Chapter 409 - 340: Hydra (Part 2)

Chapter 409: Chapter 340: Hydra (Part 2)

"I was just Lucky," Zelir said with a modest smile.

"I wish I could be that Lucky just once," Adrian grumbled, his tone thick with envy.

He had only become a Middle Level Mage at thirty-one. By that calculation... he’d spent almost twice as much time as Zelir!

And it was still uncertain if Adrian would ever reach the rank of Upper Level Mage in his lifetime.

But Zelir was still young; he had more than enough time to strive for a higher realm!

"I knew my judgment was sound!"

Redia also looked delighted for Zelir. "As expected of the man I’ve got my eye on!"

"No matter how much you praise Zelir, he won’t join your team."

Gray slung an arm around Zelir’s shoulders. "He’s our core."

"That’s not necessarily true. It still depends on Zelir’s choice," Redia said, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes slightly.

"Alright, alright... I won’t try to poach your man for now."

Adrian waved his hand dismissively. "Zelir, since you’re a Middle Level Mage now, I think you’re more than capable of handling the role of a primary attacker."

"How many people are in the expedition squad right now? Are there any Upper Level Professionals?" Zelir asked.

"None."

Adrian spread his hands.

"Upper Level Professionals don’t usually come to a place like Sengu Town. Even with the ruins opening, it’s not a big enough draw for them."

"As far as I know, the president of the Sengu Town Adventurer’s Association is an Upper Level Swordsman..."

"But he’s the type who retired many years ago. He definitely won’t show up to fight a Nine-headed Dragon Snake."

Adrian explained.

"But while we don’t have any Upper Level Professionals, the person who organized the team is a Middle Level High Tier Warrior."

"He’s very strong and reliable, and he has several Advanced Middle Level Professionals under him."

"I see..."

Zelir pondered for a moment.

’According to Adrian, if I join, the expedition squad will have a total of four Middle Level Mages.’

’Plus, it’s led by a High Tier Middle Level Warrior and has other Advanced Middle Level Professionals.’

’Fighting a juvenile Nine-headed Dragon Snake... We have a chance of winning!’

Even if Adrian hadn’t come to invite him today, Zelir would have tried to find some people to take on the Nine-headed Dragon Snake anyway.

’A Demon with a Cruelty rating... The experience from killing it will definitely be huge.’

’And with my Seizing Tyranny talent, I might be able to extract some useful traits from the Nine-headed Dragon Snake.’

’I have to try!’

"So, what do you think? Want to join?"

Adrian smiled. "I’d really like to fight alongside you all."

"We need to discuss it," Zelir said.

He turned his head to look at his teammates behind him.

"A Nine-headed Dragon Snake... Excellent. Let’s do it."

Gray drew his Cloud Steel Sword three inches from its sheath, his expression cold.

"I came to Sengu Town specifically to find such an opponent, to cultivate the ultimate Sword Intent!"

"...What’s with the act now?" Valles couldn’t help but shoot Gray a sideways glance, seeing his cringey, dramatic pose.

"I think we can give it a try, too," said Marcus.

In any case, fighting a Nine-headed Dragon Snake would be a rare and valuable Adventurer experience.

Even if he were retired and bragging in a tavern, this would be a tale worthy of a round of applause from the whole table.

"After hanging around you guys for so long, I feel like I won’t be able to readjust to life in the Assassin’s Guild."

Hill sighed softly. "But let’s do it anyway."

Excellent. Unanimous agreement.

"Fantastic! I think Kilian will be very happy to have you join."

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Kilian is that High Tier Middle Level Warrior I mentioned, the organizer of the Elite Expedition Squad."

"Perfect timing. They’re holding a strategy meeting this afternoon at the Broken Axe Tavern. We can discuss the details then."

"Alright," Zelir nodded.

Adrian left with his team. As she was leaving, Redia made a point of wiggling her fingers in a wave.

"See you later, Zelir~"

After their figures disappeared from the inn’s doorway, Marcus leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh.

"Another tough battle ahead..."

’I never thought I’d one day be taking part in a battle against a Demon with a Cruelty rating.’

"What’s there to be afraid of? We’ll just adapt to the situation as it comes. Don’t stress about it."

Gray had a carefree attitude. "Besides, there are a ton of people on the team."

Hearing this, Marcus just shot Gray a silent look.

’Of course Gray has nothing to be afraid of. He’s a nimble Swordsman, and with Zelir around, he usually just plays a support role.’

’But I’m the one who has to get up there and actually tank the damage!’

’When facing a powerful enemy, the Vanguard is always under the most pressure.’

’Looks like I’d better hurry and get my gear upgraded and refurbished...’

...

「That afternoon.」

Zelir and his team arrived at the pre-arranged location.

The decor of the Broken Axe Tavern was clearly a cut above other places. The tables, chairs, benches, and even the walls were all exquisitely crafted.

Numerous swords, axes, and shields hung on the walls, adding a weighty atmosphere to the establishment.

A particular table in the main hall was quite conspicuous, and Zelir quickly spotted Adrian and his group.

Next to them were several other people who looked very strong—all Middle Level Professionals.

However, what caught Zelir’s attention the most was a woman dressed in a sky-blue robe.

Her hair was the same sky blue as her robe.

The woman appeared to be in her twenties, with soft, intelligent features. She wore a pair of half-frame glasses, and her long hair was simply tied back.

Unlike the boisterous, ordinary Adventurers, she had a quieter, more scholarly air about her.

Moreover, both the robe she wore and the Magic Wand at her waist clearly announced her identity—a Mage.

"Zelir, you’re here!"

The sharp-eyed Adrian was the first to wave and greet them, signaling for Zelir’s group to come over.

"Come, let me make an introduction."

Adrian led Zelir over to the woman with sky-blue hair.

"This is Rolin Kaimer, a Middle Level Mage from Silverpine City. She came to Sengu Town specifically to explore the ruins."

Then Adrian introduced Zelir to Rolin.

"This is Zelir, from..."

Halfway through, Adrian realized Zelir had never actually told him where he was from.

"Black Stone Town," Zelir supplied at the right moment.

"Oh... right! A Middle Level Mage from Black Stone Town!" Adrian slapped his forehead.

"A Middle Level Mage?"

Rolin, who had been quiet and gentle until now, couldn’t help but let her eyes widen slightly behind her half-frame glasses when she heard this Level.

Her gaze was filled with astonishment.

’Zelir is so young... and he’s already a Middle Level Mage?’

"Strictly speaking, I’m still a Junior Mage."

Zelir gave a slight nod. "I won’t be a true Middle Level Mage until I’m certified by the Mage’s Guild."

"Uh, forgive me... but I’d like to ask, if you don’t mind, how old are you?" Rolin couldn’t help but ask.

It was because Zelir’s appearance was just so youthful.

"Sixteen," Zelir said.

"Sixteen!"

Rolin let out a small gasp. "Are you serious?"

"Don’t be so surprised. This world is always producing geniuses," Adrian said, shaking his head with a smile.

Rolin’s impression of Zelir quickly underwent a two-stage transformation.

From a handsome boy, to a Mage, and then to a super-talented young Mage.

Rolin’s gaze couldn’t help but wander all over Zelir, her eyes filled with intense scrutiny and curiosity.

Likewise, Zelir was also very interested in Rolin.

’Because Rolin said she was from Silverpine City...’

’That place name immediately made Zelir recall the time he dealt with the out-of-control Magic incident.’

’That crazy Fantasy Mage, Elias, was expelled from the Silverpine City Mage’s Guild.’

’And Waldo, the one who provided Elias with the prototype Spell Structure for the Great Creation Skill, was also from Silverpine City.’

’Zelir had long since committed the name Silverpine City to memory.’