Trade Day in Citadel City had ended with a dramatic scene, but even though, it was still talked about by everyone, as the news had spread across all parts of the Frontier and even some parts of the Center.

Some people even recorded the scene and posted it on their profiles in the BSP, and as expected, it went viral in an instant.

Video clips titled with several names were flooding the BSP net, and as much as the BSP could provide individual stats, ranks and recording, it could also serve as a social media platform in the Badlands.

It could be best described as an internet source, and provide anything that has to do with communications.

"The Three Brave Newbies."

"The Three Idiots."

"Three F rankers tried to face off with three Steel Empire messengers. Went as expected, but there’s this guy!"

"Lover boy came out to save his girlfriend but things didn’t end well."

One clip with several titles, however, it would only take the viewers a few moments before they have their say on the scene.

And mostly, most of them were quite amazed by how brave the guy with short dark hair was. He was the one who still stood when the other two had been wiped away, and with the look of things, he was the one that made the lady escape.

To sum it all up, the story didn’t have an entirely good ending, as they saw the messengers taking him and the other guy.

Everyone knows what it would mean to be taken to the Steel Emperor after interfering in his business. If they were to make a judgement right on time, they would mos likely say that those two guys are already dead meat.

...

The caravan was on course to the Grand Passage, the main route that led to the Heartlands, where the messengers had come from, and together with them...

Was Roman Rings and Arnold Garrison.

They had their hands chained together, and were positioned at the back of the caravan, all three watchful eyes on them as they journeyed.

Roman had swallowed more outrageous and hateful looks that he could take at that point, and it was definitely from the lady.

He knew that they just couldn’t get to belief that he had pulled that off. It looked he had successfully fooled them, and he had let the main point of their mission escape.

Even if they would have to pardon anyone between the two of them, it was definitely not him. He was the core cause of their misfortune, and the one the Emperor would want to punish.

It wasn’t as if the messengers couldn’t go to Blood Trial Outpost. They already knew that there was no way they would find Rena there. Knowing that they already knew she reside in the valley, she must want to change residence, or perhaps, stay away from the valley for quite a while.

The only way they can get her again is to make a another well-planned track of her, and this time, they are going to be more devoted to prevent any mistakes and distractions.

At this point, they weren’t even sure how the Emperor would react when he finds out they actually saw her and couldn’t bring her to him.

One thing was sure... The Emperor wasn’t going to take it lightly.

...

"We never needed your help. It’s so bad you got yourself into some shit that’s not your business," Roman said without even turning to Arnold.

"Wasn’t fighting for you. I was fighting for her," Arnold responded, giving Roman a short stare.

"Not like she asked for your help, Arnold. So sad for you because she wouldn’t give a fuck whether you die or not," Roman forced a smile.

And instead of Arnold feeling as enraged as he used to be when Roman ragebaits him, he only smiled back and nodded.

"Yeah, true. But that applies to you too. We are going to die out there, and we are going to die together," Arnold said.

And Roman wasn’t really pleased to have heard such a statement. His face had tightened, and his fist had clenched having to realise that the sun was already setting and they were heading far away from the valley.

In a few hours, every rookie in the Badlands would be leaving for the World to have their final say about their careers, meeting their family before they disappear for a long while.

It was usually a big event in the World, one that is celebrated and highly recognised. And the way things looked, Roman wasn’t sure he would be making it to the Teleport Station before tomorrow. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

And Arnold wasn’t self-assured either.

At this point, they were more concerned about how they would survive the Emperor, or even figure a way to escape right before they get to the Heartlands.

They had gone quite far into the Center before one of them approached them and give several questions.

"You can leave in peace, enjoy Privilege Day and maybe not even sure up in the Badlands again. You can be free, I promise you that... But that’s only if you tell where she is. We can turn our caravan and go there to get her, and no one of you would be taken to the Steel Emperor."

"This is not a big deal. Rena is the Young Mistress of the Steel Empire, and of course the heiress who would be taking over after him. He wouldn’t hurt her or... Perhaps get to do anything bad to her.

I understand that she’s your friend, or maybe... Your girlfriend. But the truth is. She is if more importance to the Steel Empire than to you. Her father needs her to be there. And you both... Promising talents who have a lot to offer to your community, shouldn’t be getting yourself into trouble. Trust me, there are other better things you can do."

Dax gave them a brief advice, and well, the two had been looking like they were listening the entire time, but then after he finished talking, they first stared at each other before Roman spoke.

"I told her to run, but didn’t tell her where to run to. So yeah... I have no idea where she is. And even if I do... I would never tell."

Dax’s face darkened, as he clenched his fist. Sera approached him in particular and looked at him in the face, her eyes so sharp, stern and... Fierce.

"Very well then. Now let’s see how it goes when you have your d*ck cut off and get fed to vultures when you get to the Emperor."