**Chapter Ninety-Seven: Demonstration of Protection**
From Lars's house to the North District Training Ground, one had to pass through a good stretch of the Market District. It was just as the morning sun was beginning to show, and the entire Rogue Encampment was already starting to operate. Merchants had set up their Stalls early, hawking their wares by the roadside, while the Herdsmen had driven their livestock out even earlier to graze on the fresh morning grass. The streets were bustling with activity.
Approaching the North District, the roadside vendors and Civilians on the streets gradually thinned out. Those coming and going were increasingly the more diligent Class Changers and Mercenaries. Of course, there were also Students like Sha La, who were preparing to receive training at the Training Camp.
From this street alone, one could see a microcosm of the hierarchy within the entire Rogue Encampment. At a glance, it was clear that the High-Level Adventurers, seasoned by countless battles, strode confidently down the middle of the road. Everyone else would automatically make way for them. Next were the Class Changers of average Strength or those who had newly advanced, followed by the Mercenaries. As for the Students who hadn't even crossed the threshold yet, they could only walk along the roadside, Trembling with Fear, occasionally casting Gazes of admiration and envy at the Strongest Experts walking in the center of the road. Of course, this wasn't because the High-Level Adventurers were arrogant or overbearing; it was simply an Unspoken Rule that had naturally formed in this world. Making way for those stronger than oneself was perfectly justified in the Diablo World.
However, it seems, well, how should I put this, it seems I've already been pushed into the middle of the road by others...
"Good morning, Mr. Fan."
Two Paladins not far ahead of me noticed me. They immediately stopped, turned around, and slightly made way. Hmm, I have a slight impression of them. It seems I met them in the Black Moor. At that time, I even helped their Party deal with a large group of the Night Tribe, although I could have easily handled it alone.
"Good morning. Jean, and Dar. Getting up so early to train, quite diligent. Next time, don't get dragged around by the Night Tribe again." I said with a smile.
"Please rest assured, we definitely won't make such a mistake next time."
Mentioning the embarrassing incident from last time, the two Paladins blushed, then immediately vowed with certainty. Sigh. Paladins are Paladins, too rigid, not a single Sense of Humor.
"Senior Fan, you... hello."
This time it seemed to be a Wizard I had met in the Stony Field. Hmm. Thanks to her guidance back then, otherwise, I wouldn't have known when I could find the Entrance to the Underground Cavern.
"Is that Farina? I really owe you for last time." I said with a smile.
"Oh... no, no. It is my Honor to be able to contribute a small effort for Lord Fan." Farina said, slightly shyly.
"Lord Fan. I didn't expect to have the Honor of meeting you here."
A group of Mercenaries who looked very impressive suddenly hurried up from behind. They walked up to me and bowed 60 degrees. This was already the most solemn etiquette for showing respect to someone on the Dark Continent.
Ah, they were the Mercenaries I met in the Tamoe Highland. Any Mercenary who could survive there must have been seasoned by countless battles, no wonder they had such Killing Intent. They were also quite lucky. When they were being miserably pursued by a large group of Dark Spearmen, they just happened to run into me, who was lost. When a Comrade is in trouble, I naturally couldn't ignore it. At that time, I saved them in a very dramatic, heroic manner. Of course, they also helped me a lot afterwards. If they hadn't taught me how to orient myself in the Tamoe Highland, I might still be circling around there now. I believe my title of Directionally Challenged has already spread far and wide along with my Reputation.
Unconsciously, I seemed to have become the focus of the entire street. Those I had previously interacted with actively came over to greet me. Those who didn't know me personally but had only heard of me also cast eager Gazes. Whether respectful and admiring, or doubtful, they all gave me enough Face/Reputation, making way one after another, making me feel like a corrupt official visiting the countryside. Although my vanity was certainly satisfied, after a while, I started to feel a bit uncomfortable.
Sigh, it seems I still underestimated the Degree of gossip among the people in this world. It makes sense; this world has no television or computers, and entertainment activities are pitifully scarce. Gossip and rumors naturally become everyone's spiritual sustenance. Whether Civilians or Class Changers, they are all human, after all, and naturally curious about these things. Once something spreads and is confirmed from multiple sources, a new Hero or a new deed quickly becomes a topic of enthusiastic discussion. And I—Wu Fan, the Lone Druid—seem to have become the focus of conversation during this time. My deeds are circulating from the Cold Plains to the Tamoe Highland. With Sharna as a precedent, my actions also seem to have been painted with a layer of aloof and Mysterious color. However, those who have met me all believe that I am not as difficult to Get Along with as Sharna. Thus, for a time, people's Curiosity about me seems to have reached an unattainable height.
And Little Shara, who was holding my arm and also receiving the Baptism of everyone's Gazes, was very shy at first and lowered her head. Seeing those important figures, who were usually high above and unreachable to her, respectfully greet her Big Brother and make way, she realized that even when she was with her Dad, she had never received such Respect. Seeing the person she loved so outstanding, her young heart instantly filled with pride and self-confidence. What Maiden doesn't have a crush? Sha La had long since put her Big Brother first.
However, while feeling happy, Sha La also suddenly felt a surge of worry and Pressure. Her Big Brother was so outstanding, yet she couldn't even manage a simple Fire Spell without being flustered. Could she be worthy of him like this? Would Big Brother still remember his Promise later?
Thinking of this, Sha La immediately became flustered, but quickly, she firmed her Determination—she must train hard and become an outstanding Sorceress, absolutely not bringing shame to her Big Brother.
Thinking of this, she suddenly raised her lowered head and snuggled even closer to her Big Brother's Body, returning the Gazes of those giving her Attention with a firm and proud look—Yes, I am Big Brother's Wife, he is mine alone. Not only that, but I will also become Big Brother's Mercenary in the future and fight alongside him in Operations.
Seeing Sha La suddenly raise her head, although I didn't quite understand her inner thoughts, seeing her firm Gaze, I was still very relieved. This time, going to the Training Ground with her, besides wanting to see what the so-called Training Camp was all about, there was an even more important purpose: to deliberately walk closely together in full view of everyone, sending a message—Sha La is under my Protection. Anyone who wants to bully her should weigh themselves first.
There's no Method, it's not that I'm sensitive, but Sha La's Appearance is indeed too outstanding. At such a young age, among everyone I've seen in the entire Rogue Encampment, only Lin Ya and Sharna can compare. Uh, if you exclude the Height factor, Charsi can also Barely count as one.
Lin Ya is a Wizard, and I heard she's also a direct member of House Alder. Who would dare to provoke someone like that? As for Sister Sharna, there's even less to say; it's already a blessing if she doesn't bully others. Regarding Charsi, if you want to bully her, first you have to see if your Strength is enough. Even if it is, you'd still have to ask if the Class Changers of the entire Rogue Encampment would agree first.
As for Sha La, she has an Appearance that can rival theirs, but she doesn't have enough Strength to protect herself. It was fine before, as she spent most of her time at home, but now she has to go out to the Training Camp frequently, which makes me very worried. Although the security in the Rogue Encampment is very good, and in full view of everyone, I don't think anyone would dare to do anything utterly wicked. After all, Sha La has a Class Changer Father, and most importantly, Akara's Great Eye is no joke. With her in charge, unless someone is suicidal, no one in the entire Rogue Encampment would dare to act recklessly.
However, even if Sha La is slightly bullied or harassed, it's something I cannot tolerate. Now, my close appearance with Sha La in front of everyone is to warn some people not to ignore my Existence. I don't mind teaching one or two troublemakers a lesson to establish my authority. Even if I'm not around later and Sha La encounters any trouble, I believe those who know about my relationship with her will be very willing to lend a hand if they see it, whether it's because they admire my Strength or want to do me a Favor.
Of course, there might still be some people who are half-believing, half-doubting my Strength. However, just my Status as Sharna's Younger Brother is enough to make them behave. I can understand doubting my Strength; after all, I'm just starting to gain prominence and haven't established my own "brand" yet. But if someone still wants to gauge Sharna's Strength, then their Brain must be fried.
I'm currently considering whether I should go play around in the Arena properly to make certain people completely behave themselves. Of course, doing so would inevitably reveal some things. I've already prepared myself mentally for this. What needs to be revealed, let it be revealed. For Sha La, it's worth it!! It also saves me from others thinking I'm hiding something and feeling uncomfortable holding back.
Walking and thinking, unconsciously, led by Sha La, I had already arrived at her Training Camp. The first thing that appeared In Front of me was a... running field?