Chapter 406 - Pre-emptive
Smash!
The exquisite teacup shattered on the carpet and red tea stained a large portion of the expensive wool carpet. However, the man was unconcerned. He stood up with a gloomy expression and at this moment, his expression turned ashen.
“He attacked? Are you sure?”
“Y-Yes, Sir Polk.”
Within the crystal ball stood a man dressed in a black cloak from head to toe, lowering his head in fear while on the receiving end of his boss’s screams of fury.
“Yes, I saw personally that he killed Sir Little Rosen. Also… Also… Sir McMullen and Sir Bull were also murdered. It was those two Mage and Cleric in the rumors who did it.”
“Are they really that powerful? Tell me everything that you saw!”
Polk gritted his teeth and remained silent for a moment before speaking again. The man in black cloak shuddered and hurriedly gave an answer. In the face of his master, the man in the black cloak didn’t conceal the slightest details as he reported the exact process of the entire battle. After listening to his report, Polk’s expression turned more surprised than furious.
“I can’t believe my ears. You’re saying that Bull died under the hands of a 13 or 14 years old girl without dealing a single blow and the girl was a Cleric? You’re also saying that a Mage defeated McMullen in close range? Are you sure you’re not dreaming?”
Rhode didn’t fully believe Klautz’s words. However, Rhode expressed that Starlight, as a new guild in Paphield, would strive to oversee the mercenary groups and guarantee the peace and stability of Paphield as gratitude. No matter what, mercenary groups or guilds were still the ‘products’ of an authority organization. According to the laws of the Dragon Soul Continent, a guild couldn’t have more than 500 registered members and to prevent anyone from taking advantage of any loopholes, they had also set a rule that a Guild Fortress couldn’t have more than 1500 people. Considering the future additions of members from the Church, Keller Family, Matt’s trade association, and Deep Creek village, these procedures would be thorny, which was why it would be better if things could be settled quickly.
On the contrary, the Mercenary Association which Sereck represented didn’t bring any daunting tasks for Rhode. After all, they were also clear that Starlight was still a newborn baby and to immediately request growth wasn’t reasonable. As such, Sereck only raised some points to Rhode with regards to basic situations and the necessity of filling member records. However, what caught Rhode’s attention was the necessary completion of two five stars missions with the hard indicators of a year, which Sereck mentioned before he left. After all, half a year had already gone and Sereck was worried that Rhode’s guild would be forcefully demoted because he didn’t complete the requirements. Of course, Rhode already had plans for this.
It was already noon after he sent off everyone.Rhode let out a long sigh while Lapis and Christie prepared their pieces of baggage and were waiting for him. But…
“Sir, just you alone?”
Kavos questioned with doubts and shifted his gaze towards Christie and Lapis with an awkward expression. Other than the huge easel on Christie’s back, there were only a few pieces of clothes she would be bringing over to the fortress. On the other hand, there were three pieces of baggage of different sizes beside Lapis. According to her, this was only a small portion of all her luggage.
After receiving Rhode’s order, Kavos thought Rhode would bring along a few other mercenaries for the journey back. However, it seemed like things were otherwise. Can Sir handle all this baggage alone?
“Follow me.”
Rhode didn’t respond; instead, he beckoned for Kavos and Shauna before turning towards the stairs. Both of them exchanged dubious glances and followed Rhode down the stairs after lifting the baggage.
Under Rhode’s lead, everyone arrived at a room located on the second basement floor. This place was originally set up for training mercenaries with the Sphere of Mystery. Now that the Sphere of Mystery had been shifted to the fortress by Rhode, this location had been modified for the Summon Gate. Everyone was surprised as they entered the room.
What’s this?
A rock-carved large gate built into the wall was seen in the deepest end of the room. At first glance, this gate was no different from any stone carving. However, after careful observation, they realized that there was a hovering whirlpool glinting with magical radiance right in the middle of the pitch-black gate, like a revolving galaxy.
“Sir… This is…”
Upon hearing Shauna’s question, Rhode approached the wooden gate and knocked.
“This is a magical portal. It can transport us between the stronghold and fortress… In simple terms, we can go to the fortress in the Land of Atonement and the stronghold here at our will. Understand?”
“There’s such a thing?!”
Both Shauna and Kavos were shocked as they knew the importance of this gate. At this moment, Shauna finally understood how Rhode returned to the stronghold in absolute silence.
“I guess both of you are aware that this gate is very important. Within the guild, only me, Marlene, Lize, Anne, Gillian, Canary, and Mini Bubble Gum are aware of its presence. Now that both of you are aware, I think you should be clear that this must be kept a secret from everyone else. Only those who pass the test and show loyalty to the guild will have the rights to know about the presence of this gate.”
Rhode paused for a moment and turned towards Shauna and Kavos.
“Shauna, you should know that this is a top secret. I have set up magical sentries here and it will trigger an alarm once it detects an intruder. But I still hope that you can keep this secret securely.”
“Yes, Sir, please be assured. I will not leak this secret.”
Shauna instantly promised sternly. After receiving Shauna’s word, Rhode nodded and turned to Kavos.
“Kavos, check on the manpower we have after I leave and prepare to head into the Land of Atonement. I guarantee there’s a surprise for you there. So then…”
Rhode paused before turning his head towards Christie and Lapis.
“We should go… I have a date tonight.”