"..."
An intense pressure descended. Erigor's dry throat moved subconsciously, and an uncontrollable fear welled up in his heart.
It's impossible to win—faced with this demon-like monster, he couldn't even muster the thought of resisting.
The surging, extreme Reiatsu now calmed. Roland stood quietly in front of him, his long, slender black fingertips pointing at his head. As if losing patience, he said flatly:
"Don't waste time. I want your answer now."
Hearing the voice, devoid of any emotion, Erigor's expression changed. A sense of crisis, born from instinct, rose from the bottom of his heart.
He didn't hesitate to drop to one knee, the giant scythe in his hand tossed aside, and his proud head lowered.
His previously arrogant and domineering expression had long since disappeared, replaced by an indescribable terror and panic.
"I choose to submit!"
After Erigor made his choice, the oppressive feeling that seemed to make even his soul tremble instantly dissipated. Feeling his body relax, he couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh of relief.
At that moment, his eyes were filled with the relief of having survived a disaster.
"It would have been better if you had chosen so from the beginning."
Roland retracted the condensed Cero Oscuras, a smile returning to his face as he straightened his tall body.
After his second stage Resurrección, besides the great change in his appearance, his physique had also grown much taller.
Such immense power... it's truly intoxicating.
His slender tail swept through the air at will as he thought to himself.
Unlike the sun magic, which he was always in danger of losing, the power brought by the Ulquiorra template would not disappear, giving him a great sense of security.
"Another new form?"
As the leaking Reiatsu was retracted, Cana also breathed a sigh of relief. She then quickly trotted over, her eyes staring in amazement at the black, abyss-like hole on his chest.
"From the first time you used Take Over magic, I've been curious—why is there such a big hole in your chest?"
As she spoke, the girl deliberately went around to Roland's back to take a look.
But she only saw the huge bat wings on his back; she didn't see a hole.
"It's a characteristic of a Hollow, formed by the complete corrosion of the Chain of Fate."
"Eh... sorry, I don't quite understand."
"..."
Listening to their conversation, Jude looked down at Erigor, who was half-kneeling on the ground, and couldn't help but ask.
"Excuse me, Mr. Roland, how do you plan to deal with..."
After witnessing Roland's true strength, he had subconsciously changed his form of address to show his respect.
Putting aside everything else, just the ability to subdue Erigor without even making a move—this young man was at least an S-Class Mage.
To be able to reach a height that others could only dream of at such a young age, Jude didn't dare to imagine what he would become after he grew up.
At that time, he would at least be one of the Ten Wizard Saints.
Those were the ten most outstanding mages selected from the entire continent of Ishgar. Each of them possessed immense magic power comparable to a natural disaster, and their status was far beyond that of an ordinary guild's S-Class Mage.
At that time... as a merchant, he wouldn't even be able to get close to curry favor.
"Hmm?" Roland tilted his head curiously, his dark green pupils sweeping over him, and then he said nonchalantly, "Although this guy's strength isn't much, he's not bad to have as a subordinate."
"Don't tell me you want me to kill him?"
"Wait—please let me explain!"
Before Jude could speak, Erigor became anxious. In order to save his life, he quickly looked up and said.
"I really had no intention of harming Mr. Jude. I just wanted to use kidnapping to add some funds to my guild!"
"Isn't that just as vile?"
Cana squinted her eyes, her hands on her soft waist as she couldn't help but retort, "And as the guild master of a dark guild, you actually participate in kidnapping yourself? What about your underlings?"
"This—" At the mention of this, an embarrassed expression appeared on Erigor's face, and he stammered, "Because all the money in the guild was scammed away... so as punishment, I was a little heavy-handed."
This matter was truly embarrassing.
If he could, he really didn't want to mention it in front of these people.
"Huh?"
"..."
Cana and Jude were stunned for a moment, then looked surprised. They clearly hadn't expected such an explanation.
Roland, the scammer, released his Resurrección, then took out a piece of clothing from the four-dimensional pocket and put it on unhurriedly.
Tsk... the first stage Resurrección is better. The clothes on my body won't be damaged. In contrast, in the second stage Resurrección, those soft fabrics can't withstand the vast, sea-like Reiatsu at all and are all shattered into dust. It seems I can't just go into second stage Resurrección on the street in the future. I must remember this—
While Roland was getting dressed, Erigor also recounted the whole story of being scammed, growing angrier and angrier.
Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he cursed, "Damn scammer! You'd better not let me run into you, or I'll definitely cut that bastard into a hundred pieces!"
You should know, that was worth several hundred million in assets!
Kageyama and that bunch of idiots, they usually looked so clever, but in the end, they had exchanged several hundred million in assets for three gold bars.
"A gold scammer... I know a little about that."
Cana suddenly said at this moment, causing Roland to turn to look at her, a strange expression on his face.
No, you know about it?!
Under the three people's different gazes, Cana coughed lightly and held up a finger, "Actually, it's not just Eisenwald that was scammed."
"Two days ago, when I was on a mission in Shirotsume, I heard members of Death's Head Caucus mention a gold scam. Currently, all the dark guilds under the Oración Seis have been affected."
"Then do the other guilds have any news of that guy!?"
Erigor's eyes widened as he asked hurriedly.
We're all under the Oración Seis... why are you asking me this kind of question?
"It seems not."
Although she didn't know why things had developed this way, under his expectant gaze, Cana spread her hands.
"Tch, damn it!"
"Aren't you two being a little too natural? Weren't we enemies just a moment ago?"
Roland couldn't help but say.
Jude beside him nodded in agreement.
"..."
Seeing the restored Roland, Erigor lowered his head and didn't dare to speak again, a look of lingering fear on his face.
"Oh my, when did you change your clothes?"
Cana noticed the completely different clothes on his body and blinked in confusion.
"Just now. Forget it..." Roland shook his head and turned to look at the old man behind him. "Since the mission target has been taken care of, let's continue on to the Royal Capital."
"Okay."
Jude replied.
As the mission continued, Roland also ordered Erigor to first return to the Eisenwald guild and be on standby.
He didn't need to leave the Oración Seis guild, nor did he need to do anything troublesome for him—he just needed to be as usual.
Do what he should do.
Currently, he hadn't even built the World-Crossing Gate to the world of Edolas, so he naturally had no use for him.
As Erigor's figure gradually disappeared into the distant sky, Roland also got on the carriage and continued on his journey to the Royal Capital.
Jude had that serious expression on his face, but on the way, he would often take the initiative to talk to him.
He seemed to be trying to curry favor.
As for Cana, she would poke his waist from time to time, asking about ways to improve her own strength.
This is great... I won't be able to enjoy the scenery on the way.
Looking at the two who were constantly trying to find topics to talk about, Roland sighed.
The capital of the Kingdom of Fiore.
—Crocus.
Because the city was filled with flowers of different seasons, it was also known as the City of Blooming Flowers.
The moment Roland stepped through the city gates, he could smell the fragrance of various flowers.
The flowerbeds on the streets were filled with colorful flowers, and the residents' doors and windows were also filled with flowerpots, making one feel dazzled.
As expected of the Royal Capital.
Looking at the street scene, which was much more prosperous than Magnolia, and the bustling crowd around him, Roland sighed in his heart.
"It's really been a long time..."
Cana stretched, her gaze nostalgically looking around, as if searching for something.
Soon, after seeing a tavern not far away, the girl's eyes suddenly lit up, and she reached out to pull his hem.
"Let's go! I'll take you to the best tavern in the Royal Capital for a while!"
"We'll do that later. The top priority is to take Mr. Jude to the hotel first."
"But hasn't the culprit who was going to kidnap him been caught?"
"Don't mind me. If you two want to go, then go."
Hearing his name, Jude subconsciously turned his head to look, then said in a deep voice.
If those two want to go for a stroll, then let them. It's not dangerous anymore anyway.
"That's not good..."
Roland said hesitantly.
"Oh my, it's fine! This is the Royal Capital! The security here is much better than in other towns!"
Cana pulled his hand and, without giving him a choice, walked toward the tavern, an expectant smile on her face.
What should I drink in a bit? Red wine, cider, whiskey...
As she thought this, Cana was just about to push the door in when a loud noise suddenly came from inside.
Bang—
The left wooden door, along with a figure, was sent flying. The blast wave blew Cana's black hair high, and the lively atmosphere inside also quieted down.
"You dare to hit on me with this kind of strength? Hey—my mug is empty! Aren't you going to get me more wine!"
A familiar female voice, as if it could not be refused, came from inside, instantly freezing the smile on Cana's face as she turned her head mechanically.
"I've thought about it carefully. It's better to listen to you. I'll try to drink less in the future."
"Ah..."
"So I'll head back to the hotel first!"
Before Roland could finish, Cana laughed dryly, then pulled him, preparing to leave this terrible place.
Unfortunately, just as they had taken two steps, a sharp long sword was thrown, instantly embedding itself in the stone ground in front of Cana.
It blocked their path.
"Cana... and Roland, it's you two, isn't it?"
That voice came from behind. A pair of hands were placed on their shoulders, and crimson hair quietly fell.
Erza?
Roland sniffed the smell of alcohol on her body, and with a glance at her hair color, he instantly guessed the identity of the woman behind him.
"Mmm... why is Erza here!"
Cana muttered in distress.
A drunk Erza, isn't that even harder to deal with?!
"Erza, long time no see."
Compared to the scared Cana, Roland greeted her as usual, then asked curiously, "Why are you drinking here?"
"I just finished a mission... and the employer treated me, so."
Erza said nonchalantly.
Her expression was still as valiant as ever. Except for the faint smell of alcohol on her body, there was no sign of drunkenness at all.
"Then... where's your employer?"
Cana looked at the unconscious man in front of her and asked cautiously.
I think I get it. He's really not afraid of death, to even dare to take advantage of the Fairy Queen.
"The one in front."
Erza glanced at the man on the ground, then put away the long sword embedded in the ground and turned to ask, "What are you two doing in the Royal Capital?"
"Of course, we're on a mission. We'll probably be heading back in the evening," Roland pinched his chin and continued, "Do you want to go back with me, Erza?"
He suddenly wanted to see the scene when Knightwalker and Erza met. It would definitely be interesting.
"In the evening? That's fine too."
Erza agreed without even thinking, causing the corner of Cana's mouth to twitch slightly, and she finally sighed helplessly.
This is great. Not only can't I go to the tavern, but I'll even have to listen to Erza's nagging on the way home.
"By the way, Erza, after we get back to the guild, I happen to have a gift to give you."
Roland thought for a moment and gave her a heads-up.
After all, the matter of Knightwalker was a bit too unbelievable.
"A gift?" Erza raised an eyebrow, then nodded with relief. "Then I'll be looking forward to it."