CHAPTER 231: THE NORTHERN RAID [1]

The walk back to camp was much slower, mainly because of Grizzlenaught, who trudged along at a snail’s pace due to the mountain of crates he carried.

Gabriel had no choice but to match his summon’s pace while keeping watch for monsters. Fortunately—or unfortunately for them—not a single beast dared to approach. His earlier carnage had been enough to make them scatter.

As they headed toward the camp, he couldn’t help but think back to the blueprint lying in his inventory. A wave of excitement stirred within him.

’It’s just a few days left before he logs in,’ Gabriel smirked. ’When he does, I’ll snatch him and begin the building process immediately.’

Lost in thought, he hardly noticed when they reached the outskirts of the camp. Several flashlights blinked in his direction, and after his identity was confirmed, he was allowed inside.

Once inside, Grizzlenaught was ordered to take the crates to the treasury under Anna’s guidance. The core members were naturally curious about how their leader had amassed so many coins, but it wasn’t their place to ask.

The night was still relatively young. Though he didn’t feel tired, Gabriel knew he needed proper rest.

If all went as planned, there was a strong possibility that Ragnarok99 and BrawlerX would return tomorrow. Based on their reports, they would be able to make their move.

"Master, do you want me to help you wash?" one of the maids asked with a soft smile.

"We have scented soaps and fragrances," another added, beaming brightly.

’This...’ Gabriel was slightly speechless, though he didn’t let it show. He still felt uncomfortable with the idea of letting anyone but a partner help him bathe.

"Thank you, but I can manage myself." He declined politely, causing pouts to appear on the faces of the twin maids.

Their names were Kelly and Kelanie.

Normally, they never offered to wash their master; they were usually forced. Why? Because they had always been disgusted by Kiaros and Bai Youn, their former bosses. But Gabriel...

He was not only brave, strong, and resourceful—he was also easy on the eyes. The maids often fought among themselves for the chance to serve him. Some even harbored wild thoughts of making out with him—or wilder still, being chosen as his partner.

At this point, even if he had a harem of sorts, they wouldn’t have minded. That was how drawn to him they were.

Unfortunately for them, Gabriel never once looked at them in a lustful way. Instead, it was the foolish otherworlders who ogled them from time to time.

"Sister, let’s try again tomorrow," one whispered.

"Yes," the other nodded, determined. "We’ll keep trying until he lets u—"

"You better give up while it’s early, unless you want to get fired."

A cold voice cut them off, followed by a chilling presence. The twins turned toward the source, their faces going pale when they saw the woman who always stuck to the boss’s side.

Anna.

"Sorry, Mistress. We’ll be leaving now." They bowed repeatedly and rushed down the hall.

Anna watched their retreat with mild killing intent before walking away.

---

The following morning, Gabriel was woken by a knock on his door. When he opened it, Anna stood there with a serious expression.

"Master, forgive the abruptness, but the otherworlders have returned," she announced.

"Lead the way, then." He nodded.

Inside the surveillance room—which also doubled as the meeting hall—Gabriel found the others already gathered: Sophie, Cassie, Sniperbowlegend, Ragnarok99, BrawlerX, Amelia the head maid, and Bunny.

"How did it go?" he asked without even sitting down.

"It’s just as reported," Ragnarok99 replied, swallowing nervously. "Every day a cargo truck passes the northern route, but it’s always heavily secured by a mix of players and adventurers."

"Players..." Gabriel narrowed his eyes.

"Yes, otherworlders, as you call them," BrawlerX added.

It wasn’t difficult to piece together their role in this.

"They most likely accepted an escort mission," he whispered under his breath.

Even so, he had already made his decision. He would proceed regardless. But before that, there was something else he needed to do.

In a firm, commanding tone, he said, "Gather all the troops and ask the refugees if they wish to join the militants. By evening, we set out!"

"Yes, Leader!"

"We’ll take care of it!"

A chorus of answers rang out as everyone hurried to fulfill the order.

---

Exactly an hour later, the troops and a few brave refugees who volunteered stood assembled outside the mansion.

In total, there were about 250 adventurers and 450 militants, including those absorbed from Crane Base.

There was no need for a grand speech. Gabriel only had a few words for the recruits, warning them of what they were truly getting themselves into.

Even after hearing that the chance of losing their lives was as high as ninety percent, not a single one faltered. They had all been inspired by his strength and bravery.

At that, a faint smile tugged at Gabriel’s lips. "Very well, then. Bring out the crates."

Under Anna’s command, several militants carried out a series of cupboard boxes. The assembled crowd watched with curiosity, whispering among themselves.

The boxes were dropped in front of them. At a simple nod from Anna, they were opened one after another, and a faint pulse of magic filled the air.

"Treasures... oh my god, those are treasures!"

"I’ve never seen so many treasures in my life!"

Ripples of excited whispers spread through the crowd.

The otherworlders in their midst, though somewhat accustomed to Sir Broken’s stockpiles, were still stunned. Even for them, it was the first time seeing this much in one place.

Did he gather all of this last night along with the coins? Yet the treasures were too neat, too clean—it looked as though they’d never even been used.

Perplexed, they could only push the thought aside and focus on the proceedings as there was no use thinking about it.

Perhaps the only ones with any idea were Anna, Sophie, and Cassie, who stood a little apart from the rest.

One after another, the treasures were distributed. Gabriel had also extracted from the Hobgoblins after dealing with the players, so his haul was quite substantial.

Once everyone was properly armed, preparations to march to the northern route began.

***

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