Chapter 87: Deal

[00 Months: 05 Days: 02 Hours]

"Guildmaster Benard," I began, looking across the room at the man who had, just moments ago, offered me a hand of friendship and alliance.

He tilted his head slightly, an inviting gesture for me to continue. "Yes, Luke?"

"There's something else I want to discuss," I said, my tone serious. "I wish to become a registered Adventurer in Terance."

His eyes widened with surprise, his mouth slightly open as he took in what I'd said. He probably hadn't expected that, considering my strength and capabilities.

'But when you look at it in another way, it makes sense that a strong person like me isn't an Adventurer since he would have at least heard some rumors about my accomplishments if that was the case.'

Still, there was the question of "Why now?" that could be raised by him. Hopefully, the conversation wouldn't steer that far.

"You aren't already a licensed Adventurer?" Benard questioned, his tone showing his disbelief.

I nodded, and he seemed to collect his thoughts, sitting back slightly in his chair.

"Well, ordinarily, the process is quite stringent. We need to assess the capabilities of an applicant, their intentions, background, you know, a lot of formalities..."

I listened attentively as he explained the typical steps: a detailed interview process, a series of aptitude tests, and an assessment of one's abilities by an established adventurer. It all sounded quite tedious, and I was beginning to wonder if it was worth it.

'I mean, there are existent advantages, but the main reason I want that status is for the upcoming expedition to the Wild Lands.'

The Lyma Family only employed registered Adventurers as mercenaries, and they would never consider someone with no background or license like me.

Which was why I needed to be registered as soon as possible.

'So help me out Benard. Okay?' My thoughts echoed as I gazed at him.

He paused, looking at me with a thoughtful gaze. "But considering our current understanding and your proven strength," he continued, "it's clear you surpass all our typical thresholds for qualification."

'Alright! Just what I wanted to hear.'

With a wry smile, he added, "And since I'm the Guildmaster, I have the authority to make some... exceptions."

'Looks like things are going smoothly.' A smile crept up my face.

I had been getting a little worried when he started bringing up those processes, but it turned out to merely be a prelude.

It could be that Benard simply wanted me to know how much I owed him, which was why he used such a roundabout way to tell me he was going to make the process swifter.

'Of course, I understand.' I grinned internally, hiding my true countenance from the Guildmaster before me.

I waited as he let out a small laugh. Find your next adventure on m_v l|e-NovelFire.net

"So, how about this, Luke? Come by the Guild office tomorrow morning. I'll get you your Adventurer's badge then. No lengthy processes needed."

The relief that washed over me was immediate. "Thank you, Guildmaster Benard," I said, sincerely grateful for his assistance.

He waved his hand dismissively, standing from his seat. "No need for formalities, Luke. After all, we are allies now, aren't we?"

'Damn straight we are.' I nodded, still maintaining my smile.

With a warm smile, he moved towards the door, pausing just before he exited.

"I'll be expecting you at the office tomorrow. Don't keep me waiting too long."

"I won't. I'll see you then."

He leaked one final aged smile before leaving my room, most likely returning to his office in order to prepare for the arrival of the Lyma Family delegate that would occur this evening.

'All things considered, it'll take a while for the delegate to settle before they announce the expedition. I should be able to get my license before that happens.'

Everything seemed to be going well.

As the door closed behind him, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.

Becoming a registered Adventurer, this was the next big step.

'It's one thing to have personal strength, but to have official recognition and authority, it was an entirely different ball game.'

To advance in this world, I needed both power and recognition.

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[Several Hours Later]

<Location: Barren Lands (Path to Terance)>

~BOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!~

The golden rays of the setting sun were almost entirely blotted out by the dust and chaos of the ongoing battle.

The serene, tranquil evening had been abruptly turned into a tumultuous war zone as a group of bandits descended upon a regal, well-guarded carriage.

"Protect the Young Lady!" The chief guard barked orders at his men, his face drawn tight with desperation.

The guards fanned out, drawing their enchanted blades and spears.

The air around them crackled with the raw energy emanating from the magical weapons.

However, even their superior weapons were no match for the sheer number of bandits.

The chief guard was an impressive figure, a master of Martial Arts.

His body glowed with a dazzling crimson aura that extended from his hands in lethal blasts. He moved with the lethal grace of a predator, felling bandits left and right.

His energy blasts ripped through the air, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Yet, for all his strength and valor, he was fighting a losing battle.

The leader of the bandits stepped forward, a cruel grin spread across his weather-beaten face.

He brandished a small, mysterious gem in his hand that deflected the chief guard's energy blasts.

"An impenetrable barrier," he crowed, his laugh echoing through the night.

"Makes me invincible!"

With that, he lunged at the chief guard, his movements bolstered by another enchanted item which was the necklace tied around his neck.

~WHOOOOSSSHHHH!~

He moved so fast that he was just a blur, his powerful strikes enhanced by the item.

Despite the chief guard's best efforts, he couldn't stand against this sudden onslaught. He fell, his body hitting the ground with a heavy thud.

~BOOOOM!~

"Y-you... no way. This technique. You are..." Sёarch* The novёlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"You all thought I was dead, didn't you?" The bandit leader grinned widely, a murderous gleam reflecting in his eyes as he stared at the chief guard.

"N-no. It's not like that. We didn't know... we wanted to come back for you and-"

~SQUELCH!~

With a powerful thrust, the merciless head of the bandits pierced the chief guard's heart without bothering to let him conclude his statement.

"I don't care what you say. They're all lies anyway." He muttered.

The silence that followed was eerie and heavy.

The bandit leader surveyed the scene of the battle, his grin widening as he noted the absence of any other guards. He strode to the carriage, the other bandits laughing and whooping in triumph.

"Hahaha! As expected of our leader!"

"They didn't stand a chance!"

"Looks like we're finished here."

The man who led the bandits, Fenrir, was as hairy as a wolf, with fang-like teeth and blazing blue hair.

He had a large scar that disfigured his face, making him appear both intimidating and powerful.

With a powerful yank, he tore the carriage doors open, revealing the terrified young woman inside.

"E-eek!"

"Well, well," he drawled, "The Lyma Family Delegate. Aren't we a precious thing?"

Fenrir's laughter echoed around the clearing as the bandits closed in on the carriage, their cruel mirth a chilling contrast to the young woman's stark terror.

"We'll be taking you with us," he told her, his grin never leaving his face.

"Don't struggle if you value your life."

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[A/N]

What will happen from this point on? Stick around to find out!

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