"Once again, I welcome you all. I am very grateful for the actions you performed in my absence. Rio Xarion, for defeating the monster who assaulted and nearly destroyed this city... Truly, thank you!

" He declared, bowing his head in respect.

Just as I thought. Like all simpletons, Galandel was no different. Every man respects only the strong.

A grin appeared on my face and I shrugged, seemingly nonchalant about the entire thing.

"I was only doing what I set out to. It's a shame that the monster escaped from the Boss Room and caused so much damage to the city. If only I was a little earlier...

"

Galandel's face partially fell too, reflecting on the incident as well.

"No, you shouldn't blame yourself. To be honest, it's all my fault. If only I was present when the monster came... I would have been able to do something...

" He muttered.

What an idiot! Even if you were present, what could you have done against Wrath, I mused.

"It couldn't have been avoided. You're here now, so it's better to make the most of it.

"

Silence pervaded the room as soon as I made that statement, and for a moment I felt like I said something wrong. But...

"Hahahahahahahaha!

" Galandel burst out in a laugh.

Tears rolled from his eyes as he bellowed loudly, filling the room with his voice.

"Oh, you're an amusing one!

" He chuckled even more.

I stared at him blankly at the cheerful man, wondering what made him react in such a manner.

"You are right though... I'm sorry for showing a weak side of myself. Now that I'm here, I should do better.

"

I nodded, unwilling to go further into the man's stupidly cheerful personality.

"Now then, there's something I need to talk to you about... It's the main reason I called you here.

" He said, walking to his seat.

Finally! We're getting to the good part.

He sat down, pressing a button that slightly glowed dark purple.

Instantly, three chairs appeared before his table. The neatly made wooden structures stood before us, and Galandel urged us to sit.

I proceeded to the chair, after which Shamac and Ruth did the same.

After we had all gotten our seats, I stared at him expectantly, waiting for him to spill the beans.

"First of... I have to say this... Your group, you aren't normal, are you?

" Galandel stated.

Ruth and Shamac were a little flustered by his words, staring suspiciously at him. However, I was not fazed in the slightest. I had already noticed his perception.

"I can't sense anything from you, Rio... and your partner, Ruth was it? Just what are you people...?!

" His eyes narrowed as he stared at us.

I let out a smile, making Shamac and Ruth nervous by my reaction.

"Your other party members too, he doesn't feel human. He's a Shifter, isn't he?

" He added.

Clearly, he was fishing for something.

Well, that's enough

"Just get straight to your point, Galandel.

" I suddenly cut in.

My voice caused an intimidating pressure to fill the room, and even the Guildmaster shivered in my presence.

"W-well, I just...

" Sweat appeared on his face.

What is this? Why am I experiencing this amount of force from this man? He appeared to be thinking.

"I do not discriminate between races, Galandel. Shamac is my close ally, and that is all that matters.

"

"O-of course, I just-

" He stuttered.

"As for me and my friend here. I believe you're being a little rude... There are Relics made for these things. I don't believe you should overthink these things.

" I gave a dark smile.

Of course, he got my message instantly and stopped fishing.

Now, go straight to the point, simpleton!

His bright personality finally faded, and a serious expression took over.

"We have a problem... Lamar is dying...

" He finally let out.

Bingo!

Of course, I was aware of the current condition of the city. The major workforce had drastically reduced while the workload ad had gotten even more.

It was going to end in the ruin of this city with the way things were going.

"More Monsters have begun appearing from nowhere, and Adventurers are quitting daily due to their inability to cope any longer. At the rate things are headed... In a few months' time Lamar will be done for!

"

His frustrated tone made me confirm just how difficult the situation was. All of the Vice Guildmaster, Rai's, Relics were destroyed, and the Guildmaster alone could only do so much.

He had no choice but to turn to me.

Just as planned!

"I see...

" I stated, waiting for him to say what he needed to.

"I just resumed office after my trip to the Royal Capital, but everything is looking so messed up already. I have to supervise the city and I also have many duties to carry out. It's impossible for me to split my attention to all the many issues that are troubling this city.

" He kept blabbering.

"Galandel, get to the point.

" I snapped.

There was a limit to my 'nice guy' act.

"Galandel, uh? It seems you've long discarded the initial respect you displayed...

" He remarked with a slight chuckle.

"Considering your actions up until now, I can only call it natural. If I could tolerate your abrupt 'test', then this much should be allowed

" I responded ruefully.

"Haha, fair enough!

" He said, flustered by my defiant speech.

What a pushover, pathetic.

"Rio Xarion... This city needs your help!

" He said.

See? That wasn't so hard, now was it, Galandel?

I was silent, refusing to utter a single word after Galandel spoke.

My reaction toward what he said made Galandel begin to exhibit signs of discomfort. He anxiously waited for an answer, but I gave him none.

"O-of course, we will compensate you well. And we'll provide whatever support you need, so please...

"

Now that's more like it. Appear more desperate.

"... What did you say, sir Rio Xarion?

"

Now that I had proven to him who had the upper hand in the conversation, it was finally time to rise to the occasion.

"Galandel... Do you know the reason I became an Adventurer?

" My low voice commanded silence from everything else, making everyone in the room hear me.

He shook his head slowly, still locking eyes with me.

"It wasn't for the sake of becoming a hero, or for fame and glory...

"

Upon hearing these words I uttered, he became nervous, thinking I would give him an unfavorable response.

He seemed to contemplate protesting, but quickly stopped himself, lest he annoy me.

"... I became an Adventurer to fight!

" I said decisively, shocking Galandel who already had a more disappointing expectation.

"That's the reason I wanted to be promoted to the top rank in the first place. I want a challenge, something that will make my blood boil and my heart race!

" I smiled slightly.

A more relieved expression replaced the Guildmaster's troubled face.

"D-does that mean... you'll do it?

" He asked with a sparkle in his eyes.

Of course, I intend on taking care of the problems of Lamar, making a greater reputation for myself. However, I have no intention of selling myself short.

The reward and support the Guildmaster tried promising were nonexistent. There was no way a struggling city could fully compensate for the subjugation of a large scale, or give their support.

Even if they could provide me with whatever little they had, I didn't have any need for it.

I'm probably worth more than all the kingdoms in the world, anyway.

"I have one condition in exchange for my assistance,

" I answered.

"A-ah...?

" He let out with curiosity and slight fear.

"Don't worry, it's a simple thing... Let no one get in my way!

" I said with authority in my tone.

I did not need interference from such a pitiful force. Besides, I didn't need to share the glory with anyone.

"That's all? But even for you, are you sure you'll be able to handle everything...?

" He asked.

Who does he think I am? Ths fool and the rest of the city doesn't understand, and never will... but the challenges they are currently facing was orchestrated by me!

"

"Do not underestimate me!

"

My intimidating voice sent shivers down Galandel's spine, making him nod instantly.

"I understand! A-anything else?

" He instantly answered.

"Oh, there is one final thing I would like to discuss with you...

" I remarked, recollecting a reform that came to mind.

The Adventurers structure was collapsing, and if nothing was done, eventually there wouldn't be a stable profession of renown in this city of Adventurers.

"It's about-

"

I instantly froze upon sensing a presence approaching the room.

"Yes? Sir Rio Xarion...?

" Galandel asked, curious about my sudden halt in speech.

He wasn't feeling the sensation I was having. Ruth had a feel of it, but as the one with the highest sensitivity, it was glaring to me.

Something is coming!

>ZWOOOOOOSSSHHHH<

A warbling sound, followed by the rushing of wind appeared around us. White light and a disgustingly pure ambiance filled the room.

"Now this is quite the interesting conversation...

" A sonorous voice rang out, indicating a firm personality behind the tone.

Two individuals clad in white appeared before us, and I could recognize the Aspect signature they exuded by their mere presence.

"These are.... Apostles!

" My thoughts rang.