Summoning the Holy Sword

Barney lowered his head as he walked out of the room. He clenched both his fists and stared at the scroll on his hand. He had a tough time acquiring this roll of paper.

“How was it?”

A half-elf maiden, who was waiting outside, asked the young swordsman when he stepped out. Barney nodded at her excitedly. The half-elf maiden revealed a gentle and relaxed smile in response.

“I didn’t expect that we actually succeeded.”

“Yeah…”

Barney nodded his head and stared at the scroll on his hand as if he couldn’t believe that it was real. He had waited a long time for this day, but even now, he still felt that it was a dream.

“We really succeeded… and from now on, the Jade Tears Mercenary Group belongs to us!”

Thinking of this, Barney felt a wave of excitement coming over him. They had been waiting so long for the arrival of this day.

After the disappearance of their ex-leader Frank, the Jade Tears Mercenary Group fell into unimaginable chaos. The remaining mercenaries didn’t know what to do. They were mercenaries who were cast aside by their previous mercenary groups, and even Frank refused to trust them fully. Of course, this was also the main reason how these people were able to survive. Had Frank entrusted them with hunting down Rhode in the underground mine then they’d be long dead.

The half-elf maiden lowered her voice as she spoke frightenedly, and at the same time, she tugged onto Barney’s shirt. After that battle, the half-elf maiden had never dared to be arrogant. Never had she faced death so closely before. Rhode was a formidable enemy, and just his hand was enough to break her neck as if she was a little chick without any resistance. The huge gap in strength brought fear into the half-elf maiden when she stared at Rhode’s back. She hid behind Barney to avoid Rhode from noticing her and finding trouble. Rhode was more than capable of doing such things.

However, unlike the half-elf maiden, Barney didn’t think of leaving just yet. Instead, he made a gesture quietly and eavesdropped on the two of them. Soon, Rhode and Marlene left. When their figures had disappeared into the crowd, the half-elf maiden finally relaxed.

“Barney, let’s go, don’t stay here anymore…”

“Did you manage to hear them?”

Barney asked, and the half-elf maiden nodded her head.

“Yes, I heard…”

The half-elves naturally had an acute sense of hearing, and besides, Rhode and Marlene weren’t actually whispering either, so she was able to overhear their conversation. However, she didn’t understand why Barney would ask her this question at such a moment.

“… I think we can take this mission.”

“Eh?”

The half-elf maiden surprised for a moment and cried out in shock.

“Barney, what are you talking about, are you crazy?”

“I’m not crazy!”

Barney waved his hand and interrupted the maiden.

“I think this is a good chance. You know, now that the Mercenary Association requires us to prove our worth, we should show those people that we are capable and let them know we aren’t weak. And if we can snatch this mission before Starlight does, and even complete it, it would mean so much to us! You should know how our mercenaries always hated that damn bastard and his mercenary group. Since they elected me as their new leader, if I don’t do something, the Jade Tears Mercenary Group would be doomed!”

“But we can still choose other missions…”

The half-elf maiden shook her head and disagreed with Barney.

“Now our priority is to rebuild the mercenary group and not act rashly, Barney. Did you forget about Leader Frank’s incident? What if that scary noble do the same to us, then what should we do? Barney, you don’t need to do this. We can complete the requirements set by the Mercenary Association, then slowly settle other matters. Also, since Starlight wants to do that particular mission, we may not even be capable of completing it too…”

“You don’t have to worry about this. You and I heard what he said. He required Fire-type scrolls for Blackrock Depths, which proved that they would be useful there. I think, our new supporter would be able to sponsor us enough money to purchase those scrolls. Don’t forget the reason why the supporter chose us. If we show good results, then that person would help our mercenary group to become even stronger. Also, just think about it, if I announced to others that I had successfully snatched a mission from Starlight, and even complete it, wouldn’t you think of that as a considerable feat?

“… you’re indeed right, but…”

The half-elf maiden bit her lips hearing Barney’s words. She understood what he meant, and as his companion, the half-elf maiden was very clear why the Jade Tears Mercenary Group had a new supporter in providing them with financial assistance. However, she was still afraid. Every time she thought of Rhode, the half-elf maiden would tremble in fear. She absolutely would not dare to stand close or provoke that man. Barney’s idea was indeed logical, but wouldn’t he be afraid of that man secretly planning for revenge?

“I’m still worried…”

“Fear is normal. But we still have to face our fears with courage.” Barney looked at the maiden and coaxed. Then he reached for his ear. “I’m also afraid, but I will never avoid it. I know what you are worried about. Relax, I will not lead all of you into danger. Besides, this mission isn’t too difficult. It is only a three Star-Ranked mission. Although, we, the Jade Tears has inadequate members, but it would still be enough for this mission.”

“…”

The half-elf maiden didn’t answer immediately. She went silent for a moment and said, “I’m not sure if I should agree with this unnecessary risk, Barney. Why not we do it this way, if they accepted the mission, then we would give up. And if they don’t accept the mission, then we will do it, how about that?”

“No problem!”

Barney smiled excitedly. He held the maiden’s hand and led her into the crowd. Soon enough, he saw Rhode and Marlene speaking to Old Hank.

“When did this request appear? Had any other mercenary groups accept this?”

“This mission… hmm…”

Old Hank frowned and tried to recall if anyone had taken it.

“It should be within the past few days. There shouldn’t be anybody else who had accepted it.”

Now’s the chance!

Barney immediately stormed up and slammed his hand on the table despite the half-elf maiden’s resistance.

“Uncle Hank, I’ll take this mission.”