Chapter 91: Pressure

“Are you sure it was taken from those men in black?” Okaaz seemed still unconvinced and asked again in a serious tone.
“Sure, it was taken from them. This organization has been gone for ten years—why have they reappeared now? What’s their goal this time? Why target Lucia? And do you know who posted the post aiming to assassinate her?”
After receiving a firm answer, a series of doubts arose in Rod’s mind. He asked in a puzzled tone.
“I don’t know. The strength of this organization is beyond our imagination. In fact, if they wanted to, they could eliminate all the high-ranking officials of any country in a short time, including those in our Lance Empire. Naturally, me included. Their organization has legendary warriors at the level of God Warriors, and there are more than one. There’s nothing they can’t do. I don’t know what their intentions are for making such a low-key comeback. Lucia might not be their first target, nor do they seem to attach much importance to her, as can be seen from those low-level pursuers sent this time.
As for who posted the post to hunt down Lucia, I haven’t been able to find out yet, but it’s probably those few people. Hmph, if I catch them…” A sharp look flashed across Okaaz’s face as he snorted coldly.
“Alright, is there anything else? If not, I need to go out. The news you brought is too important; I must report it immediately!” With that, Okaaz quickly stood up, sighed, and then asked.
Under such circumstances, Rod naturally couldn’t say anything more and could only shake his head in response. Watching Okaaz rush off, he felt an overwhelming sense of heaviness. He knew what Okaaz was rushing to do—this organization was important enough to concern Okaaz, and even the empire, which meant its strength was extraordinary. Likely, Okaaz was going to discuss this matter with some of the empire’s most important figures.
His enemies were so powerful—had the old man really died at their hands? If that was the case, what chance did he have of revenge with his current strength? It would be enough if he could just avoid being hunted. Countless worries filled Rod’s mind, causing him to frown.
“I must get stronger, as soon as possible!” After a moment, he relaxed his frown, took a deep breath, and muttered to himself.
This news had changed his thoughts greatly. Plans could never keep up with changes, and his own plans were also changing at this moment. A new idea formed in his mind.

Leaving the mansion, he headed toward the Mercenary Guild. His top priority now was to enhance his strength and upgrade to a four-star mercenary as soon as possible, so that his name could remain on the list forever. Only by resolving that crisis could he focus on dealing with this terrifying secret organization.

…

Upon arriving at the Mercenary Association, he found it still crowded with people of all kinds. With a clear goal in mind, he pushed his way toward the task distribution area and finally managed to squeeze into the crowd after much effort. Before reaching the counter, he carefully examined the numerous tasks listed there.

“A Class D task: Hunt the Wind Panther in Collins Forest. Reward: possibly one magic crystal! Commission: 50 gold coins. Task duration: 15 days!” Seeing this task, a glint appeared in Rod’s eyes.

The Wind Panther, at the Bronze strength level, was appropriately classified as a Class D task. It shouldn’t be too difficult for him. More importantly, Collins Forest—a place filled with legends and mysteries, brimming with dangers—was perfect for him at this stage.

Without hesitation, he handed over his mercenary card to the girl at the counter. After paying a 20% deposit of 10 gold coins, he successfully received the task. Although it was a bit painful to part with the money, it was worth it. A Class D task with a reward of 50 gold coins was quite high, mainly due to the magic crystal, which was already valuable. Even if sold on the market, a magic crystal from a Wind Panther wouldn’t be much cheaper. Besides, the 10 gold coins would be refunded after completing the task, so there was no need to worry. These deposits were simply to ensure that mercenaries wouldn’t abandon or delay tasks, causing dissatisfaction among employers.

After successfully obtaining the task, Rod focused his attention on the task list again. As a two-star mercenary, he could take tasks ranging from Class G to Class D, with a maximum of three at a time. After taking on the task in Collins Forest, he concentrated mainly on tasks in that area.

However, after searching, he found only one other task suitable for him: a Class D task to obtain the horn of the Unicorn Rhinoceros. The commission was only 20 gold coins, but it was acceptable, and it offered plenty of honor points.

He couldn’t take on any other tasks, as the lowest ones were already Class C, and he didn’t qualify for them yet.

The final search task brought a thrilled smile to Rod’s lips—a Class D task: hunt down the Silver Moon Wolf King to obtain magic crystals! Although the 30 gold coins in reward seemed low, attracting little interest from mercenaries, as hunting the Silver Moon Wolf King was far more difficult than hunting the Wind Leopard, which was a social animal. But Rod didn’t care; after all, he had already hunted down the Silver Moon Wolf King and obtained magic crystals before. He quickly accepted the task.

Then he turned and walked out of the crowd to the task submission counter. Under the astonished gaze of the clerk, he completed the task in no time, likely stunning her with his speed. He earned another 40 honor points and left the counter with a satisfied smile.

He returned to the task pickup area, searched around, and finally found a simple task in the Collins Forest, after which everything came to an end. He headed toward the Mercenary Association.

It was gradually getting dark. Walking on the street, he sighed quietly. He hadn’t expected his plans to change so quickly. It seemed many things would have to wait until his next visit to the capital. There was no time now. As for Nils, his gaze turned cold—Nils might as well be glad he wasn’t in Rod’s way; otherwise, Rod would have dealt with him thoroughly.

……

“Hehe, Nils, you’ve been away from the capital for a few days now. How’s it going? Did you find Miss Lucia and get any praise from her?”

At that moment, on a bustling street in the capital, Nils was strolling leisurely with his cronies.

“Hehe, Good, stop being so unlucky. Just look at this guy’s expression—clearly nothing good happened to him. Otherwise, he’d have bragged about it by now. Hehe, tell us, Nils, what exactly happened? Share it with us!” When Nils remained silent after hearing Good’s words, another young man asked with a smirk.

“Don’t even mention it. This time I really got unlucky. I found Miss Lucia, but no one paid any attention to her. Hmph! I even ran into some annoying mercenaries. Those damned lowly mercenaries dared to surround Miss Lucia and confront me!” Thinking of Rod, Nils gritted his teeth in anger. Especially what happened this afternoon left him extremely frustrated. He hadn’t expected that kid to be so strong. Not only had he wasted money, but Rod also knew about it. If Rod reported him to Lucia, his reputation would be completely ruined.

“A mercenary? What kind of mercenary is so arrogant? It seems you’ve suffered a lot at his hands. Don’t worry, it’s just a lowly mercenary. This is the Imperial Capital—what trouble can such a guy cause? It’s us who hold power here. How about we teach him a lesson?”
“Don’t even mention it. I also sent someone to teach him a lesson today, but… well, better not talk about it. Anyway, that guy is really tough to deal with. By the way, Stet, you just got two bodyguards, right? I heard they’re quite skilled. How about borrowing them to help our brother get even and give that overconfident guy a good beating?”
With a glint in his eyes and a sly smile, Niels asked, looking at Stet beside him.
“Stet, you have to agree to this. After all, we’re known as the Four Princes of the Imperial Capital. Now that Niels is being bullied, we can’t just stand by, can we? Just send your two bodyguards to take care of that arrogant little mercenary!” Good echoed, eager to agree.
“Okay, that’s easy. Well, we’ll go tomorrow. Niels, have someone investigate that guy’s whereabouts. Then we’ll go and take a look at him together! But tonight…” Stet said with a knowing smile.
“Great, that’s easy. Come on, let’s go to Flower Fragrance Courtyard tonight. I’ll treat you—no problem at all!” Niels said cheerfully, excited.
Amidst murmurs of agreement, the three of them, along with their men, quickly headed toward Flower Fragrance Courtyard, the most famous pleasure den in the Imperial Capital. It wasn’t their first time there—the alluring atmosphere made them reluctant to leave.
…
Ahch… sneezing, he touched his nose. Amidst the bustling night market, Rod had no idea that a conspiracy against him was unfolding!
Thinking he would be leaving the next day, he certainly wouldn’t miss out on this last night. He wanted to enjoy the Imperial Capital all night long to avoid any regrets. The lively night market allowed him to experience the local culture. Fascinated by the vibrant streets, he walked on without realizing where he was.