Lu Gang led Zhu Yanyi and the others over, sitting down in front of Balph. "Hello, Mr. Balph."
"Jeff told me you want me as a guide to visit the Gusi Lan Ruins?" Balph took a large gulp of beer, sizing up the seven of them.
Lu Gang and the others were disguised, hiding their aura. They looked like ordinary tourists. Lu Gang was also observing Balph.
Balph looked kind and gentle, but his aura was not hidden. He was clearly someone who had seen blood. Such seemingly kind people were the most terrifying. In this place, no one was truly kind. Everyone knew that to survive, one had to be more ruthless than others.
"Yes, Mr. Balph," Lu Gang continued. "We are a travel group from Huaxia. We want to see the Gusi Lan Ruins. Would you be available to be our guide? Money is not an issue."
"As you know, things are not peaceful here recently. If I take you there, there is a price to pay, especially for the road fees along the way." Balph did not answer directly, but his words implied that if given enough money, he would take them.
Lu Gang took out 3,000 W-coins. "This is the fee for you. 3,000 W-coins. When we return safely, I can give you another 1,000 as a tip."
Balph shook his head slightly. "That price was enough last month. It is not enough this month. At least double it."
"So much?" Zhu Yanyi frowned slightly from the side. "Brother Luo, isn't that too much? The waiter yesterday said only 1,000. We gave 3,000. If it doubles, it becomes 6,000."
"I am just stating the price. Of course, you can choose not to pay and go on your own. But do not blame me for not warning you. The road is not easy to travel now. Although it seems quiet here, we are still part of Country W. The war has not ended. Even if I am willing to take you, I am risking my life." Balph said slowly, looking very certain.
"Little sister, do not fuss. We have come here, so we cannot leave empty-handed. We do not lack this money. Having fun is the most important thing." Lu Gang acted like a rich man. He took out another 3,000 W-coins. "Is this okay now?"
Balph counted the money, seemed satisfied, and nodded. "Alright. I will go prepare. We depart at one o'clock this afternoon."
"Depart this afternoon? Can we arrive by afternoon?" Lu Gang asked curiously, sounding excited, like a normal tourist.
"Not that fast. We will mostly be on the road this afternoon. If everything goes smoothly, we will arrive by noon tomorrow. Since you paid me, I will ensure you are safe. I will take you to a safe place on the road to rest tonight. Then we will set off again tomorrow morning and arrive in Gusi Lan by noon. You can play for a day, and I will bring you back the day after tomorrow." Balph said calmly, looking confident.
"Okay." After hearing Balph, Lu Gang paused for a moment, then seemed to make a decision and agreed to Balph's plan.