“Branch Chief!”
“Hush…!”
Nassar, unable to contain his excitement, stood up to greet Oleg, but Oleg urged him not to draw attention.
“Sit down first, then speak.”
“Well.”
At Oleg’s direction, Nassar joined him in the most secluded spot in the tavern.
Once seated, Oleg did not immediately place the long wooden box on the table but began with a stern admonishment to Nassar.
“Nassar, you’re aware of the ‘curse’ of ‘this,’ correct?” Oleg whispered.
“I am.”
“Good, remember that ‘this’ is entrusted to you not for use, but for safekeeping. Do you understand my meaning?”
“I do, Branch Chief.”
Nassar, suppressing his eagerness, maintained a semblance of composure.
“Lastly, the fewer people who know about ‘this,’ the better, including your family and lover. You must not mention it to anyone. If they were to find out, it would only bring harm to them, understood?”
“I understand, Branch Chief.”
Had Nassar been more level-headed, he might have detected the flaw in Oleg’s words—Nassar had never revealed that he had a lover.
Regrettably, Nassar’s sole focus was to obtain the Secret Saber: Blaze Steed, which had eluded him for years. He could neither see nor hear anything beyond the long wooden box.
After enduring Oleg’s lengthy admonitions, Nassar finally saw the box placed on the table. Oleg pushed it toward him.
“The rest is up to you—be cautious and discreet. I’ll leave now, wait half an hour before departing.”
“Understood.”
Nassar restrained his joy from showing on his face. At last, the long-sought-after Secret Saber: Blaze Steed was in his hands!
—(Tsk, Oleg is overly cautious, making everything so secretive.)
Nassar harbored some discontent, but it was not yet time to confront Oleg. He had to play his part diligently.
Once Oleg left the tavern, Nassar immediately opened the wooden box to inspect its contents.
Inside lay a long, black sword with a faint, dark red pattern on the blade. An evilkind inscription adorned the cruciform hilt, which also featured a brilliant crimson gemstone.
Nassar had never seen the genuine Secret Saber: Blaze Steed, but upon seeing this sword, he was convinced it was the real thing.
All he wanted now was to rush to the North Wasteland with the sword, deliver it to Splurt, and complete his mission.
However, the cunning Splurt had his own demands on Nassar, who couldn’t simply go directly to him.
—(Sigh, surely not waiting half an hour won’t matter?)
Nassar glanced at the time—only ten minutes had passed, but he could wait no longer.
Soon, Nassar made up his mind. Since the Secret Saber: Blaze Steed was now in his possession, he would not adhere to Oleg’s half-hour stipulation. It was time to act!
Thus, Nassar carefully placed the Blaze Steed back into the long wooden box and slung it over his shoulder. He donned his cloak, concealing the box beneath it, and nonchalantly exited the tavern.
.
Upon leaving the tavern, Nassar was initially apprehensive, fearing that some mishap might occur if he failed to wait the full half-hour as Oleg had instructed.
However, after traversing the streets without incident, he gradually gained confidence.
His stride grew lighter, and he soon returned home.
Indeed, Nassar did not head straight to the North Wasteland.
Per Splurt’s instructions, he first had to feign going home to ensure he wasn’t being followed before leaving the city.
Nassar ate something at home, changed his clothes, and then cautiously made his escape through the window.
With no one around, he headed straight out of the southern gate.
The North Wasteland was located to the north of Sunny Town, and Nassar’s southward journey was entirely in the opposite direction, but he had no choice, as this was also Splurt’s directive.
Nassar had to first wander around the southern outskirts, pretending to be headed for Sandrift Gorge before quickly crossing the western outskirts toward his true destination, the North Wasteland.
By the time Nassar had finished this circuitous journey, it was already midnight.
Dragging his weary body, he arrived at the withered grove Splurt had told him about.
Following special markings on the trees, Nassar eventually reached a simple, single-story wooden cabin.
The cabin was pitch-dark, showing no signs of life within.
“Knock, knock-knock-knock, knock-knock.”
Nassar rapped on the door in the agreed rhythm, and after a while, a voice emerged from within.
“Even the mightiest have a lifespan.” 𝗈𝗏𝐞𝔩xt.𝗇𝓔t
Nassar heard the words and promptly replied, “The serpents shed their skin to gain eternity.”
In a short while, the wooden door opened, revealing a tall, thin, white-haired old man standing before Nassar.
“Nassar, if you’re visiting me this late, you’d better bring good news,” the old man said, his face stern and his cane pointed at Nassar.
“Lord Splurt, heh-heh, don’t be angry. I’ve… I’ve acquired the Secret Saber: Blaze Steed!” Nassar couldn’t conceal his elation, beaming triumphantly.
Upon hearing Nassar’s words, the old man named Splurt immediately widened his eyes.
“Where is it? Hand it over quickly! You weren’t followed, were you?”
As Splurt reached out to Nassar, his eyes nervously scanned the surroundings.
“Rest assured, sir, I’ve checked – I wasn’t followed. Let’s go inside and talk; there are too many prying eyes outside.”
Nassar’s smug demeanor left Splurt fuming. With a harrumph, he turned and entered the cabin, lighting the luminous magic stone within.
Nassar hurried in after him, closing the door behind him.
It was clear that the cabin had been hastily constructed, containing only a bed and a table and chairs.
Nassar’s gaze swept around the room, noting a pile of snake carcasses in the corner.
He shuddered inwardly, thinking that Splurt’s moniker of “Serpent Mage” was indeed well-earned.
“Alright, now that you’re here, quickly show me the Blaze Steed,” Splurt demanded, tapping his cane on the table with no patience for waiting.
At this point, however, Nassar arrogantly sat down in a chair.
He was about to start bargaining.
“Lord Splurt, this is not what we agreed upon… Didn’t you promise to help me obtain the ‘identity’ first?” Nassar even propped his feet up.
His words caused Splurt’s cane to pause mid-tap.
“Heh, don’t you trust me?”
Casting a glance at the bulging outline beneath Nassar’s cloak, Splurt knew the “Blaze Steed” must have hidden the Blaze Steed within.