Word count: 1445
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Nouflex and Fubuki returned to the guild, and the weight of their first 'Real' mission's success felt satisfying. Nouflex, with a confident stride, carried the proof of the beast's defeat, its ear. Fubuki, following closely behind, was still processing the encounter and trying to shake off her earlier confusion.
Upon entering the guild, Nouflex was greeted by his personal guide and assistant. The guide's eyes widened in surprise as he took in the sight of Nouflex, who had accomplished the task in a remarkably short span of just two days.
'Incredible. He actually did it in just two days.' The guide thought, his respect for Nouflex growing. "Welcome back, sir Nouflex. I must say, I'm impressed. I didn't expect you to complete the mission so quickly."
Nouflex shrugged nonchalantly, a smirk playing on his lips. "Just did what needed to be done. It wasn't that challenging."
The guide blinked, taken aback by the casual response but he did not waste any time as he went to call for the man who had issued the mission to the guild. "Please wait here for a moment. I need to inform the mission issuer of your return."
Nouflex and Fubuki waited in the private lounge, the ambiance calm and quiet.
Moments later, the door opened, and the guide entered, accompanied by the client who had issued the mission. A well-dressed nobleman with a polished demeanor, the man stepped forward, his eyes slightly widened when he saw Nouflex.
"My trade routes were getting hijacked by that monster. I must say, I didn't expect the beast to be defeated so swiftly, most of my personal guards died fighting it. Two days and the rogue beast is already slain by none other than the Rising Shadow." The noble said, clearly impressed.
Nouflex, with his usual confident grin, leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Actually, it's Shadow Monarch now, I'd appreciate it if you forget about that previous title."
The noble blinked for a moment before quickly regaining his composure, realizing the correction. "Of course, Shadow Monarch. My apologies."
Nouflex nodded, pleased with the adjustment. Fubuki stood beside him, her eyes sharp as she observed the conversation.
The noble, aware of the strength standing before him, knew the importance of building connections. 'A man as powerful as him... connections like these are invaluable. I guess it is a good decision then...' The noble thought.
"Let me personally thank you for eliminating that beast. It was disrupting trade routes, and its presence was severely affecting my business. You've not only completed the mission but done so with unparalleled speed." The noble's tone shifted to one of deep respect.
He reached into his coat and retrieved a pouch, setting it on the table in front of Nouflex. "As promised, your reward of seven gold coins, and... an extra five gold coins as a token of my gratitude for your exceptional performance. Along with the enchanted katana."
Nouflex raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the extra reward. "I appreciate that." He said, his tone still nonchalant but acknowledging the gesture.
The noble smiled as he presented the reward to Nouflex, setting the pouch of coins aside and pulling out a sleek, black sheath with intricate designs carved along its surface. His eyes gleamed with a sense of pride as he held the sword before him.
"This is not just any sword. It's an enchanted blade, imbued with the essence of fire affinity." The noble began.
Nouflex eyed the weapon with mild curiosity, but he remained silent, allowing the man to continue.
"If you possess a fire affinity, this sword will become an extension of your own power. It will allow you to infuse your fire into the blade, granting you access to an array of techniques and skills that others could only dream of."
"With enough mana pool and control, this blade can emit up to almost 80000°C of heat without melting, if you have what it takes of course. Therefore, it will cut through anything, stone, steel, even enchanted armor, as easily as cutting through air."
The noble's gaze grew more serious, and his tone softened. "This sword has been in my family for generations. However, none of us have had the talent for magic, let alone the fire affinity needed to wield it to its full potential. When I heard about your success in slaying the beast, I knew you were someone worthy of such a treasure."
Nouflex listened, his expression indifferent, but inwardly he was intrigued by the potential of such a weapon. The noble extended the sword toward him.
"Please, take care of it. Though we cannot use its power, it has deep meaning for my family. I trust that in your hands, it will finally be put to use."
"You can rest assured that this sword is in good hands, uh..." Nouflex stated.
"Cedric, Cedric Ironwood." The noble finally gave his name.
"Alright Cedric, you got my word." After hearing the noble's passionate explanation about the sword's enchantments and its fire affinity, Nouflex's expression remained calm, but inwardly, he felt a wave of disappointment.
'Well, this is basically useless to me. I'm probably going to sell it at an exorbitant price and make a fortune.' He thought while shaking the noble's hand, recalling the moment when the mana crystal had stayed unchanged, confirming that he had no elemental affinity whatsoever—let alone fire.
But then, another thought crossed his mind. 'Yet I feel like this has too much potential to just sell if what he said is true.' His mind shifted toward his abilities, his power to summon anime characters.
He could easily summon someone with fire abilities in the future, someone capable of wielding this blade to its fullest.
A slight smirk formed on his lips as he made his decision. 'Yeah, this could be useful down the line. I'll hold onto it.'
He looked at the noble, giving him a nod, though his internal thoughts had drifted far from the sentimental story the man had just shared.
The noble smiled, knowing that treating someone like Nouflex well was crucial. "I'm glad to do business with you. You are welcome to visit my domain anytime, Shadow Monarch. I would be honored to host you."
Nouflex gave a small nod, standing up from his seat. "I'll keep that in mind." He replied, his voice casual but with an underlying sense of power. Fubuki followed suit, a quiet smile on her face.
With the business concluded, Nouflex and Fubuki made their way out, pulling Fubuki from her waist, gaining a blush from her, he placed his finger on his forehead as he disappeared from his spot.
The duo appeared in Felix's mansion, he used his instant transmission to teleport inside, finding himself in the familiar halls of the grand house.
"Fubuki, where is Ayanokoji? Can you bring him here." Nouflex intended to order Ayanokoji to explain the detailed bank plan to Felix, but Fubuki reminded him, her tone slightly concerned. "Master, Ayanokoji isn't here… he went off to train by himself. He probably won't be available for a while."
Nouflex paused for a moment, considering the situation. "Ah, that's right..." He muttered, recalling that conversation. "In that case, Fubuki, go to Ringo. She's probably in the basement right now. Tell her to explain the plan to Felix instead."
Fubuki nodded immediately. 'Yes, Master. I'll find her now.' She moved to carry out the orders.
Satisfied, Nouflex made his way to his chamber, walking through the dimly lit corridors of Felix's mansion. He felt the fatigue of the day start to settle in.
Between dealing with that adventurer I taught a lesson, the rogue mana beast, the unexpected encounter with that adventurer, and receiving the enchanted sword, it had been a long and eventful day.
As he entered his chamber, he tossed his blindfold aside, rubbing his eyes. 'Finally, some rest.' He thought, throwing himself onto the large bed.
The room was quiet, the only sound being the gentle crackle of a nearby fireplace. Nouflex sighed deeply, his mind still buzzing with the events of the day and what was to come, but the soft comfort of the bed quickly pulled him into a deep, restful sleep.
TO BE CONTINUED --->
--Note--
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