[chapter nine]
On the morning of the event, just outside the bustling city of E-Rantal, a meticulously arranged area awaited the upcoming spectacle. Rows of large tarps had been strategically set up to offer both shade and comfort for the gathered audience. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the palpable anticipation of the assembled adventurers.
Within the sheltered zone, a diverse assembly of individuals donned a variety of attires, ranging from priestly robes to bare-chested warrior attire. Despite their contrasting appearances, they all proudly displayed tags—silver, gold, or mithril—hanging conspicuously around their necks, serving as badges of their esteemed ranks as seasoned adventurers.
What was once a rowdy crowd now buzzed with hushed conversations as adventurers exchanged invaluable knowledge and experiences, potentially safeguarding each other's lives on their future quests.
"All right, settle down. They are about to begin."
In an instant, the hubbub of whispers was silenced by a commanding voice that sliced through the air like a blade. All eyes turned toward the speaker, who stood amidst the assembly.
The speaker was none other than Pluton Ainzach, the revered Guild Master of the Adventurer's Guild in E-Rantal. His authoritative presence alone was enough to command the attention and respect of every adventurer present.
"That's better," Pluton Ainzach nodded in approval as he observed the immediate transformation of the crowd's demeanor. His authoritative presence commanded both attention and respect, a testament to his role as the revered Guild Master of the Adventurer's Guild in E-Rantal.
As the silence settled, Ainzach's gaze shifted to a specific spot in the distance. Standing there were two figures facing each other with poised readiness. On the right stood a woman of captivating beauty, her features partially veiled in an aura of mystery. On the left stood a blond man emanating an air of confidence. A sword sheath at his waist indicated his warrior status.
The previous day, Walpurgisnacht had proposed an unconventional method for assessing adventurers' strengths—a physical contest that demonstrated their prowess rather than relying on traditional metrics. Ainzach found the idea intriguing, recognizing its potential to allow adventurers to showcase their abilities through action.
Before Ainzach could delve into the specifics of this approach, Walpurgisnacht intervened. She clarified that she and her partner, Geraint, would be the ones participating in the demonstration.
Geraint caught onto the spirit of her proposal and voiced his agreement with a simple, "Not a bad idea."
With the decision made, a playful exchange of taunts ensued between the two participants. The jests were light-hearted, lacking any true hostility, yet carried an air of camaraderie that captivated Ainzach and the observing Theo Rakheshir.
As the banter continued, Walpurgisnacht's discerning gaze caught the skepticism flickering in the eyes of Ainzach and Rakheshir. Sensing their doubt, she proceeded to present her reasoning.
First, by publicly showcasing their might, they would send a potent message to criminal organizations that they were not to be underestimated.
Second, Walpurgisnacht affirmed that within E-Rantal, Geraint's combat prowess was unparalleled, except perhaps by herself. So, naturally, they should be the ones fighting one another to better showcase their strength.
Third, by demonstrating their power to their fellow adventurers, they would ensure their new ranking was unequivocally acknowledged.
To bolster her proposal, Walpurgisnacht announced that they would shoulder the costs of the event, from hiring high-ranking adventurers as witnesses to covering logistical expenses.
With her rationale laid out and concerns addressed, Ainzach found himself with no room for counterarguments.
"Is something bothering you, Ainzach?" Pluton Ainzach snapped out of his reverie, momentarily pulled from his contemplation.
"Ah, my apologies," Ainzach replied, regaining his composure. He shook his head as if physically dismissing his stray thoughts. "I can't believe I've agreed to their unconventional idea."
Theo Rakheshir, the Magician's Guild Master in E-Rantal, offered a comforting perspective with a warm smile. "Those two exude unwavering confidence. I'm certain they wouldn't propose something seemingly frivolous unless they possess the means to back it up."
Theo's expression transformed from gentle reassurance to that of a true magic enthusiast as he turned his gaze toward Walpurgisnacht.
"Furthermore," he continued, his voice carrying a tinge of excitement, "I'm quite thrilled to witness magics of the fourth tier!"
Amused by the stark shift in Theo's demeanor, Ainzach couldn't help but wear a wry smile. His friend, who had been providing comfort just moments ago, was now utterly captivated by the intricacies of magic.
"Let it go," Ainzach murmured to himself, shaking his head slightly to dispel any lingering distractions. He cast aside those intrusive thoughts that had momentarily commandeered his attention.
From a small box, he produced a bell, a compact box he had prepared in advance.
The bell softly glimmered in the gentle morning light, serving as a symbol of the imminent start of the event. However, this bell was no ordinary bell; it had been enchanted with magic. When it was rung, its sound was louder and more resonant than a gong.
With the bell in hand, Ainzach stepped closer to the two duelists, ensuring his voice carried clearly amidst the mounting anticipation.
"The bell will ring twice," Ainzach declared, his tone authoritative. "The first ring signals the start of the bout, and the second signals its end. Is that understood?"
"Yes," Walpurgisnacht and Geraint responded in unison, their voices resonating with a shared sense of readiness.
"Then," Ainzach continued, his focus alternating between the two contenders, "let the bout commence."
Without skipping a beat, Ainzach raised the bell and rang it once, its clear sound slicing through the air like a clarion call. The chime marked the initiation of the duel, setting into motion the culmination of their novel concept and the ultimate test of their strengths.
As the reverberations of the bell's note faded, Ainzach promptly retreated a few steps, providing the duelists with the space they required to engage in combat.
[x]
With a considerable distance separating them and Ainzach positioned safely aside, Geraint executed a graceful flourish of his sword, drawing the blade from its sheath with a fluid, almost mesmerizing motion.
In an instant, he surged forward, the space between himself and Walpurgisnacht closing at an astonishing speed, his striking range reached within mere seconds.
Geraint's sword brushed against the Earth during his upward slash, and then a noticeable shift occurred in the previously serene atmosphere enveloping Walpurgisnacht.
"[Unravel Earth]."
Suddenly, from the solid earth, spears of rock erupted, rapidly shaping a defensive formation that encircled Walpurgisnacht, narrowly allowing Geraint to evade them just in time.
Walpurgisnacht deftly flicked her finger, setting a series of rock spears in motion, as they surged towards Geraint.
With a calculated elegance, Geraint gracefully evaded the barrage of rock spears. His movements were minimal yet exquisitely precise, showcasing his agility and mastery of combat.
Sensing the insufficiency of the initial barrage, Walpurgisnacht directed the spears to launch simultaneously.
This time, instead of evading, Geraint planted his feet firmly and assumed a ready stance with his sword drawn.
An aura of brilliant yellow energy enveloped his blade, infusing it with radiant light.
"[Skill: Crescent Moon Slash]!"
Geraint swung his sword, releasing stored energy that manifested as a vibrant yellow crescent. The energy collided with the incoming rock spears, creating dazzling sparks and shockwaves as it shattered the stones.
As the remnants of the shattered rock dissipated, Geraint acted swiftly, employing his next skill.
"[Skill: Moon Splitter]!"
Three arcs of sword energy were rapidly unleashed from his blade, spiraling like ethereal boomerangs toward Walpurgisnacht.
In response, Walpurgisnacht cast a spell, conjuring a cascade of freezing swords from the ground.
"[Maximize Magic: Freezing Swords]!"
Intricately crafted ice swords erupted from the ground, gleaming with an icy brilliance. They met Geraint's sword energy boomerangs, resulting in a dazzling clash of elemental forces.
In the blink of an eye, Walpurgisnacht appeared directly in front of Geraint.
"[Maximize Magic: Frozen Tomb]!"
In the span of an instant, a frigid prison of ice enveloped Geraint, ensnaring him in a crystalline embrace.
Before anyone could fully comprehend the spectacle, the ice shattered into countless shards with explosive force.
In the same instant, Walpurgisnacht vanished, leaving the area with shattered ice cascading through the air.
Amidst the remnants of the shattered ice, Geraint emerged. Arcs of light crackled around him, a visible manifestation of his power.
"[Maximize Magic: Linear Ray]."
Geraint channeled a potent and concentrated light beam, casting forth a radiant and searing ray of elemental light energy. The beam streaked through the air with incredible speed and precision, like a lance of pure brilliance.
"[Stone Wall]."
In response, Walpurgisnacht called upon her [Stone Wall] spell, creating a resilient barrier that absorbed and dispersed the concentrated light beam.
But Walpurgisnacht's counterattack had only just begun. She tapped the earth lightly, summoning her magic with a commanding declaration.
"The time has come to raise the stakes, Geraint! Emerge, [Primal Earth Elemental]!"
A complex and intricate magic circle materialized, serving as a conduit for the manifestation of the mighty earth elemental.
From the heart of the circle, an imposing titan began to take shape, its form gradually solidifying as it emerged into the world. Composed of earthen elements, this elemental guardian stood as a formidable presence.
The Primal Earth Elemental was a colossal, twenty-five-foot-tall construct made entirely of stone, resembling ancient rock formations. Luminous crystal veins traversed its body, and its eyes gleamed like radiant gemstones. Inside its chest, a fiery, molten core burned brightly.
"Go!"
With a single command from Walpurgisnacht, the colossal figure surged forward, defying its massive size with astonishing speed and agility.
In response, Geraint's aura flared, illuminating like a radiant beacon. He assumed a defensive posture, preparing for the impending assault.
As the colossal fist of the Primal Earth Elemental hurtled toward him, Geraint activated his technique.
"[Skill: Line Drive]!"
As soon as Geraint invoked his skill, he vanished from his initial position, reappearing with calculated grace behind the Primal Earth Elemental. A dazzling burst of light erupted, causing the elemental constructs to disintegrate into a cascading shower of fragments.
With an elegant flick of his blade and a composed tone, he taunted Walpurgisnacht, "Is this your method of raising the stakes? Allow me to demonstrate how stakes are truly raised."
The air was charged with electric anticipation as their duel recommenced. Like a captivating yet perilous dance, the clash between the swordsman and the magic caster raged on, a symphony of elements that enthralled the watching adventurers.
Geraint's swordplay resembled a symphony of precision and finesse. His strikes were meticulously calculated, each swing radiating controlled intensity that attested to his mastery of the weapon. He deftly navigated through Walpurgisnacht's spells, his movements not only showcasing his combat skill but also his ability to adapt and thrive.
Walpurgisnacht, the virtuoso of elements, wove her spells with the grace of an artist. With a mere gesture, she summoned fire, ice, stone, wind, and lightning, each element obeying her command and culminating in a dazzling display of elemental prowess. It was a performance of mesmerizing beauty.
As the duel escalated, their taunts and jests provided a backdrop to their awe-inspiring exchange.
The assembly of adventurers watched in astonishment as each collision reverberated with energy, the very ground beneath them seemingly attuned to the rhythm of their rhythm.
Geraint's agility and precision enabled him to dodge the magical projectiles conjured by Walpurgisnacht's spells. In response, Walpurgisnacht's teleportation and elemental manipulation allowed her to stay a step ahead of Geraint's strikes.
Their dance of skill and magic continued, each moment intensifying the audience's fascination. Geraint's voice cut through the sounds of battle, his words laced with determination, "Your magic won't deter me, Walpurgisnacht!"
She responded with a confident grin, "Nor will your swordplay, Geraint."
Their banter added another layer of intrigue to their clash, the ebb and flow of their abilities creating a breathtaking choreography of combat.
As the duel neared its climax, the intensity of their encounter reached its zenith. Lightning crackled around Geraint as he unleashed formidable lightning magic, only to be met with Walpurgisnacht's lightning magic, their clash sending shockwaves through the earth, cancelling each other's spell.
And then, as if orchestrated by destiny, a resounding bell chimed, its sound reverberating throughout the arena. The duel had reached its predetermined conclusion. Geraint and Walpurgisnacht simultaneously lowered their stances, a mutual acknowledgment of the end.
[x]
A Week Later.
Upon their arrival, Walpurgisnacht flopped onto the luxurious sofa in the Celestial Suite without a single worry. She mumbled something incoherent but her voice carried a mix of exhaustion and frustration, as she kneaded a throw pillow to release some tension.
Observing her actions in silence, Geraint closed the door calmly before settling a trolley laden with delectable snacks and tea, which he gracefully arranged on the table between the sofas.
Completing the setup, he proceeded to sit on the opposite and pour tea into their cups, delicately adding milk and honey to his own after taking a sip. It was only after savoring the warm brew that he softly hummed his agreement to her statement.
"These recent days have been quite hectic."
The days following their impressive feats and successful promotions had been a whirlwind of activity. Requests from fellow adventurers eager to learn from them had flooded in, and Walpurgisnacht saw this as an opportunity to step into the role of a teacher.
They had, of course, adhered to the Guild's rules and charged a modest fee, but this decision soon proved to be their undoing.
Before they knew it, they had amassed a total of sixty students between them, all clamoring to learn from them. While this could have been manageable if the students were novice adventurers, the twist was that most of their students were battle-hardened veterans.
Walpurgisnacht, in particular, was caught off guard when even the E-Rantal Magician's Guild Master, Theo Rakheshir, sought her guidance. Frustration painted her expression as she sat up, casting a pouty look towards Geraint.
As she moved, the orichalcum tag around her neck swung, a slight jingle accompanying her actions.
"Teaching those veterans doesn't seem to bother you," she grumbled.
With a gentle smile, Geraint replied, "Well, considering age, I've got them beat. Teaching the younger ones comes naturally to me."
Walpurgisnacht's lips pressed into a slight frown before she muttered, "Dragons and their peculiar aging standards," settling back into the sofa.
Playfully, Geraint retorted, "But wasn't the idea of being a teacher yours in the first place?"
Her response was almost like a deflating balloon, her energy sapped by the weight of their commitments.
Attempting to brighten her perspective, Geraint pointed out, "Our contract only requires us to teach for a month. Seven days have already passed, leaving us with just three more weeks."
Seeing that didn't do the trick, he pushed on.
"Didn't you say a student of yours caught your eyes? What was his name again?"
"It's Ninya, and he's a she!"
She raved about Ninya's potential, expressing her belief that with dedication, Ninya could achieve high-level magic casting in her 30s.
However, the mention of Ninya's gender confusion gave her pause. "I'm still puzzled about why she chooses to pose as a man, though."
Geraint explained, noting the unfortunate vulnerability women could face in certain situations. "In some scenarios, women might adopt a male guise to escape harassment or potential danger."
Understanding dawned on her. "Ah, that makes sense."
"How about your end? Have you come across any notable students?" Walpurgisnacht inquired.
Geraint paused thoughtfully as if meticulously assessing each of his students.
A sigh escaped him before he gently shook his head in response.
Walpurgisnacht's brows furrowed, her expression reflecting Geraint's evident disappointment.
"That's unfortunate. Is mastering martial arts truly such a formidable challenge?"
"Allow me to elaborate. The realm of Martial Arts necessitates an individual to meticulously develop both physical and mental acuity. Only through this harmony can they effectively perceive, channel, and harness their inner strength. To achieve greater feats, they must attain self-mastery, submit to demanding training routines spanning years, and gather wisdom from numerous life-and-death struggles."
"To put it simply, a mere month of instruction is insufficient to gauge potential. I could only guide and steer their path toward becoming adept practitioners of the sword arts."
Walpurgisnacht listened attentively, absorbing Geraint's explanation. She leaned back on the sofa, her expression thoughtful.
"I guess I was too eager to find a shining star amongst your students," she admitted with a rueful smile. "But I appreciate your insight. So, it's not just about physical strength but also about mastering oneself and honing that connection between body and mind."
Geraint's eyes brightened at her understanding. "Precisely. Martial arts is a path of discipline, self-discovery, and continuous growth. It's not just about fighting techniques, but about understanding oneself and the world around us."
She leaned back on the sofa, her fingers lightly tapping against her teacup as she contemplated his words. "It's fascinating how different our approaches are, yet how they both lead to personal growth. Magic and martial arts might seem disparate, but in the end, they both reflect the journey of the individual."
Geraint's expression held an appreciative smile. "You possess a remarkable skill for comparing intricate concepts."
A faint blush graced her cheeks in response to his compliment.
Walpurgisnacht's eyes took on a gentle warmth as she regarded Geraint. "Thank you, Geraint. I'm truly grateful that we're in this together."
Returning her sentiment, Geraint's smile conveyed his agreement. "The feeling is mutual."
He continued with a smile, "However, there are countless places to visit and people to see, so let's not phrase it in such."
Walpurgisnacht nodded.
The two sipped their tea and nibbled on some of the snacks. The tension in the room seemed to dissipate.
With a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, "You know, maybe we should take a little break. How about a vacation?"
Geraint raised an intrigued eyebrow. "A vacation? Where were you thinking?"
Leaning in as if sharing a secret, she lowered her voice. "I was actually thinking of checking out the areas around E-Rantal. They say that there's a great lake near the Great Forest of Tob, and we could go on a fishing trip!"
Geraint chuckled softly. "That sounds like a fun idea."
"Picture a tranquil lake surrounded by tall, leafy trees. The morning sun bathes everything in a warm, golden light, casting a mesmerizing reflection on the water. We'd sit by the shore, lines cast out into the peaceful depths, just waiting for that thrilling catch."
As she spoke, Geraint could almost feel the ambiance of their hypothetical fishing adventure. Walpurgisnacht continued, "And all around us, the sounds of nature—birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze—creating the most soothing sound. It's a moment of pure tranquility and joy, the perfect escape from our everyday lives."
He regarded her with a mix of amusement and affection. "Your persuasions are always compelling. Let's consider it once our teaching commitments are fulfilled."
"Agreed," she proclaimed, toasting their teacups together. "To a well-deserved respite and the potential break."
The duo enjoyed the simple joys of a cozy suite and a warm tea.
While they continued to converse about mundane topics over their tea, a gentle knock on the door delicately fractured their tête-à-tête.
In a fluid motion, Geraint stood and approached the door, revealing a Guild staff member standing there, holding an intricately designed envelope.
"I apologize for the interruption," the staff member offered with a respectful bow, presenting the envelope to Geraint. "This correspondence was sent for both you and Lady Walpurgisnacht."
Geraint accepted the envelope with a nod of appreciation, and after the staff member departed, he closed the door. He turned his attention to Walpurgisnacht, a quizzical expression on his face. "It appears we've received a message."
Curiosity lit up her gaze, and she tilted her head slightly. "A message? From whom?"
With a decisive motion, Geraint broke the seal and carefully unfolded the parchment, his eyes scanning the contents before lifting to meet Walpurgisnacht's gaze. "It's a summons from Adventurer's Guild Master Pluton Ainzach. We've been called upon for a new mission."
Her raised eyebrow spoke volumes of her surprise and intrigue. "That's unexpected. Could it possibly be related to our ongoing teaching commitments?"
Geraint shook his head, his lips curling into a knowing smile. "The message lacks specifics, so I believe we should visit the guild and gather the details directly."
Propping her chin on her hand, Walpurgisnacht leaned forward, her expression contemplative. "Well, it could be a delightful change of pace from our current endeavors, don't you think?"
The gleam in Geraint's eyes matched the anticipation in his voice. "I wholeheartedly agree. It might just be the break we need."
A mischievous grin played on Walpurgisnacht's lips. "Then let's not keep the Guild Master waiting."
Their excitement renewed, they concluded their tea, setting aside the cups, and began the process of readying themselves for their journey to the guild.
[x]
As Walpurgisnacht and Geraint entered the Guild's bustling premises, their presence did not go unnoticed.
The air was filled with a mix of awe, admiration, and curiosity. Adventurers of various ranks turned their attention toward them, their eyes alight with intrigue and respect. This was the usual phenomenon whenever high-ranking adventurers were around.
However, today was different. Instead of merely observing from a distance, adventurers of various ranks were breaking the norm and stepping forward. The usually respectful distance seemed to be replaced by a sense of approachability.
One young adventurer with a hopeful smile approached Walpurgisnacht. "Lady Walpurgisnacht, your guidance has been invaluable to me. My skills have improved greatly under your teachings."
Similarly, a seasoned adventurer extended his hand to Geraint. "Sir Geraint, your insights into swordsmanship have been a tremendous help in refining my techniques. It's an honor to be your student."
As the crowd continued to gather around them, the reason behind this phenomenon became clear. When they had accepted the mission to teach fellow adventurers, they had adopted an approachable and humble demeanor. They wanted to create an environment where their students could comfortably learn and ask questions. Little did they know that this disposition would extend beyond the classroom.
Their students, who had grown accustomed to this accommodating stance, now mirrored it outside of their learning environment. The respect they felt for their mentors translated into this newfound approachability. It was a demonstration of the powerful impact of teaching and mentorship, bridging the gap between ranks and forging connections that defied the norm.
Amid this interaction, a sudden, loud cough broke the atmosphere. The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward the source of the interruption. It was none other than the Adventurer's Guild Master, Pluton Ainzach, who had entered the hall.
The adventurers who had gathered around Walpurgisnacht and Geraint dispersed almost instantly, scattering like leaves in the wind.
Walpurgisnacht and Geraint exchanged a glance, amusement twinkling in their eyes. The effect of the Guild Master's presence was undeniable.
Pluton Ainzach strode forward, his gaze settling on Walpurgisnacht and Geraint. "Lady Walpurgisnacht, Sir Geraint, if I may have a word with you in my office?"
Walpurgisnacht and Geraint shared a brief nod, and Walpurgisnacht responded respectfully, "Of course, Guild Master Ainzach."
[x]
After the initial pleasantries had been exchanged, Walpurgisnacht leaned slightly forward, her curiosity evident in her gaze. "Guild Master Ainzach, if I may inquire, what is the nature of the mission you've called us for?"
Pluton Ainzach locked eyes with her, his demeanor steady and focused. "It pertains to the batch of herbs you previously supplied to the guild, specifically the healing mushrooms. Lizzy Bareare has expressed a desire to acquire more of these mushrooms. Alternatively, she seeks information regarding the precise location where you discovered them. Rest assured, appropriate compensation will be offered in exchange for divulging such valuable insights."
Before responding, Walpurgisnacht exchanged a glance with Geraint, as if she was asking for clarification.
"Lizzy Bareare was the person who helped appraise our herbs, wasn't she?" Geraint asked.
Guild Master Ainzach nodded affirmatively. "Indeed, she was also the one who purchased the healing mushrooms."
"In that case," Walpurgisnacht interjected with a self-assured tone, "obtaining more healing mushrooms should prove to be quite manageable. It's quite probable that the Great Forest of Tob holds an ample supply of them. Additionally, given the forest's proximity to E-Rantal, we can readily utilize teleportation magic, guaranteeing a swift and streamlined retrieval process." Her readiness to contribute was firmly rooted in a sense of reciprocity; they owed a debt of gratitude to Lizzy Bareare, and she was determined to honor it.
However, the primary responsibility for the herb appraisal assistance lay squarely with Walpurgisnacht. She had consciously opted for the more captivating, exotic-looking herbs instead of the ordinary ones. Her logic was deeply rooted in the belief that their unique appearance could command a higher value—an intuition that proved to be correct when their choice led them to victory in the scavenger hunt.
"Indeed, the distance shouldn't pose a significant issue. While I can't provide definitive confirmation of the presence of additional healing mushrooms at the goblin settlement, it's entirely plausible that some may have flourished in the underground caverns," Geraint chimed in.
"Were we to utilize [Earth Scan] for a comprehensive survey—"
Ainzach's thoughts drifted as he absorbed Walpurgisnacht's familiarity with teleportation magic and her nonchalant reference to their visit to the Great Forest of Tob. He couldn't help but be struck by the realization that these two adventurers might very well outshine even the renowned thirteen heroes in terms of sheer strength.
The memory of the recent exhibition match between Walpurgisnacht and Geraint remained imprinted in his mind, refusing to fade. Their exceptional prowess, whether it was their mastery of magic or their skill in swordsmanship, had left an indelible mark on Ainzach.
Sometimes, he mused, if he possessed even a fraction of his friend Theo Rakheshir's thick-skinned confidence, he would gladly sign up to become Geraint's student.
However, despite their undeniable abilities, Ainzach couldn't be embarrassed that Walpurgisnacht and Geraint had yet to attain the most esteemed rank within the Adventurer's Guild—Adamantine. This was because, according to the well-established norms of the Adventurer's Guild, this title was typically bestowed upon individuals who had garnered substantial recognition and influence.
When Ainzach mustered the courage to bring up the topic with them, he did so with a certain apprehension, expecting a potential backlash. Yet, much to his surprise, Walpurgisnacht responded with hearty laughter, asserting, "We embarked on this adventurer's path for the thrill, not for prestige. Titles hold little sway over us."
At that moment, Ainzach came to a profound realization.
The insignificance of conventional titles in the presence of beings wielding immeasurable power.
Geraint's voice cut through his contemplation, bringing him back to the present. "Guild Master Ainzach? Are you unwell?"
Ainzach composed himself and offered a gentle smile, genuinely touched by the concern shown.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Ainzach shook his head slightly and chuckled. "My apologies, my mind wandered for a moment there. It's just impressive to see how casually you both handle such powerful magic and skills."
Walpurgisnacht smiled warmly. "Thank you, Guild Master. But let's focus on the matter at hand. We're more than willing to help with Ms. Lizzy Bareare's request. The Great Forest of Tob is familiar territory for us, so procuring the healing mushrooms shouldn't be a problem."
Geraint chimed in, his tone confident. "And as for the underground caverns, we'll be cautious. If there are healing mushrooms growing there, we'll find them without causing any unnecessary trouble."
Ainzach nodded appreciatively. "I knew I could count on you two. The information about the healing mushrooms' location would be greatly beneficial to Lizzy and the guild. Of course, you'll be generously compensated for your efforts."
Walpurgisnacht waved her hand dismissively. "There's no need to worry about compensation, Guild Master. As I said, it's a small favor to repay the kindness Madam Bareare showed us during the appraisal. Consider it a gesture of goodwill."
Ainzach's expression softened. "Well, I won't refuse your kindness then. But do let me know if there's anything else the guild can assist you with in the future."
Walpurgisnacht spoke. "Actually, can we count on you, Guild Master Ainzach, to inform Madam Bareare that we accept her request? Do inform us when the negotiation has been settled. You know where we are staying."
Ainzach nodded in affirmation. "Understood. I'll make sure to pass on the message and keep you updated."
With the understanding settled, the two exchanged a final round of nods and polite smiles before bidding their goodbyes. Exiting the guild hall, they stepped out into the bustling streets of the city, their minds already focusing on the task at hand.