n

n

n

"I'm also known as a 'Hero'.

" The child, Jared, said with a bright smile.

nHero? What is that? Like some sort of savior or rescuer? This kid is someone like that?

n

"You look confused. I'm guessing you don't know what that means, do you?

" He said with a playful smile.

nI know the definition of the word of course, but from his tone and attitude, the context of 'Hero' he is referring to is not the normal one I know of.

n

"Well that doesn't matter anyway. I apologize for not being a suitable host. I hardly have visitors, you know?

" He smiled.

nHe snapped his fingers and suddenly four chairs appeared in front of us.

n

"W-What in the...?

" Talia and Shamac let out in shock.

nAna kept quiet, but from her expression it's fairly obvious that she's stunned as well. Well, she's not the only one. I sense no Divine Energy from his outfit, so it can't be the work of a Relic. I also sense no Divine Energy from his body, so he can't be an Apostle. I don't understand... Who is this boy?

n

"Please have your seats

" He smiled.

nHe snapped his fingers again and a chair appeared behind him, coupled with a huge desk in front of him and opposite us. He sat behind his desk and placed both hands on it, looking at us expectanty.

nHow is he doing that? It must be related to him being a hero in some way. There's so much mystery surrounding this entity. I can't seem to get a read on him, even with my heightened senses.

nI suppose he is waiting for us to sit as well. My slaves all looked at me with an unsure expression, waiting for my decision on what to do about the obviously suspicious kid.

n

"Let's play along with him for now.

" I decided.

nI gave them a nod and they immediately proceeded to have their seats. After they all sat, I also joined them, making sure I took the chair in the middle. Ana also shared the spot with me while Talia and Shamac sat at the left and right edge respectively.

n

"I'm sure you're all wondering what you're doing here

" He started off, placing his hands on his chin, having a relaxed expression.

nHis nonchalant tone and bright personality is getting on my nerves a little. He is right though, I am curious.

n

"After witnessing your results and clear time, it seems the examination body became suspicious of the credibility of those reports. Before anyone knew it, the dissatisfaction reached the Guildmaster himself. Because such a situation like this hasn't been experienced in such a long time, you guys are currently under the suspicion of cheating in one way or the other for your tests.

" Jared stated.

n

"What?!

"

n

"How can you say that?

"

nShamac and Talia said, rising from their seats in anger as they banged the table. It looks like Shamac is getting more assertive. It's good progress in his personality, but that isn't needed now.

nI raised my hand a bit, calming them down. They looked apologetic and returned to their seats.

n

"What is the rationale behind that conclusion. To the best of my knowledge, when I took the test it seems like it was already designed not to allow any form of malpractice. We all followed the rules as well, so what seems to be the problem?

" I asked in a calm manner.

nJared smiled at my careful and organized words.

n

"In all honesty, you are correct. There is no definite or obvious flaws in your result. It is so perfect, that it is considered too perfect, if you understand what I mean. You guys did too well, and so they wondered whether you manipulated your supervisors to give you said scores, or if you are actually enemies with ulterior motives.

" He replied.

nI see. The Adventurers Guild is wary of us due to our appearance as highly influential individuals, who would normally not be seen trying to become Adventurers. Adding that to our performance, it is only normal to conclude that we might have used underhanded methods or possess a hidden agenda.

n

"I understand. How does that have to do with you though?

" I asked.

n

"About that... Like I said, I am the Book Keeper here. Every single record of the Guild is stored here, and I am in charge of that. Normally, I wouldn't be bothered with internal problems such as this, but you see... The Guild is conflicted. That's why they consulted me

"

n

"If it turns out you guys are actually innocent and we wrongly accuse you, it means we lose excellent fighting power and potential Top Adventurers. However, if the Guild is right and you are actually a threat, then you must be disposed of quickly and without any interference

" Jared said, still maintaining his smile.

nThis boy...

n

"You've still not answered my question. How does that have to do with you?

" I said with a slight glare.

n

"Easy, easy. The thing is, I fulfill the conditions to handle whichever of the scenarios that happens to be your case. You see, contrary to how I look, I'm really strong

" He confidently replied.

nJust as I thought. So that's what they had in mind.

n

"That being the case, I have good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?

" He asked.

nWe remained silent as I watched him with a suspicious gaze. He also seems to keep his eye or at least, a portion of his attention on me for some reason.

n

"I guess I'll just have to say it then

"

n

"Good news is that you guys will retake the test. If you pass, you'll be accepted as Adventurers, we'll even give you a high rank compared to others who merely their exams. That's like instant promotion!

" Jared explained.

n

"Bad news is....Should you guys fail, you'll be eliminated right here and now.

" He smiled.

n

"You can't refuse, you can't escape... You can only accept. So what will it be?

"

nSilence enveloped the atmosphere as I closed my eyes for a moment. Admittedly, this is unexpected. I truly did not see this coming. The plan was to pass the test and begin our lives as Adventurers. I did expect some suspicion and Interference, but not to this scale. And this person calling himself a 'Hero'... He's an anomaly in the grand scheme of things. If possible, I'd like to eliminate him, but doing so at this point will greatly injure my plan.

nFor now, it seems there's only one option for me and my slaves.

n

"Fine, we'll retake the rest. But on one condition...

" I said to him, resting my chin on both my hands.

nJared seems surprised by my quick answer, but also concerning my last statement.

n

"A condition? I believe I told you already, you have no choice! If you refuse, you'll die. There's no reason for me to accept your condition if the alternative is death for you anyway

" Jared said with a sly smile.

n

"Maybe you're right. But it'll be your loss.

" I responded.

n

"Uh? My loss? How?

" Jared asked.

nGood. He has taken the bait.

n

"The Adventurers Guild could have just killed us off instead of letting us go through this elaborate process, even involving you into this, but they did. The reason for that is obvious. It's like you said, they don't know for sure. At the hands of the Guild, we could prove to invaluable and a phenomenal force. However, if you eliminate us now, that ideal future will cease to be.

" I explained.

n

"Yeah, so what?

" Jared asked, still refusing to accept my point.

n

"If you kill us without taking the test, it's the same as making a choice when you've not seen the results and are not certain. Clearly you'll want to avoid it at all costs since there's a chance we can be useful to you. Besides, you should really consider my condition. You have my word that it's not something the Guild can't provide.

nJared kept quiet for some time, pondering upon what I said as he placed his hand on his chin. He stared at me and I stared back. He still has doubts, that much is obvious and he doesn't trust me especially. He mostly sees everyone here as nothing which is why I am at the center of his attention.

n

"Fine, let me hear you condition first

"

nI smiled. Good boy, taking the bait. Now all I have to do is make sure to reel him in and never let go.

n

"If we beat you, promote us to the Highest Rank within the Adventurers Guild,

" I declared

n

"What?!

"

nEveryone in the room expressed shock, even Jared dropped his jaw.

n

"Kukukukukuahahahahaha

" He suddenly burst out in laughter as little tears formed in his eyes. He roared in hevay laughter as he chuckled heartily before finally calming down.

n

"And why in the word would I even consider your request, not to talk of even accepting it?

" He asked amusedly.

nThis is it.... The part where I provoke him

n