For Ji Xue’s profession, the Sword Master, advancement demanded not only diligent training but also a certain “enlightenment”—an elusive, almost mystical insight. Miss it once, and it might be gone forever. So she had no choice but to seclude herself immediately and make the most of this critical moment.
Kind-hearted Torina teamed up with Lachesis to wipe out the entire human-faced insect nest in the underground passage. Then she had Naji cast a subtle concealment blessing over the secret tunnel entrance before leaving Ji Xue behind and leading the others away.
Only then did she notice what Mylora had chosen.
“…A greatsword?”
“Mm… It just… feels cool.”
“With your strength, it’ll be hard to even lift. And the sword techniques I taught you don’t suit a greatsword at all.”
“U-um… but…”
“It’s fine. You chose it—just take good care of it.”
“Mhm!”
Seeing Torina’s approval, Mylora let out a happy little hum, like a kitten praised for good behavior.
Meanwhile, Torina’s mind churned with quiet concern.
In the original story, the protagonist’s signature weapon was a greatsword—and many allies met their end by its blade. If possible, she really hoped Mylora would pick something else.
***
And so, the Shepherd Moon Adventurers (minus Ji Xue) finally departed Garden Town after two months. They left behind the swarming flies and mosquitoes, the venomous snakes and leeches of Amana Forest, packed their belongings and loot, and headed for Zhiweidun City—the nearest major city to Garden Town.
A bustling trade hub with thriving tourism, Zhiweidun remained hot and humid, but at least it was livable. They smoothly checked into the town’s finest inn. Torina, wielding the sheer power of gold and coin, secured several top-tier rooms. Mylora and Annawiel even bickered over room placement—both wanted to be next to Torina’s. In the end, their rooms flanked hers perfectly.
After settling in, Annawiel, as usual, went to sell surplus materials and gear. Torina headed to the Adventurers’ Guild to formally report the clearance of Amana Forest, presenting an organ harvested from the boss as proof.
This was no small matter. The branch guildmaster, temple priests, merchant guild officials—and even reporters and intelligence brokers—flocked to witness it. Torina knew the value of discretion. Though eager to prove herself, she remained level-headed…
…Right up until she opened her mouth:
“Yes! It was none other than the Shepherd Moon Adventurers who secured the first kill of Amana Forest’s boss! All thanks to this lady’s unmatched strength and brilliant leadership! Follow Torina Diweier, meow! Follow Shepherd Moon Adventurers, meow! Official account: Tori_Tori_official—thank you, everyone!”
She accepted the guildmaster’s praise with delight, gave interviews, and received the First Clear certificate and medal.
“Thank you for your contribution to the Adventurers’ Guild! Keep striving—grow the team, achieve greater glory!”
The only downside? His speech sounded exactly like her past-life boss. So… corporate. So mood-killing.
Still, he was right. Torina resolved to professionalize the team—no longer treating it as a casual hobby. Time to implement advanced management systems from her previous life. After all, she’d once led a small team of new hires.
***
That evening, Torina gathered everyone in her room.
“Good evening, everyone. Finished your personal errands today?”
“Oh yes—while you were busy showing off and collecting medals,” Annawiel remarked dryly.
“Ahem! That was essential PR—vital for team branding and operations.”
“Speaking of which… what’s with that outfit? New fashion trend?”
Normally, Torina wore tailored dresses. Not tonight. This was something unknown in this world—a custom-made set she’d commissioned, what her past life called an “OL suit.”
A white high-neck ribbed knit top. A classic black cropped blazer. A black pleated mini-skirt just grazing mid-thigh. Sheer black glossy stockings. Sharp, professional… and *extremely* alluring.
…Except for the thick-soled, soft-material flats on her feet—basically Earth-style sneakers. The mismatch made the whole look oddly practical, as if her feet might get sweaty.
“Are those shoes… not quite matching the outfit?” Even fashion-clueless Mylora noticed.
“Comfort first. After awakening that skill, heels feel awkward… Ahem! Never mind! Point is—we’re leveling up this team. No more half-hearted efforts. I’ve drafted new regulations.”
“Regulations? Just the guild’s standard stuff, right?” Annawiel scoffed.
“Hehe. You wouldn’t understand.”
Torina flicked her sword. Chalk instantly scrawled across the blackboard:
**“First: The ‘Performance’ System.”**
“…‘Performance’?” (chorus of confusion)
“A measure of work output within set time and resources. Ratings range 0–5. Level 3 splits into 3.25, 3.5-, 3.5, 3.5+, 3.75. Next… ‘Attendance.’”
“…‘Attendance’?”
“Tracking daily presence—work, leave, lateness, early departure, overtime. Then compensation: we adopt ‘Thirteenth-Month Salary.’”
“…‘Thirteenth-Month Salary’?”
“An extra month’s pay in December. Prorated Year One; full from Year Two. Plus… ‘Year-End Bonus.’”
“…‘Year-End Bonus’?”
“Cash or rewards tied to team performance and ratings. A solid 3.5 earns three months’ salary. 3.75? Bigger bonus, promotion chance. 3.5-? Needs improvement. 3.25? Time to consider moving on. Also… ‘Values Assessment.’”
“…‘Values’?”
“We’ll build a positive team culture. Daily conduct affects your rating: A, B, or C. A ‘C’ means misalignment with Shepherd Moon values. Finally—everyone’s goals will follow ‘OKR’ management.”
“…‘OKR’?”
“A framework linking team objectives to individual key results. I’ll break down—”
“WHAT ARE YOU EVEN SAYING?!”
“I’m introducing advanced management systems from my homeland to you provincial folks.”
“WE DON’T UNDERSTAND A SINGLE WORD!!”
