Chapter 24: Transaction

The Adventurer’s Guild reeked of blood, Sarunda’s wretched state seared into every onlooker’s mind.

Silence gripped the hall, adventurers frozen, fearing Cynthia’s gaze might land on them.

Only Sarunda’s screams broke the quiet.
Even Charlotte, who’d meant to intervene, stood stunned, hand over her mouth.

Sarunda’s reputation in Bazerolle’s Guild was rotten, but his near-A-rank strength made the Guild overlook his antics.

Many adventurers despised him, so seeing him humbled sparked quiet glee in some.

Serves him right.

Still, this was the Guild.
When one of their own was attacked, they couldn’t just stand by.

As Charlotte pondered how to handle the mess, applause rang out from behind the counter.

“Wow~ Been a while since I saw someone that strong.”

A striking figure stepped forward, eyeing the scene with keen interest.
“Charlotte, get healers for Sarunda—can’t have him dying here. And find someone to clean the floor.”

“President Tiani… Right, I’m on it.”

Charlotte glanced at the woman, nodded, and hurried to manage the aftermath.

Tiani leaned on the counter, her long, khaki hair flowing like a waterfall.
Her casual adventurer’s attire clashed with her role as Guild Master.

Yawning lazily, she glanced at Sarunda, writhing on the ground.

“Hey, little miss, dial back the killing intent. You’re scaring folks.”

Her words were aimed at Cynthia.

“Hmph.”

Cynthia snorted, reining in her aura, and fixed her gaze on Tiani.
“Are all adventurers here this rude?”

“You took his arm, so call it even.”

Tiani shrugged off Cynthia’s barb.
“That’s adventuring—own your actions.”

Her eyes scanned Cynthia and Ina, interest piqued more in them than in Sarunda’s fate.
“Heard you two want to be adventurers? Let’s talk. I’ve got an offer you’ll like.”

Cynthia and Ina exchanged a glance, nodding in unison.

“Follow me.”

Tiani stood, stepping from behind the counter, beckoning them.
“Let’s find somewhere quiet.”

Tiani led them to an office with a desk and plush sofas.
Inviting them to sit, she shed her lazy demeanor and spoke first.

“Sarunda’s a headache, even for the Guild. Your stunt might make him think twice next time.”

“Someone like that can be an adventurer? Doesn’t the Guild bear any responsibility?”

Cynthia’s tone was sharp, her disdain for bullies like Sarunda tied to bitter memories.

“Like Charlotte said, pay the fee, and anyone can join.”

Tiani sank into a sofa across from them, looking resigned.
“The Guild just handles commissions, not background checks. We just hope the adventurers aren’t total scum.”

Cynthia nodded grudgingly.
In a big city like Bazerolle, with so many adventurers, a few bad apples were inevitable.

“But enough about that. I saw what you did. Sarunda’s near-A-rank, yet you crushed him like nothing.”

Tiani gave Cynthia a pointed look.
“I’d say you’re A-rank material. You could register as one and take high-level missions right away.”

Her gaze stayed fixed on Cynthia.

Cynthia frowned, glancing at Ina.
“What about my friend? She’s not far behind me.”

Ina’s eyes widened, shooting Cynthia a baffled look.

What? Not far behind you? Are you joking?!

“Your friend… I don’t know her strength.”

Tiani shifted to Ina, hesitating briefly.
“But with your vouching, she can register as A-rank too.”

No, no, no! Stick to the rules—don’t bend them like this!

Ina screamed internally but kept quiet.

Her plan was to let Cynthia take A-rank status and coast behind her.
A-rank missions paid well—two jobs could fund a spree!

But if she was A-rank, slacking off wasn’t an option.

Still…

Ina recalled her late-night chat with Charlotte and skimming the Guild’s manual.
There was no mention of special registrations.

Even Charlotte’s “no-fee” method meant the Guild covered the cost upfront.

Peering at Tiani, Ina caught a flicker of worry in her eyes.

Is this the president’s authority?

But nothing came free.
A-rank missions paid far more than B-rank ones.

Ina opened her mouth to ask, but Cynthia beat her to it.

“What’s the catch?”

“No way the Guild hands out special treatment for free, right?”

Cynthia paused, then added, “Or… is becoming A-rank the ‘reward’ you mentioned?”