are long, and almost always there is a thick layer of snow. The environment is harsh, but the castle is very sturdy. I heard that the duke is a great hunter and holds a bear hunt every winter, inviting various forces to participate."

Green nodded; this might be an opportunity. If he went to Coldridge City with the Fiery Bear Gang, he might be able to expand the caravan's business there and learn more about the situation in northern Baldian.

He then asked, "Will the Fierce Bear Gang accept the invitation?"

The boss smiled and said, "Of course we'll go. Mercenary groups like this kind of lucrative activity. They can earn a hefty reward and also show their face to the nobles, increasing the mercenary group's reputation."

Green nodded, already having made up his mind.

He decided to settle things here first, and then figure out a way to return to the Fierce Bear Regiment.

"Okay, thanks." Green placed the five copper coins on the counter and left, seemingly about to chase after the Fierce Bear Gang.

...However, it's best to go to Landil first to check the situation.