Chapter 265: The Figures In The Shadows Makes Their Move
Temporarily postponing his quest selection, Shye dragged Seira into an empty corner, prompting eyes to turn their way as their guildmates' imaginations went wild.
Shye and Seira weren't in any relationship of that sort though.
They resembled more of a boss and subordinate dynamic at the moment, given Seira's willingness to agree to Shye's terms to be accepted into his party.
Although slightly nervous, Seira's eyes remained determined.
It seems that beneath her jolly disposition lies a desperate young woman with a thorny problem.
Well, at least for now, Shye didn't give a single damn about her problem.
"I'm not gonna ask you about your reasons, however, I want you to know that it would be very dangerous to join me. For instance, the quest I'm looking for right now is of (B-) rank." Shye whispered, his face—dead serious.
Naturally, such a ridiculous statement dumbfounded Seira.
A gold-ranked adventurer taking on a (B-) quest?
Normally, one would be labeled crazy, however, after watching how easily Shye dismantled a rookie who would probably give her some trouble should the two of them fight, Seira couldn't help but think that maybe Shye could do it.
Promptly after though, the questions that truly mattered popped up in her mind.
'Can I do it? Will I survive if I go with him?'
Her heart momentarily gripped by fear and reality, Seira clenched her fists tighter.
"I see…even so, I still want to try…I really need to rise the ranks quickly…" Seira replied, her eyes ablaze with determination.
Seeing her resolve, Shye was moved.
"Fine, you better listen to me at all times, otherwise, you have to deal with the consequences of your actions by yourself. Also, whatever happens, stays a secret between the two of us, understood? You'll have to swear on a memory crystal for this one. If you can't agree to my conditions then I'm afraid we can't form a party anymore."
Seira wasn't that stupid.
She knows that Shye likely has some secrets he needs to keep.
However, she couldn't care less about his secrets, all she cared about was promotion to the main branch.
Previously, she had no clue how to accomplish that goal within two and a half years.
However, now she at least has a chance, and she's determined not to squander it, even if it means losing a few friends in exchange for obtaining the trust of a new, much more talented one.
She knows she isn't as talented as Shye but she's at least confident in her skills.
"O-Okay, I agree to your conditions."
Nodding with a stern expression on his face, Shye and Seira headed towards the quest board.
Shye already saw a suitable quest earlier, hence, upon arriving at the quest board, he simply grabbed the (B-) ranked quest he was gunning for.
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Hunt: Winged Boarger
Quest Rank: B-
Details: Retrieve ten pieces of claws, two tusks, and a pair of wings from a Winged Boarger.
Location: Side Birch Forest, Bwenja Advanced Adventurer Zone
Recommended Party Size: 4 and above
Rewards: 5,000 silver coins and 800 contribution points.
Time limit (Countdown starts upon registration): 14 days
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Catching a glimpse of what their target was, Seira gulped nervously.
She couldn't help but shake in fear and anxiety, making her question if her decisions were right, however, she also knew that there might be no other way to achieve promotion in two and a half years if she didn't cling tightly to this super rookie.
Thus, albeit trembling, Seira didn't say anything, allowing Shye to register the quest under both of their names.
Now, it was do or die.
"S-Sir Crowley, I do understand that I'm not in a position to question your decisions, however, Winged Boargers are weak against full parties but extremely dangerous for a two-man party. Are you sure you want to register this quest under your name?" Receptionist Aya asked anxiously.
She was aware that Shye was a special rookie, however, she just couldn't fathom how a young, recently graduated adventurer could take down a creature that could rip apart an entire party of platinum-ranked adventurers.
Under normal circumstances, a party must have at least two or three ruby-ranked adventurers to even have a chance to defeat this vicious creature.
Shye and Seira's two-man party simply seemed insufficient in her eyes.
"Yes, Miss Aya. I appreciate the concern, however, I assure you that our capabilities are enough for us to succeed on this quest." Shye politely replied, making Seira even more uneasy. "Right, Seira?"
She didn't know what Shye was planning but she was sure of one thing: her abilities were certainly nowhere near enough!
Still, she hadn't seen this boss big brother of hers fail before.
He must have some kind of plan.
Forcing a stiff smile to emerge on her face, Seira backed Shye's claims up.
"Y-Yes, Aya, w-we will s-succeed on this quest so don't worry!"
Hearing Seira's words, Aya couldn't help but sigh.
She already did her part.
All she could do now was hope that these two likable individuals wouldn't perish.
"The quest is now registered under your names, Sir Crowley and Miss Ramah. I wish you luck." Aya said, slightly dejected as she bowed toward Shye and Seira.
"Thank you, Miss Aya."
After politely reciprocating Aya's sincere bow Shye and Seira left the branch headquarters.
Stepping out of the establishment, the two moon's subtle silver glow caressed their eyelids.
It was already nighttime, however, Bwenja Advanced Adventurer Zone wasn't that far.
To maximize efficiency, the two-man, gold-platinum party headed straight towards the zone's lobby which was around four hours away.
This time, Seira didn't dare complain and she wasn't in the mood to talk as she was still worried about her upcoming fate.
She didn't want to die.
Due to her unusual silence, the two-man party enjoyed a serene night walk, basking in the moon's gentle light as they sauntered along the dimly lit pathway towards the Bwenja Advanced Adventurer Zone's lobby where the two of them would sleep.
It was only around 7 in the evening.
Shye estimated that they would arrive at the zone's lobby at exactly 11 PM so there was still ample time for them to sleep.
Only, he didn't expect that their serene amble would be disturbed as grating chuckles sounded from the shadows.
Shye quickly looked around.
Promptly after, his countenance darkened as he realized the situation they were in.
The specific area they were in was simply perfect for assassinations.
Once the surrounding laughter died down, around ten figures emerged from the shadows, prompting Shye to narrow his eyes into slits as he recognized who the leader of the assassination squad was.
"Heh, Mason, you still haven't learned your lesson? Your brain sure is small."