In a slightly remote corner of Sunrock Bazaar, a sneaky warrior glanced around vigilantly before opening a small money pouch with excitement. But the moment he saw the content inside, his expression froze.

He immediately turned the money pouch upside down and shook everything out. Tiny pebbles and rocks, which could be found anywhere on the roadside, fell out one by one.

There was nothing else—nothing of value at all!

"What the…. f*ck?!" the warrior cussed, eyes widened with disbelief. He couldn't believe what he saw. More importantly, he didn't want to believe it!

After all, how could someone casually tossing away mid-rank mana stones possibly carry a pouch of useless pebbles and rocks?!

Something was wrong!

It didn't take long before the warrior noticed his body felt a little lighter than usual. After that initial discovery, he realized the reason – his own money pouch was missing! Not only did he steal a useless pouch without money, he even lost his own pouch!

Go for wool and come home shorn!

The warrior gritted his teeth with indignation and anger. But no matter how angry and indignant he felt, he didn't dare return to seek justice.

A thief crying thief… who would believe it?

Similar situations happened to the rest of the thieves who went to pickpocket Vaan. Their cries of anger and loss could be heard in various remote corners of the bazaar. They had escaped very far before they dared to check their loot, only to realize they themselves had been robbed.

Even if they had the courage to go back, they might not necessarily find Vaan. As such, they could only swallow their loss and grief in silence.

…

Meanwhile, Vaan and Jihaad continued northward to Sunrock Bazaar's Rank 1 Gravity Chamber Center. Although these Rank 1 Gravity Chambers wouldn't help them improve their training efficiency at their level, they were still curious about them.

A preliminary experience would give them a better idea of what to expect from higher-rank Gravity Chambers and Black Mountain.

"Sir Pendragon, what are your plans after this?" Jihaad inquired.

"Head to the capital, apply for membership at the Martial Hall, then proceed further east to experience the Heavenly Steps," Vaan casually replied.

He had already thought everything through.

While he was very interested in the martial arts accumulated at the Martial Hall, becoming its member was also an important step to gaining a foothold in the Great Ratholos Empire.

After all, becoming a member of the Martial Hall wasn't just limited to receiving training opportunities and benefits. There were also more freedom and privileges to act within the Great Ratholos Empire.

An insider causing trouble in the empire would receive preferential treatment compared to an outsider.

Jihaad became very excited when he heard Vaan's plan – he had the same idea!

However, it wasn't just them. In fact, most warriors would devise the same plan after learning the relevant information from a guide or intelligence organization. After all, it was the most cost-effective plan for newcomers to train and rise in the Great Ratholos Empire.

"Really?! I was planning to do the same thing! It might be impudent to ask, but may I continue to follow you, Sir Pendragon?" Jihaad requested with a hopeful gaze.

The longer they traveled together, the more chances he had to ask Sir Pendragon for pointers!

"Do as you wish," Vaan nonchalantly replied.

He was not bothered by Jihaad's presence. More importantly, Jihaad's presence added a layer of assurance for him. After all, he did not doubt Jihaad possessed an impressive background in one of the southern countries.

Thus, people would naturally assume he must also be somewhere from the south if they were together.

"Great!" Jihaad cheekily grinned once he received Vaan's agreement. His heart was filled with greater hopes and anticipation.

Vaan quietly and subtly studied Jihaad's behavior as they steadily drew closer to the Gravity Chamber Center, which was only a short distance further to walk.

If he had to describe the person, it would be a greenhorn who had just left the safety and sheltered life of his home for the first time to train independently. Such a person possessed a certain purity and naivety that were rare in society.

Jihaad had yet to be tempered by the ugliness, malice, and cruelty that existed in human hearts. As such, he was someone very easy to befriend.

Suddenly, Vaan became a little absentminded and lost in thought.

He started with nothing at the beginning of his second life. However, he steadily acquired everything, whether they were power, wealth, or authority. He had acquaintances, benefactors, women, and even subordinates.

But the one thing he didn't have was a friend—a true friend.

There wasn't anyone he could call as such.

With his current status, such a thing was even harder to have. The complexity or simplicity of human desires would bring self-interests into the equation. Anyone who tried to befriend him would consider how they or their family could benefit from affiliating with him.

Jihaad was no exception.

He was sticking to him because he was strong, and by sparring with him, he could benefit from the experience and insights gained – a goal driven by self-interest for self-improvement.

That said, Jihaad's desire for self-improvement was pure and sincere. He was willing to put in the hard work and not seek shortcuts that may come at the expense of others, making him more likable in Vaan's eyes.

That was why Vaan could accommodate and tolerate his stubborn presence.

Nevertheless, they had only just met.

Thus, Vaan couldn't be completely sure of Jihaad's true character. It was fine if everything was as it seemed. But if everything the person had shown was only an act, then the person was nothing short of a terrifying being for being able to fool even his eyes.

In essence, the person was still far from being considered a friend. And those who did eventually became his woman or subordinate.

'Perhaps in this life, I am destined not to have a true friend,' Vaan silently thought with a sad, rueful smile.

He was a loner in his past life, and he was still a loner in his present life.