"What happened?" Albert stepped out after hearing a loud bang. This was his house—nearly torn apart. How could he stay inside packing calmly?

An angry voice reached his ears too.

What had Chu Xueyue done to get the door smashed? That voice sounded familiar—had he heard it before?

"Sorry, I—I did it on purpose just now. I thought you were a salesperson, so I acted that way." Since he was wrong, he’d admit it outright. No way would he let her know it was accidental. Besides, he couldn’t beat this girl—better to back down fast.

Chu Xueyue’s gaze locked onto her. Her fiery red hair was impossible to ignore, like living flames. He sighed inwardly: *This world really is another dimension. Hair like that wouldn’t exist on Earth.*

She wore the city Search Team’s white uniform. Chu Xueyue thought the female version was "well-designed"—a miniskirt that flashed with every step. *Could this really reduce crime? More like it invites trouble.*

Unlike regular members, she wore a crimson cape matching her hair.

Mary, the top cadet who’d just been up close with Chu Xueyue, wouldn’t forgive him over a few words. As Search Team, she couldn’t attack civilians lightly—but if no one found out, why not?

Just then, a familiar voice stopped her.

"Huh? Isn’t this Great Mage Haisa’s granddaughter? So your grandfather sent you?" Albert’s voice cut through the air.

*Albert, you’re finally out. Save me.*

"Albert, you’re here."

Mary turned toward the voice. His face was blurry at first, but recalling his tone, his features sharpened.

"Lord Albert? What are you doing here? Weren’t you—" She froze. This was the former Dragon Slayer Hero, Albert. Thanks to her grandfather, she knew him well.

"Miss Mary, long time no see. First time visiting my house, and you tear down my door? Guess it needed replacing anyway." Albert joked, pointing at the shattered wood on the floor.

Mary’s face flushed instantly. If anyone else slammed a door in her face, she’d wreck their home without care. But this was Albert’s place—the man she’d always admired. And he seemed key to this mission. She’d broken his door on arrival. *What would Grandfather say?*

*Albert really won’t get a girlfriend, will he? Saying that now—even if he means no harm, this is my chance.*

"Albert, it’s my fault. Without me, the door wouldn’t be broken. I’ll pay for a new one." *Medical fees? You two are close—I won’t cover those. But I’d never say that aloud.*

Albert scratched his head. He didn’t know what happened, but Mary’s expression softened after Chu Xueyue’s words. She stopped pressing blame. *Yeah, the door did need replacing.*

"Let’s set that aside. Miss Mary, why are you here? I asked your grandfather to send someone, but I wasn’t sure it’d be you."

"Grandfather gave me a mission and this address. He said I’d know the details upon arrival. The address is correct." Mary straightened up instantly.

They’d forgotten the person watching beside them. *Fine—Albert saved me again. I can’t kick doors flying yet; I’m not that strong.*

Mary pulled out a letter from her grandfather, meant for the mission recipient. Clearly for Albert. Even if given to Chu Xueyue, it’d be useless—he’d studied hard but still struggled with much.

Albert read the letter carefully. It was from Great Mage Haisa. He’d expected a simple task: hand Karifa upstairs to the Search Team. He rarely left home, and Chu Xueyue was still learning—a mistake could be disastrous. That’s why he’d contacted one of the few who knew his identity and held power: Great Mage Haisa. Richard’s request was another matter.

"I know the details might change. I’ll explain now—you decide whether to join. It could be dangerous. If you quit, I’ll tell your grandfather." Albert paused. As a mercenary, he respected the rules: sudden changes meant the contractor could refuse.

*I’m the top cadet. This is my first mission. I’ll succeed no matter what.* Mary thought stubbornly.

"Lord Albert, no need. You see this uniform? I’m Search Team now. I accept any mission. If I feared danger, I wouldn’t have joined."

Albert flashed his signature smile. "Little Mary’s all grown up. Time flies. Since you’re Search Team, no formalities. Ready?"

"Yes! Cadet of Search Team Unit Five, reporting!"

*No need to be so formal. How are you ignoring me? Remember—the door’s still on the floor!*