Tearing the mission he selected off the board, Clifford brought the paper to the desk for confirmation. Surprisingly, the merchant group's information was hidden from everyone except the one who claimed the mission. After informing Clifford about his employer's details and the potential dangers he could face, the receptionist approved the claim and handed the paper to Clifford.
ββ
Status: Claimed
Mission Type: Service
Mission Objective: Guard the merchant group while returning to Elmar City.
Strength Requirement: 5500 and above
Reward: 300 Contribution Points
Employee's Soul Signature: [πΏππ’ππ§π π―ππ πͺππ π§πΏππ ±πππΏ]
Employer's Soul Signature:
Employer's Confirmation:Β
ββ
To confirm the success of the mission, Clifford needed to get the Soul Signature of the employer in the confirmation field, which belonged to one of the Evergreen family, a noble family living in the capital and operating in several cities. However, his target this time was a group coming from Dravas City, located northeast of the capital. After informing Clifford that the merchant might have sent the same mission to other academies, he left without thinking about it too much.
Competition was welcome; he didn't mind accepting some extra challenges. Making his way to Credo, Clifford informed him of his departure for a mission. Credo didn't mind, leaving the disciple matter for later. Once done, Clifford took on his eagle form and flew toward Dravas. Thanks to his diamond status, Clifford could go in and out without having to go through the main gate.
'That's the Dead Forest?' Ignoring the receptionist's advice, Clifford flew high above the forest instead of taking the normal road to Dravas. Compared to the one by Spiral City, this one gave him a depressing feeling the moment he saw it. The thin trees stood tall, devoid of any leaves, and dark clouds hovered above, casting shadows that darkened whatever was below. Despite the forest's name, Clifford was able to detect some life forms using his eyes. The creatures hid in bushes and shadows, making them invisible to normal eyes.
Determined to visit the forest later, Clifford continued on his path to Dravas. About two hours later, Clifford found himself close to the city, as passing through the forest had saved him at least a couple of hours. Flying above the city, Clifford arrived at the specified location. Landing nearby, Clifford took his human form and approached the guards standing at the house's gate.
"Is this the Evergreen house going to Elmar in two days?" Retrieving the mission from his spatial ring, Clifford handed it to one of the guards, who responded quickly.
"Yes, please imprint your Soul Signature here." The guard gave Clifford a piece of paper to imprint his Soul Signature on, as it was their only way to confirm by comparing both signatures since they couldn't read it. After confirming his identity, the other guard guided Clifford inside to meet his employer.
"Master Nathan, another one has arrived." Entering the fancy, spacious room, the guard bowed before announcing Clifford's arrival. Nathan Evergreen, the one who issued the mission to the academies, sat in a meditative position. His robe was a mix of white and green with golden adornments, and his right arm was equipped with fancy golden accessories. His long golden hair was laid back, partially covered by a headband. He appeared to be an old man who had passed his prime long ago.
Opening his eyes, Nathan nodded, signaling the guard to return to his post, leaving the two of them alone. Pointing to a chair on the side, Nathan welcomed Clifford and offered him a seat.
"What is your name, young man?" Nathan asked, looking intently at Clifford.
"My name is Archdevil Predatoria. May I ask how many employees are involved in this mission besides me?" Clifford got straight to the point.
"What a fancy name. Five have arrived before you, but due to the mission's difficulty and cost, I'm forced to pick the strongest and send the rest back."
"Hmm, how about no?" Standing from his chair, Clifford walked toward Nathan, which confused him. "What if you follow my plan?" Speaking loud enough for his employer to hear, Clifford quickly switched to his serpent form, strangling Nathan to prevent him from making any noise.
"Shh, I can feel your fear, but it doesn't concern me. Nod to agree or shake your head to refuse, but know that I won't hesitate to wipe out your house if you disagree. And of course, talk if you have the courage." Threatening Nathan, Clifford waited for a moment before setting the terrified old man free. Returning to his human form, Clifford made his way back to the chair.
"Let them join us, and I can guarantee mutual benefits. Leave them to deal with the bandits or whatever comes our way, then I will take care of them. I believe you won't have to pay the academies if they don't survive. You know... I'm quite hungry."
"Wait! How can you guarantee the plan's success?" Nathan asked right away, seemingly unconcerned about the five being eaten.
"Oh, test me!" Clifford muttered, his form changing rapidly from one to another, showing Nathan how many victims he had devoured. "What do you think?" Returning to his human form, Clifford waited for Nathan's reaction.
"What was that even supposed to show? A doppelganger ability?" Nathan asked, confused, thinking that Clifford could take on the form of the people he saw.
"No, how about I explain practically?" Rubbing his chin, Clifford thought of a solution before asking, "Do you have any extra guards?"
"Cannon fodder, as you may call them."
"Yes." Hearing Clifford's question, Nathan nodded right away.
"Call one here, and make sure he comes alone." Following Clifford's instructions, Nathan brought a young guard to the room. Standing from his seat, Clifford walked to the guard before Nathan could return to his seat.
"Watch carefully." Beckoning Nathan to watch, Clifford approached the guard quietly, who had a suspicious expression.
"I'm sorry, please forgive me." Witnessing Clifford approaching the guard, Nathan had an ominous feeling, causing him to speak quickly and confusing the guard further. Feeling Clifford's hands on his shoulders, the guard turned his attention back to Clifford, only to see his rapidly widening jaws. Biting the guard's upper body, Clifford lowered his hands to the guard's waist and then used them to lift him before throwing him into his stomach.
Standing frozen in place, Nathan watched in horror as Clifford transformed into the guard's form.
"Go bring a set of guard clothes. Be quick!" Ordering Nathan, Clifford momentarily forgot he was the employee.