[Salvos] [START OF VOLUME 2] 41. Daniel's Dilemma 42. Journey back & 43. Adventurer

Announcement:

With my change in how Melas chapters will be released, I will now be releasing Salvos chapters on patreon itself, starting from chapter 43. Those in the $5 tier will be using the website until they reach chapter 43, where I will alert them with a notification on the changes from then on.

This makes it far easier for me, since I no longer have to do all the formatting stuff on wordpress.

START OF VOLUME 2:

41. Daniel's Dilemma

***

Daniel blinked his bleary brown eyes as beams from the sun seeped into the room through the blinds of the window. He got up with a sigh, clutching at the invisible wound on his side. He wasn’t hurt— no, there was only the vague feeling of an injury there.

The black haired man had been burned, bruised, and cut up by the Greater Demon called Lucerna, and yet, with healing potions he was now left without so much of a scratch. Well, at least physically he was fine. Mentally speaking, he wasn’t really sure how he felt. Sure, he was ok now, but wasn’t he on the cusp of death just yesterday?

It was a strange thing to think about— it was something that sometimes kept him up. He had never thought that it would ever be possible to recover from that much blood loss. And yet, he continued fighting. He had been able to pick himself up from the rubble and rocks with a nearly broken body, and healed himself completely with the last of the healing potions Salvos had given him. Then Mistshard picked him up, carrying him to the battlements where Druma was already at.

After that, everything had been a blur. They managed to catch Lucerna in their trap, strangling him until his neck or spine broke. Daniel wasn’t even sure if Demon’s had spines, but something happened to paralyze the [Djinn]. With that, Edithe finally got her revenge, and Salvos her answer:

She can’t return to the Netherworld.

The young man remembered seeing her face when she heard that. He had never seen her look so shocked since he met her; even as he got out of bed, he couldn’t help but feel apprehensive about seeing her in the common room of the inn.

He packed his things and got dressed as worrying thoughts raced through his mind. Will she still be broken up about it? Will she be even more confused than before? Will she be lost, without a clue on what to do? Or will she…

Daniel hesitated, chewing his lowering lip as he considered the last possibility.

Will she hate you, for lying to her? You promised her, after all. You said you would help bring her back to the Netherworld, and now she thinks it’s impossible. She might even kill you—

He shook his head and pushed the door to his room open. That wouldn’t happen; Salvos was not the kind of Demon— or uh, person— to attack someone unprovoked. She had made it extremely clear. Daniel tried to reassure himself as he walked down the stairs. And yet, the thought remained: what if Salvos went mad? What if she had some kind of Demon instincts within her that suddenly took over? What if those ‘wild Demons’ she talked about were really the true forms of a Demon, and he would come down to find a bloodied inn—

“Took you long enough!”

Salvos marched up to the young man and jabbed a finger at his chest. He blinked as he looked her over.

“How long do you Humans need to sleep? Seriously, the sun is already high up in the sky! You must have slept for, uh… 200 hours!”

“That’s… I don’t think there’s that many hours in a day, Salvos.”

Edithe sighed as she walked up to the two. The red haired [Summoner] dressed in her usual robes placed a hand on the Demon’s shoulder and lowered it.

“Give us a break. And don’t be so loud. I know the innkeeper is out right now, but what if someone passing by hears us?”

“Don’t worry. They won’t suspect a thing.”

Salvos grinned and twirled around. The cloak that used to loosely hang over her shoulder was now almost a proper fit to her body, its hood no longer masking her face too. Daniel just stared at her as she turned to a stop.

“I look just like a Human now, see? You think so too, right Daniel? Uh… Daniel?”

She cocked her head and Daniel blinked. He quickly turned his gaze to the wooden floorboards as he felt his face burn up.

“Yeah… you do.”

Previously, Salvos had an impish look to her. She had been short, not even up to his shoulders at five foot two inches. Her skin was pale— almost like that of a dead body, which was hardly her most inhuman feature. She lacked any… parts, for the most part. She had no chest, and nothing below her waist. It had reminded him of the most simple and plain mannequins, ones that only had the vague shape of a woman— he thought she had been more androgynous than anything. And that was everything about her that had even seemed ‘Human’.

Seeing her clearly back then, it was unmistakable she was a Demon. Two small horns had protruded from her gray-silver hair. Her face had been rather rotund, without much of a jawline under her sharp teeth. And while her black nail-like claws were not that terrifyingly long and usually hidden under her cloak, Daniel had seen what they could do and he didn’t want any of it.

But now, after her recent evolution, he was staring at a Human woman standing on a pair of long, sculpted legs letting the top of her head reach past his chin. Her waist was tapered, curving up to a slim figure that would draw all eyes— male or female— to it out of lust or envy. She had her arms folded across her chest, which now had the men’s shirt wrapping around it tighter than the loose garments of before.

Her golden eyes were enchanting, almost like there was something magical to it— in fact, there probably was something magical to it. Her chin was sharper too, like a sleek steel knife after it had been delicately washed and polished. When she curled her fuschia-pink lips up, Daniel could almost see his own reflection on her mirror-like pearly whites. And he only saw himself gawking.

Salvos no longer had anything about her that screamed ‘Demon’. Her hands were normal— she had no claws, no sharp nails. She even now had a pale-olive skin complexion that matched how alive she normally carried herself.

Daniel caught himself as she nodded, eagerly turning to Edithe.

“See? I told you.”

Edithe simply gave Daniel a judging look which he tried to ignore. He failed, feeling the embarrassment take over. Fortunately for him, Salvos didn’t pick up on this, instead spinning around and heading out of the inn.

“Come on, Betty and Chase are waiting for us! I can’t wait to race them back to Hazelbury and beat them again. I’m much faster now, you know?”

The two exchanged a glance. Daniel shook her head and Edithe just rubbed the bridge of her nose. She hasn’t changed at all, huh? He followed after her, scratching the back of his head.

“You know, Salvos, since we don’t need either Druma or Mistshard to be with us now, you can just always ride on the horse with us.”

“With me.”

Edithe shot him a sharp look and he blushed.

“I didn’t mean it like that, but yeah. You’ve already proved yourself faster than them, right?”

“Huh. I didn’t think of that.”

Salvos paused, thoughtfully tapping a hand on her chin. The three continued down the busy streets of Silvergrove. People were up and about, already trying to rebuild their city from the destruction caused by Lucerna’s attack.

A few faces turned to them, pointing and whispering to each other. However, none approached them, which Daniel was grateful for. He wasn’t really someone who could handle too much attention, although Salvos seemed to be the opposite.

She noticed the hushed conversation and nodded in the direction of a group of carpenters. Immediately, they quietened. Salvos scowled, before turning back as she heard a chuckle.

“What?”

Edithe suppressed an amused look.

“Nothing.”

Salvos raised a brow but said nothing more. They finally reached the stable holding their horses and saddled on to leave the city. There would be no celebrations today— there had already been plenty on the days before. But now, they needed to go back to Hazelbury… mostly to return the horses they borrowed from a stable in the other city. And once they were back in Hazelbury—

Daniel frowned, looking over at Salvos.

“So, uh… what will you be doing now?”

She glanced back over at him, seating behind Edithe.

“What do you mean?”

“You know, you can’t… go back to the Netherworld, right? So what will you be doing?”

Salvos blinked a few times, registering his words.

“I can’t go back? Why not?”

“Lucerna said you can’t. He said you needed a summoning collar, and you don’t have one. So…”

He trailed off, wondering if he made it awkward. Why did you have to bring that up? Moron! However, Salvos didn’t seem offended by it. Instead, she scoffed.

“If Lucerna says I can’t go back without one of those summoning collar thingies, then I just have to get one, don’t I?”

“I… I don’t think it’ll be that simple.”

She shrugged and turned away from him.

“I didn’t say it will be simple. I said I just have to do it. I like this place— the Mortal Realm. But I need to return to the Netherworld. Haec is there. He can wait a little longer, but not forever.”

“And Haec is…”

“My companion.”

Salvos spoke simply, as if that told him was supposed to tell him everything he needed to know. And maybe Salvos thought it was enough— that this ‘Haec’ was reason enough to try so hard to go back to the Netherworld. But honestly, was there a need for a deep reason to want to go back home?

Daniel didn’t think so. In fact, he thought he understood how Salvos felt. She might not see it in the same way he does, but the fact of the matter was that the Netherworld is her home. Of course she would want to go back. He smiled.

“Well, it’s probably going to be difficult is all I’m saying. But I made you a promise, and I’m going to keep it.”

Salvos nodded as if she hadn’t expected him to say anything otherwise. And maybe for her, it seemed that way. He told her he would help her, and he had done so thus far— why would he suddenly change his mind?

That was something she was going to have to learn about Humans— or well, mortals— from spending more time in the Mortal Realm. But for now, Daniel would help her in her quest to go back home.

It was not for any particular reason. He just understood the feeling— he could empathize with her. The longing to return to where you belonged was something he knew all too well.

After all, he was a [Hero] from another world.

42. Journey Back

***

I sat just behind Edithe on the back of Betty, the Level 13 [Traveler Horse], as we rode to Hazelbury. I felt the wind blowing at my face— my now longer hair flowing with the wind. I was in my Human form now. I had evolved and become a Greater Demon. My Subspecies was now a [Midday Changeling]. I had chosen it because it was the best Subspecies to help me blend in and survive while I was stuck here in the Mortal Realm.

Everything felt different. This body felt different. It was bigger than my previous, yet it was somehow more lithe. I slowly glanced down at myself, clenching my fist as I took in this new feeling. I softly closed my eyes, curling my lips while leaning back. This body, this new form—

I hate it! It sucks! I feel so weak!

Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)

Species: [Greater Demon] (Mortal Form - Human)

Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 40

General Skills:

[Advanced Mana Manipulation] - Lvl. 1

[Identification] - Lvl. 4

[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1

[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 1

[Rest] - Lvl. 2

[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 1

Stats:

[Available Stat Points: 10]

[Vitality]: 40 (+5) (-7)

[Strength]: 27 (+5) (-7)

[Endurance]: 53 (+5) (-7)

[Wisdom]: 63 (+5) (-2)

[Agility]: 79 (+5) (-7)

Skills:

[Available Skill Points: 15]

[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 1

[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)

[Flame Coat] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)

[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 1

[Self Haste] - Lvl. 1

[Passive - Blue Flames] - Lvl. 1

[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 1

[Unused Skill Slot] x2

I had so many new Skills. My Status was almost completely different now, with a Title that provided me with additional Stats and even a General Skill. However, I was stuck in this Human form which severely inhibited me!

Not only did it just take away most of the benefits I got from my Title, I didn’t even have claws anymore! What am I supposed to do now? Punch people?! That’s stupid!

I sighed and slumped over onto Edithe’s back. The Human woman turned back slightly and raised an eyebrow.

“Is something wrong, Salvos?”

“I don’t want to be a Human anymore…”

I murmured under my breath. Daniel looked over at me from his horse before quickly darting his eyes away. He hesitated.

“Wh— why not?”

“Because it sucks. Everything about it sucks. I don’t have my claws, I don’t have my horns. I don’t even look like myself anymore. And... why do I even have these things on me?”

The Human man immediately averted his gaze as I gestured down. Edithe laughed, shaking her head.

“Salvos, you have to understand it’s necessary for your own protection. Demons are treated as… monsters, I guess. Sure, not everyone will immediately attack you if they see you as a Demon, especially if you’re higher leveled than them, but still, what happens if they do?”

I scoffed, replying simply.

“I’ll fight back and kill them, of course.”

“Then you’ll get in trouble with the authorities. And there’ll be a lot of complications because of that. Trust me, it’s better for you to stay like this, at least while in the cities.”

I narrowed my eyes hopped off Betty, landing on the dirt road as the two continued on for a moment longer. They whirled around, giving me a confused look.

“What are you doing, Salvos?”

“We aren’t in one of your Human cities anymore, right? I’m going to change back.”

“Wait—”

I ignored the two as they protested. I focused on the General Skill [Racial Skill: Mortal Form] and deactivated it. Immediately, I felt my body growing and turning whiter. The ground suddenly shrunk below me as I felt my clothes tighten around my body— except for my chest, it actually became looser there. My hair didn’t recede, instead growing even longer than before.

There was a cracking sound, like that of rocks being broken on each other, as one last ripple went through my now lanky body. Two horns sprouted from my head— and they weren’t just small protrusions peeking out of my hair. These were long, crooked horns. Almost like the one that Demon who made the Spear of Flames had back in the Netherworld.

My arms were much longer now too, nearly falling down to my knees when standing upright. Which was harder to do now; my body felt like it didn’t want to be straight. I looked down at my clawed hands— my white hands— and smiled. Sharp. Sharper than as an [Imp]. I turned to Daniel who I was now taller than even, and shot him a thumbs up.

“See? I feel much better already.”

Stats:

[Available Stat Points: 10]

[Vitality]: 40 (+5)

[Strength]: 27 (+5)

[Endurance]: 53 (+5)

[Wisdom]: 63 (+5)

[Agility]: 79 (+5)

No more of those… debuffs. I felt satisfied at that. However, I noticed that both Daniel and Edithe visibly paled. I folded my arms.

“What’s wrong? Are you two really scared by this? Come on, I’m still Salvos! You weren’t afraid of me back when I was a [Zelus Imp]!”

The Human man swallowed, exchanging a look with Edithe.

“We know, uh, that. But this is just a bit… much.”

I frowned.

“You weren’t scared of Lucerna.”

“Lucerna wasn’t as terrifying as you.”

He muttered, facing away from me again. I brightened at that.

“Really? You think so?”

“That’s… not a good thing, Salvos.”

Edithe pointed out with a sigh.

“Not for you Humans, maybe. But I like it. I’m sure even those [Hellhounds] would think twice about messing with me!”

I paused, looking up. If they can even think at all, I added in my head. I spun around, feeling my cloak get swept up by the wind as I spread my clawed hands out wide.

“This is who I am. Maybe being a Human is better for whatever reason, but it’s not me. I don’t like it—”

I turned to a stop and stared. A family of three stared back at me. A Human man, a Human woman, and a Human child. They stood on the dirt path coming from Hazelbury, eyes wide open in shock. I hesitated, then waved a clawed hand.

“Uh, hi…?”

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Demon! Another Demon is attacking our country!”

The woman screamed and the man shouted. The child cried as her parents picked her up and ran away. I grinned nervously, turning back to my two Human companions.

“...maybe this wasn’t a good idea.”

“You think?”

…

“Did I mention I can only change my form every hour?”

Edithe sighed and Daniel just smacked his forehead.

—--

We waited out until I could transform to a Human again by hiding deep in the forest, away from any Human life. Edithe chastised me for a moment, mulling over having to deal with any possible repercussions from this. I didn’t see why it mattered— this wasn’t the first time I had been seen by Humans. As far as Silvergrove and Hazelbury knew, a wild [Imp] was still running around somewhere in Falisfield, plotting something completely and totally evil.

And perhaps they were right. I might be planning something evil. However, I wasn’t an [Imp] anymore, so actually they’d still be wrong.

During this hour wait, I decided to finally spend my available Stat and Skill Points, while figuring out what my evolution entailed. The first thing I did was distribute 5 Stat Points to [Agility], because it couldn’t hurt to be even faster than I already was. Then I spent 2 on [Endurance], 2 on [Vitality], and the remaining 1 on [Strength].

For now, I neglected my [Wisdom]. My Subspecies evolution had given me quite a nice boost to it, and it being in my Mortal Form didn’t decrease it as much as the rest.

As for my Skills, I had to figure out what each did. [Advanced Fire Creation] seemed rather self explanatory, so I just dumped 4 Skill Points straight into it. The new Skill I gained while fighting Lucerna— [Passive - Blue Flames]— seemed to drastically increase the damage of my fire magic, while only draining a little bit more mana than usual.

I raised a hand, watching the bright blue wisps coalesce, forming a fire the shape of a raindrop on the palm of my hand. It did not flow with the wind like my regular flames had— instead, it seemed to almost hold still, like a solid rock bracing against a strong force pushing it. I grinned, thinking of how powerful this new Skill was, and added 4 Skill Points to it. That left me with 7 more to spend.

I moved on to see [Passive - Weapon Mastery] would do. I turned the blue flame into a deadly fire longsword. It no longer took all my focus to create a weapon longer than a dagger now— I held up the glowing blade in one hand and swung it around. I frowned as I realized this was hardly different to [Passive - General Tool Proficiency]. Sure, I could swing the weapon better than before, but… not that good.

I only gave it no Skill Points.

After that disappointment, I didn’t really have high expectations for my remaining two newly changed Skills. And sure enough, [Scorching Wave] didn’t seem any different from [Fire Blast]. The only difference between the former and the latter being how I could change the intensity of the attack depending on the mana I poured into it, and how the flames came out as a wave and not a quick blast that lasted only a few moments. Decent, I thought. A better use of mana than doing the same with [Advanced Fire Creation].

I left [Scorching Wave] at Level 2 for now, seeing no reason to spend more on it. Next up was [Self Haste]. I activated the Skill without expecting much from it, and was surprised to immediately feel it take over me. It was as if the world suddenly became slower.

I slowly lifted a clawed finger up, only for it to snap straight into position in an instant. I glanced around, realizing how much slower Daniel and Edithe were moving. The two spoke with slurred speech, like they had a few days ago after we defeated Lucerna and they drank a lot of that ‘alcohol’ liquid.

I walked up to them at a casual pace, however they jumped when I suddenly appeared by their side.

“Salvos! Don’t run at us like that.”

“Is there a problem?”

The two looked at me and I grinned.

“Nopethere’snoproblemIjustusedthisSkillcalled[SelfHaste]andapparentlyitmakes—”

Daniel blinked.

“Woah, slow down there. Could you repeat what you said?”

The Human woman narrowed her eyes as I nodded eagerly.

“OfcourseIsaidthatthisnewSkillIgotmakeseverything—”

“I don’t understand what she’s saying at all. Do you?”

“Not a word.”

I frowned, annoyed. I waved a clawed hand at them and pointed at myself.

“Justwatchthis!”

I dashed forward, running as fast as I could to a nearby tree. I whirled around, talking excitedly as wind blew at my face while my feet carried me forward, closing half the distance to my target in an instant.

“Everythingissomuchslowernow— aw.”

I stumbled to a halt.

“It ran out.”

Daniel just stared at me in shock.

“Wha… what was that?”

He sputtered, turning to Edithe. She looked at me for a moment, then shut her eyes.

“It’s a [Haste] Skill. Very rare. Even rarer than the potions and spells that can imitate its effects.”

The Human woman shook her head as I walked back up to them, arms widespread.

“Did you see? That was amazing right?!”

“Yes, Salvos. That’s actually amazing.”

She nodded, and I felt my lips curling up. I turned to Daniel who averted his gaze.

“Uh, can you not smile at me like that? It’s terrifying.”

I crossed my arms and glared at him. It only made him look away from me more. I sighed, deciding to do him a favor as I felt enough time had finally passed for me to use [Racial Skill: Mortal Form] again.

A ripple ran through my body, and a few moments later, I appeared Human again.

“It was not as much of a speed boost as with [Double Step]. But it seems to last longer than it— and also affects more than just my running speed. I like it.”

I quickly spent 2 Skill Points on it, saving the rest for my two potential new Skills. I was about to choose the Skills I had available to obtain, when Edithe smiled.

“Well, it seems like you had your fun. And you’ve managed to test out a few new Skills. Now it’s time for us to actually go back to Hazelbury.”

“Why the rush? Can’t we stay here for a bit longer?”

I turned to the Human woman, giving her what I recognized was a childish pout. I had seen Human children use this to convince their parents to give them what they wanted. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me.

“Well, other than the fact that it’s getting dark and I don’t want to camp out in the woods when we can easily sleep in a nice inn—”

She looked me over once, then glanced over at Daniel. The Human man nodded and he faced me.

“Salvos, we’ve been discussing it with each other for a few days, but... what do you think of becoming an adventurer?”

43. Adventurer

***

“Salvos, we’ve been discussing it with each other for a few days, but... what do you think of becoming an adventurer?”

The Human man spoke slowly and nervously, unsure of his own words. Daniel looked back at Edithe for some support, and she nodded in affirmation.

“We know you might be… averse to this idea. You don’t have plans to remain in this realm after all. And being around adventurers all the time might be dangerous to you, since you’re a Demon. However we think it’s currently what’s best for you.”

I blinked, glancing between the two Humans as Daniel took over for Edithe once again.

“You can earn actual money for yourself while fighting monsters. It’s actually really good for you, since you can do what you enjoy the most— leveling— while giving yourself the opportunity to live a comfortable life while stuck here. It’s not really any massive obligation, so I think you should at least consider this.”

The two exchanged another hesitant look as I considered this. I saw Daniel open his mouth slowly.

“Sure.”

“Of course, you don’t have to make your decision now— wait, sure?”

I grinned.

“Yes, sure. That sounds interesting! I want to be an adventurer!”

“But… it could be dangerous for you, Salvos.”

“I don’t really know how your Subspecies works, but if someone can see through your [Racial Skill: Mortal Form - Human], they could expose you!”

“And?”

I cocked my head.

“And if that happens, they could try and get you killed—”

I gave him a look and he snapped his mouth shut.

“...ah, right.”

I shook my head, looking first at Edithe then at Daniel.

“I know you think being an adventurer is dangerous and all, for whatever reasons, and maybe it is. However, I survived in the Mortal Realm so far as an [Imp]. Back then, I couldn’t even disguise myself as one of you Humans who keep attacking me for my looks, but now I can. Furthermore, the dangers here are nothing compared to the ones I faced in the Netherworld. You think it’s bad here because a few Humans might want to kill me? Almost every single Demon I met in the Netherworld tried to kill me. Yet, I survived. And most of all—”

I spun around, facing away from the two. I raised a hand, pointing it forward and up at the sky as a grin spread across my face.

“I want to do it! Do I need any other reason?”

I paused, letting my words sink it for the two. Then I had a thought.

“Plus, weren’t you two the ones trying to make me become an adventurer?”

—--

“We weren’t against the idea of you being an adventurer, Salvos. We just wanted to make sure you knew the consequences and dangers of being one.”

“I know about danger. I know about adventurers. I think it’s simple enough.”

I crossed my arms and stared at Daniel. He sighed, shaking his head.

“Maybe you know each individually. But Salvos, sometimes you can be quite… impulsive. Immature. As in, make bad decisions that could have potentially devastating effects.”

“I don’t do that.”

“You don’t?”

Edithe looked at me with a blank face. She gestured behind her— at the road leading out of Hazelbury— then at my clothing.

“Explain what happened earlier with that family. And explain your clothes— if these hadn’t been too big for you, you’d be walking around naked right now.”

I scoffed, keeping my head up and my gaze away from the Human woman’s judging look as the three of us strolled into the Adventurers Guild of Hazelbury.

“So what? I’ve scared Humans multiple times before, and it’s never turned out bad. Plus, what’s wrong with being naked?”

The two Humans exchanged a glance. Daniel raised a hand defensively.

“I’m not going to explain it to her. You’re both women— you do it.”

Edithe did not grace him with a retort. Instead, she led me straight past the sea of staring adventurers and to the receptionist. I tried to catch what the Humans were saying— they were whispering and pointing at us— but unfortunately I could only make out a few nonsensical words.

“...defeated the [Djinn].”

“...no way, how did...”

“...it’s that bitch—”

I glanced over at the voice that said that. I saw Blake— the tall adventurer from the local Iron Champions Company— sitting over at a table towards the edge of the room, surrounded by a group of adventurers dressed in similar clothing as him. They all wore the same crest on their chest— a sword and a pickaxe crossed together.

I frowned as I considered his remark. A bitch? I am not a female dog. I’m a Demon! I wanted to pull away from Edithe and confront him, however the Human woman’s grip did not let up. She stopped me right in front of the receptionist.

“Hi.”

She placed a few silver coins on the counter and gestured over at me.

“I’d like to register her as an adventurer, please.”

The receptionist blinked, glancing between me and Edithe. She squinted as she looked at me— was she identifying me?— then smiled slowly.

“Of course. And will you be signing with us as a part of any company, or would you prefer to be independent?”

I cocked my head.

“Uh…”

“Independent.”

Edithe spoke over me before I could decide. I decided to go with it, although the receptionist seemed insistent on me joining a company.

“Are you certain? Joining a company comes with many benefits. For example, the fee to sign up as an adventurer would be halved, since most companies will take up the cost for you. And—”

She leaned across the counter, eyeing Blake and his group with a sidelong glance before whispering.

“You don’t have to join the Iron Champions Company. As long as you have a member of a company— any company— to vouch for your recruitment, we’d cut the price upfront and bill the company instead. Like, say, the Valiant Dreamers Company?”

The receptionist gave Edithe a look. However my companion shook her head.

“I’m already paying the fee for her. And if she wants to join my company, she can do so in the future. For now, she should experience what it’s like to be an independent adventurer first, before she decides on joining any company.”

“Suit yourself. Let me just fill out these documents— your name is Salvos, correct?”

“That’s me! I’m Salvos!”

I grinned at the receptionist and jerked a thumb at myself. Edithe quickly lowered my hand and spoke quietly into my ear.

“You said you’re not immature, right? Don’t be so loud. I’d rather us not draw anymore attention to ourselves than we’re already getting.”

“Why not?”

I looked at her, confused. I like the attention. But apparently she didn’t, and she didn’t seem like she wanted to explain why it was bad. So I just obliged.

“Fine.”

“Thanks.”

I turned back to the receptionist who was now scribbling on a piece of paper and smiled normally, speaking softly this time.

“I am Salvos, and as my companion said, I would prefer not to be a part of a company.”

“Uh… right.”

She raised a brow and gave me a weird look. I shot my companion a wink, to which she simply pinched the bridge of her nose. Did I do something wrong? I spoke as proper as I could! I heard Daniel sigh, muttering under his breath behind me.

“...sounded like a robot…”

I wanted to ask him what that even was, but the receptionist was already proffering a piece of paper.

“Just sign here, and you’ll be set.”

“Alright.”

I picked up the pen— and frowned.

“How do I… sign this?”

I trailed off, giving Edithe a pleading look. I heard an adventurer sitting close by guffaw and spill his drink on the floor. The Human woman just closed her eyes and pinched her nose harder. Before either she or the receptionist could respond, a voice interrupted them.

“So these are the heroes of Silvergrove, huh?”

A man that had been sitting at Blake’s table got up and strutted over to us. His companions immediately followed after him, keeping a small distance behind from him as they made their approach.

“Equipment seems rather mediocre— shabby, even. Levels are decent, but nothing particularly impressive. I’m surprised you three managed to take out that so-called Destroyer that rampaged through Falisfield.”

The receptionist shrunk in her desk as he came to a stop just before us. He wore the same clothing that Blake and the others wore, however it was different somehow. It seemed more… decorated? As in he had jewels adorned into parts of his vest, and the crest on his chest had a helmet added in between the pickaxe and the sword. He produced a gleaming silver badge and smiled.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Salvos. I’m Stephen, a Platinum Rank adventurer from the Iron Champions Company.”

I blinked and identified him.

[??? - Lvl. ???]

Does he have a Necklace of Obfuscation too? No— I didn’t see anything hanging around his neck. I had a feeling his level was just too high for me to see.

“I had heard about the havoc this Greater Demon had been causing to my home province, so I rushed back as quickly as I could. But it seems I arrived a little too late, since I came back to hear only the singing of praises for the three adventurers that slayed the [Djinn].”

He brought a hand forward with a smile and I stared at it. It took me a moment to remember Edithe’s lesson on Human courtesy and how you should always shake an outstretched hand, but I quickly recovered and took it.

“Hi, I’m Salvos.”

“...I know.”

Stephen’s lips twitched as he brought his hand back after we shook. He gestured at us, then back at the group behind him— adventurers who I assumed were part of his company with Blake.

“I’ve heard many things about you, Miss Salvos. Nothing good, really. That you’re rather brutish and prone to violence, causing trouble in the guild even though you weren’t— and still aren’t— an adventurer. Especially your unpleasant run-ins with some of my… company members.”

He gave Blake a sharp look at the tall adventurer flinched.

“However, I’d like to confirm such things myself: are any of these rumors true? Did you, perhaps, hit my friend here in a rather demeaning place when you two first met?”

I nodded and replied simply.

“I did.”

Stephen quirked an eyebrow, looking me over.

“And why exactly did you do such a thing?”

“He deserved it, that’s why.”

“Hm, perhaps.”

The Platinum Ranked adventurer turned around, evaluating Blake who blanched at the offhand remark from him. Then he faced me.

“Such things are possible. I do admit that our criteria for accepting new members aren’t very strict. However, I’ve heard other things about you too. For example, you broke into our company building here in Hazelbury and stole a rather important resource to us and distributed it to the public. Is that true?”

I opened my mouth to answer, but Edithe stepped in front of me and brought an arm out.

“Alright, cut it out. What do you want?”

“Hrmph, Miss… Edithe, was it? Gold Rank adventurer from that annoying Valiant Dreamers Company. I take it that that theft was your doing then?”

“So what if it is? Hoarding the location of dangerous Dungeons is not something the guild likes.”

“But it isn’t banned by the guild either, is it not?”

He chuckled as Edithe just glared at him. At this point, Daniel thought to join in.

“Just because it’s allowed, doesn’t mean it’s right.”

“And the knight in shining armor decides to step in to save his ladies. Tell me, Mister Daniel, how many people do you think you’re fooling with that artifact of yours? Or did you think hiding your level also hides that Necklace of Obfuscation hanging around your neck?”

Blake’s eyes widened and Daniel clenched his fist.

“Leave us alone. We’re just minding our own business.”

“Ah, but your business is my business, you see?”

Stephen walked around Daniel and Edithe and approached me with a smile. He gestured at me before turning back to the two.

“What you have here is someone special. Someone extremely rare. Or did you think no one noticed how she has doubled her level in the span of two months since she first came here?”

A susurration broke out in the crowd of adventurers watching this scene; Edithe grimaced and Daniel glanced around with a frown. Stephen continued, ignoring either of their reactions.

“Of course, leveling at such speeds is only possible in the lower levels. However, to do so requires a level of risk and talent, something which over 99% of adventurers at even Gold lack. So I’d like to offer this deal to you, Miss Salvos: join the Iron Champions Company, and not only will all your past transgressions to us be forgiven, but you’ll have access to all resources we can offer. Locations of Dungeons, Medium Grade and even High Grade equipment, and even the best mentors anyone can offer. It will all be free, specifically for you, as long as you decide to join our company here and now.”

I stared at the Human man, blinking as he went on.

“It is a generous offer, Miss Salvos. Something we don’t give everyone. We’d be treating you as we would a Platinum Rank, despite you having only just reached Gold. It’d be wise to accept this if you truly wish to reach such high levels in no time. Additionally, if there’s anything you might want, we’ll be able to pool together our vast resources to help you get it. We might not be one of the Honorable Companies, but I’d say we’re getting close to their size.”

“In your dreams. The Iron Champions Company is nowhere near large enough to stand amongst those three—”

“Was I talking to you?”

Stephen spoke over Edithe and gave her a dark look. She flinched, instinctively raising her staff. He did nothing else, turning back to face me.

“So Miss Salvos, what about it? Will you join us?”

I looked at Stephen’s outstretched hand, before directing my gaze over his shoulder. Edithe was chewing her lower lip, and Daniel had nothing to offer me either: both seemed resigned, unable to say anything.

I turned back to the Platinum Rank adventurer. If I join the Iron Champions Company, I’d be able to level faster. And maybe I can make them find a way to reach the Netherworld. There was almost no downside to this offer; everything about it seemed right to me.

So I smiled, raising my hand and accepting the proffered handshake by Stephen. Daniel sighed, and Edithe averted her gaze. Stephen was smirking, while Blake had a look of terror on his face. I opened my mouth—

“No.”

“...pardon?”

Stephen lowered his hand as I brought my hands back to my hips. I spoke again, slower this time.

“I said no.”

“Uh, but you took my hand—”

“Because it’s common courtesy to do so, of course. However, I do not want to join your company.”

The Platinum Ranked adventurer slowly blinked. He sputtered in indignation.

“But why? You have only things to gain from joining us! I am literally offering to give you a VIP treatment that only the closest friends of our founders get. What sane reason could you give to reject such a deal?!”

I shrugged.

“My companions don’t like you, and I don’t like you either. Also, I’d probably have to leave them if I joined your company. I don’t want that.”

He opened his mouth in fury— then slowly closed it. He shook his head, resting his forehead on the palm of his hand.

“I should’ve known you would say this from the way I saw you act. You’re like a child. A petulant, bratty child.”

“I am not a child. I am a Gr—”

Daniel and Edithe snapped their gazes to me. I quickly corrected myself mid word.

“Grown woman!”

Stephen stared at me as I shook a fist at him. He just sighed.

“Alas, such potential is wasted on a fool such as you. Unfortunate.”

He turned around and began to stalk off. However, he paused right at the edge of earshot distance and craned his neck fractionally to face us.

“You will regret this decision, Miss Salvos. And as for you, Miss Edithe. Your Valiant Dreamers Company will get what’s coming for them. Or did you really think our company will take all your interference in stride?”

Edithe grit her teeth, biting back a reply. Then the Platinum Rank adventurer and his group left the guild hall. And all that was left was silence.

…

“So, uh, how do I sign again?”