NOVEL NEXT Chapter 199: The Eastern and Northern Camp [1]
Entering the room, Gabriel found himself inside what appeared to be a study. From the thick layer of dust, he was sure no one had been here for a long time.
That made him doubt if he would find any useful information. Besides, Kairos didn't strike him as the type to keep records.
He was like any spoiled delinquent back on Earth.
'I was hoping I could find more information about the east and northern camp, but it seems the only way for me to learn about them is to ask Anna or someone else.' Gabriel sighed as he exited the study.
From the way Kairos spoke, the eastern and northern camps seemed to be common knowledge around here. That was why he didn't want to ask questions, but with the current situation, it was his only choice.
"Sir, do you need help with something?" a voice called from behind him.
Swiftly, he turned around to find a middle-aged woman in a maid's uniform. Her face was wrinkled, her lips thin. She had a kind, warm look, suggesting she meant no harm.
Sensing his gaze, she gave a slight curtsy and a respectful nod. Her anxious eyes flickered over Gabriel's face.
"Sir, I was just wondering if you needed any help with… anything," she said softly. "You looked a bit lost in the study there."
"Yes, I do need help with a lot of things." He replied flatly. As soon as he said that, he saw the woman's expression falter for a split second.
Realizing too late the reason for her reaction, he quickly added, his eyes carrying a trace of disgust. "I meant things related to this camp."
"Apologies if I misunderstood your intention," she said quickly, performing a low bow.
"It's fine. I know what you've been through," Gabriel remarked.
A strange light passed through her eyes. From the mild disgust he displayed, she realized this new boss wasn't like the dog Kairos and his partner Bai Young.
'The rumors might be really true…' she thought inwardly, clutching her chest.
Moments later, the maid introduced herself.
"I'm Amelia," she said. "I've been working here for many years, mostly taking care of the girls and keeping things tidy."
"I am Gabriel," he said quietly. "Master Gabriel, if you will. Is there anything else you wanted to tell me?"
Amelia blinked, gathering her composure. "It's just… I saw the girls were frightened earlier. They're very grateful to you, and so are we. If there's anything you need, I'll do my best to help."
Instinct told him she wasn't lying. There was no malice in her gaze, only weariness.
"What kind of help?" he asked calmly.
Her eyes wandered toward his body. "If… if you would allow me, I can guide you to the bathhouse. You've been fighting since you came here. You should wash and rest. It is the least we can offer."
Gabriel narrowed his eyes slightly. He did need a bath to cool off and get rid of the grime on his body. Moments later, he nodded. "Lead the way."
The maid turned quickly, and he followed. The corridor was quiet, only the sound of his boots echoing on the polished floor. Eventually, they arrived at a wide room. Steam drifted lazily from within, and the faint scent of herbs filled the air.
"This is the bath," the maid explained. She hesitated, biting her lip. "The former master always demanded… company. If you wish, I can call for the women. Some are beautiful, model caliber. They will… cool you off."
Gabriel's expression hardened instantly. There wasn't necessarily anything wrong with that offer, but he didn't feel comfortable with it.
"That won't be necessary," he cut her off coldly. "I'll be fine on my own."
The maid froze, blinking in surprise. How could a young and vibrant man like Gabriel refuse such an offer? She knew many who would jump at it.
Amelia decided not to dwell on it. She bowed deeply, relief flashing in her eyes. "As you command, my lord."
When she left, Gabriel entered the bath alone. The water was warm, soothing against his skin. For the first time since he stormed the camp, he allowed himself to relax, closing his eyes as the steam rose around him.
While submerged, Gabriel's mind began to spin as he thought about the past.
The first player to awaken the mechanic class would soon appear, just a few days from now.
'I need to meet up with him quickly before the others find out about him,' he mumbled to himself.
In his last life, this mechanic had been claimed by the Holy Church, and he created some of their most destructive weapons.
He couldn't afford to let someone that valuable fall into their hands again.
Last time, they had used those weapons to wipe out entire human armies.
If he could secure that talent early, he would gain a foundation far stronger than any noble or guild could dream of. A mechanic could build cities, armies, even revolutionize warfare. In the wrong hands, they were a curse. In his, they would be both weapon and shield.
Gabriel sank deeper into the water, closing his eyes. For once, the heat calmed his body. The ache in his shoulders began to ease, but his mind never slowed.
The steam thickened, curling around him like mist. Just as he was beginning to settle, the door opened again.
Unhurried boots clicked against the marble floor. He didn't bother reaching for his weapon; the aura was familiar.
"Ma—" Anna bit her lips when she saw half of Gabriel's body submerged in the water.
"What is it?" Gabriel asked, his eyes still closed.
The Huntress cleared her throat. "I'm here to report my findings."
...
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