Henry Carter was the same as before. For the original Henry Carter, joining the army was just a way to earn some rations to support his family. He never expected that for most of the year, he’d be working for nothing, and on top of that, he had to put up with mistreatment every day at the post. He was growing more and more unwilling to do this job. But for the current Henry Carter, he would not give up this soldier’s profession. In these chaotic times, having a military status meant an extra layer of protection for himself and his family.

　　Thomas Bell exchanged a few words with the others, then turned to look around: “By the way, where did that Big Fool Carter go?”

　　Henry Carter had always been his main laborer, and now that his own fields needed to be sown for autumn, he naturally couldn’t do without this strong man’s help.

　　Everyone looked around, and just then, they saw Henry Carter striding over, fully equipped—not only holding a spear in his hand, but also with a saber at his waist, and a bow and quiver slung across his back.

　　He already had a burly, imposing build, and now, fully armed and with a sharp gaze, he walked with the bearing of a dragon or tiger—truly impressive.

　　Seeing him like this, everyone felt a strange sensation rise in their hearts. Thomas Bell cursed, “Where the hell did you run off to? Did you go looking for a fight again?”

　　The others nearby looked on with schadenfreude, and a cold glint flashed in Henry Carter’s eyes!

Chapter 003: Do You Believe It or Not?

　　He walked up to Thomas Bell without a change in expression, cupped his fists, and said, “Bell Jr., I’d like to ask for a few days off. The autumn sowing is about to start, and at home there’s only my old mother and young wife—just two women, and I’m afraid they can’t handle it all. So I plan to go home for a few days, and I’ll come right back as soon as it’s done.”

　　Thomas Bell was taken aback, but before he could speak, David Miller on the side said sarcastically, “Henry Carter, you know Bell Jr. needs people here, and you choose this moment to leave—what’s your game?”

　　Henry Carter slowly looked at him, a trace of disdain in his eyes, and said contemptuously, “I’m talking to Bell Jr.. Since when is it your turn, you useless coward, to butt in?”

　　As soon as he said this, everyone present was left gaping. David Miller shouted in disbelief, “You damn Big Fool Carter, how dare you talk to me like that? You must have a death wish.”

　　He was about to rush forward and grab Henry Carter, but Henry Carter stepped up and punched him square in the face.

　　With a “whoosh,” the powerful fist landed hard on David Miller’s face, sending him tumbling and flying out.

　　David Miller got up, his face and mouth covered in blood, several front teeth knocked out. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and shrieked, “You bastard, how dare you hit me! I’ll fight you to the death!”

　　He charged forward recklessly, but saw a foot coming at him—Henry Carter swept his leg sideways, kicking him in the shoulder. David Miller spat out a mouthful of blood, rolled several times, and landed heavily on the ground like a sack, so much in pain he couldn’t even groan, his whole body just twitching.

　　Henry Carter pointed at him and cursed, “You filthy scum! I work myself to death at the post every day—am I supposed to just let you boss me around here? Today I’ll beat you to death!”

　　He went up to grab David Miller’s body, but several voices shouted at once, “Don’t!”

　　David Miller’s wife, Madam Liu, rushed forward and clung tightly to Henry Carter’s leg, her face covered in tears. She pleaded, “Buddy Carter, please, don’t hit him anymore—if you keep going, someone will die! It’s all my husband’s fault. I apologize to you on his behalf.”

　　Henry Carter stopped, looked at Madam Liu for a moment, and said calmly, “Since you’re pleading, I’ll let him go today. But you should talk some sense into Buddy David, so he won’t regret it later.”

　　He gently pulled his leg free from Madam Liu’s grasp, glanced sideways at Thomas Bell, and said coolly, “Bell Jr., about my leave—what do you say?”

　　Thomas Bell had just been watching in a daze, and only snapped out of it when Henry Carter asked. He was both shocked and angry, pointing at Henry Carter, stammering for a long time, “You… you, Henry Carter, you’ve got some nerve!…”

　　Suddenly, he shrieked, “You still want to take leave? You bastard, I’ll—”

　　He stopped mid-sentence, because Henry Carter’s spear was pointed right at his throat, and Thomas Bell froze on the spot.

　　Henry Carter stared at him coldly, enunciating each word: “If you dare insult me again—damn you, do you believe I’ll stab you to death right here?”

　　The post was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone looked on in disbelief. John Grant stared at Henry Carter with his mouth wide open, drooling without realizing it. His brother Charles Grant also dropped his usual lazy demeanor, his eyes sharp and fixed on Henry Carter. Even Thomas Bell’s wife, Madam Wang, was stunned.

　　Was this still the same timid, cowardly Big Dummy Carter as before? Though everyone had noticed some changes in Henry Carter recently, they never expected this…

　　Sensing the dangerous aura from Henry Carter, everyone instinctively moved a little farther away from him.

　　Thomas Bell broke out in a cold sweat, the icy spear tip making his whole body break out in goosebumps. He stammered, “Buddy Carter, careful… be careful…”