A rather sudden request came out of nowhere. And from The Headmaster of the Adventurers Company, Falorg Kriegrock himself. The invitation called them to gather not at the company but at the Head Councilor Welberg Dan’s office. The trio understood immediately that the case was of utmost importance.

  They did not get much information aside from the polite invitation mentioning a discussion that will take place. There weren't any additional details, yet Drake still had a rough idea of what was going on. There was definitely a task, and they were the top candidates for the job.

  It was a fairly common occurrence for the city council to request special assignments from the Company, one of the reasons Drake assured Welberg that he would be up for help. The council relied on the Company and its adventurers in many aspects. Offering constant support and resources.

  Vellos made countless investments into the quests and operation, while the Company enjoyed substantial profits, low loan rates, and lenient taxation for all transactions under their roof. This allowed them to offer substantial benefits for their members, boosting morale, confidence, and loyalty within the ranks. Such favorable conditions attracted skilled and stronger adventurers, along with the general high flow of recruits from across the entire Carleen Empire. It was quite usual for many adventurers to surrender the lavish life in the capital city of Whitenglade and move to the Varlan duchy, here at the border.

  The benefits for the entire region and town were difficult to discount by anyone. Those included, but were not limited to, a solid return on its investment, safer routes, robust infrastructure, bustling trade, improved general commerce, artifact and material markets, treasure-filled dungeons, and the mining operations with substantial yields. Best artisans, researchers, and mages. This city welcomed everyone.

  The young warrior thought about it more than once with Jake. He knew that this system functioned flawlessly, particularly because the Groothberth Knights could focus solely on the order inside the walls and surrounding settlements, ensuring the well-being of the nobles and general citizens. At this point the knight corps served as a private army of the Duke-Lord Adonis. Their armor was always shining, their stomachs stuffed, and the nobility they accompanied was always satisfied with both their looks and battle prowess.

  What was telling is the fact that they were the ones exclusively requested. And with the headmaster involved himself, Drake was sure that this would not be an easy talk. Damn, this will probably push back our focus from the legendary hunt.

  A dark cloud of unease settled in his mind as he watched Helena and Valentina expressively chatting with the headmaster on their way to the City Hall. He needed clarity, so the young man felt compelled to consult Jake within his mind. Despite any previous tension and disagreements, he felt that he could rely on the man and his experience.

  “So, Jake, tell me what do you think about this?” Drake questioned inside his head, trying to mask his uncertainty.

  “From what I already know, this is nothing out of the ordinary. Dealing with the powerful of the word is always a pain in the ass. It could be just a coincidence, but you have the right attitude. Stay on your toes. There must be something they want to check, the true capabilities of yours and your comrades.” Jake mused slowly.

  “Huh, didn’t they see it during the arena challenge?” Drake’s inner voice held a note of dissatisfaction.

  “Well, they certainly did. And that is the main reason they called you in. But consider this: that was nothing but a single performance. A one-man act. A stage set for a single actor. While currently you are no longer operating alone. They are eager to see the whole package. Such people are quick to note and act. They smell gains from a hundred miles away. Believe me!” The inner man concluded.

  Drake paused, letting Jake’s words sink in as he juggled his inner thoughts. “Hmmm. So they are looking at us like another valuable asset. To push us further. Which may determine how much they are willing to invest.” His emerald eyes glimmered for a moment.

  “Precisely,” Jake solidified the claim, his tone echoing with cunning undertones. “So this will be a negotiation. It will definitely lead to a bargain. And that is where you have to make sure and set the price high. Don’t just shake on a trivial offer. Think strategically.”

  “What do you mean by that?” The young warrior raised an eyebrow. Looking quite puzzled. Fortunately, no one was looking at him.

  “Think about connections, favors. Not everything that shines is gold, and not everything is measured by it.” Jake replied, his tone intelligent and instructive.

  “Stab them with your understanding of how the world works. Look for the valuable pieces of information. Extract as much as possible from them. Not a single word of yours is free. You have to play their game and win on their turf. Understand that those people are of great stature. They eat ones like you for breakfast, huh! ” The man chuckled.

  “And that is where they will be wrong! They consider you to be yet another inexperienced prodigy.” The voice resounded craftily within the confines of the young man’s mind.

  “Oh, ho! Jake, I think I’m starting to get it now,” Drake said, a spark of realization lighting in his expression. “You’re saying I’ll have to go with the flow and let them think that they are in control. And when they are distracted, I will strike my case. They probably have some valuable information I can get.”

  “Yes, precisely! Just remember that money is not everything, just another tool to be used. While at the end of the day, you could be the richest person in the universe, but without a single ally, you can’t go far. Believe me, I know that well…” Jake paused, bitterness in his tone.

  “Power is also good, but it does not grant you absolute authority. You need to know how to control it and where to apply it.” The man’s words echoed with a weighted tone.

  “Well, everything you say makes sense. There are still so many things I have to learn. And I’m not sure if I can do it without your help. Thanks for being there for me, Jake.” The young warrior was thankful.

  “I will say this once, lad. You’re doing well beyond your years and far better than you realize or admit to yourself. You should be proud! But it’s still good you keep those doubts. This will help more than acting overconfident. Just don’t dwell on it too much, okay?” The man encouraged Dake as he retreated into the deepest corners of the conscience.

  “Okay, I will!” The young man silently murmured to himself.

  The atmosphere was tenser than usual. The air itself felt heavier than any of the previous times Drake visited the Head Councilor. While they were on approach, they saw clerks and personnel of the City Hall erratically running around with heavy expressions. One of the main reasons for that could have been the stagecoach of Lord Adonis Groodberth who had departed just a few minutes before their band arrived.

  All of that was evident on the face of Welberg Dan. The man was heavy with tension and deep in thoughts. The thin man invited them to have a seat. While Falrog decided to stand by the door, blocking the way for anything inside or outside.

  “Good day to you all. Thank you for arriving so fast. I sincerely apologize for calling you out on such short notice.” The Head Councilor finally interrupted the settled silence filled with anticipation.

  “We arrived as soon as we got the summons. It’s always a pleasure to visit you here. But I can see the matters were pressing, strict on time. And judging by the Headmaster who escorted us himself. I believe there is an urgent request for us, Welberg?” Drake responded in a steady voice, radiating confidence.

  “Sharp as always, young man. Yet at this point I anticipated nothing less from you.” The man smiled as he pressed a finger across his temple. “You are quite insightful for your age.” The old man's leathery face turned into a restrained smile.

  “That’s quite the compliment from you. The trade of an advertiser requires a sharp mind. And the way around finances. Like how to choose quests with the best possible rewards. Weighting decisions can be quite the hassle.” The young warrior hinted. Helena covered her face, coughing, while Valentina finally corrected her posture.

  “So you’ve already gotten this far. Impressive, intriguing indeed. Which means it will be easier for us to get to the matters at hand. What do you say, Falrog? Would you be so nice as to give our guests a short brief of the request?” The councilor gave a massive man at the entrance a glance and rushed him with a wave of the hand closer to the table.

  “Sure, sure. That's part of my job anyway, Welberg.” A man in shining full metal gear responded emotionlessly. He then unwrapped a yellow parchment scroll and set the map on the table in front of everyone.

  Drake noted that it was a freshly made one. Vellos and surrounding areas. Hmm, so it must be something not far away. Something really close to town? Threatening the walls.

  He gave Helena and Valentina a glance. They understood immediately as their eyes shifted into laser focus. Determination was now written all over their faces.

  There was a strange dark mark in the northeast part, closer to the Borok Mountain Range, with some big weird symbols scribbled around it.

  “Okay, let’s start with the basics. This assignment is crucial for the safety of the city, and you will quickly learn why. This is a high-priority quest from the City Council. Which means we start with the shortlist of our most trusted adventurers.” Falgor gazed around as he seized the three party members from tip to toe.

  “We would gladly give it to one of our high-ranking parties. But sadly, most of them are out of town or recuperating after sustaining injuries. And you, young talent, were the next on the list.” The mountain of a man swiped with his massive finger across the map from the town to the marker in question and drummed his finger over it with a resounding thud.

  He looked back at the councilor, who gave a slight nod of approval. “I’ll make the introduction short. A rich mithrilium mining vein was discovered right in this cave. And the sampling hinted at the yields expected for the best of the Borok mining operations. And that so close to own, without the dangers of high-grade lurking beasts. That’s why the council of Vellos had already sent a mining crew with the decorated unit of Grothbeth Knights.”

  The gigantic man stopped, his face tense, as he inhaled deeply, clutching his fist. “But that was already three days ago. And a band of adventurers discovered one of the miners. Barely alive.”

  Head Councilor finally moved from his spot and came closer. Now standing right behind Drake, looking over his shoulder.

  Falrog continued with the briefing.

  “The wounded miner was out for a week and only recently opened his eyes. The story he told us was more than concerning. Soon after, the knights established a small camp at the cave entrance. Miners went to work, verifying that the veins were rich indeed. The next day, one of the cave walls collapsed. And there they discovered a secret tunnel leading further deep into the cave. And that was definitely a man-made passage laid out with bricks.” The headmaster finally stopped.

  “Hmm, I really don't like where this is going,” Valentina shook her head, full of doubt

  Falrog raised his head as he looked at the young, aspiring adventurers, as if awaiting their eagerness. Instead, the room was heavy with tension.

  The councilor leaned closer, putting one of his hands on the Drake’s shoulder.

  “We must be right at the part of the story where everything goes horribly wrong.” Helena said with a furrowing expression.

  “Yes, that’s what happened. They sent a small group of miners and knights to investigate. Yet none returned. So everyone went to search, along with the man who we found. And there was more of what he told us.” Falgro ended his story with a mysterious tone.

  Webeg stepped between Falgro and Drake, continuing the flow of the story.

  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “The miner claimed his memory was not hazy, maybe because of all the injuries he sustained. But he described a spacious room with columns resembling a castle hall, and that is inside the cave, huh?” Welberg scratched his chin as his features were laced with concern.

  “He told that they were attacked by the group of dark hooded figures. They commanded the hound-beasts, offering them no chance of surrender or survival. The beast claimed his leg. Considered dead, he was left alone. And that’s how he managed to claw his way back to the surface.” The older man was visibly shaken, his eyes widened and breath uneven. Yet he maintained his composure.

  “Well, that sounds strange,” Drake thought aloud, crossing his arms. “The tamers are extremely rare. Only one in ten thousand adventurers even has the remote basic aptitude. And what you told us is taming wild beasts like death hounds. They must be at the very least B-rank, and many tamers sound like trouble. Or they can be some wicked cult for all I know.”

  The young warrior leaned over the table. Looking at his companions, who were eagerly sitting there with serious straight expressions.

  “If I’m to speculate, those hooded figures are most likely just lackeys. There must be someone in charge. And the chances are slim that it would be some kind of pushover. And even without it, the task screams danger. This mining operation is significant for the town, I get it, but you also must understand my concerns for my compadres.” The young warrior sounded not convinced.

  Both Welberg’s and Falrog’s expressions became heavier.

  Considering everything revealed so far, there were too many unknowns for them to rush into this. He had to think it through thoroughly. The decision weighed heavily upon him, as he was no longer a lone warrior.

  “You have already assessed the dangers and the potential of the mission from those small details we have shared. Once again, you are a very sharp young man. And not only with those axes of yours. The Headmaster Praised your skills himself for a reason.” Welberg finally broke the silence, his skeletal features revealing a mix of surprise and admiration. While Falrog simply shrugged, metal armor clanged loudly.

  “Thank you, Councilor,” Drake replied, keeping his tone respectful yet focused. “Now tell us, what exactly do you want us to do? What’s in it for us?”

  “I think you could become a great businessman, Drake!” Welberg chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

  “This may be too much for an old administrator like myself. Falrog, are you really sure you’ve evaluated this young man’s skills at the Company properly? He seems to be fit for politics.” The councilor's features softened more as he laughed, breaking the tension in the room momentarily.

  “I’m just as impressed as you are,” the Headmaster piped in with a booming voice. Strong, yet carrying undertones of warmth, covering the air like a thick blanket.

  “What a marvel, a true gem. This young lad is only seventeen. And he already recruited noble and seasoned colleagues. Yet here he is spearheading this conversation while they stickly follow his authority. I wonder what spell he cast on them.” The councilor appeared to be on a spree of flattery.

  Both Helena and Valentina looked at the thin, tall bureaucrat. They pretended not to mind. Yet Drake could see the corners of their lips twitching in a suppressed jolt of irritation mixed with amusement. They flushed.

  “While I wholeheartedly appreciate the light-hearted banter and compliments,” Drake interjected with a grin, “I believe we deserve to hear some clear terms at this point. And so far we've heard none. You know it yourself. It’s not just about the beams of glory and valor. People’s lives may be at stake. Tell us what do you need from us?” His tone was steady, with a maturity well beyond his years. Drake easily diverted the conversation back on track.

  At the notion, the Head Councilor's demeanor shifted slightly, his amusement replaced with a more serious look. “Oh, very well. Since I’m not the one who can directly give you the request, Falrog should be able to clearly lay out the terms.”

  The gigantic man straightened up and flexed his shoulders. One of the pad plates clanged as it jammed slightly in between. Now, Falgor Kriegrock truly looked like a mountain itself, towering over the band of adventurers in the now small-looking office at the City Hall.

  With a dreadful voice, he said. “We want you to investigate the cave and its depth. What happens there may pose a significant threat. However,” he added, lifting his brow, “we don't want you to take unnecessary risks. If you feel a real threat to your lives, feel free to retreat at any time. This mission may require both a fair amount of cunning and raw power.”

  Drake nodded, his heart pounding. Emotions swirled within. The quest was definitely treacherous. Nevertheless, it was a great opportunity to solidify their party image within the Company and around Vellos and lift it to another height. That would definitely bring recruits!

  “What is the reward for completion?” he asked, locking eyes directly with Wlelberg, determined to understand the actual stakes.

  The councilor smiled faintly, recognizing the fire of resolve in Drake’s emerald gaze. “First, you will be contributing to the safety of Vellos town and beyond. With this, you can become quite influential inside the walls. Second, of course, a hefty sum of money. I can't disclose the amount precisely, as it ranges since part of it is provided by the Groodberth family. Yet that should be at the very least a few thousand gold coins.”

  “A few thousand?!” Both girls exclaimed, jumping from their seats. Drake immediately waves his hand. They slowly drifted back, yet still daydreaming in their heads. Is the only thing they dream of all day money? Really?!

  “Yes, you heard it right. As well as a letter of recognition from Lord Adonis himself. I’m pretty sure you understand the value. This quest is his personal request of utmost importance. A group of his best knights went missing. And,” the man pointed towards the armor-clad paladin.

  “The Headmaster will offer even more benefits at the company for you. More unprecedented discounts and access to special services. The personal clerks are assigned to your party only.” The man's voice flowed like sweet honey while he recited the list of rewards.

  “If you succeed, you can all forget about any paperwork trouble at the company. And we can even provide you with a trusted accountant. Plus, will give you the right of first quest. One-of- -kind offer.” Falrog tried to sweeten the deal even further.

  “I did not take you for such a sweet talker, Headmaster Falrog. The conclusion, well, it's part of his job as a bureaucrat. But to hear something like this from you. I mean no offense. Just surprised to witness such a display from a renowned paladin.” Drake replied animatedly.

  “No offense taken. Yet I see no reason for surprise. At the end of the day, I'm the Headmaster of the Adventurers Company in Vellos. I'm pretty sure you understand that it means I have to deal with various individuals and certain matters. Nobles are not excluded. I can't say I was always good at it, though, at least not before Welberg helped me. There were certain…khm…situations in the past.” The mountain man looked rather silly with the smile on his fierce, bearded face looking towards the Head Councilor.

  “Well, I’ll admit, the rewards sound tempting indeed. On the surface, it sounds like an excellent opportunity for us. And I understand why you have turned to us specifically.” Drake paused as he turned his gaze towards the window, scanning the distance.

  “But, you know what. I think that something is missing. I have a certain, let’s call it, gut feeling.” The young warrior’s features furrowed.

  “As I mentioned, there are far too many unknowns. And my senses a screaming danger. Of course, we are adventurers. We want our names recorded in books. But that will not happen if we die in some cave.” The young warrior exhaled heavily. He knew that it was a golden opportunity, but it did not look good, not at the moment.

  “I don’t think we will be taking on this request, not as it is right now. We are not bound to accept it by any means.” Drake finished, full of determination. As he turned to the side, a corner of his mouth slightly twitched.

  “But...” Helena tried to intervene, but the young warrior glared at her. So the woman immediately retracted. T

  The warrior turned to the councilor and headmaster, awaiting their responses.

  Welberg slowly retreated to his office chair by the work desk. As the man sat there for a few moments, tapping his finger on the table. “I see, young man. You are indeed more insightful than we had anticipated. You saw right through it. But for the record, I was entirely against using this, but it appears that I have no choice. As you can see, we are in a pinch here.” The older man replied with a heavy voice. He turned towards Falrog, awaiting his approval.

  “Yes, I told you from the start. We owe him at least that much.” The paladin replied.

  Drake could sense it immediately in the palpable tension. Something essential was about to be revealed, something they had hidden for a reason. The only thing he could not grasp was why they mentioned it involved him somehow.

  The sense of anticipation filled him, and tingles of irritation started to form on his skin. It reminded him of that time at the Ancient Library of Ultz, when he received the final results from the resonance evaluation machine.

  The contemplation was finally stopped by the Head Councilor's voice.

  “Listen closely, this information is not to be revealed. It is the order of Lord Adonis himself.” The old man looked across the room with a focused gaze, eagerly waiting for each adventurer to give him a nod.

  He turned back to Drake. “I will tell you this. What the miner told us made our chests ache. He mentioned a certain insignia on the dark figure's robes. You may very well know aobur this one.” Their gazes met, as the young warrior could already feel the realization like needles poking at his skin.

  “That was the serpent devouring itself, pierced by the spear.” The old man finally muttered while averting his gaze. It was unusual for the renowned counselor to shy away. Yet the man could not look into the young warrior's eyes.

  Drake sprang to his feet. His pounding drum of anxiety. His face paled and muscles tensed. A massive vein appeared at his forehead and a bulge over his neck. Uncontrollable rage coursed through his veins like dragonfire, igniting a visible firestorm inside his emerald eyes. The young warrior was now fully engulfed by the crimson threads of fury.

  Helena and Valentina sat frozen in their seats, shivers racing up their spines. The air felt thick and heavy. It felt as though the young warrior's all-encompassing fiery wrath suffocated the atmosphere. That filled the room with an oppressive, almost lethal energy.

  The air was buzzing with killing intent. Yet it was nothing for Falrog, but the man was still impressed by the pressure of the aura radiating from such a young individual. The Head Councilor had to step back and lean on his desk as his breath was taken away. He was ready to faint at any moment.

  He looked at his companions from the corner of his eyes. And that was when Drake realized the unsettling aura was raging out of control. With a conscious effort, he focused on mastering his breath, slowly channeling his tumultuous, storming energy into calmness. Evenly distributing it throughout his body.

  The tension in the room was lifted, and the young women relaxed, their bodies no longer obstructed by that pressure. The head councilor coughed as he hit his chest a few times before regaining his footing. For a while, no one uttered a word about what just happened.

  Drake had only just managed to leash his fury moments before. And now he struggled to force the sound out, each word nearly gritted through his clenched teeth.

  “So, you believe those are connected to the Charred Knight? The one who assaulted our city three years ago and took my parents from me?! And simply vanished…”

  “Yet, that is much it. There can be certain doubts, but it is more than likely,” the Headmaster replied immediately without hesitation, his eyes reflecting the seriousness of the entire situation.

  “Well… Then why would you even think to withhold such crucial information from me and my companions?! I have to admit, I’m quite disappointed… in both of you…” The young warrior's tone dripped with scorn, his face furrowing deeply with frustration. Drake looked directly at both men with the weighted stare.

  “I sincerely apologize for this oversight. Think of it as clouded judgment of two older men. We believed that we were considerate, but in our misguided care, we failed to recognize how this could affect the gravity of this mission. And the Lord’s… directives.” Welber’s voice carried a weight of shame. Like a father who had let his child down.

  “Drake. You have to understand us too. Hard time constraints were pressed upon us, while the stone guests are either wounded or out exploring dungeons. We did not have enough time to discuss it even among ourselves.” Falrog added, his expression one of profound disarray, still grappling with the gravity of their miscalculation.

  “Ah…damn…I think… Just as long as you understand, you know how much it means…to me.” Drake replied with a long exhale, his voice softening slightly.

  “I’m not blameless either. That was quite an unsightly behavior from me. I’m pretty sure you understand that it is because it’s too personal. Of course, the good news for you is that I’m unable to refuse this request anymore. Yet I will consult my companions. In this case they have to decide for themselves.” He turned his gaze toward the quietly seated women.

  “Thanks, Drake, but there’s no need for concern,” Helena said, her voice soothing and confident. “We’re part of the tea. It was decided when we formed our party. With this there’s only more reason for us to kick some ass!”

  ”Ah, Drake, how valiant of you!” Valentina butted in, nodding with enthusiasm. “You've done so much for us. I’ve grown rather fond of this fun town, anyway. And you said it yourself, that we are your comrades first! Did you forget?! ” She playfully winked.

  “You both know that I understand that well, thank you!” Drake acknowledged as he noded.

  The young warrior once again turned towards the older men. “

  For this task, we have to prepare. How much time do we have, Councilor?” He asked with urgency and determination.

  “It’s already very pressing. Can only give you two days. Should you still choose to refuse, there is a backup party of adventurers and a unit of Groodberth Knights on standby. On a side note, you can take them as reinforcements.” Welberg added his usual respectful mannerisms returned.

  “Don’t think it will be necessary,” Drake refused firmly. “I think it is better to keep them close in town. What if something like three years ago is part of their plan? We will handle the cave.”

  “Wow, you are wise beyond your years. That complements your battle prowess even more. I’m glad you are part of our Company,” Falrog remarked, giving Drake a hearty pat on the shoulder with his large, calloused hand. The warrior felt the weight like a sledgehammer as his leather boots sank into the wooden floor. The plank threatened to break with a loud creak.

  “That settles it then. Your compliments flatter me, but I'm afraid I’m not yet worthy of the praise. Let’s deal with it first!” Drake fixed one of his straps, pulling it tight.

  The room was filled with a sense of resolve and purpose as the contract was drafted and signed by the party of young, aspiring adventurers.

  An orphan boy who returned a man.

  A swordmaiden on a path to bring her house real glory.

  An ice-mage with a dream to restore her family’s name.

  He looked around the room and silently brushed over the surface of the obsidian-metal axe that tangled on his belt.

  Drake felt a sense of steely determination unfurling within him, fueling this decision. The young warrior was as focused as ever. A promise was forged within the fiery depths of his soul.

  So, can this really be it? Power, I need power! Jake…

  The final revision and update for RR of this chapter was done!

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