50 Deal

"She wants to meet me?" John expressed his doubt. Although his achievement to defeat Daniela was impressive, he managed to do it because she underestimated him. His victory couldn't compare to his brother's who won thoroughly against a teacher. That was the reason why he wasn't well-known like Vladimir. If Daniela hadn't spread the rumors of their fight, the students of the Academy would probably not even know about his existence. It wasn't that his victory wasn't eye-catching. If Vladimir didn't beat his examiner to the point he needed to surrender, John's name would probably have spread too. However, Vladimir had all the characteristics of an ideal knight that made others forget about other people, no matter how impressive their results were. His appearance alone was enough to monopolize the attention of the whole student body. Considering that he wasn't just a pretty face, but a powerful individual with unlimited potential, he was more popular than even princess Adriana inside the Academy. Helena had also become as famous as him. Unfortunately, it wasn't because of her beauty, her talent, or her charm, but because she was Vladimir's girlfriend. She was probably the most hated person inside the establishment. John wouldn't even dare to imagine how many girls must be jealous of her position. That was why he was surprised she had made a friend.

'I might have overthought some things. Most importantly, a person who wants to meet me is suspicious. The only reason I can think is that she wants to use me to become acquainted with Vladimir.' John thought as he looked at the girl with pity. Helena was too innocent to understand how devious someone can become.

"That's what she told me. What do you think, John?" she asked anxiously. Her friend had helped her a lot these days when everyone in her class was gossiping about her. She pretended that everything was fine in front of her lover since she didn't want to worry him, but she was quite stressed.

"Sure. I wouldn't refuse a favor that my sister in law asked for!" he replied with a smile as he winked at her. The girl blushed upon hearing his answer, but Vladimir rolled his eyes instead.

"You should thank her since she helps you socialize with the opposite sex and not pretend you accepted with a heavy heart!"

'This idiot! Do you think I'll care for a girl that is probably interested in you as always? You even dare to criticize me. Have you no shame saying these words?'

John ignored him and stood up to empty the tray with the food in the bin. Since he finished with his breakfast, he planned on finding Stanley to ask him some questions.

"Wait! Shouldn't we talk about where to meet after the end of the lessons?" Vladimir asked quickly.

"Since we have two new members, we'll meet naturally out of the guild. " the youth said without ceasing his steps as he headed toward the exit.

****

In the Imperial Capital, there were two guilds, something unprecedented compared to the other countries in the world. The Emperor requested the construction of an additional one inside the Academy, something that the Headquarters gladly accepted. The students had the chance to experience the dangers of the world away from the protection of the Academy. At the same time, the Headquarters secured the registration of talented youths in their organization. The Emperor wanted a second building for that to limit the dealings between adventurers and students. Many of them were spies from other countries, after all.

Outside of the main guild of the Imperial Capital, a middle-aged man was about to enter. His appearance caught the attention of the adventurers since they instantly recognized his face.

"Isn't he the smiling devil?"

"No way, right?"

"He was an A-ranked adventurer before he retired. Who knows how strong he is now?"

The man approached the girl who worked at the guild and spoke with a smile.

"It's been a while, Athena. You have become a beautiful woman now."

"You said the same thing one month ago." the girl said as she shook her head. She was already fifteen years old, but he treated her still as a child.

"How is your grandfather?"

"He just returned from the Elven Kingdom. If you have the time, go and see him. He complains all the time that his friends have forgotten about him."

"Hahaha! This guy is always the same. Anyway, is Marvin inside? I want to talk to him."

Athena looked mysteriously at him before she started talking.

"He is inside. He told me that you would come one of these days to see him. You can enter."

The man didn't seem surprised as he decisively headed toward the staircase leading to the second floor. Before long, he arrived outside a room with the sign "Guild Master" on the door.

Upon receiving permission, he entered the room without hesitation.

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"Hello, Marvin. You look fine."

"You came a little sooner than I expected, Lloyd."

They stared at each other for a few seconds before they started laughing simultaneously.

"Well, I guess you don't have much free time, so let's cut to the chase. I need your help."

"About the recent murder?" Marvin asked with a smile. He knew that the situation was a little tricky, so he had to manage it carefully.

"Yes. Some people pressured me into talking to you. According to the usual business, the Guild should have assigned missions regarding the apprehension of the culprit. For some reason, you don't seem to be willing to do it. They have started to become upset." Lloyd said, leaving his friend no way to escape from the subject.

"You know our policy. We can't involve ourselves in matters concerning the relationship between countries. If I didn't know about the identity of the culprit, I could turn a blind eye, but..."

"Others may not understand how the Headquarters work, but not me. I was an adventurer too. This incident has nothing to do with politics. Don't forget that despite being enemies with the Demon Army, the Empire doesn't discriminate against races. In this case, we have a criminal who murders innocent people. Nothing complicated."

"This is sophistry!" Marvin shouted. When he realized he lost his calm, he stopped to take a deep breath and continued.

"Since he is just a killer, why doesn't the Empire send knights after him! I'll tell you the answer. They want to use the adventurers to discover why the demon goes around the Capital killing random people. There is no way I'll put them in danger, Lloyd. That demon managed to escape from the Empire's counter-espionage. He is probably stronger than me. How can I ask others to deal with him!"

"You underestimate yourself too much. I think you misunderstand something. What I want from you is to find the demon's whereabouts. Leave the rest to the knights. The Elite squad will personally participate this time. This much should be fine, right?"

Marvin wanted to retort, but he stopped. He tried to find another solution, but he knew the Empire wouldn't accept anything less from what Lloyd proposed. With a sigh, he proceeded to give his answer.

"So be it, but in one condition."

"As long as it's reasonable."

"This will be at most a D-rank mission. I don't want to endanger high ranked adventurers. Not to mention that low ranked will be safer since they won't alarm the demon."

"I won't tell you how to do your job. We have a deal then." Lloyd said with a smile. He completed the task successfully.