That night, at the Hunter Club.
Joyful music, interwoven by flutes, lutes, and zithers, drifted through the hall. Several waiters, carrying trays full of fine wine, moved about the hall.
Tonight, the sofas and round tables in the hall had all been put away. In the center, two long, red-lacquered dining tables were arranged side-by-side, laden with various pastries, desserts, smoked meats, sausages, and other foods.
Seeing that most of the hunters had arrived in the hall, the club manager, his face beaming, clapped his hands vigorously to draw everyone's attention to him.
Eiros cleared his throat and smiled, "Everyone, tonight's gathering is to bid farewell to a friend."
"Although this friend of ours hasn't been with our club for very long, he is the one with the highest mission success rate in our club's history, and he is also the hunter who rose from Grade 9 to Grade 7 in the shortest amount of time, and will soon reach Grade 6."
"But unfortunately, due to personal reasons, this friend needs to leave our club and Tingen City for a period of time. Therefore, I organized this gathering tonight, and I sincerely wish him a smooth journey and a swift return."
"Speaking of which, I believe everyone has already guessed who that friend is. That's right, he is our Duke!"
The musicians quickly played a few fast-paced notes to set the mood. At this moment, in a corner of the hall, the crowd parted, revealing a figure.
Lex, wearing a half-mask with a fake mustache, smiled. Seeing Eiros wave to him, he walked over.
"Duke, say a few words to everyone." Eiros patted Lex's arm intimately, then stepped aside, standing with a smile.
Lex did not decline, he nodded, took two steps forward and said, "I am very grateful to Old Parker and Eiros. When I first arrived in Tingen, they were willing to accept me, an unknown hunter."
He paused, then looked at Eiros: "Although I passed the test with my own strength—"
Then he looked at the 'Gatekeeper' standing to the side: "I hope I won't become your shadow. Actually, you did great."
A burst of laughter rang out in the hall.
The 'Gatekeeper' also snorted a few times, but then laughed.
"Here, I met many friends. Nafi, who accidentally breaks things; Bowen, who can command hamsters; Grizzly, who is simple and crude in his actions; and Mole, who is good at gathering information."
"The latter two have left us forever, but I will remember them. Taking this opportunity, I propose a toast to Grizzly and the others."
Lex picked up a glass of red wine from a nearby waiter: "This glass, to our friends."
He gulped it down, finishing every drop.
The hunters in the hall raised their glasses together: "To our friends!"
After everyone had finished their wine, Lex said, "Yes, I'm leaving. I'm leaving Tingen, leaving the club."
"But I won't forget this place. I will come back. When I return, I hope to see all of you guys still here."
"No matter how difficult the mission, no matter how hard life is, we will get through it."
"So, everyone, wait for my return!"
Whistles and applause immediately erupted in the hall. Lex then nodded to Eiros, who made a gesture, and the musicians once again played cheerful music.
Lex went to the bar and said to the old man behind it, "Old Parker, thank you for taking care of me during this time."
Old Parker's lips curved upward almost imperceptibly, then he pressed them together and said, "Your commission and the money for that batch of goods have all been deposited into your anonymous account."
"Thank you."
Old Parker nodded, then said, "Come back soon."
"I will."
Lex then walked to the east side of the hall, where he saw a dejected Nafi.
The tall Miss was hugging her legs with both hands, curled up in a corner, her eyes dim, completely lacking her usual sparkle.
A hand landed on her head. Feeling someone stroking her hair, she looked up and saw Lex.
"What's wrong? You don't want me to leave?"
It would have been better if he hadn't said that. As soon as he did, Nafi's mood sank even lower. She bit her lip lightly, burying her head like an ostrich.
Lex shook his head and sat down beside her: "Don't be like this. It's not like we won't see each other again. I'll still come back."
"But when will you come back?"
Nafi suddenly looked up, her eyes red, and said, "Boss, why don't you take me with you? You helped me get the Gladiator formula, and I haven't repaid you yet. If you take me, I can definitely help you."
Lex smiled slightly and said, "I'd love to, but not this time. But don't worry, we'll definitely have a chance to go on adventures together in the future, so before that, you need to become strong, become powerful."
"I don't want to carry a burden around."
Nafi snorted: "I'm not a burden!"
"Then prove it to me." Lex looked at her and said, "You can't even manage that, can you?"
"I can!"
The girl, her fighting spirit ignited by Lex, responded loudly, startling those around her.
Only then did Lex show a gentle smile: "I believe in you."
At this moment, Seer Kaven walked over and said to Lex with some shame, "Duke, I've divined for you, but I can't see your future, so I can't give you any advice."
"It's alright. The unknown is more interesting, isn't it?"
Lex introduced Nafi to Seer Kaven, then said, "You two are both my friends. I hope that when I'm not in Tingen, you can support each other."
"Nafi is a powerful warrior. If you encounter trouble or danger, you can ask her for help." This was said to Kaven.
Lex then looked at Nafi and said, "Kaven is a Seer, and he will be promoted soon. If you feel lost and don't know how to choose, you might as well listen to his opinion."
The Seer, holding a blue cat, proactively extended his hand: "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Nafi."
Nafi stood up with a whoosh, and with a height advantage of a head taller than Kaven, she smiled condescendingly and said, "Me too, Mr. Kaven."
It's a pity Arbiter Cromwell isn't here; otherwise, having Cromwell watch over the two of them would be best.
However, if the Seer and the warrior can get along well and support each other, perhaps this duo will shine brightly in Tingen.
"Oh, right, Kaven, here's the reward for the last mission, 200 pounds."
"Also, Nafi, I've already paid a year's rent for the house. Don't go sleeping outside again."
He handed an envelope containing banknotes to Kaven and then gave Nafi an instruction.
Lex stretched, he had finally finished making arrangements before leaving Tingen.
The next day, Lex boarded the ship bound for Desi Bay. On the deck, he gazed at the city in the morning light, watching a flock of white doves soar into the sky from the direction of the church square.
He exhaled, smiling softly, "Goodbye, Tingen!"