"Of course it's a mission!" Headmaster Dugu Bai beamed at Lin Ming before him.

"I knew it. I shouldn't have harbored illusions about you calling me. What a waste of my IQ," Lin Ming muttered, clutching his head as his last hope shattered.

"How rude! I was only thinking about your living expenses," the Headmaster declared righteously after hearing his muttering.

"Heh!" Lin Ming snorted disdainfully at the Chancellor.

"What kind of attitude is that? I might just get angry!" the Headmaster barked, seeing Lin Ming's demeanor.

"Oh, in that case, I'll take my leave. Goodbye," Lin Ming said as if he hadn't heard the shout, turning to walk out of the office.

"Huh, I didn't expect Little Lin to refuse money. This mission is supposed to be easy," the Headmaster mumbled behind him.

Lin Ming stopped. The ahoge on his head twitched. Easy? Are you kidding me? Your missions are never not a trap!! Just back and you want me to work for you? In your dreams!

"I heard there's free food and drinks!" the Headmaster said, somehow seated at his desk, sipping tea from a cup that appeared out of nowhere. He looked utterly unconcerned.

Lin Ming's steps halted again... Free meals? That sounds good! Hmm? No—I just got my credits today. Enough to feast for a week. No need to work myself to death for free food.

'Impressive! Little Lin resisted two temptations—even free room and board. Before, he'd have come running like a puppy,' the Headmaster thought, surprised.

'Heh! I just finished a mission. Money's enough. Food and lodging? Pfft—with credits, the Dining Hall feeds me for a week. These temptations mean nothing now. No extra benefits? Naive,' Lin Ming thought, hearing silence. A slight smirk curled his lips. His hand neared the doorknob.

Seeing that smirk, a flash struck the Headmaster. 'I forgot—he just returned. These lures won't work. Time for the big bait.'

"Ahem! This is a mission designated by 'the higher-ups,' so no commission fee!" the Headmaster stressed "higher-ups."

Lin Ming's hand froze on the doorknob. 'Higher-ups? Why give me your superior's task? But no fee—that's nice. I can show off, boost my Squad's rep. But is it too good?'

Lin Ming felt a flicker of interest. His ahoge swayed uncertainly.

'This kid's tough. Something to brag about for ten years—he's still resisting. Last card time,' the Headmaster gritted mentally.

The Task Hall always charged fees, but no one got 100% rewards. Even if not legendary, it'd make his Squad famous. That prestige thrilled Lin Ming.

"Oh, and if you complete this, I'll exceptionally upgrade your one-person Squad to Rank B," the Headmaster declared firmly.

At this, Lin Ming's white ahoge shot straight up. His head turned slowly, eyes glowing with terrifying red light.

"Is that true?"

"Whoa!... Yes. So, accept?" the Headmaster was slightly startled but quickly beamed.

"!!! This unworthy Lin Ming accepts! I apologize for my earlier rudeness," Lin Ming bowed deeply.

Dignity and principles vanished. Only one thought remained: long-term gains are king. Rank B! 5% fee—permanent! 100 Gold Coins, only 5 taken; 1000, only 50...

'Holy crap, a total 180!!! So principles don't matter for profit, huh?'

"Hmph! Hmph!" the Headmaster snorted inwardly, pleased and proud of his Squad system.

The Squad system reduced fees in the Task Hall. Forming one required: three members minimum; over 50 missions completed; 2000 credits spent.

Rank A Squad: 3% fee. Rank B: 5%. Rank C: 8%.

For others, three members was easy. Fifty missions took work, but 2000 credits equaled a semester's dues—too risky solo. Most teamed up.

But Lin Ming formed alone. Missions and credits were simple—he needed money badly. But three members? Damn hard, thanks to his class and poor social skills.

"Damn it, you're harder to handle! Can't you trust this old man? Hmph!" the Headmaster scolded, seizing the chance.

"Headmaster, you are trustworthy. I've always known that," Lin Ming said seriously, inwardly cursing, 'I want to trust you, but your missions are traps! For 5% fee, I'll endure.'

"Hmm. Then why make me call you so many times!" the Headmaster shouted, remembering Lin Ming stepping on his foot earlier.

"That's because I worried for the Chancellor's health. I wanted you to rest early," Lin Ming replied with dignified calm.

"Very good. Take these two missions; registered already," the Headmaster said, pleased. He tossed two jade slips.

"I'll complete them perfectly. If nothing else, I'll take my leave," Lin Ming caught them, stored them in his Storage Ring unread, and bowed.

"Wait!" the Headmaster called.

"What else?" Lin Ming turned back, expression strained.

"Am I handsome?" Headmaster Dugu Bai asked, pulling out a mirror and preening vainly, missing Lin Ming's face.

Lin Ming could barely hold his expression. His ahoge drooped limply. He flung the door open and dashed out.

"Bang!"

"Kids these days, so impulsive. But of course, I am handsome!" the Headmaster preened on.

"Though his serious face is really gross!"