ps: Fix the typo in it.

The sound of "Ping Pong ......" wakes players from their sleep early in the morning. It's rare to rotate to rest in the second half of the night, and at this time, it can be said that I hate my listening skills that have been added to level 7.

Rubbing his eyes, he climbed out of his sleeping bag, straightened his clothes, wet his face with water from the water bag, and jumped out of the carriage. Following the reputation, I saw two aborigines carrying sledgehammers and striking them alternately at the wheels of a carriage.

Pulling Barrett, who was leaning on the railing, Noodles pointed to the last night that the aborigines were going on, the puzzled look in his two eyes, waiting for an answer from the insider.

"Remember the carriage we used earlier?" Barrett, who had been patrolling outside for most of the night, didn't seem to have any intention of talking.

Noodle suddenly realized: "It turns out that the axle is broken!" No wonder it was busy early in the morning. ”

"Nope! It's not broken yet. However, when I checked it in the morning, I found a hair-thin saw mark on the axle. If you don't deal with it now, if something happens halfway through, it will have a bad impact on the entire team......" Barrett said, yawning sleepily.

"What a bunch of guys who like to disturb people's dreams!" ≠ Noodle said and stretched, "It seems that those people haven't given up on their first attempt. ”

"In order to be able to monopolize this privilege, the big caravans with a long history are willing to pay far more than the direct benefits involved." I don't know when Mr. Harkis suddenly appeared next to the two players.

The halfling wanderer was a little baffled by Mr. Harkis's statement: "Monopoly privileges? ”

Doubts about noodles. Mr. Harkis sighed, "The high price of the first batch of Northland goods for the new year. At first, it was only the Kingdom of Ethasia and its vicinity. A reward for those caravans who dare to explore. I don't know since when the opportunity to obtain them has been monopolized by a few large caravans. ”

"Can this kind of thing be monopolized?" The noodle table is very puzzled.

Barrett, who has experience in closed testing, has a certain understanding of this aspect of things: "Those chambers of commerce should take turns to control the annual violent trade opportunity in early spring." And once someone dares to challenge their authority, they will all be suppressed by the power of those chambers of commerce! ”

"It's not exactly turn-over. After all, there are not many towns in this area that can afford to pay a price, enough for those caravans to divide up. It's just that every year the caravan goes to a different town than the previous one......" Mr. Harkis explained as if he had nothing to do, in front of the two of them.

This is the best way to ensure the balance of interests of all parties. So that there should be no civil strife within that monopoly group due to the unequal distribution of spoils. Barrett, touching his chin, then turned his head to Mr. Harkis. Isn't the behavior of your caravan seen as a provocation to their authority? Those who see you as troublemakers won't let you get your wish easily. ”

Mr. Harkis shook his head with a wry smile, "We've been through this kind of thing last year. I thought that this year's preparation was more thorough, but what I didn't expect was that those guys also became more powerful. ”

Barrett, who felt a trace of depression and loneliness from this middle-aged man with some premature aging, found that it was really difficult to say anything to the person in front of him with his own identity. No matter what the other party says, it can be regarded as the player's employer, so you can't pour cold water in front of so many people around you!

Barrett, who scratched his head, had no choice but to remind in a roundabout way: "I think in addition to the high price of the first batch of Northland goods in the New Year, the caravan and the chamber of commerce behind them value more than the corresponding reputation of the first batch of goods shipped over!" The fame of those caravans will continue to spread and sink into the hearts of the people......"

"You know what you say! But those guys have eaten the meat for so long, and they should let the others take a sip of the soup too. Mr. Harkis was not swayed by Barrett's words. It was evident that he had been reminded of this on more than one occasion before.

Of course, Barrett didn't think that his words were good enough to convince the unfamiliar caravan leader to make a decision long ago. So what I just said is just a reminder. He did not clearly express his biases and opinions.

At the same time, Barrett wanted to know the purpose of the caravan leader in front of him, so he asked straight to the point: "Mr. Harkis, if you have anything to say, please speak directly!" I don't think I'm the leader of a caravan. You can make time out of your busy morning to chat with us. ”

"Hakkis told me everything before. Really appreciate your help. Mr. Harkis seemed to have lowered his stature all of a sudden.

Barrett felt a little overwhelmed by the sudden change. But then he knew in his heart that Mr. Harkis in front of him must have something to ask for. He didn't want to know the inside story of his attitude, and he practiced waving his hand: "Don't! Don't mind! Now that we have signed the agreement, we will naturally complete our tasks well. ”

Mr. Harkis, who saw the meaning of Barrett's words, nodded with a smile: "Yes! Since it's a mission, you'll definitely complete it! Then we'll come back to you when we're ready. ”

Then Mr. Harkis turned away, looking at his faltering steps. Combined with his previous thoughts, Barrett seems to have understood the other party's ideals and persistence. But that doesn't mean Barrett will be on Mr. Harkis's side from the bottom of his heart - the two sides will eventually be just passers-by.

"Barrett, what does that Mr. Harkis mean?" Noodles, who seemed to have guessed something, looked at Barrett with not quite sure.

Barrett nodded: "He's going to clean up those unstable factors in the caravan!" ”

"But in this way, I am afraid that the speed of the caravan will be further slowed down! How do they compete with other caravans? "Noodles seem to be confused right now.

Barrett patted Noodles on the head: "Who knows!" Maybe Mr. Harkis has given up on fighting! Don't you hear the loneliness when he just spoke? ”

"It's good to break this habit. The hair follicles are going to be shot to death by you. Reaching out to hit the noodle that was deflecting Barrett's palm, he said angrily.

Barrett, who withdrew his palm, touched the bridge of his nose embarrassedly: "I'm sorry, I'm used to this." And when you pat you on the shoulder, you have to bend down. It's a hassle to say anything. ”

"You should give me a good change in this bad habit. Otherwise, if you don't see that I'm small, I'm a bully. As he spoke, he remembered that he seemed to have taken the subject off the hook again. How did you decide that Mr. Harkis was going to give up the competition? This can't be the result of your persuasion! ”

"How is that possible! I am not familiar with Mr. Harkis. How could he possibly listen to the advice of an outsider like me. In fact, I think Mr. Harkis gave up the competition before he even came to meet us! Barrett paused, "I wasn't sure at first, but Mr. Harkis's slightly protesting tone gave me the impression that I couldn't be wrong." ”

Barrett, who finished talking about the flowers, didn't pay attention to the noodles, but turned over directly into the car: "Okay! Guys, get ready, there should be a battle going on in the next few days. ”

"How do you know there's been fighting these days? Could it be Barrett, have you become a prophet? Rielly, who was taking care of her personal hygiene (makeup), stopped what she was doing.

The noodles that followed Barrett into the carriage spoke out of the cover of the big man: "Mr. Harkis seems to be planning to clean up the caravan of betrayers." ”

"Clean up the betrayers? If you do it at this time, won't the caravan's previous efforts be in vain? "Loud Clematis. Bot. Both eyebrows were about to stand up.

Naturally, the pastoral training of the Goddess of Wealth and Commerce Church is also very relevant to freight and business. So Clematis. Bot knew that if there was a conflict within the caravan at this time. The battle for the first batch of Northland commodities in the New Year is waiting to give up.

Both the attrition during the conflict and the impact on morale after the conflict will severely affect the efficiency of the caravan's operation. It may be fine to get the goods to their destination, but they may come at a heavy price in terms of speed.

That's when Claudia. Auditore touched his chin and said his guess: "Perhaps it was after a long period of time that Mr. Harkis understood that the caravan would not be able to reach its predetermined location before the other competitors were eliminated without eliminating the rats lurking in the caravan. ”

"In this way, it is not a matter of not cleaning up the team, because the harassment of the lurkers cannot win the competition. Cleaning up the team, because of its own strength loss, can't win the endless cycle of competition? "Claymatis. When Bot heard this, his brow was about to twist the knot.

Rielly stretched out her finger and scratched her friend's cheek, "Kleimatis, why are you so nervous?" We're just hired adventurers, paid to work. As long as the caravan doesn't owe us wages, we don't have to think about it so much! ”

"It's all because the priests used to come up with this kind of question when they were training. I've become accustomed to being able to pass the guò assessment. "Claymatis. Bot looked pitiful as he spoke.

"Looks like you didn't have an easy time at the beginning! I kind of understand the bad taste of the system. As he spoke, Barrett smiled unscrupulously.

Rielly was rarely serious: "Don't say anything insignificant!" How difficult is the next cleanup? Is it an uphill battle? ”

"I don't know!" Barrett shook his head with his hands spread out, "This kind of thing will only become clear then." After all, what is the intensity of the confrontation. It depends on the attitude of Mr. Harkis, who initiated the purge, and the ability and determination of those who have been bought. ”

But at this time, Clematis. Both's voice suddenly became tougher: "It doesn't take any softness to deal with traitors at all. Because if they have betrayed once, they can't help but betray a second time. This is especially true in a caravan that has been in the wilderness all year round, and who knows if the next betrayal of the other party will lead the whole team into danger. ”

"If that's the case, let's get ready for a tough battle!" Barrett couldn't help but frown when he said this. If possible, he didn't want to encounter a hard stubble in this team mission, but fate always seemed to like to play tricks on him, and every time he disappointed his expectations.

"Don't worry! I'll polish every arrow I have. As she said this, the noodle had already taken out her flannel and quiver.

Rielly patted her waist bag: "I think the newly copied scroll should be enough." And this is the first time I've made a fortune in Transfiguration! Barrett remembered to get me some javelins. ”

"You don't have to worry about the two of us." Claudia. Auditore said and stretched.

Followed by Clematis. Bot chimed in: "There really isn't anything to prepare for the two of us' careers. ”

I saw the lazy and lazy appearance of the two employers. Barrett immediately turned his head to Rielly. The latter deliberately turned his forehead to the side. Pretending not to know them.

In this regard, Barrett had no choice but to bite the bullet and go on his own: "Uh! Actually, you can't say that. If you don't mind, I think I'll be able to give you some of the most superficial pointers. Of course, if you two don't want to, just let me say nothing! ”

"Let's talk about it first! If it's not very difficult, I'll give it a try. "Claudia. Auditore's answer was infinitely harrowing.

Rather, it's Clematis. Bot was very positive: "Let's talk about it! I'd like to try out what's a good way to do it. ”

Seeing the completely opposite attitude of the two, Barrett had no choice but to scratch the back of his head: "In this case, I'll talk about it roughly!" As the priest of the goddess of wealth and business, Miss Bote, your justified storage space is arguably your greatest advantage. If you can, train later and switch weapons! As long as you practice this skillfully, you will definitely give people unexpected surprises. And Auditore your words ......"

Although given to Claudia. Auditore and Clematis. Bote, the two temporary employers, had some points to mention. However, this is obviously not an immediate method, and it requires a short period of training to be effective.

If he was in town, Barrett might have made a trip to Clematis. Both's space is stuffed with gadgets like fiery glue, Molotov cocktails, or thunderstone. But now, even if you want to replenish these money-burning consumables. I can't spend the money!

For the rest of the day, players waited for a signal from Mr. Harkis or Mr. Sandiford. But a day passed, two days passed, three days passed, and all kinds of unexpected emergencies always accompanied the caravan, but the signal that players expected never appeared.

I knew that on the evening of the fourth day, the caravan was about to set up camp. Mr. Sandiford's voice came from outside the carriage: "Mr. Boreham! Mr. Harkis invites a few people to the tent for dinner tonight, and I hope you will not be late. ”

"The signal is finally here!" The thought flashed through the players. At the same time, a few people were relieved - after all, there was no news for so long, and players were worried about whether there would be another accident here. For example, the bribed betrayers preempted Mr. Harkis and Mr. Sandiford. In fact, if it weren't for the battle plans coming from every day, players might not be able to wait.

Players who know that tonight is a good feast will naturally be fully equipped when they set off. Fortunately, many of the mercenaries and adventurers on the mainland retain this habit, and it is not easy to arouse the vigilance of those potential targets.

Entering the makeshift tent, Mr. Harkis looked at the players and said, "You're late. (How's the preparation going?) ）”

"I'm so sorry! Since I have received your banquet from Mr. Harkis. Naturally, we need to clean up the dust from our bodies. So it took a little time to prepare (the preparations for the battle were already complete). Barrett replied, pretending to be embarrassed.

Mr. Harkis smiled with satisfaction, "Please be seated! (Ready to fight)"

He then gestured to the spot near the exit of the tent and patted himself beside him.

"Then we might as well be respectful! (Don't worry!) Barrett complied, and sat down to Mr. Harkis' left. On the right is Mr. Harkis, who is in charge of the caravan's defense.

The rest of the players sat down at the door of the tent. It was evident that the most obvious entrance and exit was to be blocked, although tents were temporary shelters that could easily be breached with sharp blades. But in a tense situation, few people will think of this, but choose to impact the existing entrance and exit for the first time.

This kind of blind spot is very common in people. It was clear that Mr. Harkis and Mr. Sandyford were preparing to wipe out the betrayers, or the middle and upper echelons of the caravan.

Before the meal, Mr. Harkis told everyone of his experience with great interest: "Eleven years and 122 days ago I founded this caravan that belongs to me and to all of you. At that time, we were adults, but we were like fledgling young men......"

The long narration evoked the memories of many of the people present, and even some of them had crystal dew in their eyes, as if Mr. Harkis's words reminded them of the hardships of the caravan's early days. Only Barrett and these players are a little out of place in such an environment.

But as he spoke, Mr. Harkis's voice suddenly changed: "But some of you seem to have forgotten the oath we made together. The companions who were supposed to support each other actually chose to betray and stabbed the dagger at their brother in the back. ”

With that, Mr. Harkis slammed the tin glass in his hand into the grassy ground. After this signal of Barrett's bad taste to mention yì appeared, Clematis. With a wave of his hand, Bot dropped his shields, one on the left and one on the right. She then handed one of them to Claudia beside her. Auditore.

The noodles tumbled backwards for an hour in the open curtain, and the dagger hidden in the shadows was always the sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of the hostile before it appeared.

Rallo, who stood up, clenched her claws, carefully guarding Rielly's side. And the mage's fingers have been pinched under the cloak to realize the prepared spell casting materials.

Only Barrett seemed to be a daring artist, and did not make any special moves. Instead, he sat like a statue next to Mr. Harkis. Motionless, he seemed to be keeping Hakis safe.

"What do you mean, Harkis!" An old man in the tent with a shiny forehead and a rosacea nose stared at Mr. Harkis and asked.

Mr. Harkis said in a sinister voice, "Braddock, you drunkard, you are a fool. Do you have to be handed a dagger to you to be sober? Don't forget what happened during this time. Last year's failure was already a bit of a sign of it. It's just that I don't want to doubt old friends who have been through ups and downs together. But some people are so disappointed. ”

Then Mr. Sandiford, who was sitting on the side, stretched out his finger: "Ike, Nachpur, Crook, and Bonet, why do you four choose to betray." ”

Follow Mr. Sandiford's fingers one by one. Combined with his experience in the caravan during this time, Barrett can be regarded as identifying the four aborigines who are alleged to be betrayers in front of him.

Ike was the steward of the caravan and was responsible for recruiting and training new recruits. Nachpur is in charge of the transportation and handling of goods, so as to minimize the loss in the process. Crook is the deputy head of the grooms, and Bonet is the caravan's general of chores.

In the management system of the caravan, these guys in front of them can be said to occupy a full third. It can be said that as long as the people who bought them give an order, these guys are fully capable of paralyzing the entire caravan as long as they blind the unwitting ordinary guys below.

"What do you want, Hakkis?" The Crook in front of him, who looked to be in his twenties, not only did not have any panic about being exposed. Instead, he looked at Mr. Harkis with some composure.

Mr. Harkis snarled with a grim face, "And ask me why! What do those guys do you good for, and why do they do things for them? ”

At the same time, Mr. Sandiford also pressed his hand on the scimitar at his waist at this time: "You should know the rules in the caravan, the punishment for betrayers is very cruel. Wouldn't you justify it? (To be continued......)