Dustin was taken aback and slightly puzzled at Garrett’s sudden hostility. Considering that it was their first meeting, Dustin couldn’t fathom the reason for his animosity. Why did the guy before him have such a lofty attitude?
“Captain Wilder, have we met before?” Dustin slowly lowered his hand that had been left hanging.
“No,” Garrett said with an icy expression.
“Since we’ve never met, what makes you say that?” Dustin countered.
“I’m just concerned about Ms. Linsor.”
Garrett asserted with a self-righteous tone, “The Deadlands is extremely dangerous, and those who enter face almost certain death.
“Without considerable strength, professional knowledge, and extensive experience, ordinary people wouldn’t last a day inside.
“Ms. Linsor has paid a considerable sum to bring me here, and it’s my responsibility to ensure her safety.
“Judging by your physique and behavior, it’s evident that you’re not a professional bodyguard. So, I have serious doubts about your abilities.
“In case we come across danger in the Deadlands, I worry that you might not be able to protect Ms. Linsor and bring harm to all of us instead.”
Garrett’s words were blunt and devoid of any courtesy.
“Captain Wilder, Grace invited me here for a reason. Your duty is to guide us and help us navigate potential risks. That’s all you need to do.
“The rest is none of your concern. Just do your job, and don’t overstep your boundaries. You have no right to lecture me on my abilities.” Dustin’s tone was indifferent.
Although he had an easy-going personality, he disliked being bossed around.
“Even if your aim is to earn money, you still require a certain level of capability. Our safety is at stake here, so we can’t afford to be careless.”
Turning his gaze toward Grace, Garrett added with a serious tone, “Ms. Linsor, regarding your need for a bodyguard, I happen to know several highly skilled experts.
“If you trust me, I can arrange for them to join us, but it will come at an additional cost.”
“Captain Wilder, I appreciate your concerns, but I completely trust Dustin’s abilities. With him around, I have absolutely no qualms about my safety,” Grace responded calmly.
Ranked tenth on the Astonishing World List, if the dangers of the Deadlands were beyond Dustin’s capabilities, then the rest of them were in dire straits.
“Ms. Linsor-”
“Alright, that’s enough, Captain Wilder, “Grace said, raising her hand to stop him. “Go ahead and gather relevant information on the Deadlands. Gather as much information as possible. We’ll talk later.”
“Understood.” Garrett could only nod in agreement. However, before leaving, he cast Dustin a disdainful glance, clearly not taking him seriously.
“Grace, the guide you found appears quite arrogant,” Dustin teased.
“He may be a bit arrogant, but he does have the skills. Since we’re entering the Deadlands, we’ll need his help. You’re a gracious man. Please don’t hold it against him,” Grace replied with a faint smile.
“As long as he doesn’t cross my boundaries, a few sarcastic remarks and a stern expression are nothing.” Dustin shrugged.
He had a certain level of tolerance, having encountered numerous individuals with an inflated sense of self -importance. Most of them were all talk and no substance, and he hoped that Garrett wasn’t one of them.
“Alright, let’s drop the subject. Let’s pick a room first. If everything goes as expected, we’ll be staying here tonight, “Grace said, changing the topic.
“Sure, that works. I’m hungry anyway.
Let me freshen up, and then we can grab a meal,” Dustin said, patting his slightly deflated stomach.
He knew that among Grace’s team, there were two renowned chefs skilled in various cuisines. Coupled with the ample supplies they’d brought, there was no need to worry about going hungry.
Inside a tavern in Dusthaven Village, Garret and several members of the Black Scorpion Squad took a seat around a table. They drank, chatted, and occasionally observed their surroundings.
The tavern was now crowded with various people. Judging from their attire, most of them appeared to be small groups of expedition teams, each occupying their own space. It was a diverse gathering.
“Captain, I don’t think we’ve encountered this many expedition teams in our previous two visits. What’s going on this time?
“Since we entered the village, we’ve already come across at least five groups, “a bald, burly man said, a cigar between his lips as he observed the surroundings.
“Normally, there wouldn’t be this many people. The gathering of so many forces suggests there might be a treasure about to be uncovered. And it seems likely related to that oasis that suddenly appeared,” Garrett explained.
News of the oasis appearing in the Deadlands had spread within the circle. Many international expedition teams were showing unusual activity, and they were likely to arrive soon.
“Captain, do you know what exactly is inside that oasis?” the bald, burly man probed.
“The specific details remain unclear.” Garrett shook his head. “But from what I know, that oasis is much more dangerous than the desert. Anyone who entered has never returned.
“However, since so many people are willing to risk their lives to explore it, the treasures inside must be invaluable.
“Alright, alright. No matter what’s inside, it’s none of our concern. We’ve been paid to escort them in and out safely. Whether they find treasure or not isn’t our problem,” a short-haired woman in tight-fitting attire spoke up.
“That’s true.” The bald, burly man nodded. Having received one-third of their payment already, they would receive the remaining amount as long as their clients stayed alive. The rest of the matters were of little consequence to them.
“Captain, but who exactly is Ms. Linsor? How does she have such deep pockets? We’ve been in this business for ten years and never came across such a generous client,” the short- haired woman asked curiously.
“If Ms. Linsor chooses to hide her appearance, it’s likely she wishes to conceal her identity. There are professional boundaries, and we can’t pry too much,” Garrett responded, shaking his head.
“Captain, you’ve been eyeing Ms. Linsor throughout the entire journey. Are you interested in her?” the short- haired woman teased.
“I don’t know how to explain it either. It’s like she has a special pull to her. Every time I see her, I feel a sense of familiarity, as if we share some fated destiny,” Garrett said with narrowed eyes.
“Fated destiny? Oh, I get it!”
The short-haired caught on swiftly and playfully teased, “Captain, watch out! It seems like you’ve fallen in love!”
