"But tell me something... you were hiding your power, didn't you?"
Marilynn could see through anyone's Zecian Aura, and the amount that Albrecht emitted was nothing close to normal. He was overflowing with it, almost as if his reserves were unfathomable. The girl beside him was also no one to scoff at since the amount of Zecian Aura she had could rival any heroes out there.
For once, Marilynn thought that the girl was probably a hero... but she couldn't recognize the girl so she was probably just another adventurer. What was weird about her, though, was that she didn't have a tag.
"My power? No, I wasn't hiding it. More like, I have no idea how to use it. Up until now, I can only summon my spatial storage space. That's it." Albrecht felt like he didn't have to lie, but he also couldn't carelessly reveal his trump cards to someone whom he had just met.
For all he knew, Marilynn was probably gauging his skill to see whether she was a fitting future member of the Heroes of Lomenschwaal or not. The more skills he could hide, the better.
"I see... but your spatial storage space... is it unlimited? How much could you fit in it? Does food rot inside your spatial storage? If you put a lit candle or hot water in it, would it remain the same?" Marilynn asked one question after another, to which Albrecht responded slowly.
"I don't think it has a limit. I'm currently holding a Tri-Horn Minotaur inside my spatial storage space as well as a lot of weapons, treasures, and a bunch of other stuff. Food doesn't root inside the space. Also, the temperature remains the same inside as well. This was the first thing we checked when we discovered my power."
"Then... say we order a hot grilled steak and put it in your spatial storage space. We can still eat it freshly hot after a raid?" Marilynn asked as she excitedly leaned forward. Her eyes sparkled when she asked the question.
"Yes," Albrecht simply responded, flinching as Marilynn's actions almost made him jump.
Their conversation continued, and Yukina would sneak in a word or two from time to time. A few minutes later, the mushroom gratin and sparkling ginger arrived, and everyone enjoyed a late-night snack while waiting for Cainsz.
Creak~
"Found it!" Cainsz announced as he entered the room. On his hand, he waved a piece of paper that contained the terms of the contract that Albrecht would have to sign so he could officially join the Heroes of Lomenschwaal during the upcoming raid/conquer attempt of the Second Outerlayer. "I'm sorry it took so long, Leon called, and he said that something weird was going on in the Second Outerlayer. I'll be sure to ask for an update later."
"In any case, here's the contract. Please give it a read."
Albrecht didn't know what to expect, but seeing Cainsz's confidence led him to believe that he'd like the contents of the contract. "All right."
"..."
"..."
As soon as he read the first line, Albrecht realized that the Lomenschwaal Guild was not kidding when they wanted to offer him a temporary contract (it was only temporary since they were giving Albrecht the freedom to stay or not after the raid three days from now).
They were offering him sixty gold coins per month, which was a better salary compared to the Heroes of Relic's party leader. Albrecht had no idea what the adventurer rates are, but he was fairly certain that it was a pretty high monthly salary.
Not only that, they were also offering him the first pick on quests (which is the norm when one is a member of the Heroes' party) but he also got to pick a dungeon for himself!
This means that he'd be able to train in a dungeon without anyone bothering him. And also, if he got to have the first pick, then he could easily pick the higher-ranked ones and monopolize them for himself.
As if that wasn't enough, they were also offering him a familiar and skill scroll of his choosing.
"Um... is this really the contract? I don't think this is the contract for me." Albrecht asked in bewilderment.
"Why? Is it not to your liking?" Cainsz asked, surprised. While Albrecht was reading the contract, he was keenly observing every movement he made, just so he could be prepared if ever Albrecht found something wrong with the contract.
Cainsz was fairly certain that Albrecht was displeased with the last line. That's why Cainsz immediately came up with the change before Albrecht could comment on anything.
"Three skill scrolls and a familiar. We'll change it to three skill scrolls and a familiar. How about it?" Cainsz asked. The guild master told him to recruit Albrecht no matter what.
"But that's—"
"Five skill scrolls! An A-Rank and an F-Rank Familiar!" Cainsz exclaimed before Albrecht could speak.
Quite frankly, Albrecht was about to comment that the terms of the contract were more than enough. But now, he thought twice about saying another word. If he spoke again, Cainsz might increase something else in the terms.
"The terms are fine, Cainsz. I just want to confirm what's written on the conditions." Albrecht pointed out. "Are you sure that you're just going to temporarily hire me? Also, are all these just for one raid? Are you really sure about this?" Albrecht asked.
"Yes." Cainsz firmly responded. "As a fellow hero chosen by the space-time continuum, we just hope that you'd find our goodwill acceptable. And also, we'd want to build an amicable relationship with you Albrecht, because honestly, this wouldn't be the first time we'll be asking for your help." Cainsz let out.
"That's why we were willing to give all these. We want to conquer the Second Outerlayer no matter what. And we think we could really do it with your assistance."
"Then consider the contract signed. I'm going to help you." Albrecht said, extending his hand to Cainsz for a handshake. He didn't find anything wrong with the contract, and Cainsz's sincerity spoke to him.
As soon as the deal was closed, a commotion was heard from outside. The door to the guild slammed open and in came Leon, all bloodied and beat up.
"The Second Outerlayer! There's a breach in the Second Outerlayer!"