Chapter 30: The Bounty Mission

“Thank you, sir, for stepping in to help us. If not for you, we would have suffered greatly.” The handsome young man in white, slightly out of breath, gazed at him with deep gratitude, while the girl hid behind him, her curious eyes fixed upon their savior.

“It was nothing. I simply can't abide people like that—a pack of beasts ruled by their baser instincts,” Charles replied, folding his hands elegantly before him, his smile polite yet reserved.

The three paused in surprise. Suddenly, the burly young man stepped forward and clapped a large hand on Charles’s shoulder, exclaiming with hearty cheer, “For those words alone, you’re my brother now!”

“Uh…” Charles was momentarily stunned by his enthusiasm and, a bit wary, took a few steps back to avoid the impending embrace.

Glancing at his shoulder, he noticed a dark handprint, stark against the silver-gray fabric.

“Ah, sorry about that, brother. I’m just a commoner, not versed in all that noble etiquette…” The burly youth scratched his head, his short golden hair bristling like needles.

“My apologies. This fellow is a bit rough and loves nothing more than getting handsy,” the handsome young man remarked with slight distaste, earning a clenched-fist warning from his companion.

“I don’t mind. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be off—I need to pick up a task and see if I can earn some gold,” Charles said with a gentle smile, betraying none of a noble’s airs.

“Hey, brother, we’ve just accepted a task ourselves. Want to join us?” The burly youth’s eyes lit up, and he grinned broadly, stooping a little to eye the small fox perched on Charles’s shoulder. “Brother, a totem with mental abilities before evolving is extremely rare. Where did you find such a treasure?”

Charles frowned slightly. “I stumbled upon it by chance. It’s a mutant, of sorts.”

Yet in his heart, he grew wary of the man before him. Truly, this one was destined to be a leader—born with an aura that drew others close. He made you feel as if he were a friend with no defenses, easily winning your trust until, before you knew it, you’d become his companion, ready to follow him anywhere—even unto death.

Indeed, in the annals of history to come, this man would be revered as a hero—a kingly figure, openly admired by all. But befriending such a man meant never fearing betrayal; in that respect, he was an excellent companion to have.

“Rody, perhaps not. It’s just an exploration task; the three of us are enough,” the handsome young man cautioned from behind.

But Rody paid him no heed, grinning as he insisted, “The reward is good, and an extra hand never hurts. Besides, didn’t we come to Storm Tavern looking for someone? Brother, want to join us?”

“What’s the task?”

“We’re to explore a bat’s nest in the wild. Rumor has it there are mutant beasts about. The higher-ups want us to clear it out.”

“Very well, but I need to drop my things off first,” Charles nodded with a smile. This was precisely why he had come—how could he refuse?

“Knew you were straightforward! Here, let me carry that for you!” Rody, not waiting for a reply, snatched the cloth bundle from Charles’s hands. To an onlooker, it might have looked like a robbery.

“Careful! Don’t be so rough. Those are my research instruments—break them and you’ll pay for it!” Charles said helplessly, thinking this fellow was far too forward—treating a first meeting as if they were lifelong friends.

“No problem. Oh, right—what should we call you, brother? You can call me Rody. That’s Neil, our so-called noble,” he gestured, “and that’s his sister, Cassie.” He introduced them all in a casual manner.

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Charles Maesterlin—you may call me Charles.” Charles smiled, letting his gaze linger on the two siblings for a moment.

“Greetings, son of Baron Buyano,” replied the handsome young man, politely, without a hint of surprise, addressing Charles by his lineage. Charles’s face betrayed his astonishment.

After these brief introductions, Charles delivered his belongings to the infirmary, leaving them under the guard of his retinue, then followed the others to the Bounty Guild.

This guild served as an official institution of the Harrison Empire, issuing tasks for non-imperial agents to accomplish, thus providing a measure of oversight and control. Left unchecked, Spiritmasters—with their destructive power—would be like walking powder kegs. Better, then, to pay them to do the empire’s bidding.

The guild was located in Storm Harbor’s administrative district, housed in an unassuming three-story building. Yet, a squad of armored warriors stood at the entrance, their imposing presence making passersby quicken their pace.

This alone spoke volumes: Storm Harbor was the heart of Faen County, where rulers and nobles were well aware of Spiritmasters’ existence. Only country lords like Baron Buyano remained in the dark.

The guild’s interior was simply arranged, with lists of tasks posted on a wall at the center.

To accept a mission, one simply tore off the notice and registered at the front desk. If the time limit was exceeded, the task was marked as failed and open to others to claim. Some larger missions could be accepted by several teams, with rewards divided according to contribution.

Rody and his companions were old hands here. Familiar with the process, they tore down a task sheet, registered with the receptionist, and paid a 100-gold deposit. Should they fail, half would be forfeit. Miss the deadline, and the whole sum was lost—an effective deterrent against frivolous claims.

The scene was not unlike that of a game: an alluring young woman in revealing attire manned the counter, tending to the comings and goings of Spiritmasters and their assorted missions. Charles, however, paid little mind to her.

“Heh, this is just a reconnaissance task. At most, we’ll run into some strange mutant beasts. But that’s nothing—we can handle a few wild animals,” Rody boasted, thumping his chest as if it were no more than a camping trip.

“Well, I’ve only just awakened my spirit, and my totem is rather unique. I’ll be counting on you all,” Charles replied, a bit sheepishly.

“No worries. Leave it to me!” Rody declared grandly. The admiration in Cassie’s eyes was plain to see, making him all the more pleased with himself.

Charles said nothing more, quietly following them out of the guild hall.

This mission was far from a simple investigation of a dangerous beast’s lair—it was intimately connected to that organization.

That group sought to cultivate a being that could surpass even divine beasts, aspiring to become the planet’s very will—an existence akin to Gaia itself.

They were nothing less than a gathering of fanatical cultists, bent on creating a true—god.