"What... is this..."

The guild president hesitated upon hearing my words, and I smiled before continuing.

"Well, our team is quite free-spirited, and I've been investigating some things myself, which may be related to this matter."

I glanced at the representatives of the various mercenary groups sitting in the room and continued.

"I think you all understand that we are not dealing with humans we can communicate with, but with those monsters. They could attack at any moment. I believe each mercenary group is an important force in stopping these monsters, and they cannot be easily withdrawn. So let me take my team there to investigate."

"Yes, I agree with his view."

One of the mercenary representatives nodded to indicate their agreement.

"Indeed, when facing large monsters, it's actually easier for a small team to avoid them. And besides, Phily, you have defeated the Hell Spider Lily and the Blast Beast, which proves your strength. Otherwise, for example, if our exploration team from the mercenary group is discovered, it would be a great loss."

"Yes, Ting, brother, you're right, I agree too. By the way, I have a map of the continent here, recording most of the passages between cities as well as the less obvious small roads. I think it could be very useful for you, so take it."

"How can I accept this?"

"It's nothing, this thing isn't worth much. If you can investigate the cause of the monsters' appearances, it would be very beneficial for our mercenary missions and transportation of goods."

"Yes, indeed."

The surrounding mercenaries nodded in agreement.

Although it's good that they agreed, they clearly expressed their thoughts. Helping them is also beneficial for me, and they don't have to lose personnel. So why not?

"But... won't it be too dangerous like this?"

President Maristodo expressed concern.

"If those monsters really come from over there, wouldn't it be..."

"Don't worry, I'll just go and take a look along the way. If it's really related to the orcs, I'll immediately report back."

"Well... does everyone have no objection?"

After looking at everyone's reaction, President Maristodo nodded.

"Alright then, I officially issue a special mission in the name of the president of the Blue Lake City Mercenary Guild. Find the cause of the monster attacks on the city."

Ding!

Special Mission:

Investigate the appearance and purpose of the monsters attacking Blue Lake City.

Mission completion conditions: Obtain the plan book of the Snake Eye Shattered Jade Plan.

Mission reward: unknown

It seems I successfully triggered the mission. I nodded and shared the mission with Bai Yueguang.

"I'll start investigating right away and try to resolve the crisis as soon as possible."

"Yes, I'm counting on you."

...

Afterwards, the meeting quickly came to an end. After all, the defensive areas assigned to each mercenary group had already been determined, and they just needed to continue according to the original plan.

As we walked towards the entrance of the mercenary guild, we happened to see Jans approaching with two of his subordinates.

"Ah, isn't this Phily? I was just looking for you!"

He greeted me as he approached.

Really, I don't even want to say anything to you. I know you're looking for me, but you're exceptionally late.

"Hello, Lord Jans," I greeted with a bow.

"What can I do for you?"

"Well... can we find somewhere else to talk?"

The person looked around and whispered to me.

"Sure, but I have a mission to carry out later. Can I bring my companions along?"

"Of course, how about this? There's a restaurant called 'Duluss' nearby. You can meet me there and mention my name when you arrive."

"Alright, no problem. See you later."

I watched the person leave, smiled, and then connected my communication earpiece.

"Hello, Bai Yueguang, are you finished shopping?"

It felt just like playing games and using voice chat with others before. It's more convenient than using terminals, after all, it would be cumbersome during battles.

"If it weren't for the storage ring, I would have been crushed by now."

"I see, can I assume that you're finished then?"

"Yes, yes, we're waiting for you to contact us for dinner. Have you decided what to eat?"

"Thank you very much. How about all of you wait outside the restaurant called 'Duluss', and I'll be there soon."

"Oh? Is someone treating us?"

"How did you know?"

"I don't think you're the type to treat others."

"That's a bit too much, but it's true."

"..."

"Alright, see you later."

After ending the call, I checked the mini-map and confirmed the route to the destination before heading there slowly.

------------------------

Blue Lake City, Crescent Chain Hotel

"Vice Commander, you're back!"

As soon as Aliyah arrived at the hotel, two mercenaries dressed in red armor at the entrance greeted her simultaneously.

"Muse, Leiyue, you're on shift today, right?"

"Yes."

"Is the Commander here? I need to talk to her about something."

"The Commander? Her father came by a while ago, and then she went out."

"Her father? She never mentioned anything about her father to me."

"We don't know either, it surprised us when he appeared just now."

"I see..."

Aliyah shrugged and continued to ask.

"Who was he?"

"You won't believe it, it's Jans V. Silurandor, the Duke's younger brother."

"Ha!"

Aliyah paused for a moment and then turned and looked into the distance.

"Just now, at the entrance of the Mercenary Guild... this is bad!"

"Did the Commander say where she was going?"

"No..."

"Oh, that's troublesome! Activate 'Wolven True Sight'!"

The surroundings turned purple in Aliyah's eyes, and in the distance, several green light pillars shot up into the sky.

"I found you~"