The Guardian's Return by Old Pumpkin

Nolan was getting anxious. Stephen had recovered and would be back in Hill City in no time. Besides, with Stephen having met with Jeremy, Nolan was worried that Jeremy might've said things he should not.

Adding to that, the South Regent's forces were about to return to Hill City, and he also had to rescue the South Regent's men. He started planning how to rescue them while discreetly finding out what Jeremy and Stephen talked about. However, when he learned that Jeremy did not mention him, he sighed in relief.

Two days later, Stephen returned to Hill City, accompanied by Ganter and Austin. Ganter had promised Ethan to become a psychologist in Hill City, and Austin realized that he still had much to learn after this incident, so he decided to tag along with Ganter.

Stephen was very grateful to Ganter and Austin as both of them had essentially saved his life. Hence, he arranged accommodations for them and even bought a storefront for Ganter.

"If you need anything in the future, just let me know. I will solve it for you."

After settling them down, Stephen resumed managing Hill City.

Nolan had taken over for the past few days, and upon seeing Stephen's return, he smiled. "Stephen, you're finally better. After getting past this hurdle, it'll be smooth sailing from now on."

"Yeah." Stephen nodded. "Thank you for the past few days. Did anything happen?"

Nolan said, "Hill City's situation remains the same."

shut down. No prominent businesses

various reports and felt a headache coming. "Let's have

had too many pressing issues that needed to be addressed right away— the worsening economy, the lack of new businesses entering the city, population loss, the culprit behind the cross-border trades, and the rampant

When Stephen listed the problems, everyone was momentarily dazed. It felt like they had

the whole Riveria had faced the same problems.

that time, foreigners could easily infiltrate Riveria, and various factions brazenly conducted sales of

"Actually, Hill City has experienced the same

eyes lit up. If the problems had been solved

problems get

glances but

Stephen frowned. “Speak!"

the mayor, Julius, led everyone to resolve those issues," someone answered, their

stunned. Julius was dead; he had

Stephen. Had

grew a little anxious. Everyone knew what happened to Stephen recently, and they were worried he might

the archives. He must've recorded such

Julius' house as well. Perhaps he left notes on the