As the group finally emerged from the mouth of the dungeon, the shift in atmosphere was immediate—sunlight, open sky, and the warm breeze of the outside world greeted them. The girls looked refreshed, a faint glow lingering on their skin from their cultivation. Even the old herbalist, Master Belken, looked years younger.
"Mission complete," Zairon said with a smirk, handing over the confirmation slip at the guild desk.
The reward was distributed as agreed, but Zairon didn't seem to care much for the gold. His eyes had already drifted back to the red-marked section of the mission board—the real challenges.
His gaze locked onto one:
[S-RANK MISSION – GANG EXTERMINATION] Target: Crimson Fang Syndicate Leader: S-Rank Criminal - Varn Drask Details: Known for trafficking, black-market dealings, and multiple assassinations. Eliminate the entire group and bring back the leader's head. Reward: 10 million gold + special gear + high guild recognition. Requirement: Minimum 5-member party, all A-rank and above.
Zairon's eyes lit up. "Now that's more like it…"
But then he paused, counting in his head. "Five members… Tch. I'm short two."
Then a sly grin spread across his face as he turned around. The two beauties from before had just finished cashing in their own reward, still chatting and laughing.
"Ladies," he said smoothly, sliding in next to them, "it seems fate keeps pulling us together."
They raised a brow, clearly amused.
"Oh?" one of them asked, hands on hips. "Another mission already? Aren't you going to rest?"
"Rest?" Zairon chuckled, "The monsters rest when I do. Listen—this time it's an S-rank mission. Big gang, big fight, and even bigger reward. Only issue… I need five. You two interested in dragging in a couple more beautiful killers for the job?"
The other girl smirked. "Tempting us with danger and compliments? You are shameless."
Zairon grinned. "Shamelessly honest. Besides, with me in the party, the worst that could happen is that we win too fast."
The two girls looked at each other, then shrugged and nodded.
"Fine. We know just the two. A rogue assassin and a storm mage—both S-rank, both just as dangerous as they are pretty."
Zairon's grin widened even more. "Perfect. Tell them the sovereign is recruiting."
And with that, the party for his most dangerous mission yet began to form.