Delgado was feeling a bit annoyed. He couldn’t understand what Jerom was thinking, constantly having conflicts with Waldo. At this moment, Waldo continued to address Jerom, "Alright! It’s a deal, Jerom, you mustn’t go back on your word." Jerom gave a cold snort. "Naturally."

"Delgado, lead the way. Let’s go clear out the mutated plants now." Waldo’s smile became more subdued. Delgado nodded and said, "Waldo, come with me." The two of them immediately headed toward the area of mutated plants closest to the guard camp, followed by Jerom and a group of guard camp warriors.

Delgado actually wanted to see if Waldo was truly capable. However, he still inwardly cursed Jerom for his overly aggressive behavior. It was utterly inappropriate. "We’re here," Waldo and his group stopped. By now, they had entered the guard camp area that was occupied by mutated plants, leaving the guard camp helpless.

Waldo gazed at the mutated plants that had absorbed nutrients and grown into huge entities, and couldn’t help but chuckle. The fact that these mutated plants could grow so robustly indicated the excellent food supply of the guard camp.

Delgado said, "Waldo, this is the nearest mutated plant to our guard camp headquarters, and there are others as well, with numerous other points occupied by mutated plants. What do you think? Are you confident?" This wasn’t the most powerful mutated plant in the area under guard camp jurisdiction, but it definitely ranked among the top. If Waldo could handle it, Delgado would be reassured. This meant that most of the guard camp’s mutated plants could be eliminated. As for the even larger mutated plants, even if Waldo couldn’t deal with them, it wouldn’t affect the overall situation.

Waldo shrugged and donned his combat attire. "Shouldn’t be a problem." He then took a special herbicide from his backpack, held it in his hand, and walked towards the roots of the mutated plant. Waldo moved lightly, avoiding causing too much disturbance. However, this was impossible. Mutated plants didn’t rely on sound to locate prey; they sensed heat sources. Waldo was exposed as soon as he approached. The mutated plants began to stir, and the vines clinging to the wall started moving, attempting to block Waldo’s way.

Waldo leaped nimbly. He had already figured out a way to deal with mutated plants. These mutated plants existed somewhere between intelligence and ignorance. By running along the direction of the vines, most of the time they wouldn’t react in time. Waldo managed to avoid the vines’ obstructions and entered the room that was taken over by mutated plants.

Jerom watched as Waldo gradually disappeared from sight and walked over to Delgado. "Captain, what I said... don’t you think I was right?"

Delgado glanced at him and said calmly, "Whether you were right or not, we’ll see when he comes out."

Jerom pouted, not convinced. "I... I was thinking of the guard camp’s best interests!"

Delgado snorted coldly. "If I didn’t know you were thinking of the guard camp’s interests, I would have killed you for provoking Waldo like that. It’s as simple as that."

Jerom clenched his teeth, not daring to say anything further.

During the waiting period, the guard camp soldiers standing outside were whispering among themselves.

"Do you guys think this Waldo can really clear out the mutated plants? I have a feeling he’s not very reliable. According to the deputy commander, the captain paid a lot to hire Waldo to deal with these plants, and the reward’s been given."

"Really? I haven’t heard about that. Honestly, I don’t have much faith in this Waldo. After all, it’s all hearsay. No one has personally witnessed him eradicating mutated plants."

"But Waldo’s pretty famous in City 22, and someone even posted pictures of withered mutated plants before. I feel like he should have some ability, or else he wouldn’t dare agree to the captain’s request."

"That’s true. Who’d dare deceive us guard camp soldiers like this? Does he have a death wish?"

"Anyway, let’s see what the final result is. He’s been inside for a while now, and there’s been no action. What if he got killed?"

Hearing the hushed discussions of the soldiers, Delgado’s brow slightly furrowed. He was beginning to doubt himself, wondering if he had misjudged Waldo. However, considering the combat strength Waldo had displayed, it shouldn’t be the case. There was no need for such deception.

Jerom shook his head and grinned. "Captain, didn’t I tell you? You still didn’t believe me."

Just as everyone believed Waldo had failed, a sudden change occurred.

"Damn! What’s happening? The mutated plant is withering!"

"It worked! He actually did it?!"

"I can’t believe it. The mutated plant that left us helpless just collapsed in front of them!"

The soldiers of the guard camp were left dumbfounded, witnessing the mutated plant that had confounded them fall down right before their eyes.

Delgado had a wide smile on his face, elated. The resources spent were worthwhile. What was more important was that he had formed a connection with Waldo, a friendship. This was more valuable than anything. Giving Waldo more star grass and resources was just a small thing.

Jerom looked at the vines on the ground and wore an expression of disbelief. "He actually managed to eliminate the mutated plants. It’s truly inconceivable."

At this moment, Waldo emerged from the room, walking over to Delgado. Delgado shook Waldo’s hand vigorously, grinning with happiness. "No, no, Waldo, don’t say such things. It’s actually my fault for not arranging for some guard camp soldiers to accompany you inside."

"Thank you, thank you so much for helping our guard camp clear out the mutated plants," Delgado said with gratitude.

Waldo smiled and shook his head. "When it comes to taking people’s money, I always make sure to do my best. So, where’s the next place?"

Delgado eagerly asked.

Waldo nodded. "Sure, it’s just that..."

Delgado hurriedly inquired, "Just what?"

Waldo had some requests, as long as the guard camp could fulfill them, he would do his best. Waldo looked at Jerom, then at Delgado, smiled and didn’t say anything.

Delgado immediately understood. "Waldo, after all, Jerom is one of our guard camp members. Well, I hope you can save him some face and not make things too difficult for him."

Waldo chuckled. "I know, and he hasn’t harmed my interests. I’m not one to hold grudges over trivial matters."

Jerom looked at Delgado’s approval of Waldo’s behavior and realized he couldn’t escape this situation. He could only grit his teeth and say, "I’m willing to admit defeat. What do you want me to do?"

Waldo pondered for a moment and then smiled. "You just need to say it loudly in front of the guard camp soldiers: ’I’m sorry, Waldo.’"

Jerom was taken aback. Then, his face turned instantly red. "Waldo, don’t go too far! I’d rather die!"

Delgado also coughed on the side. "Waldo, it might be better to let him die."

"Just kidding," Waldo shrugged. "You can say, ’I’m sorry, Waldo,’ loudly in front of the guard camp soldiers."

"This punishment is lenient compared to before," Delgado immediately jumped in, attempting to defuse the situation for Jerom.

"Of course, since I’m the one who brought him up as a soldier, he must have high spirits!" Delgado added.

Waldo agreed with a nod. "Exactly, it’s good to have some spirit."

Delgado swiftly changed the topic. "Well, Waldo, let’s not waste any more time. We should move on to the next place."

Waldo nodded. "Sure thing."

Having witnessed Waldo’s abilities firsthand, Delgado was now thoroughly convinced. He promptly led Waldo to another more hidden outpost. These locations were all key points for the guard camp. Delgado’s willingness to bring Waldo here already represented a great deal of trust.

Waldo smoothly went about damaging the roots of these mutated plants. One location resolved. On to the next place. This area’s issue also sorted. Let’s continue!

Waldo’s busy figure kept appearing and disappearing within the guard camp. Given the vast territory under guard camp control, Waldo worked tirelessly for an entire day. Finally, all the mutated plants within the guard camp were eradicated.

At the guard camp’s cafeteria, on the second floor of a private room, Delgado raised his glass and toasted Waldo. By now, they had returned and were celebrating their success.

Though Waldo had initially intended to leave, he couldn’t decline Delgado’s hospitality and ended up staying for a few drinks. But unexpectedly, Delgado turned out to be a one-glass wonder. Just as Waldo picked up his glass, Delgado had already passed out.

Unable to help it, Waldo excitedly ran back home to spend some joyful time with his loving wife. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Meanwhile, in a bar in the Eastern District:

A man wearing a hooded cloak sat down in front of a handsome man.

The handsome man finished his drink in one gulp and said to the hooded man, "Jerom, we’re among friends here. No need to be nervous. You can take off your hood."

Jerom removed his hood and smiled. "Duncan, it’s good to see you again."

The man in front of Jerom was none other than the leader of the Golden Blades, Duncan. At some point, they had formed a connection.

Jerom’s face wasn’t looking too good despite his smile. After sitting down, he coldly snorted.

Duncan seemed delighted, sipping his drink, seemingly relaxed. "Jerom, your little embarrassment can’t compare to the pain of losing a loved one. We both have a common enemy."

"Stop right there. My enemy isn’t Waldo! I’m not so foolish. Is Waldo the legendary powerhouse people say he is? I still have some doubts. I just want to take down Delgado, take over the guard camp."

Jerom wasn’t blindly arrogant. They had access to information about Waldo too. Choosing to oppose Waldo at this moment was simply asking for trouble.

Duncan said, "Jerom, the guard camp is cooperating with Waldo now. Do you think Waldo will just sit idly by?"

Jerom said indifferently, "A top-tier survivor like Waldo teaming up with our guard camp is purely for those special metals and star grass, for personal gain. Don’t tell me Duncan, you think Delgado has charmed Waldo?"

Duncan raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. "Did Waldo really eliminate mutated plants in front of you all?"

Duncan had also considered recruiting Waldo at some point. However, like Delgado, he was also uncertain whether Waldo’s capabilities were real or not. He wondered if the real estate developer who provided the information had conspired with Waldo to create hype.

Learning that Waldo indeed had the ability to eradicate mutated plants somewhat caught Duncan off guard. "Could it really be true?"

Jerom wasn’t pleased. "Half the guard camp’s soldiers witnessed Waldo clearing the mutated plants, and I was publicly humiliated by him. Hmph!"

Jerom’s sudden hostility towards Waldo was a result of his prior plan with Duncan to sow discord. He never anticipated it would backfire so spectacularly.

Duncan suppressed his smile, saying calmly, "Jerom, your minor embarrassment doesn’t compare to the pain of losing a loved one, remember? We share a common enemy."

Jerom was unconvinced. "Duncan, don’t you forget our agreement. Once I take over the guard camp, I’ll team up with you to eliminate Waldo."

Jerom grinned. "Of course, I remember. It works out perfectly. We can save on resources by not having to cozy up to Waldo. He’s certainly strong, I admit that, but if both our forces unite against him, it shows that we still consider him a threat."

Duncan smiled back, raising his glass to clink with Jerom’s. "Jerom, sometimes I wonder, Delgado treats you quite well. Why did you come to me for collaboration?"