---

Chapter 101: Count Me In

The head of the Purple Magic School, Marvin Cassandra, was found to be colluding with a cult, prompting the Mage Association to use this as an excuse to launch a forced search of the Purple Magic School and put its higher-ups under house arrest. Any resistance would be met with force.

How could a prestigious academy tolerate such intimidation?

This was essentially a declaration of war.

In no time, unrest spread among the public, though their concerns were more a topic for casual conversation than a source of genuine anxiety.

Even though Veszyra hadn’t seen large-scale conflicts for over a decade, people felt a twinge of panic at the thought of power struggles resurfacing.

But ultimately, it was obvious that six major factions were ganging up on one.

That’s probably why everyone was relatively calm.

At the Adventurers’ Guild, there wasn’t just tension; it was the exact opposite—almost festive!

A Red Mage stood on a makeshift platform, loudly calling out in an attempt to recruit adventurers for an assault on the Purple Magic School.

However, the adventurers were strangely disinterested, with hardly anyone responding.

Usually, adventurers were focused on hunting monsters, acting as guards, and getting involved in power struggles was like a cat chasing a mouse—only worth considering if they had absolutely nothing better to do.

Of course, if the rewards were rich enough, some might still be tempted to join in.

But really, what rewards could there possibly be in one-sided battles?

A handful of inexperienced adventurers wanted to ask the mage about the situation but were cut off by a loud thunderous voice.

“Only fools would get involved in a job with no rewards!”

A few young adventurers were about to get riled up, but as they looked closer, they swallowed their rude remarks.

B-Rank Adventurer, Sequence 8’s “Thunder Lance,” Reid!

Being a B-Rank was already enough to lead a small team, and this particular guy was well-respected for his participation in the defeat of Black Claw. Even among B-Ranks, he was the most prominent figure around.

Regular adventurers certainly wouldn’t dare disrespect such a senior.

Reid flicked his stylish short hair and leaned back casually, preparing to lecture.

“Listen up, kids.”

“Only when the situation is tense or decidedly unfavorable will employers begin to offer decent rewards.”

“Like this time—the Purple Magic School isn’t even a match for the association. If you went, you’d just be tagging along!”

In fact, even the Red Mage realized this. After a few loud calls, he quieted down, ordered some ale, and began openly slacking off.

Then, a figure clad in black stepped through the door.

Instantly, the noise in the guild subsided slightly.

An A-Rank Adventurer, the “Sword Demon”!

Months ago, he’d taken down one of the seven most wanted men, Black Claw, and rumor had it he recently faced three Sequence 7 powerhouses at an underground auction and held his own!

To incite panic, the association had kept detailed information about the cultists under wraps, but even so, the situation seemed outrageous to all.

It was known that the highest adventurers topped out at Sequence 7. Being able to face three at once, even among A-Ranks, was rare.

A public appearance by an A-Rank adventurer usually implied substantial quests, and any commission that would interest the Sword Demon must be quite significant.

But what did that have to do with them?

Curiosity aside, people quickly lost interest in the Sword Demon.

After all, such powerhouses were in an entirely different realm.

Just as they were about to turn their gazes away from the Sword Demon, they widened their eyes one by one.

Because the black-clad swordsman walked straight up to the Red Mage.

The mage, who was busy drinking, quickly stood up and asked the formidable figure respectfully but somewhat hesitantly, “Is there something you need?”

“I heard the association is recruiting adventurers.” Roy paused, lowering his voice, “I want to sign up.”

After a moment of silence, the Red Mage gaped, managing a stammer: “…Huh?”

This was probably the thought echoing in the minds of all the adventurers present.

Wait, with so many commissions hanging on the wall, aren’t you an A-Rank powerhouse? Is it really necessary to jump into a one-sided fight?!

Finally, the crowd began to get curious about the underlying reasons.

But no matter what, they wouldn’t dare approach the A-Rank powerhouse.

So instead, they gathered around Reid.

“Hey, Thunder Lance, aren’t you close with the Sword Demon?”

“Right! Is there some inside scoop on the association’s mission? Spill it!”

“You tell others not to go, yet you don’t want to miss out, do you?”

Reid looked dumbfounded.

“Even if there is inside info, how the hell would I know?!”

“Then go ask the Sword Demon! Aren’t you like his battle buddy?”

“…”

Sweat poured down Reid’s face.

Earlier, he had spun a bunch of tall tales to ride the coattails of the Black Claw takedown, claiming he was tight with the Sword Demon.

In reality, he had barely exchanged ten words with the guy, so how could he dare to approach him and ask?

Fortunately, he didn’t have to stew for long.

Because another figure approached the Sword Demon.

“Hey, isn’t that the Sword Demon?”

A robust young man scratched his head, flashing a big toothy grin. He looked enthusiastic yet unconsciously hunched a bit.

He was none other than A-Rank adventurer “Fighter,” Hex.

However, he still vividly remembered the pain of being hit like a punch to the city wall, as well as the Sword Demon’s sharp skills that could contend with any Undead Knight. All his prior bravado had vanished.

Roy turned around, maintaining the image of a top-tier expert, and nodded lightly in acknowledgment.

Seeing that the Sword Demon didn’t look down on him, Hex gathered his courage: “Sorry about the trouble back then; I didn’t mean to cause you any hassle.”

“No problem.”

“But, Sword Demon, why are you getting involved with the association? Is there something going on?”

As soon as these words left his mouth, the Red Mage stared in shock while the crowd of adventurers perked up their ears, waiting for the Sword Demon’s response.

However, all they got in return was a deep silence.

The atmosphere felt oddly heavy, even Hex’s smile stiffened a bit.

But the one truly put on the spot was Roy.

He was stumped.

The reverse fate points and the matter with his senior were complicated to explain, plus from the adventurers’ perspective, it really didn’t make sense to get involved in this kind of mess.

How was he supposed to respond?

But since the question was asked, not giving an answer would make him seem suspicious!

After a lot of internal debate, Roy finally resorted to telling a half-truth.

“There’s a lot going on underneath the surface.”

“Those in the know get it, and those who don’t, I can’t really explain.”

“There are too many interests at stake, and the more I say, the worse it is for both of us.”

His vague comments left everyone confused, yet somehow impressed.

Only Hex narrowed his eyes and began to analyze.

A strong figure like the Sword Demon wouldn’t simply show up for no reason.

Could it be that this quest had hidden dangers and was particularly risky?

Risky meant there was money to be made!

And considering he had been pummeled earlier and saved by the Sword Demon, stepping in to help would be a way to return the favor.

The young man turned to the mage, waving his hand, “Hey, friend, take me along for the mission to take down the Purple Magic School!”

 

---