They all call me Great Master

Arthur, bleary-eyed from sleep, couldn't help but show his delight upon seeing Marinda.

And Marinda, holding a food box, had her cheeks slightly flushed.

Arthur stepped aside to welcome Marinda in.

Anyone who saw this scene would envy their relationship, after all, it's a sight usually reserved for the honeymoon phase of love.

But what happens when the honeymoon phase fades away?

Indifference begins to surface.

And when indifference appears, arguments are not far behind.

As for always being in the honeymoon phase?

Either one party is constantly changing.

Or it's...

Acting!

Just like Arthur and Marinda at this moment.

When the door of No. 2 Cork Street closed, Marinda hummed again.

"Such a pretentious guy."

The sudden remark did not leave Arthur puzzled.

He knew exactly why Marinda was irritated.

Because—

Barrier Oil!

After obtaining the Barrier Oil from Rick, Arthur immediately smeared some by the door of the 'Spirit Medium Parlor'.

As for its effect?

Seeing Marinda's current anger, Arthur knew.

"Well, I have no choice.

I have to play along with you.

After all, according to common sense, you should be at Caesar Manor right now—at least for 3-5 days, you should stay there. But you, missing me, showed up at No. 2 Cork Street right after I left for just a morning. I, suffering the pain of separation, am of course surprised."

Arthur feigned ignorance with a clear understanding.

His explanation in front of Marinda made the lady lift her foot to kick.

Unfortunately for her, Arthur wasn't the clumsy Garcia.

He not only easily avoided it, but he also knew how to smooth things over.

The young 'Spirit Medium' pointed to the 'Spirit Medium Parlor'—

"Barrier Oil."

Arthur said softly.

"Barrier Oil?

Is it true that 'Cat Faction.Hei' has a good relationship with the Hunters?"

Marinda's attention was immediately captured.

And that was exactly what Arthur wanted.

Upsetting Marinda was because of happiness.

Placating Marinda was to make the next happiness even better.

"Hmm, initially, 'Cat Faction.Hei' and a few Hunters were quite close, but as 'Cat Faction.Hei' went into hiding, all that vanished into thin air.

As for this Barrier Oil?

It was a gift from Kuke's father."

Arthur explained.

"Kuke's father?"

Marinda slightly frowned.

She certainly knew of Kuke.

Kuke, as the new Police Chief of Dort District, also had a special identity among Arthur's subordinates.

And Marinda had also heard about his father.

A retired 'Bounty Hunter'.

Retired bounty hunters living out their days in South Los is not uncommon.

In fact, not only bounty hunters, but many mercenaries, assassins, or those who have to live under a false name, all favor South Los.

Prosperous, well-connected, and without harsh winters.

South Los is indeed a likable place.

"A 'Hunter' using 'Bounty Hunter' as a cover?"

Marinda asked.

"To some extent, that's true—and moreover, Rick is someone who brings surprises to me. I'll take you to meet him when there's a chance."

When flattering a woman, you shouldn't overdo it.

Overdoing it turns you into a sycophant.

Arthur, well aware of this, stopped at the right moment and then shifted the topic.

"What happened that made you change your plans?"

"One of your rewards, I've found it."

Having received some 'information', Marinda stopped fussing.

Her intelligence lies in knowing when to stop.

Her knack for appropriateness, in certain moments, is curiously aligned with Arthur's.

To show liveliness is merely to display an attitude.

To indicate cooling of temper is to quit while one is ahead.

Then?

Naturally, it's to deepen cooperation with each other.

Arthur and Marinda's tacit understanding always seemed to increase imperceptibly.

Thick smoke rings appeared as Marinda lifted her hand from within and took out two cages nearly as tall as a person.

Contained inside were—

Crows!

"The crows I promised you, I've found them.

This one was found at the Secret Market near Sidon Fortress; its father is an arcane creature. It hasn't awakened yet, but it already has the ability to find herbs and gems.

This one was bought from a Mystic Side merchant in North County. Its parents are unconfirmed, and its earlier history is untraceable. However, the nest it builds is admirable, and it can also command other crows to a certain extent.

These are their contracts," Marinda said.

Arthur was examining the crows in the two cages.

The former had a large body and black feathers.

The latter was average in size with sprightly eyes.

Without a doubt, Marinda had gone to great lengths and expense to find and purchase the two crows.

"Thank you, Marinda. I'm lucky to have you," Arthur said sincerely.

Marinda responded by unhesitatingly flipping him the bird.

"If you had taken the contracts from me just a tad slower, I might have believed that sentiment," she said.

"You must believe me.

For, when luck appears, one must grab it quickly.

Otherwise, luck is apt to slip away," Arthur retorted, showcasing the basic skills of a 'Spirit Medium': eloquence.

Marinda just rolled her eyes.

The lady didn't believe a word Arthur was saying.

The guy before her could even deceive ghosts.

The words he told others?

Whoever believes is out of luck.

Do you believe it?

Well, I certainly don't.

Marinda maintained her stance.

However, she couldn't help but take a curious glance when Arthur took out the "Feast of Crows"—not curious about how the "Feast of Crows" tamed the crows but curious about how Arthur was using the "Feast of Crows," considering that the growth and the amazing aspects of the two crows had already exceeded what the "Feast of Crows" should normally accomplish.

A glimmer of light shone from the ring on Arthur's left palm, while the contract in his right hand emitted a faint phosphorescence.

The two crows did not resist. As soon as the "Hand of Void" opened the cages, they hopped in front of Arthur and affectionately rubbed their heads against his pant legs.

[Name: Feast of Crows (Damaged)]

[Type: Ring Accessory]

[Quality: Hero]

[Attributes: Crow]

[Requirement: Naming]

[Remarks: Slight]

…

[Crow: You have reared two crows anew with the 'Feast of Crows.' They are of extraordinary lineage, possessing intelligence and abilities far beyond those of ordinary crows. The larger one can naturally discriminate between herbs and somewhat identify gems. The one with lively eyes is even more intelligent; it has long been able to understand human speech and has used its wit to gather subordinates.]

(Note 1: You have replaced the rule 'tamed crows must be raised from eggs' with a contract, whose effect is better. It is not just a contract, but also because your 'Breath of Death' is transforming the two crows along the power of the contract slowly. This transformation is something each crow dreams of and has never experienced before. The two crows display affection towards you and are willing to offer all their loyalty; they will evolve into arcane creatures in 17 days.)

(Note 2: Before the two crows fully promote to arcane creatures, aside from feeding Death Qi every week, you must also provide each crow with 30 pounds of meat, 20 pounds of fruits and vegetables, and 60 pounds of pure water.)

(Note 3: The damage to the damaged Feast of Crows has worsened.)

(Note 4: The two crows have not yet been truly named; you can name them.)

…

'Is the "Feast of Crows" reaching its limit?' Arthur thought, his eyes reflecting helplessness.

His plan for an 'arcane crow army' had fallen through.

As for repairs?

The previous remarks had already mentioned that unless Hercules was found, it would be very difficult to repair it.

However, the fact that the 'Breath of Death' was speeding up the crows' promotion was confirmed, bringing joy to Arthur.

When his Talent "Breath of Death" emerged, both Fujin and Wuni had immediately completed their promotion and enhancement; Arthur had speculated at the time.

And now, it had been confirmed.

Even if not instant, 17 days was still impressively quick.

And the names for the two crows?

After giving it some thought, Arthur softly said—

"Stolas, Mapa."