From sailboats to star destroyers (Source: Web)

Chapter 28 First Meeting

It wasn't that he was exaggerating; rather, the person standing on the balcony was simply too obese, roughly weighing two or three hundred kilograms, with his fat even spilling out of his clothes.

It was fat enough, but its face was also unattractive, with a flat nose, big ears, and dark, soy-sauce-colored skin that looked like it had been tanned for 180 days. It really looked like a black wild boar.

With his appearance, it's no wonder he was given the title of Black Earl; anyone who saw him for the first time would only think he was a black-skinned wild boar that had come to life.

Miao Meng initially thought he had mistaken someone for someone else, but after noticing the name above the other person's head—Level 15 BOSS Black Earl Barsamuel—he could only suppress his surprise.

Although I was mentally prepared for the other party to change their appearance, I really didn't expect that the Black Earl could do something so devastating.

In the memories of those crew members, the Black Earl was a legendary figure among pirates, not only known for his fastidiousness and hygiene, but also for his flamboyant attire, resembling a peacock displaying its plumage.

Moreover, he often acted like an aristocrat, speaking with a certain air of superiority, which earned him the nickname "Duke" among the pirates.

As for the other party's appearance, it was completely different from now. Although the Black Earl's face was only average, his physique was that of a burly man with a strong back and a sturdy build.

After all, the Dreadlord is a variant of the Dread Knight, combining strength, physique, and skill. Even with a tan from being at sea, the bronze muscles and skin still make him irresistible to countless ladies.

But now, if it weren't for the investigative capabilities attached to the comprehensive network that labeled it with a name and level, Miao Meng wouldn't believe it was the same person.

"No, logically speaking, such a drastic change in size should definitely affect his strength, but the level above his head hasn't changed at all."

Therefore, Miao Meng's observations became increasingly detailed, though his main focus remained on the gladiators who had already begun their battle.

Regardless of whether the Black Earl could detect other people's gazes, Miao Meng would not gamble on the chance. After all, even an ordinary earl would get angry if he were looked at strangely by commoners with such an appearance.

As the Black Earl drank his large barrel of rye beer and occasionally tore into pieces of meat served by the maid, his behavior began to reveal some flaws as the observation deepened.

The fat on her body is real, because the double layer of fat on her chin moves as she swallows. If it were an implant, it wouldn't be able to move so freely.

Of course, close observation can sometimes be disgusting, which explains why the Black Earl is considered a country bumpkin and a hick by other nobles.

He completely abandoned any dining etiquette and aristocratic demeanor, not only smacking his lips while eating but also leaving crumbs, and casually wiping the oil off his hands on the maids, a stark contrast to his previous image.

However, hidden beneath these false appearances, Miao Meng could sense the power that erupted when the other party bit. The cracks on those large bones fully demonstrated the level of the other party's bite force.

Moreover, although his eyes appeared extremely small due to his round face and flat nose, a strange chill arose from them when he stared at others.

After the Violent Dog Mercenary Group below achieved victory at the cost of three dead and two seriously injured, Miao Meng, having received enough information, cheered joyfully along with the other spectators.

Then, watching as the Black Earl, in the name of the Lord of West Limit City, recruited the Violent Hound Mercenary Group and gave their leader the title of knight, he leisurely left the arena.

After Count Black left, Miao Meng did not rush to retreat. Instead, he stayed for another two hours before pretending to be extremely hungry and collecting his betting winnings at the door before leaving.

"Ding~" The silver coin fluttered between Miao Meng's fingers, occasionally being flicked into the sky, spinning countless times, and finally falling back into his palm.

"After someone dies in the Violent Hounds, they'll definitely be recruiting. Why don't you give it a try? As a rising star in the arena, you'll likely be received by the lord again."

However, after recalling the Black Earl's cautious approach, Miao Meng dismissed the idea. He didn't intend to abandon this line of work, but he wouldn't do it himself.

It would be good to arrange for a few relatively clean gangsters to infiltrate the Violent Dog Mercenary Group as inside agents, and then spread the news appropriately.

"We've wasted too much time here. A whole day has already passed in reality, and there's still a day and a half of holiday left. If we can't resolve this, then let's talk about it next time."

When exactly does the undead attack on the town, mentioned in the initial quest description, take place? If it happens too early, it'll be difficult if the undead don't come out.

With a thousand thoughts swirling in his mind, Miao Meng returned to the Flying Squirrel Gang and began planning his infiltration—not into the castle, of course, but into the manor in the suburbs.

Compared to the rigid management of a castle, the farm outside is more relaxed. Even if you are wary of strangers, you can relax after visiting a few times with the help of an acquaintance.

In just two days, Miao Meng became a new driver specializing in transporting fruits and vegetables along the route from the farm to the city, driving a handcart.

His partner was also from the underworld, a thug who used to drive cars on this route. On the surface, the two were uncle and nephew; the old man had been unwell recently and had asked his nephew for help.

Miao Meng's tall and strong physique, along with his still somewhat youthful face, meant that at eighteen or nineteen years old, he was at the peak of his abilities and didn't attract much attention.

After the Warriors' Festival, the nobles and generals would hold a gathering, partly to prepare for the impending pirate attack and partly to divide the spoils.

After all, the threat posed by pirates was not great for nobles, but it was the greatest for merchants. Once pirates blocked the shipping routes, the sheer volume of goods alone could cause merchants to collapse without a fight.

Therefore, at such times, it is necessary for major merchant guilds to pay tribute to nobles and the army. Without sufficient benefits, the armed forces of Xixian City will not be kind enough to wipe out the pirates roaming the seas.

As for how much benefit the nobles and the army can gain, that depends on how much they can negotiate at this gathering. As everyone knows, when it comes to interests, nothing is ever accomplished overnight.

Therefore, these gatherings were held almost every day, and the nominally largest lord, the local Earl Barshameu, was inevitably unable to miss such meetings.

No matter how much he pretended to be a country bumpkin, he still had to attend the banquet.

Even if he himself was unwilling, the nobles below him would push him to do it; this is the unity of the noble class.

After four or five days of banquets, large and small, the cake-cutting finally came to a reluctant end. Although it failed to satisfy everyone, it successfully left everyone dissatisfied.

Therefore, the Black Earl, who finally had some free time, sent his subordinates to the farm to collect some supplies, clean up, and prepare to welcome his arrival.

The opportunity that Miao Meng had been waiting for was finally approaching, just waiting for that final favorable wind to blow.