Even Ed, who had no knowledge of Anthony's father, felt that there was something suspicious about his death—let alone Anthony himself.

Ed wasn't sure whether Anthony knew that the person backing Hurricane Horsewalk was Vice Captain Reve of the Moon Eclipse Demon Hunter Association. A plan instantly formed in Ed's mind. He could try to subtly leak this information to Anthony, in the hopes of gathering useful intelligence based on his reaction.

If Anthony didn't know this, there was a chance that a rift could form between him and Reve. At that point, Ed might even have a chance to attempt to sway Anthony.

While Ed was lost in thought, Toronto and Ford exchanged a glance, both puzzled.

After the establishment of the Moonlight Hunter Team, the most logical thing to do was to take on various bounty missions, complete tasks, earn gold rewards, and gain contribution points for the Moon Eclipse Demon Hunter Association.

Yet, Ed had directed them to investigate some strange matters, particularly those concerning Anthony. It wasn't until now that they learned about the odd circumstances surrounding Anthony's father's death. To their surprise, Anthony's father had allegedly committed suicide under suspicious conditions.

Toronto, being somewhat introverted but notably perceptive, watched Ed's pensive expression and cautiously spoke up, "Captain Ed, is something about to happen?"

Ed was taken aback for a moment, then responded, "Why would you think that?"

Toronto pondered for a moment and explained, "I can't quite explain it, but ever since the incident in the village, you've seemed so busy, as if there's an invisible threat pushing you to keep moving without rest."

Upon hearing this, Ford's eyes widened in surprise. He glanced at Toronto and then back at Ed, unable to detect anything himself.

Ed took a deep breath, surprised by Toronto's perceptiveness.

After a brief moment of thought, Ed decided to share the translation of the text from the monument and his speculation about the potential dangers Dorey City might face. He mainly felt that continuing the investigation could trigger unwanted attention from certain parties, leading to unforeseen dangers.

This risk, Ed knew, was something he had to make Toronto and Ford fully understand.

Once Ed finished speaking, a heavy silence filled the air. Ford, visibly shaken, looked at Ed with disbelief and said, "Captain, are you serious? Are you saying Dorey City could face something like what happened in Sloka City? My god, no way."

As for Toronto, he wasn't as shocked and confused as Ford. The expression on his face was heavy and somewhat helpless.

Toronto understood very well that by bringing up these matters, Ed was essentially asking them to consider whether they should continue the investigation. Furthermore, with Ed suggesting they look into the pharmacy established by the Lord's Mansion, Hurricane Horsewalk, Anthony's father's case, and so on, it was clear that if there was truly a crisis, it could very well involve the Moon Eclipse Demon Hunter Association and the Lord's Mansion.

Both he and Ford were only Black Iron Level Hunters, and if they encountered danger, they would have little ability to resist.

It wasn't that they were too weak—it was simply that this situation was far too dangerous.

Ed slowly spoke to the two of them, "You should be fully aware of the risks involved. If you want to quit now, that's perfectly fine. After all, everything I'm saying is just speculation. Dorey City may not necessarily face the same events that Sloka City did."

After hearing Ed's words, Ford was somewhat confused. Without thinking, he blurted out, "What danger? Isn't it just about gathering some intelligence?"

Both Toronto and Ed turned to look at Ford instantly. The expressions on their faces were somewhat helpless. They hadn't expected Ford to be so oblivious to the danger.

At that moment, Toronto took a deep breath and said to Ed seriously, "Captain Ed, I don't want to regret my decision, so I won't back down."

Ford looked at Toronto in confusion. Although he didn't fully understand what Toronto meant, seeing that Toronto, a Black Iron Level lower-tier Hunter, wasn't backing out, Ford, a Black Iron Level mid-tier Hunter, certainly wouldn't hesitate either.

With this thought in mind, Ford reached out and slapped Toronto on the shoulder. Toronto instinctively tried to pull away, but Ford pulled him into a tight embrace.

Ford casually said, "What's there to be afraid of? If there's any danger, I'll protect you. Even if I can't protect you, there's always Captain to rely on!"

Toronto struggled to break free from Ford's arm. The more he tried to break free, the harder Ford held him.

In the end, Toronto gave up trying to escape and helplessly turned to Ed, saying, "Captain, I suggest that when new members join the Moonlight Team, we should check their IQs first to make sure they're functioning properly."

Ford immediately became displeased and countered, "Are you saying there's something wrong with my IQ? Toronto, I think your strength is a bit lacking. How about this? I'll give you some free lessons, and later we can have a nice little spar."

The atmosphere quickly lightened, and the mood became more playful.

Ed didn't get involved in the back-and-forth between Ford and Toronto. He simply watched quietly.

In fact, over the past few days, Ed had been carrying the pressure of the potential danger that could arise. However, he was able to bear it without allowing it to affect any of his decisions, so it never showed.

It wasn't until this moment, watching the playful bickering and teasing between Toronto and Ford, that Ed had a moment of clarity. The scene felt incredibly familiar—it reminded him of the countless times he'd seen similar situations back when he was in school.

It was then that Ed suddenly realized that, just like Toronto and Ford, he was also only in his late teens, around twenty years old. Since coming to this world, Ed had never truly relaxed. The threat of death had always loomed over him, and the Moonlit Frost Poisonous Mist, along with the dangers that were rapidly approaching, had made him forget that he was only eighteen.

During this time, Ed's power had been growing at an incredible pace, but his mindset had also undergone drastic changes. The constant unease, never fully gone, kept him on constant alert, thinking through all possible scenarios.

Only now, in the midst of this playful interaction between Toronto and Ford, could Ed truly let go for a moment.

Sadly, the time to relax was short-lived. Toronto finally broke free from Ford's grasp. He slapped at the fabric of his clothes that had been touched by Ford's arm, then turned his gaze to Ed.

Toronto spoke, "Captain Ed, I have a question. If things get more dangerous as time goes on, would you choose to leave Dorey City, to avoid the danger?"

Ed was taken aback by the question. He realized he had never thought of it that way. From the moment he learned that Dorey City could face something similar to Sloka City, Ed had been focused on how to prevent it, how to face it. He had automatically disregarded the option of simply leaving Dorey City, finding another place to avoid the danger.

That would be safer, and even if dealing with the Morton Family was necessary due to the Moonlit Frost Poisonous Mist, there could be other ways to attempt it.

What had caused him to overlook the option of running away?

Ed couldn't quite understand it. He looked at the serious expression on Toronto's face and asked, "Why are you asking this?"

Toronto took a deep breath and replied, "Actually, I want to ask myself that question. I'm afraid... what if I hesitate when the time comes? What should I do?"

Ford immediately slapped Toronto on the back, nearly causing him to lose his balance, and said, "Hesitate? What nonsense…"

Ford didn't finish his sentence because he saw the unprecedented seriousness in Toronto's eyes.

Ed thought for a moment before answering, "I can't quite explain the reason, but aren't we Hunters? When facing something like this, shouldn't we give our all to stop it, to fight? Isn't that the right thing to do?"

Toronto and Ford were completely stunned when they heard Ed's answer.

Yeah, what complicated reason was there? The three of them were Hunters. Upon learning that Dorey City might be facing danger that could affect countless residents, it was only natural that they would try to stop everything from happening.

Toronto looked at Ed with a complex expression in his eyes, took a deep breath, and solemnly said, "I, Hunter Toronto Lake, swear here that no matter the danger we face, I will never retreat a single step. I will follow Captain Ed's footsteps to the end."

Ford didn't quite understand why Toronto was so serious, but he followed suit and said, "I, Hunter Ford Cole, will also follow the Captain's footsteps."

After saying that, Ford used both hands to draw his steel sword and silver sword from his back, crossing them in front of him and placing them silently on the ground. Then, he looked at Ed in silence.

Ed and Toronto paused for a moment, both surprised by Ford's actions.

Ford quietly muttered, "Uh, well, the atmosphere right now feels a little uncomfortable if we don't do something."

"For a Hunter, the dual swords are the most important weapon. How about this, Captain, you should do like me and place your dual swords on top of mine. That would show that I will completely follow you!"

Ford had originally thought his sudden idea for a ritual might be met with sarcasm from Toronto.

But to his surprise, Toronto said nothing and immediately performed the same action as Ford, placing his dual swords on top of Ford's.

Ford glanced at Toronto, said nothing more, and silently adjusted his steel sword and silver sword, placing them on top of Toronto's dual swords.

Toronto shot a glance at Ford, but didn't move his dual swords.

Ed, seeing the two of them so serious, didn't hesitate for a moment. He drew his dual swords from his back and placed them on top of Toronto and Ford's swords. With the same solemnity, he said, "I, Hunter Ed Lucifel, accept your following."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.