Chapter 597 - 596: Dragon Bone Long Sword

Chapter 597: Chapter 596: Dragon Bone Long Sword

"I remember you’re all still ’White Blades,’ Tier Three Field Staff, right? After everything you’ve been through, it’s time for a promotion."

As she spoke, Asvir took out a wooden box, placed it on the table, then turned it toward Colin and opened the lid.

Inside the box were five rings.

Engraved on the face of each ring was a robed figure holding a sword and a shield. Compared to the figure on the previous ring, this one had an added shield.

"You are now ’Shields of Strength,’ Tier Four." Asvir relaxed, leaning back in her chair. "Are you settling into your apartment alright?"

"It’s not bad."

"If you’d like, you can move to an apartment in the Trade District—that’s also free of charge. Then, your squad’s monthly stipend will be raised to eighty Gold Coins. That comes out to twenty Gold Coins per person, per month. It’s really just a food allowance, nothing much. Also, you’ll be exempt from all taxes within Thousand Masts City."

"Yes, I understand." Colin nodded silently.

To them, the monthly stipend was no longer important. After all, their main income came from completing missions.

For them, the most crucial part of the promotion was gaining a higher status. Having a higher status made it easier to get things done, something Colin understood from personal experience.

"Ordinarily, with your abilities, it wouldn’t be a problem to promote you directly into the Gray Squad. However, I need you to handle a few more tasks within the city.

Of course, don’t worry. We will remember your contributions. When all this is over, you’ll receive the reward you deserve. Or, we can grant you the corresponding rank privately."

When she finished, Asvir rested her right hand on the table and tapped her fingers against the surface, one by one. "Speaking of which, is that the special familiar on your shoulder? The one Morel told me about?"

"Yes." Colin reached out and scratched the little owl’s chin, and the little guy squinted its eyes in enjoyment. "He can see invisible creatures, which makes exploring Dungeons much easier for us."

"If you don’t mind, could you leave it here for a few days? I’d like to examine its condition more closely."

"Of course I don’t mind." Colin directed the little owl to fly onto her desk.

’Having a trustworthy Demigod Mage carefully analyze this strange little creature is definitely a good thing for me. At least I won’t have to worry about anything strange going wrong.’

Colin mulled it over for a moment, then said, "But we need to go see Albert in a little while. I’ll need him back then."

"I’ll have him back to you by then." Asvir reached out and stroked the owl’s head with her index finger.

The two of them were silent for a moment.

The atmosphere reminded Colin of being in the teacher’s office in elementary school, helping out with chores. There was nothing particularly strange about it, just an inexplicable awkwardness.

Just as Colin was starting to feel restless, Asvir asked, "Is there anything you wanted to ask?"

"When did Percival take office? I don’t think I saw the news in the papers."

"While you were away from Thousand Masts City." Asvir said, sounding a little disappointed. "I thought a young man like you might have more interesting topics of conversation, Colin."

"Dorn complains about that, too." Colin shrugged.

’To be honest, we were just talking about gangs and Demons. There’s no way I could come up with some witty banter right now.’

"That’s why I’m telling you not to be so tense. I’m only in my forties, you know. I’m not as rigid as those other high-ranking officials," Asvir said. "Of course, I also have great respect for the established rules."

’Come to think of it, she became a Demigod Mage in her forties? Her talent must be on par with Navy Governor Laine’s.’

Colin thought for a moment. ’Anything I talk about now will feel a bit strange.’

The room fell silent again for a moment.

He decided he might as well just ask something he was curious about. "So when did you become the Black Staff?"

"About three years ago. That’s why most of the Masked Lords think I’m some clueless little girl. In a way, though, that’s a good thing. It’s like how most people think Percival is just a fat pig who only knows how to eat," Asvir said.

Asvir glanced at Colin’s expression.

She sighed and said, "You don’t seem very comfortable either. I suppose I should let you out of this cage."

"Er... how should I put it? I just feel like I’m still in work mode." Colin thought for a moment, wanting to defend himself.

’I’m definitely not a boring person. I have a whole repertoire of Dwarf jokes, I just can’t tell them to someone like Asvir.’

"Your new apartment is on Talc Street in the Trade District. It’s a three-story building. Just show your Seal Ring to the doorman."

"Understood." Colin said, picking up the wooden box from the table.

"So, would you like to go home now?" Asvir asked.

"Yes." Colin glanced subconsciously out the window. ’After finishing up that business with the Hundred Eyes Gang and then making this trip, it must be almost dinnertime.’

"Good."

With that, Asvir raised her hand and snapped her fingers.

Colin suddenly felt a wave of dizziness.

When he opened his eyes again, he was sitting on his own bed.

He sat stunned for a moment, then looked down at the wooden box in his hands. If not for the box, Colin would have thought the whole thing had been a dream.

BANG! BANG!

’The gang members found me? How did they... Damn it!’

The room’s wooden door suddenly erupted with two loud bangs. Startled, Colin jumped up, drew Burning Blood from his waist, moved to the door, and instantly entered his Sword Dance stance.

He flourished his sword, casting Haste on himself.

At that moment, the wooden door was smashed open, and two short, wide figures charged in... Wait a minute, ’there aren’t many Dwarfs in those gangs, are there?’

"Stop right there, you damned thief!" "Don’t even think about stealing my brother’s stuff!"

Recognizing the familiar voices, Colin took a closer look. The ones who had burst in were Langgrin and Donkexes. Across the hall, Ale had also opened her door and was looking over, confused.

The two charging Dwarfs also got a clear look at Colin and skidded to a halt in unison.

"You usually come home using Teleportation Magic? Isn’t Thousand Masts City super strict about Magic?" Donkexes asked, confused. He stepped forward and tugged on the corner of Colin’s shirt, checking to make sure he wasn’t under some kind of Disguise Magic.