Inside the adventurer's guild. The atmosphere was agitated.
Adventurers sat in silence, not even willing to touch the food or drinks on their tables.
Lately, the situation has taken a grim turn after a shocking report came from a reliable scout.
An S-Rank monster, Phantom Jaguar, was spotted roaming near the Verdant Hollow entrance.
A place that was supposed to be filled by low-ranked monsters, or a good spot for beginners.
However, strong evidence was found with several dead adventurers reported.
The guild was now in a crisis.
Not only due to a lack of personnel, but also because of the accumulation of quests resulting from disrupted activities.
In the silence, footsteps echoed across the hall.
Adventurers glanced at his figure and sighed.
'Him again!'
The man who entered was Gonzo, a merchant with considerable influence on the empire.
He stopped in front of the counter desk, which barely concealed the irritation from popping out behind her business smile.
"Good morning, sir. How can I help you?"
"How is he doing?"
Gonzo cut her off. His tone was rushed, as if an invisible monster was chasing after him.
The woman sighed softly, so as not to be noticed by the old man in front of her.
However, she underestimated Gonzo's experience, who was already skilled in the battlefield of wits.
Although it was slightly displeasing, Gonzo tolerated the woman's impudence.
"If I'm not mistaken. Adventurer Yuto, right?"
"Yes, how is he? Any news about him?"
The woman looked down, flipping through records of taken and completed quests.
She moved to another book, and after reading everything, her eyes narrowed.
Turning back to Gonzo, the woman coughed and said in a flat tone.
"He hasn't returned in days. I'm afraid the worst may have happened."
"That's impossible!"
Gonzo raised his voice, startling everyone in the room. Sharp glares were directed at the unfortunate man. But he ignored them.
'I'm sure he's fine, but what if...'
The man didn't want to continue his words, fearing that it would bring a bitter truth that would haunt him forever.
Gonzo still owed the boy and promised Shery to bring Yuto home.
Unbeknownst to him, the existence of Yuto, whom he met on the road, had formed a bond deep within.
Even if it was still a loose bond that could slip at any time.
Still, his instinct as a merchant told him that Yuto's existence would become a crucial figure in his life.
Not just for him, but for his family too.
"Give it up, Mr. Gonzo."
A male adventurer who knew Gonzo spoke up.
The man sat a bit closer to the counter. He accidentally overheard Gonzo's conversation with the receptionist.
"Give up?"
Gonzo furrowed his brows, making the male adventurer tense up.
"...No offense, but you've heard the rumours about the recent Verdant Hollow, right?"
Indeed, the terrifying rumours spread.
A monster classified as a disaster-level was roaming the outer edge of the forest.
Gonzo heard this news not only from adventurers but also from guards.
They said that at night, they saw a black cat-like figure lurking with glowing yellow eyes, gleaming like the moon in the sky.
With the absence of S-Rank adventurers, the guild was utterly paralyzed. Unable to do anything but wait for the monster to return to its habitat.
But how long would that take?
Gonzo was lost in his swirling emotions.
His face turned pale, imagining Yuto reduced to scattered pieces of flesh.
'No, don't give up. Everything was not set yet. I have to find Yuto, no matter what!'
With a burning spirit in his chest, Gonzo stepped closer to the adventurer's table.
"You?"
"Y-Yes."
Almost choking on his own drink, the man looked sideways.
"I 'll pay you generously, if you are willing to accept a special quest from me."
The atmosphere froze as Gonzo made his offer..
Special Duest was a mission intended for individuals or adventurer parties recognized by the guild as the best in terms of appearance, attitude, and their achievements.
It was not something to be handed out to the average adventurer, especially not to those idling around.
For a moment, the adventurers' eyes glitter like gold coins, but when reality sets in.
Everyone swallowed back their greed.
Sure, having a large sum of money was very tempting, but what good would it be if, in the end, they would die?
The adventurer turned away, pretending as if they had heard nothing.
"I beg you..."
Gonzo leaned forward, trying to persuade them, but his efforts were in vain.
The old man ground his teeth, face clouded with disbelief, knowing that adventurers had fallen this low.
He still remembered their bravery when they carried out missions and served the people.
Now, it was just a mere dream ever since a great disaster struck this place a few years ago.
"Is there no one? Anyone?"
Gonzo glanced around, but there was no sign of someone willing to participate.
"I'll pay three, no, five times?"
The silence began to waver, and suddenly there was a hearty laugh coming from the corner.
It came from a bald man; his face looked menacing, with a scar that marred his right eye. He had a sturdy body towering over the rest.
His laughter subsided into a threatening smirk.
"Ten times and that's just the down payment..."
Other adventurers gritted their teeth and cursed in their hearts.
'You damn thief!'
The bald man rose along with his two equally bald subordinates. They wore leather armour, which focused on speed.
Their footsteps echoed in the silent building.
They stood before Gonzo, grinning.
His two lackeys flanked Gonzo's side, cutting off all his escape.
"How about it? Interested?"
The outstretched hand looked demonic, like a demon's hand that led a man into ruins.
Gonzo gritted his teeth and was just about to take the offer.
He stopped midway as the sound of the floor creaking drew everyone's attention.
A shadowy figure with snow-white hair strolled.
Blue bloodstains marked his pale cheek. The entire guild went silent as they saw a pair of crimson eyes staring vacantly.
The boy stopped behind the three bald men, and his brows furrowed.
"You're in the way, baldies!"
At that moment, the temperature inside the building couldn't be colder than this.
His voice was soft yet rang with authority, sending a chill down their spines.
The three of them turned around with twisted expressions.
"Yuto!"
Gonzo, now free, immediately rushed over and stood by Yuto's side.
The boy flinched but immediately returned to his cold demeanour.
"Gonzo. What are you doing here?"
"How are you?"
Unable to help himself. The old man began patting Yuto all over, checking for injuries.
"Relax, I'm fine."
Startled by the unexpected strength in the boy's voice. His eyes widened, but he felt relieved that Yuto still had high spirits.
"Thank goodness, you're okay."
"Yeah, somehow."
Glancing at the boy. Gonzo rubbed his chin, puzzled by Yuto's outfit.
'I don't recognize that style? Where did he get those clothes? The fabric seems top quality, too.'
"Hey, you brat, what did you just say?"
Tension flared again when the leader of the bald men glared at the white-haired boy.
However, to everyone's shock. The boy's expression remained unfazed.
Gonzo planned to intervene, but he was a tad too late.
"Get lost, baldy!"
His voice exploded with fury, filling the entire hall with an overwhelming killing intent.