The Most Unexpected Confrontation

'Ahh, finally! We finally got everything sorted out!'

The evening clouds had already begun appearing over the city as Rey and Esme left the Adventurers Guild building.

The wind was soft, carrying a certain chill about it to prepare the denizens of the City for the night that was fast approaching.

Rey took in the air and smiled, his mask as Jet still intact. Beside him was Esme—or rather, Lux. He would have long discarded his disguise if it was just her with him.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

After all, behind him was a mob of Adventurers who were simply gawking at the two legends who were nothing short of superstars in the eyes of every single person who witnessed their grand return.

Merely judging by how they were gushing over him and Esme, Rey was certain that many were dying to get his autograph or even have a word with him.

'Some are probably wishing I was in their Party…' His thoughts trailed as he fought to hide his wry smile.

However, none of them approached him.

Perhaps they were scared of him, or maybe this was the least amount of courtesy they could offer him after his long and tiring Heroic Rank Test.

Well… not that it lasted very long, in all honesty.

'Well, I'm glad they're keeping their distance. I really have to lodge in the inn and return to the Royal Estate so I can bring everyone here.'

Rey was still pretty early, so he didn't consider himself behind schedule, but he was the type to ensure he had extra time to himself so he wasn't tardy.

'I have my reputation as Ralyks on the line, after all.'

Besides, this would be the first time in a few days since he interacted with his classmates as Ralyks. He had to make it perfect.

Thankfully, despite the parade that was occurring all around the both of them, Rey and Esme ended up making it to their Inn without any issue.

Rey really thought he was in the clear this time.

That is, until he saw the same group of six that confronted him the previous day.

'The idiot and his goons? What are they after this time?' Rey wondered to himself as he slowly halted.

They were practically at the entrance of the Inn, and judging by how their eyes were on him, it was clear who they were after.

'I thought one beating was enough, but it seems these guys never learn.' He sighed internally.

There was also the possibility that the group wanted to congratulate him—perhaps even apologize for their actions—but Rey wasn't the optimistic time.

It was better to expect the worst and be surprised by better.

"What do you want?" He asked, one hand in his pocket as the other firmly gripped his suitcase.

He posed in such a way that the 6 Star Badge on the left side of his chest would be undisputedly observed by the men. He even slightly puffed out his chest for maximum impact.

"W-well… about that…"

Sango, leader of the bunch looked a bit sweaty and nervous. He had lost all the confidence he displayed the other day.

Rey could sniff it—the smell of fear.

'If he's so nervous, why would he and his people corner me where I stay?' He raised an eyebrow, taking one step forward to test the waters.

As expected, Sango took a step back.

'I don't want to create a bad reputation of bullying Adventurers, even if they're deserving if it, which is why I'm being mild to this guy…' His eyes trailed to Sango's goons.

All of them also looked a bit on edge.

'The Conquest starts in about two days, but it'll officially be announced tomorrow. I don't want to draw any more attention than I already have.'

Judging from Sango's Stats, he was among the stronger humans in H'Trae. Rey had no doubt that he was among the strongest Adventurers in the Adventurers City.

'Rebal mentioned a Barbarian being in Top 10 rankings, so I guess it's him.'

Due to all of these factors, Rey had tried his best to be courteous to the man while also refusing to use any overt Skills that didn't suit his 'Jet' persona.

But… this was getting a bit annoying.

"I'm not sure why you're here, but does it have something to do with the guy who's hiding behind that wall and listening in?" As Rey said this, he glanced slightly to his left.

Anyone would see a mere wall of the tall and glamorous building that was the inn, but Rey knew someone watching him was behind the walls.

The moment they heard the question, the faces of Sango and his minions told Rey all he needed to know about his suspicion. The presence behind the wall was faint, so he wasn't sure if the guy was Sango's subordinate, or someone else.

—Perhaps a third party.

'But now, at least I know for sure that they're affiliated.' He smiled, taking one more step forward.

"Fine… you got me." A sudden voice pierced the air the instant Rey moved, causing him to stop dead in his tracks.

Almost like a ghost, a certain young boy walked out of the walls as if the whole building was nothing but a hologram.

No, that wasn't quite it.

It wasn't the building that seemed incorporeal—or rather, intangible—it was the boy that emerged from within it.

He was short for an Adventurer, about 5'6 ft tall, having a cute face that was not fitting for the rough profession that he was under.

The lad donned a black jacket, with blue and white stripes designing his casual outfit. He wasn't wearing any real gear, and the only Enchanted Item he really had on was a tiny katana-

looking blade that was worn like an ornamental necklace.

"Sorry for sneaking up on you like this. I just wanted to get a good look at you before introducing myself." He gave a confident, yet humble smile as he stretched out his hand for a handshake.

The 6 Star badge on his chest made it clear what his status was, and despite his short build, everyone who saw him had the same look of respect.

"My name is Sherlock. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Jet."