Chapter 182

"It's nothing really, I'm just looking for someone. If you happen to know, could you tell me?" The old man pointed to a narrow path nearby. "See over there? Follow that trail for about seven or eight kilometers, then you'll hit a fork. Take the left turn. But seriously, it's a sketchy area. Once you keep going, you're practically at the Aurelia border. A lot of people cross illegally from there, smuggling and all that shady business. Trafficking is the worst of it." "A girl like you? You get grabbed and you're basically walking cash. If it's not something urgent, don't go. I'm just telling you this because I care." "Thanks, sir, I appreciate it. But I really have to go." Seeing Clara wasn't changing her mind, the old man let out a helpless sigh. He'd lived here his whole life—seen way too much. Young folks like her, they just never listen. Always thinking there's some big opportunity ahead, but... it never ends well. "Sir, one more thing—can I get a ride from here?" "Normally, nope. Th