I’m Really Not Trying to Be Chased by the Heroine as the Villainous Playboy! – Chapter 943

Chapter 40: The Legend of the Sword Demon

Since both parties were heading to the Forest of Eternal Darkness, they inevitably had to travel together.

During this period, Joe couldn’t help but complain to Hex.

“Why are you stopping me? Hex, that arrogant useless noble can’t even be given a good face!”

“Oh come on, Joe, less trouble is better for everyone.”

“Heh, even the Fighter fears trouble? Ever since that battle at the Cassandra Family Mansion, your strength has improved, but you’ve turned into a coward!” Joe scoffed at his words.

Causing trouble was the norm for adventurers; looking too weak would only invite disdain.

In the past, Hex adhered to this principle, but after witnessing the immeasurable strength and admirable qualities of that legendary adventurer, the Sword Demon, his thoughts changed.

Even those powerhouses understood the importance of being low-key; flaunting their strength at this level would only seem ridiculous.

Hex wasn’t angry, just smiled and shook his head. “One day, you’ll understand, there are people beyond people, and worlds beyond worlds. Our strength barely counts in front of true powerhouses.”

“Do you really think that little noble will be a true powerhouse?” Joe almost burst out laughing.

This logic was something Joe understood too.

Being S-rank represented the peak of the strongest adventurers, making A-rank seem not worth boasting about in comparison.

But only the strong deserved respect; regardless, he didn’t feel he did anything wrong just now.

“However, that guard isn’t simple.”

Joe glanced back, his disdain slightly replaced by seriousness.

Most magical beasts around the forest’s edge were relatively weak and would retreat at the scent of powerful mounts. But now they found themselves deep within the Elf Forest, where the beasts were highly aggressive and would indiscriminately attack any creatures intruding on their territory.

Throughout their journey, they had encountered quite a few troublesome magical beasts. Originally, Joe had been pondering whether to lend a hand and strike at that little noble’s pride, but those guards looked too sharp and had impressive skills.

The guards formed a tight and flawless formation, always ready to counterattack at the first sign of a magical beast ambushing them, never letting the muddy ground slow them down.

Especially the older archer and the green-haired girl wielding twin swords. Their cooperation was such that even Sequence 6 magical beasts couldn’t match them.

In terms of overall strength, these descendants of elves were certainly on par with their team—provided they left out that little noble.

Unlike the guards, a young man named Roderick rode atop a Golden-Winged Griffin, utterly unguarded, looking as relaxed as if he were on a picnic, not lifting a finger the whole time.

Though he exuded the aura of Sequence 7, Joe seriously doubted that this guy was just an empty shell with a noble bloodline and no real power.

He was evidently the rich second generation who could hire a bunch of experts just because his family had money.

Frontline adventurers despised guys who flaunted their power due to their influence, especially when seeing that remarkable elven girl clinging to the young noble and acting cute, causing Joe to furrow his brow with a mixture of pity and confusion.

Such a powerhouse lowered themselves to fawn for money…

“What a pity, this group of guards is impressive, yet they’re stuck with such a useless employer,” Joe said, intentionally raising his voice without holding back, which earned him another round of furious glares from the elven guards and made Hex frown.

“Joe, keep it down.”

Black Feather Joe had long stepped into Sequence 6, making him Hex’s senior and a trusted partner. Born in a slum and adhering to the survival of the fittest philosophy, the title of “Black Feather” was something Joe had earned little by little through strength.

But like most adventurers, this level of powerhouse always had a streak of pride that wouldn’t bend to anyone.

Usually, that was fine since Hex used to be hot-headed himself, but this time he had an ominous premonition.

“We still don’t know how brutal the magical beast that even the guild fears is; at least along the way, we should get along with them for safety.”

“Heh, ridiculous! No matter who the opponent is, with just the two of us is enough. We don’t need those women’s help—unless you’re still counting on that little noble?”

Waving his hand dismissively, Joe impatiently quickened his pace, leaving Hex behind and ending the topic.

Seeing this, Hex could only sigh helplessly.

No matter what, Joe was unwilling to let go of his prejudice, but Hex was different.

That night, the two teams set up camp a hundred meters apart.

Hex took the initiative to lead his team to Roy and the others’ camp to make amends, apologizing for Joe’s behavior.

“Sorry about that, my brother is just like that, hope it didn’t embarrass you.”

“You’re heading to the Forest of Eternal Darkness too, right? With the beasts being dangerous on this journey, let’s get to know each other, so we can look out for one another.”

Hex actively introduced his party’s composition and capabilities as a way to express his sincerity.

As long as they didn’t come looking for trouble, Roy didn’t mind gaining another friend and invited Hex to join them for dinner to chat.

Without that talkative Joe, the outgoing Hex quickly blended in with them, sharing laughs and stories around the campfire.

Including the adventurers he led.

Truth be told, single adventurers who worked hard all day in the wild were just thrilled to have the chance to sit and chat with so many beautiful elven girls—they couldn’t be happier!

“By the way, this mission might be even more dangerous than we thought, Mr. Roderick, it’s better to be careful this time.”

Honestly, Hex didn’t think the young man before him had anything special.

Anyone entering such a remote and dangerous area likely had their own reasons; Hex wasn’t one to jump to conclusions but still wanted to offer a friendly warning.

“What do you mean?” Roy raised an eyebrow.

Hex, having fought against the Cassandra family, was a seasoned individual; any information that could caution him was worth listening to.

Hex lowered the half-empty water bottle, leaned in closer, and said mysteriously, “Actually, the day before we set off, a big shot came to the camp!”

“A big shot?” Nia whistled, suddenly interested.

“Exactly!”

After a moment of suspenseful silence, and seeing everyone eagerly listening, Hex finally spoke in a low voice, “That legendary S-rank adventurer, the Sword Demon! I saw him myself!”

That legendary adventurer, who had slain the seven wanted criminals of the Academy City, exposed the underground auction there, and even faced a powerful demon during the battle against the Cassandra family before ultimately sacrificing himself, had his name echo throughout the western continent.

“Wait, isn’t he already dead? Are you sure you didn’t see it wrong?” Natasha was the first to voice doubt.

Hex shook his head. “That’s what I thought too.”

“To be honest, I fought alongside the Sword Demon back then; I wouldn’t mistake his gear! And rumored, the receptionist even let the Sword Demon pass without question! If he wasn’t an S-rank adventurer, how could he enjoy such treatment?!”

Aside from Natasha still being skeptical, the elven girls were completely captivated, their eyes sparkling with admiration for the legendary adventurer.

Though they had a dragon knight beside them, he was taken, and this mysterious Sword Demon was a lone wolf—who could resist imagining him?

“Mr. Hex, can you tell us more about that Sword Demon?” one eager little elf asked.

Faced with a circle of excited elven girls, Hex’s face turned red as he unintentionally got swept away.

“Haha, since you ask, I’ll start from the beginning…”