Chapter 41: A shady commission.
Over the ten minutes Suna stood by the mission board, she declined seven flirtations and five team invitations.
The rejected adventurers, though disappointed or annoyed, didn’t press further, thanks to both her tactful words and her saintess status.
Even as a low-ranking saintess, her temple standing was equivalent to a village or small-town temple leader.
Harassing or threatening a saintess, for adventurers lacking power or influence, often ended badly.
This was partly why Suna survived unscathed in Korez Town despite attracting trouble, even when posing as a silver-tier saintess managing a rundown temple.
[I’ve got a rough idea of suitable training areas around Blackmount, but I need to narrow down the most likely spots. I can’t use clones to monitor multiple places at once.]
As she thought, a mission caught her eye.
“Hm, this one’s interesting.”
Muttering, Suna read a D-rank mission titled [Combat Training for Noble Scions].
“Seeking experienced adventurers, silver-tier peak or higher, to train our families’ children, improving their combat skills. Duration: two weeks, 2 gold coins daily. Location: Victory Day Statue Plaza. Contact via communication device.”
Noting some hidden details in the mission, Suna memorized its code and approached the counter.
“Hello, I’d like to take mission D043028.”
Handing over her adventurer card, the guild staff’s expression turned subtle.
Projecting the mission details for confirmation, they subtly cautioned her.
“Saintess, please verify this is the correct mission to avoid taking an unsuitable one.”
“I’m sure. I can handle it.”
Her firm reply prompted the staff to process the request efficiently, providing the client’s contact number.
Leaving the guild, Suna headed to Victory Day Statue Plaza and retrieved her long-unused communication device, a palm-sized cube, from her storage.
After entering the provided number, she waited a few seconds for the connection and thirty more for the client to answer.
The conversation went smoothly, with the client confirming that the trainees would meet her soon.
Fifteen minutes later, the arrivals surprised her.
The trainees were equally shocked.
“What? You? Are you here to mess with us?” the red-dressed woman from the restaurant pointed accusingly.
The hooded man frowned. “Saintess, are you following us? Did our parents hire you?”
“No, just a coincidence. We meet again,” Suna replied.
Skeptical but refraining from further questioning, the hooded man suggested canceling the mission.
“It’s a coincidence, but this mission might not work out. Let’s cancel.”
Suna, using a strategic retreat, dangled a lure.
“That’s fine, but I’m curious—why hide your identities to grow stronger? Depending on your answer, I might teach you how to improve your combat skills.”
“Our reasons are none of your business,” the red-dressed woman snapped. “You’re just a saintess. What can you teach us? We’re canceling.”
The hooded man hesitated, recalling the restaurant clash and realizing Suna was likely golden-tier.
Faced with a rare opportunity, he spoke after a moment’s thought.
“Sorry, Saintess. Let us discuss, and we’ll give you an answer.”
He pulled the red-dressed woman aside for a hushed conversation.
As Suna expected, they returned with a decision.
“Saintess, the mission can proceed. Please teach us combat techniques and improve our skills. If you slack, we’ll cancel anytime.”
Though the hooded man spoke humbly, the red-dressed woman crossed her arms, visibly displeased.
“Alright,” Suna said. “But, young master, you haven’t answered my question. Why do you want to get stronger?”
“We want to break free from predetermined paths and change the empire’s state,” he replied. “We lack strength and face obstacles.”
The red-dressed woman added, “We heard a new hero in town is recruiting capable, high-potential companions soon. We need an experienced adventurer to help us.”
Ignoring her sharp tone, Suna smiled and nodded.
“Good, I understand. I’ll help you achieve your goals. Today, I’ll show you my strength and assess your situation.”
Inwardly thrilled, Suna saw this as a perfect excuse to get close to Skoll by helping them join his team, ensuring opportunities to gather intel.
“Who picks the training ground—you or me?”
“There’s an adventurer training ground nearby, [Trial Stone Field]. I know it well. Let’s go there,” the hooded man said.
Suna accompanied them to the training field.