While researching Shire and Rudolph in ancient texts, Roland discovered an important clue.

According to the records, before the Year of the End, two special forms of energy existed in the world, in addition to the four common elements of wind, fire, water, and earth.

These two energy forms were similar to Magic Elements, yet fundamentally different. They were also far more powerful, reigning supreme over the four elements.

Due to their diametrically opposed properties, the scholars of that era called them "Positive Energy" and "Negative Energy."

And according to the descriptions, the so-called Negative Energy was a type of energy that carried an aura of coldness, decay, and death.

It was nearly identical to the aura emanating from the strange black patterns he had encountered in the forest where Qiao was, as well as in Wuxi Town.

And ever since acquiring the Trait [Shire’s Favor], Roland had found that his Perception of this Negative Energy had become exceptionally keen.

But this Negative Energy, unlike the four elements, did not drift freely in the air.

Aside from those black patterns, Roland had only faintly observed it on withering plants or dying creatures.

Therefore, Roland had come to a conclusion.

’Negative Energy must only manifest in dying creatures.’

Yet at this moment, that conclusion was shattered.

Roland expressionlessly sized up the young man in the distance, who was dressed in dark green traveling clothes.

The sunlight outlined his lean silhouette.

Fair skin, slender wrists.

His long fingers bore no trace of manual labor; a single glance told Roland he was not of common birth.

He spoke appropriately and carried himself with elegance. Compared to those around him, his Life Energy was even quite vigorous.

But Roland’s brow slowly furrowed.

Because he could clearly perceive it.

Inside this seemingly ordinary young man’s body, a cold and sinister energy was flowing, lying dormant like a viper in the Darkness.

That malevolent Negative Energy was faintly appearing and disappearing with the young man’s every breath.

As Roland observed, the argument at the port was still ongoing.

"On what grounds are you stopping us from boarding the ship!?"

A young man in lavish clothes, his face flushed red, was waving his arms furiously.

If not for his apprehension of the Guard’s burly physique, his fist would have likely already smashed into the man’s face.

But even so, he didn’t give up.

"Do you have any idea who I am? My father is..."

"I know, but before we argue..."

The Guard standing watch at the port wiped the spittle that had flown onto his face.

After his gaze swept over the family crest on the youth’s chest, his expression remained unchanged, but a hint of contempt showed in his eyes.

"You little whelp from the Philips’! You should take a look at whose ship this is!"

"Mr. Colin told me to welcome his distinguished guests here! But you’re clearly not one of them!"

As he spoke, the Guard’s hand slowly moved to rest on the hilt of the sword at his waist.

"If you want to brandish your noble authority, I suggest you go to the Golden Valley Kingdom next door! The Black Shell Trading Company will not tolerate such insolence!"

"You!"

Hearing such humiliating words, the noble youth was naturally not about to let it go. He spoke and prepared to step forward.

But in the next moment...

SHIING!

The sharp sound of an Iron Sword being unsheathed cut through the air.

Staring at the gleaming, sharp blade before him, the noble youth’s flushed face instantly turned deathly pale. His lips trembled, unable to utter a single word for a long moment.

"Let it go, Tariel..."

Just as the atmosphere grew tense, the young man in dark green attire from before stepped forward and placed a hand on the noble youth’s shoulder.

A gentle smile appeared on his face, which was so fair it was almost translucent.

"Since this... sir, will not allow us to board this ship, we’ll just wait for the next one."

This sentence undoubtedly gave the noble youth a graceful way out.

"F-Fine! Lyon, for your sake, I won’t stoop to the level of this boor!"

The noble youth spoke as he backed away quickly, only stopping when he was a dozen or so paces away from the Guard. He then mumbled under his breath.

"If it weren’t for..."

Roland naturally couldn’t hear the rest of what he said.

For one, the distance was too great, and for another...

"You must be Mr. Roland, correct?"

The Guard, who had been so arrogant just moments before, now bowed slightly, his face plastered with a sycophantic smile.

"Mr. Colin specifically instructed me to await your arrival here."

"Thank you."

Roland gave a slight nod. Just as he was about to move forward, his steps faltered.

"Excuse me, you are...?"

"You can just call me Lor!"

"Alright, Lor."

Roland tilted his head slightly, gesturing with his chin toward the port.

"That group just now, what’s their background?"

Hearing the question, Lor gave a disdainful snort, then immediately lowered his voice.

"Just the son of some minor noble family from the River Domain. Why, did you have a run-in with him? Should I..."

He drew a finger across his throat in a slitting motion.

The corner of Roland’s eye twitched almost imperceptibly.

"That won’t be necessary. It’s just..."

He paused.

"Did you see the young man in dark green clothes beside him?"

"Hmm..."

Lor grunted, squinting as he tried to recall.

"He was rather handsome... Wait, Milord, you..."

Recalling the rumors circulating in the streets about the... special tastes of certain upper-class individuals in the River Domain, Lor’s gaze toward Roland turned peculiar.

"Milord, if you have such needs, I know a few places in the River Domain... I guarantee you’ll be satisfied!"

Seeing the suggestive look in Lor’s eyes, Roland, not understanding the implication, furrowed his brow tightly.

"We can talk about that later. What I mean is... that man is dangerous."

His tone grew heavy.

"You’d best send someone to inform Mr. Colin. Tell him to be on high alert and, if possible, thoroughly investigate that group’s specific identities."

Realizing he had completely misunderstood Roland, the burly Guard’s face flushed red, and he hurriedly straightened his back.

"Yes! I’ll send someone to report to Mr. Colin at once!"

After speaking, he leaned over and whispered a few hurried words to another Guard standing beside him.

Roland only let out a small sigh of relief after watching the Guard quickly disappear into the port crowd.

’No matter what that man’s identity is, for him to possess such dense Negative Energy... he’s definitely not a good person.’

The thought flashed through his mind, and Roland lingered no longer, striding onto the deck.

This ship of the Black Shell Trading Company was painted black all over. Its bow was carved with the emblem of an unfurled shell, and the deck was paved with smoothly polished iron sandalwood, which gleamed with a dark luster under the sun.

All sorts of people were coming and going on the deck.

A few Elves leaned against the ship’s railing, conversing in low voices, their silver hair fluttering in the wind. Dwarves sat gathered around a barrel, their copper beards flecked with ale foam. Human merchants clustered at the base of the mast checking their cargo lists, their silk robes whipping in the sea breeze.

"Mr. Roland, this way, please."

A steward who had clearly been waiting for some time made a gesture of invitation.

"Mr. Colin has specially prepared an upper cabin for you. The view is excellent from there, perfect for sightseeing."

After a quiet word of thanks, Roland followed him toward the upper levels of the ship.

After parting with Bronson at the door, he entered the room.

The furnishings inside were simple, yet hinted at a certain luxury.

It was spacious and bright, with an extremely open view.

"If you need anything... just give this a gentle pull, and I will come to assist you."

Following the steward’s finger, Roland saw a pull cord hanging on the wall with a small bell attached.

Unpleasant memories flooded his mind, causing his brow to furrow slightly.

"I understand. Thank you."

"You’re too kind."

As the door closed firmly, the only sound left in the room was the gentle lapping of the waves.