As Haruto embarked on his mission with Sue, Bane and Sylvie found themselves drawn to the guild's mission board, intrigued by the various tasks available. The board was a sea of parchment, each sheet representing a different challenge, ranging from routine patrols to dangerous expeditions.
"These missions are all over the place. Some seem extreme, while others look almost too easy," Sylvie remarked, her eyes scanning the endless options.
Bane nodded in agreement, a slight furrow in his brow. "So, do we just pick one and go?"
Before Sylvie could answer, they noticed another guild member briskly tear down a mission sheet and walk off with a determined stride. Sylvie observed the process, realizing that accepting a mission was as simple as grabbing the sheet. But she was still hesitant, not wanting to make a hasty decision.
As they continued to ponder, a familiar voice broke through their thoughts. "You know, it really doesn't matter which one you choose," V said, her voice laced with amusement as she approached them with a smile.
Sylvie and Bane turned to face her, listening intently as V explained. "Every mission on this board is tasked specifically to this guild, so completing any of them will bring us recognition. They range from G-rank to SSS. SS and SSS missions are typically reserved for the Vanguard and often involve expeditions."
Hearing this, Sylvie and Bane both furrowed their brows, scrutinizing the board even more closely. Sensing their indecision, V chuckled softly. "Here, let me help you out." She casually plucked a sheet from the board and handed it to them. "Take this one. It's a D-rank mission—not too difficult, but it'll get your feet wet. You can thank me later."
Sylvie felt a mix of excitement and apprehension, suspecting that V might be setting them up for something unexpected. She quickly scanned the mission details.
Mission: Accompany Infinite Light member to the Valley of Day. Retrieve cargo from Shun Village and return within four days. Reward: 5,000 gold coins per member.
Sylvie's eyes lit up at the mention of the reward. The mission seemed straightforward enough, and it was an opportunity to interact with a member from another guild. Bane read over her shoulder and agreed; the task didn't seem too daunting. "Let's go. If we leave now, we can get a head start."
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the Kingdom, a towering temple of ice stood, its surface shimmering with a perpetual fog that gave off an eerie, otherworldly glow. This was the headquarters of Infinite Light, one of the Big Five guilds. The temple's icy aura was a formidable security measure designed by the Guild Master Melody herself. Only members of Infinite Light, granted a special cold resistance, could withstand the freezing atmosphere. Any intruders attempting to enter without authorization would be encased in ice, their disguises and transformation magic rendered useless by the temple's icy breath.
As guild members went about their duties, a sudden, piercing scream echoed through the frozen halls. "MOM!! OK! OK! I promise!!! Wahhhhh!!!"
The members who heard it merely chuckled, accustomed to the frequent outbursts. The scream belonged to Mia, a petite girl with long black hair, striking blue eyes, and a delicate complexion. Despite her small stature, Mia was armed to the teeth with a pair of reptilian daggers and a bow slung over her back, both Epic-grade weapons with unique properties.
Mia walked arm in arm with her mother, Melody, the Guild Master of Infinite Light. As they approached the guild's entrance, Melody glanced down at her daughter with a worried expression. "Mia, you know I'll always worry."
Mia sighed, sensing her mother's concern. "I'll be safe, Mom. So, who took the mission? Was it someone from Terraformer? Omega? Or maybe Goldenage?"
Melody smirked. "Two newbies from the OrionsHeart Guild."
Mia's eyes widened in disbelief. "Eh? WHAT??!!!"
Her reaction was immediate and intense. "Not only is it two members from that super small, weirdo guild, but they're new Warlords?! I need seasoned people, Mom!"
Melody smiled gently, trying to reassure her daughter. "Don't worry, Mia. I have very reliable intel that these two have great potential. You'll be fine."
Mia was still skeptical. Not only was this her first mission, but she herself had only recently become a Warlord. How was she supposed to succeed—and stay safe—with two newbies in tow?
"Fine, fine. Since you speak so highly of them," Mia grumbled, resigning herself to her fate. She could only hope that her mother's confidence in these new recruits wasn't misplaced.
Most people assumed that Melody kept Mia from missions out of concern for her safety, but the truth was different. Melody held Mia back because of her daughter's difficulty in making friends. Mia's personality often drove others away, making it hard for her to connect with her peers.
As they reached the entrance, Mia asked, "Well, where are they?"
Melody raised a finger to the air, as if sensing something, and then smiled. "Right on time."