Chapter Thirty-Seven: Accompanying You to the Ends of the Earth

After the flames in the building finally died down, Wolf Brother sent his men into the lobby, gathering all the items dropped by the fallen members of "Darkness" and pocketing them. Then, after bidding Zhao Nan farewell, he departed with his entourage, leaving as swiftly as he had come.

Gao Mingyang and the others gazed at the ruins of the lobby, sighing at the devastation. Yet the joy of surviving such a catastrophe soon swept away their melancholy.

"Those people are ruthless," Gao Mingyang spat, his tone bitter. "They didn't leave a single thing behind."

"Let’s be grateful they didn’t trouble us," Xu Fei said, relief evident in his voice. "That’s the super-organization controlling all of West District! In Dongyuan City now, only 'Blood Shadow' and 'Knight’s Rose' can rival 'Purgatory.' The rest are insignificant."

"But, come to think of it, why does Zhao Nan know the people from 'Purgatory'?" Gao Xiang wondered aloud, his tone curious. "He doesn’t seem like one of them… But to get them to act, how much influence must he have?"

"Enough, let’s not dwell on that," Gao Mingyang laughed. "Now that 'Darkness' is dealt with, our past grievances are erased. How about a proper celebration?"

"You’re the only one who never holds grudges," Xu Feng muttered, and the four exchanged smiles.

It was precisely because of Gao Mingyang’s temperament that their bond remained so strong.

"Zhao Nan, we’re going to celebrate. Will you come?" Gao Mingyang called out eagerly. "You’re the hero tonight—we’ll sing your praises!"

They were good men, Zhao Nan thought, and he felt a desire to befriend them. He did not hesitate and readily agreed.

Finina had no objections; her heart was now entirely devoted to him.

"I… I’ll go home first," Xu Yang said quietly, head down. "Everyone must be shaken; I need to explain what happened. So many died so suddenly… Did they really die?"

Zhao Nan paused, then answered affirmatively.

"We’ll escort you home," Zhao Nan offered.

Xu Yang quickly waved him off. "No need. With 'Darkness' gone, I’m safe. Besides, it’s not far, and I can have someone pick me up."

Zhao Nan sighed inwardly. Xu Yang walked away, but that kiss lingered in Zhao Nan’s mind, hard to shake.

After six years in the fantasy realm, Zhao Nan had lived a different life, gaining experience and knowledge far beyond what he had before his rebirth. He sensed the subtle affection Xu Yang held for him… though he couldn’t fathom its origin, he wasn’t prepared to accept it.

Let it be a beautiful misunderstanding.

"Nan, is something troubling you?" Finina asked softly.

Zhao Nan shook his head and gently patted her hand to reassure her.

The group left the building, only to find many curious onlookers. "Darkness" was notorious in the area, and as they departed, they heard applause and cheers from the crowd.

At Gao Mingyang’s suggestion, they went to a bar. Gao Mingyang seemed familiar with the place; before long he was flirting with the ladies inside.

"Mingyang’s got a mission from the bar owner, so he knows this spot well," Gao Xiang explained, his cheeks flushed from drink. "Come, Zhao Nan, this round is for you!"

"This place is nice," Zhao Nan praised, clinking glasses with Gao Xiang in a hearty toast.

"So, Zhao Nan, what did you do before?" Xu Fei asked, curiosity piqued. "You’re not that old, but your skills are frightening! Were you a martial arts master?"

Zhao Nan laughed. "Now everyone’s a martial arts master, as long as we’re out of the safe zone—some might even be superhuman."

"True enough," Xu Fei shrugged. "Honestly, we’re not superhuman, just pets raised for entertainment."

Zhao Nan paused, surprised by this perspective—he didn’t expect such mature thinking at this stage. "Why do you say that?"

"This isn’t obvious?" Xu Fei took a swig and continued, "The world changed overnight because of that Lin Bo person! I feel like he’s lurking somewhere, watching everything unfold. He thinks he’s a god, and we’re here for his amusement!"

"Don’t listen to his nonsense," Xu Feng knocked Xu Fei on the head. "He’s read too many novels and always imagines strange things."

Zhao Nan murmured agreement and drank his liquor, which burned his throat uncomfortably. Finina quickly handed him a glass of water.

Her gesture surprised the others. Gao Mingyang immediately asked, "By the way, Zhao Nan, who is she? You never introduced her."

"Finina, my girlfriend," Zhao Nan replied candidly.

"Foreign?" Gao Mingyang frowned.

"Yes."

Zhao Nan didn’t want to elaborate on Finina’s true identity, wary of causing trouble. At this stage, the relationship between humans and natives was akin to that of players and NPCs. That’s why players could mingle freely with the locals. But if it was known that natives had minds of their own—and could even resist the so-called chosen ones—the world’s order would be thrown into chaos.

"You have a girlfriend? So what about that beautiful teacher…?" Gao Mingyang muttered.

Under her golden hair, Finina’s ear twitched. Zhao Nan turned his gaze, thinking she still didn’t know certain things; he couldn’t let her overhear anything unwelcome.

"So, Gao Mingyang, what are your plans?" Zhao Nan quickly changed the subject.

"Plans?" Gao Mingyang shook his head. "Just drifting along. This world isn’t as simple as it seems. There are many secrets yet to uncover."

He downed his drink, then declared boldly, "Actually, I have an idea—to find out what lies at the end of this world! I used to love gaming. Now, even though the world’s changed, it’s exactly like the world I dreamed of. I’m fired up, my blood is boiling—I’m going to defeat every monster here!"

His declaration rang out, and laughter erupted throughout the bar.

"He’s drunk. He never could hold his liquor," Gao Xiang apologized to Zhao Nan.

Zhao Nan shook his head. "No, it’s a good idea… Maybe it’s the best way to live in this world now."

He took another sip, feeling the fiery burn in his throat, and murmured, "Perhaps seeing the world’s edge is a worthy goal."

"Hahaha!" Gao Mingyang leaped up with joy, roaring like a beast, "Did you hear that? Someone finally agrees with me! I’m so happy tonight! Bartender, a round for everyone—on me!"

"Well done!"

"Wow!"

"Cheers!"

Gao Mingyang’s generosity drew cheers from all around. He gulped down another drink and, emboldened by the alcohol, jumped onto the stage, announcing loudly, "I declare the 'End of the World' guild is officially recruiting! We don’t have a guild token yet, we’re just a few people, but we have a future! Someday, we’ll get a guild token, we’ll keep growing stronger, and we’ll reach the world’s edge! Because we—are the future!"

"Yes—!!"

Applause echoed all around. Gao Mingyang wandered through the crowd, persuading patrons to join his impromptu guild. Though many watched the spectacle, few actually joined. Still, Gao Mingyang wasn’t bothered; even refusals were met with hearty drinks. The little tavern became lively and filled with cheers.

At some point, music began to play, and guests started dancing. Though strangers, when the music sounded, everyone forgot themselves.

Perhaps it was the long pent-up emotions, or maybe it was simply Gao Mingyang’s infectious madness, but the laughter was genuine.

The place felt like a carnival, captivating all who entered.

Zhao Nan watched quietly, Finina at his side. The two exchanged glances, savoring their drinks, occasionally sharing silent smiles.

"This man is truly interesting," Finina whispered, "so full of energy and warmth."

Zhao Nan nodded, then suddenly stood, extending his hand. "Will you accompany me to see the world’s edge?"

Finina smiled and placed her hand in his, gripping it tightly.

"Ha!" Zhao Nan laughed, "Let’s dance!"

He pulled Finina into the crowd, spinning and laughing. They became their own little world, yet no one felt out of place.

Cheers rang out, drinks flowed, women flitted through the crowd like joyful butterflies.

"Haha, I’m going to sing! Let’s go!"

At some point, Gao Mingyang climbed onto a table again, swaying his hips flamboyantly.

His singing was rough and unrefined, but it had a power that moved hearts.

The bar’s lights stayed bright, and eventually, as the music faded, the crowd dispersed and the place grew quiet.

People lay drunken on the floor, and snoring filled the room. Zhao Nan, cheeks flushed, went to the bar counter. "Boss, tally up the bill."

"Certainly, sir… That comes to one hundred seventy-nine gold and thirty-two silver. But let’s call it one hundred fifty gold. It's rare to have such a lively night—I enjoyed myself too!"

It seemed the "Proof of Honesty" had its effect.

Zhao Nan paid readily, then quietly approached Gao Mingyang. Opening his backpack, he revealed something glowing with golden light.

"Nan, what’s this…?"

"Perhaps a vibrant guild will emerge. They are good people at heart. And I have no plans to start a guild yet. Even if I did, a guild token isn’t everything…"

"Hmm?"

"It’s nothing."

Zhao Nan shook his head, slipped the item into Gao Mingyang’s hands, then took Finina and quietly left the bar.

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PS1: Many thanks to the great Wanderer for the review vote. Thanks to reader Yule for the reward.

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