Sorin quickly took out a secured roster and presented it with both hands.

"Commander, this is the final list of approved candidates for the Dalton Guard selection."

Sorin's job was to sift through countless applicants and select the most talented and loyal individuals to join the Dalton Guard. This position carried significant power, and the potential rewards were astonishing. However, it also came with tremendous risks.

Reize, the commander, was known for being impartial. If anyone dared to engage in favoritism or corruption in their position and was caught by Reize, the consequences would be severe—being thrown into the magic-nullification prison would be a light punishment.

Reize took the roster and slowly began to browse through it.

Sorin, for some reason, felt inexplicably nervous. Time passed, and Reize finally closed the roster.

"I remember your name is Sorin, correct?" Reize said calmly.

Upon hearing the commander remember his name, Sorin was instantly filled with excitement, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Yes, yes, it's me!" Sorin stammered. "To be remembered by Commander is the highest honor for me!"

Reize's expression didn't soften; instead, he asked, "You must be well aware of the benefits that come with this position."

"Then, do you know why I entrusted this task to you?"

The question made Sorin shiver, cold sweat soaking through his underclothes.

This question was too critical!

If he answered that he didn't know, it might make the commander think he was foolish. But if he answered that he did know, and gave the wrong answer, it could be just as disastrous!

For a moment, Sorin's mind raced.

Seeing the near-panic on Sorin's face, Reize shook his head helplessly. Was he really that intimidating?

He hadn't found any issue with the roster; his question was just a way to remind Sorin to always stay vigilant and avoid being corrupted by power and temptation.

Just as Reize was about to speak and end the conversation, Sorin suddenly dropped to his knees, banging his head on the floor made of starshine divine gold.

Thud!

A muffled sound echoed.

"Commander!" Sorin cried, his voice full of emotion and a touch of theatrical performance.

"I... I know my mistake!" he sobbed.

"Please, commander, be the judge!"

"The Four-Eyed Clan indeed approached me multiple times, offering significant rewards in exchange for a few spots on the list!"

"But Commander, I swear on Starborn that I took no benefits from them!"

"I just didn't think it would cause any real impact, so I didn't report it to you immediately! I hid it, and betrayed your trust. I am willing to resign from this position at once to prove my innocence and loyalty to Dalton!"

Hearing Sorin's confession, Reize's eyes flickered with surprise. He was silent for a moment before speaking.

"Forget it. This matter is over. I haven't found anyone more suitable for this position than you, so continue for now."

Although these words were meant to ease the situation, they weren't entirely false. Sorin's abilities had been recognized when he was selected from among many candidates.

The purpose of the reprimand had been achieved. Since Sorin hadn't truly crossed any lines, he could continue in his position.

Reize also understood that Sorin, like himself, had come from humble beginnings and had worked his way up.

Upon hearing Reize's words, tears welled up in Sorin's eyes.

"...Thank you, Commander, for trusting me!" he exclaimed.

"I will do my utmost and never disappoint your expectations!"

"Mm, you may leave," Reize said.

"Yes, Commander!" Sorin stood and respectfully exited the room.

Watching Sorin leave, Reize's lips curled into a slight, almost imperceptible smile.

He was confident that after this reprimand, Sorin would work even more carefully and conscientiously.

In fact, Reize wasn't worried about his subordinates going too far. After all, Dalton Town was full of members from the Hat organization.

Their watchful eyes not only focused on the ordinary residents within the city but also closely monitored all institutions, including Dalton's officials.

On the other side, Sorin rushed back to his residence.

Phew

He collapsed onto a chair, exhaling deeply. It was only then that he realized his clothes were soaked in cold sweat.

This job was far too stressful!

But if he were to give up this position—one that carried both power and prestige—there was no way he could do that. Only a fool would.

Thinking back to Reize's final words, Sorin's face slowly broke into a relieved smile, as if he had narrowly escaped disaster.

However, just as he started to calm down, a subordinate rushed in to report.

"Sir, the Four-Eyed Clan's leader... he's here again!"

Sorin froze for a moment, then immediately sprang to his feet.

At the front door, the Four-Eyed Clan leader was standing there with renewed confidence. This time, he had bet most of his clan's accumulated wealth and resources to secure a few valuable spots for his people in the Dalton Guard.

If any members of his clan succeeded in being selected, the Four-Eyed Clan's status in Dalton Town would rise dramatically, allowing them to break free from their current awkward position.

This was his third visit to Sorin.

The first time, Sorin had firmly rejected him and issued a stern warning.

The second time, the Four-Eyed Clan leader brought even more sincerity, and though Sorin rejected him again, there had been a slight shift in his tone.

This time, however, he had brought an offer that far exceeded the previous ones!

He was confident that Sorin would no longer be able to refuse.

The next moment, the door opened.

Sorin stepped out, his face darkened.

Seeing Sorin, the Four-Eyed Clan leader's face lit up, and he hurried forward.

But he failed to notice the murderous look in Sorin's eyes.

"Sorin! You've finally come out!"

The Four-Eyed Clan leader sneaked a glance around, then gave Sorin a subtle look.

"Sorin, shall we talk inside?"

Sorin sneered coldly.

"Say what you have to right here. I'm in a hurry."

The Four-Eyed Clan leader was momentarily stunned. He didn't understand, but didn't think much of it. He quickly shoved a heavy spatial gemstone into Sorin's hand, a smile plastered across his face.

"Sorin, a little token of appreciation. Have you considered the matter of those spots?"

He was already imagining Sorin eagerly accepting his offer.

However, what happened next stunned him completely.

Sorin looked at the spatial ring in his hand, and a look of extreme anger suddenly filled his face, as if he had been severely insulted!

"How dare you!" he shouted. "You dare to bribe a Dalton official openly?!"

"Seize him!"

With that command, several powerful auras descended upon the scene, surrounding the Four-Eyed Clan leader.

"Sorin!"

The guards, with powerful auras, saluted Sorin.

With his amethyst badge, Sorin had the authority to mobilize some of the city's defense forces with ease.

Seeing the fierce guards surrounding him, the Four-Eyed Clan leader was completely stunned.

"S-Sorin! What is the meaning of this?!"

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