After discussing a few more details regarding patrol routes, supply distribution, and communication methods, the meeting between the two Grandmasters finally came to an end.
Kevin let out a long breath and leaned back in his chair. For the first time since the meeting had begun, some of the tension left his face.
His broad shoulders slumped slightly, as if a burden had been temporarily set aside.
Then…his gaze shifted directly toward Raymond. Raymond suddenly felt the room had become much smaller as Kevin's black eyes locked onto him, studying him with a sharp glint.
It felt as though the giant man was trying to look beneath the robe, beneath the skin, and directly into his soul.
Yet Raymond's gaze remained unmoved. His expression didn't change even though his heart was thudding in his chest loudly.
Inside his mind, he couldn't help but acknowledge one thing.
The feeling was…very unsettling. It reminded him of standing before a starving predator. A beast powerful enough to rip him apart with ease. A beast that was somehow forcing itself to remain calm.
Several seconds passed as neither of them spoke.
Then, Kevin's eyebrow rose slightly. A hint of surprise flashed through his eyes. Most people would have looked away by now yet the boy held on.
"Heh, well he certainly is... not bad." Kevin said with a smirk as he leaned back on his chair. His arms crossed, staying steady against his chest.
"See, told ya." Alariv also smiled. Then, he turned towards Raymond and spoke.
"You can go now. Remember to prepare for tomorrow as you too will be going on the mission tomorrow." He said.
Raymond nodded. Then, quietly he walked out.
*****
The day passed by in a blink...soon it was the time for the mission to finally start. The number of Adventurers gathered around Raymond had exceeded over two hundred.
"Adventurers." Kevin spoke. His voice wasn't loud yet it echoed throughout the entire hall.
A hush fell over the entire hall silencing every conversation and laughter to a halt. This was the authority of a Grandmaster level being even among hundreds his heavy presence was undeniable.
It was like that of an unmoveable mountain.
He continued.
"You all know why you're here. Those wretched Dark Beings have appeared along our borders." His expression hardened.
"Villages have been attacked and innocent people have died."
At the mention of death the atmosphere inside the hall immediately became heavier. Many adventurers unconsciously tightened their grips on their weapons.
"Our mission is simple. Find the source of the corruption, destroy those cultists, kill every Dark Being you encounter." His gaze sharpened.
"...And come back alive."
A few chuckles spread through the crowd at the final remark, easing some of the tension. Kevin also smirked slightly.
"I'm serious. After all, dead people don't get paid, you know."
This time, even Raymond couldn't help but find the statement amusing as a small smile formed in his face.
Kevin glanced around once more before pointing toward the large map hanging behind him.
"Your teams have already been assigned. Follow your designated routes. Investigate anything suspicious and if you find something beyond your ability to handle..."
His eyes narrowed.
"Don't play the hero, report it immediately."
The adventurers nodded solemnly. After all, recklessness was one of the fastest ways to die.
Kevin took a step back. The wooden floor creaked beneath his weight. Then a fierce grin appeared on his face. The grin of a hunter about to begin the chase.
"Now then." His voice rang through the hall.
"Let's go hunting."
The hall erupted into motion.
****
The adventurers were divided into teams of three for the mission. To make coordination easier, everyone was given a basic profile of their teammates along with a designated information.
Raymond had already met one of his assigned teammates the previous day and the two had agreed on where to gather before departure.
Fortunately, that teammate already knew their third member and had volunteered to bring her along. It saved Raymond the trouble of searching through hundreds of adventurers himself.
So now, with nothing else to do, he waited.
Leaning against the trunk of a large tree near the outskirts of the city, Raymond quietly gazed up at the sky.
The vast expanse above him was painted in shades of blue, scattered with drifting white clouds.
A cool breeze occasionally rustled the leaves overhead, carrying with it the distant sounds of adventurers preparing for the mission.
For a few moments, he simply enjoyed the peace. Then…
"Hello!"
A cheerful voice suddenly broke his thoughts. Raymond turned his head toward the source.
Walking toward him were two individuals dressed in adventurer gear.
The first was a young woman with bright yellow hair tied into a loose ponytail. Her hazel eyes sparkled with energy and curiosity, while a warm smile rested naturally on her face.
She wore light leather armor reinforced with metal plates around vital areas, and a bow was slung across her back alongside a quiver filled with sharp arrows.
Just from looking at her, Raymond could tell she was the type of person who found it difficult to stay quiet for long.
Beside her walked a young man with neatly cut blue hair and matching blue eyes. Unlike his companion, his expression was calmer and more reserved.
A longsword rested at his waist while sturdy armor covered most of his body, giving him the appearance of a reliable frontline fighter.
The woman waved enthusiastically the moment she saw him looking.
"You must be Raymond!"
Before Raymond could even answer, she had already closed half the distance between them. The blue-haired man sighed softly, clearly accustomed to her behavior.
"Sorry about her," he said. "She gets a little touchy meeting new people."
The woman immediately pouted.
"That's rude." But she looked back at Raymond and grinned. "Anyway, I'm Lyra."
She pointed a thumb toward her companion.
"And this grumpy guy, here is Rowan."
"I am not grumpy," Rowan replied instantly.
"You absolutely are."
Raymond watched the exchange silently for a moment. Amusement flickered in his eyes. At least his teammates didn't seem too boring.