chapter 18: Anew mission and a rising threat
Chapter 18: A New Mission and a Rising Threat
Morning After the Celebration
The sun had barely risen over Aurelius, its golden light casting a peaceful glow over the city. The celebrations from last night had faded, and the city was returning to its usual routine.
Inside the grand hotel, Reo sat on the edge of the bed, fully dressed in his usual adventurer attire. Lucia and Celestia, both still wrapped in sheets, were peacefully sleeping beside him.
"Sigh… This is getting dangerous in a different way." Reo muttered, rubbing his temples.
After everything they had gone through, he knew one thing: he needed to get stronger.
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The Guild's Summon
After cleaning up, Reo made his way to the Aurelius Adventurer's Guild, a massive building in the heart of the city. As soon as he stepped in, adventurers turned to look at him—some with admiration, others with jealousy.
"It's the guy who took down the B-rank dungeon with just two girls!"
"No, you idiot! That monster inside was an A-rank! It should've been impossible!"
"I heard he's planning to leave for another kingdom… damn, the guild master won't like that."
Reo ignored the chatter and walked up to the counter, where a familiar figure was waiting.
The guild receptionist, Serena, a beautiful elf with long blonde hair, smiled as she greeted him.
"Reo, you're becoming quite the star. The guild master has requested to see you."
Reo sighed. "I figured as much. Lead the way."
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Meeting the Guild Master
Inside the guild's top office, an older man with silver hair and battle-worn scars sat behind a massive desk. His name was Geralt, the Guild Master of Aurelius, and an S-rank adventurer.
"Reo Kisaragi," Geralt said, his deep voice filled with authority. "Your recent accomplishments have drawn the attention of many. Both allies… and enemies."
Reo leaned forward. "Enemies?"
Geralt nodded, tossing a parchment onto the desk. "A powerful crime syndicate in the western regions is looking for you. They've heard about your abilities and want to test you."
Reo smirked. "Let them try."
Geralt chuckled. "That's what I wanted to hear. But there's more." He stood up, walking toward the window. "The Kingdom of Velzard has requested reinforcements for a dangerous new mission. They need elite adventurers to investigate a dungeon known as the 'Abyssal Ruins.' Monsters have been appearing in numbers never seen before."
Reo's eyes narrowed. "That sounds… unnatural."
Geralt nodded. "And I want you and your team to take this mission. It's dangerous, but if you succeed, the rewards will be beyond your imagination."
Reo grinned. A new challenge was exactly what he wanted.
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Preparation for Departure
Back at the inn, Reo gathered his team—Lucia and Celestia—to explain the mission.
Lucia crossed her arms. "So, we're heading to Velzard? That kingdom is famous for its elite adventurers. It won't be easy."
Celestia, sitting with her legs crossed, smirked. "A perfect place to show them that my husband is the strongest."
Lucia's face turned red. "Stop calling him that!"
Reo chuckled. "We leave tomorrow. Get some rest. This might be our toughest mission yet."
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On the Road to Velzard
The journey took several days, traveling through forests, rivers, and small villages. Along the way, bandits attempted to ambush them—but were easily dealt with.
Reo's summoning abilities had improved, allowing him to summon multiple creatures at once. His growing power was becoming undeniable.
Lucia trained her swordsmanship every night, determined to become stronger. Celestia, despite being a goddess, seemed to enjoy teasing both Reo and Lucia whenever she could.
As they neared Velzard, Reo felt a strange sensation—as if someone, or something, was watching them.
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The Kingdom of Velzard
Velzard was unlike any kingdom they had seen before. Towering walls, massive guild halls, and streets bustling with high-level adventurers filled the city.
As soon as they entered, Reo could tell… this was a kingdom of warriors.
And soon, he would prove himself among them.