"Thank you for the two month pre-paid, sir.", the female nurse administration thank me after counting amount of cash from me.
Thanks to the System Reward, I can generate more than enough money for covering my mother medical bill.
There's remaining money for me to use for paying any expenditure for me and my sister around one month and for me to save it.
To be honest, I'm never expected I can save the money from being a Knight because when I'm still Rank-F Knight, I barely can survive for day to day expenditure, which force my mother to take three part time job just to make us survived.
Now, in front of the bed where my mother lies unconscious, I contemplated.
Until now, the doctor still not yet found the antidote for my mother condition, but at least they're capable to maintain my mother condition in coma state.
I hoping this mess is gone. However, I still require the funds for another matter, namely to resolve my family's financial burden.
Ever since my father disappeared, my mother has been constantly berated by the debt collector for the loan taken out by my parents.
Even before I was the weakest Knight, it pained me to see my earnings as a Knight always falling short of covering the monthly payments.
It's even more distressing to know that the loan is not from a bank, but from another Knight who typically lends money to fellow Knights.
These Knights are nothing but leeches, charging exorbitant interest rates to their comrades and their families.
I understand that in the past, my mother was forced to borrow from them due to our financial crisis, but their debt is a trap and the banks refuse to grant us a loan since my father's disappearance.
However, with my Supreme Sorcerer Magician System, I am now able to acquire more money than ever before.
Even though the system has yet to generate a new quest for me, I can still participate in Knight Invasions to earn more funds.
Without hesitation, I quickly check the Knight's app on my old cellphone, searching for any available missions to join.
What the heck?
I am unable to participate in any missions?
I search through hundreds of active missions on the app, only to be blocked by the system.
'You are blacklisted for this mission.'
This notification from the system always appears whenever I attempt to select a mission.
It's not uncommon for Knights to be blacklisted due to their misconduct, as decided by the Knight Team Leader who may not want to deal with troublesome Knights on their team.
However, it is my first time encountering a Knight who has been blacklisted by every Knight Team Leader, even for the lowest rank missions!
And to my utter disbelief, it is none other than myself who has been blacklisted!
Ah, this is just terrible!
I settled into the nearest chair, attempting to take a deep breath and relax for a moment.
After a long exhale, I glanced back at the Knight's Application, still unchanged. I was still the only Knight in the Global Knight's Association who was continuously blacklisted for every active mission.
As I searched further, I realized that the reason for my blacklisting was due to negative rumors that had been spread about me by Stella.
She had falsely accused me of being a traitor during the Headless Knight's mission.
It was infuriating.
Despite her manipulative ways, she was a well-known S-rank Knight with significant influence in her Guild.
It was no surprise that people believed her over a low-ranking Knight like myself.
I couldn't just stand by and let this happen.
Perhaps it was time for me to look for a new job, one that could provide for me and my family. Suddenly, Arlene appeared and sat beside me, noticing my stressed expression.
"What's wrong, brother?" she asked.
I let out another long exhale before replying, "Nothing."
Arlene's face fell as she continued, "Please don't tell me you're going on another Knight's mission. I saw the live recording, and it was horrific. You were almost decapitated!"
I reassured her that I would take a break from being a Knight for a while, not wanting to delve into the details of my blacklisting by all the Knights.
***
Surprisingly, my only available job is working as a construction worker.
Mixing cement and operating heavy machinery are just some example of the tasks I've taken on in the past week.
Thanks to Gaia's Endowment Spell, my strengthened physical body allows me to handle these demanding jobs with ease.
However, due to negative rumors, my fellow college colleagues in the construction industry have developed a negative perception of me.
Despite this, I try not to let their treatment affect me as I need the money.
I refuse to waste my time waiting idly just because I'm on their blacklist.
"Alstair, it's time for a break," the project supervisor interrupts my train of thought.
"Of course," I reply, ceasing my operation of the heavy machinery.
As the supervisor and the rest of the team head to the designated break area, I am left to my own devices.
I do not join them, as their negative perception of me has deemed me unworthy of a place among them.
Instead, I enjoy my packed meal alone, well prepared by Arlene, near the heavy machinery, finding solace in the stillness of my surroundings.
As I take in the sight of the towering steel frames that will soon become the foundation of a new tower in the city, my attention is drawn to a woman walking near the construction site.
She appears weak and pale, with puffy eyes and disheveled blonde hair, as if she has been crying for a long time.
What surprises me even more is the special long mantle she wears, adorned with a Knight's badge.
I recognize it immediately as the uniform of a S-Rank Knight.
What is someone like her doing here?
My thoughts are interrupted as I realize that the woman is none other than Minerva the Healer, a well-known S-Rank Knight.
This is the first time I've seen her in such a vulnerable state, walking aimlessly with a troubled expression.
Something must be greatly troubling her for her to appear so miserable.
But how is that possible?
She is an S-Rank Knight, after all. What could have caused her to lose her composure like this?
As I observed, a sudden cracking sound pierced through the air.
It was like the sharp snap of steel, emanating from the towering steel frame closest to Minerva.
Without hesitation, I sprang away from the heavy machinery as I noticed several screws being pulled out from the top of the steel, causing it to lose balance.
My eyes widened as I saw a piece of the steel frame break off and hurtle towards Minerva, who was lost in thought and unaware of the danger headed her way.
"Watch out!" I frantically shouted, but it was too late for me to reach her.
Despite that, I was able to catch the falling steel, feeling the ground beneath me crack under its immense weight.
Thanks to my Gaia Endowment Spell, I was able to withstand the impact without sustaining severe injuries.
As I landed with the steel beside me, I saw Minerva kneeling in front of me, trembling and still in shock from the near-death experience.
"Are you okay?" I asked, setting the steel down gently.
Relief flooded through me as I realized that everything was now safe.
Minerva's tears fell freely as she grasped my hand and cried out in overwhelming stress.
It was difficult for me to see the typically composed and skilled S-rank Knight in such a vulnerable state.
***
Minerva finally calmed herself after a long and tearful outburst, which seemed to last for at least half an hour.
I quickly poured her a cup of coffee, hoping it would help soothe her.
"I only had coffee. Hopefully it will do the trick," I said as I handed it to her.
She took it in her trembling hands and weakly thanked me.
"And thank you for saving me. I couldn't think clearly in that moment. Without you, I might have ended up as a lifeless body, making headlines in the news," she added with a heavy sigh.
"It was no trouble," I replied casually.
"You're Alstair, right? The infamous Traitor amongst the Knights," Minerva said, looking at me with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
"The traitor who saved a Knight. Quite a paradox, isn't it?" I responded sarcastically.
"That's just what the media wants you to be known as, Alstair. An exaggeration and unfair representation of the truth. But since you saved me, I know you're not the traitor they make you out to be," Minerva quickly defended me.
"Well, that's a relief. It's not easy to gain the trust of a Knight, especially one as highly ranked as yourself," I remarked.
"I've heard about you from William. You're not as bad as Stella constantly preaches about you. You have my trust, Alstair," Minerva affirmed.
It was unusual for an S-rank Knight to trust a lowly Knight like me, let alone a traitor.
"I have a complicated problem, Alstair. It's more complex than defeating monsters in their realm," Minerva suddenly became sad.
"What kind of problem?" I asked, curious about what could affect a powerful Knight like Minerva.
"It involves my husband, Kael. He's one of the S-rank Knights, known for his expertise in slaying Dragon-type monsters. He's also known as Kael the Greatest Dragon Slayer amongst the Knight Association," she explained.
"What happened?" I inquired, sensing the sadness in her voice.
"It was during our last mission. Kael and I, along with our teams, were on an invasion mission to defeat the Dragon Monster: Aeron the Vengeance. It was a long and dangerous battle that nearly wiped out both the Knights and the monster. But in the end, we were both trapped inside," Minerva's voice shook as she relived the traumatic memory.
"Trapped inside? How?" I asked, my heart racing with worry.
"Both our troops and Aeron's forces were depleted of energy, leaving only Kael to face off against Aeron. With his legendary great sword, Kael thrust it into Aeron's body, but Aeron retaliated by unleashing a fiery spell, setting the battlefield ablaze. In a last-ditch effort, Kael utilized his Magical Gate to transport the remaining Knights and myself back to Earth," Minerva recounted, her tears falling freely.
She activated a Knight's recording device, projecting a live feed of Kael's valiant struggle within Aeron's Dungeon.
From what I observe, Kael's current stance involves plunging his Great Sword into Aeron's back, causing the latter to be forced to kneel in excruciating pain.
This caused the dragon to release an abundance of water. However, Aeron is not powerless and is currently unleashing its fiery magic.
The dragon's colossal frame radiates a crimson glow, sending its fire breath soaring into the sky and creating a fiery barrier that engulfs the hill where the two are locked in battle.
Aeron's intention is to use its fire magic to compel Kael to release his Great Sword from its grip, but Kael refuses to give up.
Despite the searing heat that slowly consumes his armor, he persists in driving his weapon deeper, hoping to defeat Aeron the Vengeful.
It's a race against time, with either Kael succumbing to the flames or Aeron running out of energy.
It's no wonder Minerva wears a pained expression as she watches her husband's struggle.
"I guess Knights Association can help your husband, Minerva.", I said after long pause.
"No! They' don't want to! They said it's too damn risky and they don't want go there just to getting burned alive! Those bunch of cowards!", Minerva suddenly yelling, releasing her anger and disappointing due to Knight's Association unwillingness to help.
Wow.
I never expected the Knight's Association to come to the aid of an S-Rank Knight struggling on their mission.
Yet, upon further reflection, it does make sense for them to refrain from interfering in the intense battle between Kael and Aeron.
After all, they wouldn't want to risk sending their own Knights into a futile and dangerous situation.
However, it must be agonizing for Minerva to witness her husband's struggles alone.
In a sudden burst of emotion, Minerva cried out, "I don't care anymore! The Knight's Association can go to hell! My only concern is saving my husband!"
With tears streaming down her face, she wiped them away with a determined expression.
Startled, I stood up from my chair and asked, "Where are you going?"
"I'm going back to Aeron's Dungeon! I don't care if the Knight's Association forbids me from doing so. I will save my husband, no matter the cost!"
It may seem like a suicidal mission, but as someone who has lost a loved one due to the Knight's Association's decisions, I understand Minerva's determination.
I remember asking my father's comrades about his disappearance, but their only response was that he had gone to the unreachable world.
At the time, I resented my own weakness and inability as a Knight to find my father.
"My parents have both passed away. Kael is my only family. I would rather face the horrors of a dragon's den than live a hollow life without him!" Minerva emphasized her seriousness about this dangerous mission.
Her words struck a chord with me, reminding me of my own regrets.
If only I had possessed the power of a Magician in the past, I would have ventured into any Dungeon to find my father.
In that moment, the System suddenly sent me a new notification.
> Quest Activated: Save Kael The Dragon Slayer!
Unbelievable!
The System had actually assigned me a new quest: to rescue Kael!
This is the first time I've been tasked with saving a Knight, aside from my usual battles against Monsters, of course.
Now that the System has generated this Quest, it's my responsibility to find a way to complete it.
"Minerva, have you thought this through? I mean, I support you, but I don't want to see Kael's wife fall victim to the deadly magic of Aeron's blazing fire," I exclaimed urgently.
Suddenly, Minerva revealed a special key that only S-Rank Knights or Knight Researchers with limited access possessed.
It was the key to activate the Magical Gate. I've heard that S-Rank Knights have one for their invasion missions.
"I have this, Alstair. With it, I can create a Magical Gate that will transport me directly to the point where I was left stranded in Aeron's Dungeon. I will go back there!" Minerva declared with a determined expression.
"That's great. But what about the fire barrier in Aeron's Dungeon? I'm sure you don't want to risk being burned alive by that deadly flame," I asked cautiously.
"I have an Ice Barrier spell that can counter Aeron's flames, Alstair. All I need is the Knight Striker to attack Aeron and break the connection between Aeron and Kael," Minerva confidently replied.
"But for how long?" I probed critically.
"Maybe around 15 minutes, conservatively 10. As long as I have one Knight Striker to keep Aeron occupied from a distance, the fire barrier will be disabled and my husband can finish the job!" Minerva answered with conviction.
After gaining insight into her anger towards the Knight Association, I realized they were unable to send another high-ranking Knight to assist with her plan.
Perhaps the elite Knights deemed the plan foolish.
Regardless, this was my chance to fulfill my Quest System.
"I can be the Knight Striker," I declared with conviction.
Minerva's eyes widened with hope and she eagerly grabbed my hand.
"Are you sure, Alstair? Do you want to take on this mission?" she asked, seeking confirmation.
I understood that this was not a sanctioned mission by the Knight Association, as Minerva and I would be using a key that was not meant to be used for Kael's safety.
We could face repercussions for taking this initiative without their knowledge, but I couldn't care less about the Knight Association.
My only concern was completing the System's Quest and earning a good sum of money.
"Yeah, you can count on me," I replied confidently. Minerva smiled with relief.
Since my Magician Skill had been exposed by Stella during our last mission, many elite Knights had their eye on me.
My unique and tremendously powerful magic made me stand out among other Knights.
However, thanks to that wretched Stella, my reputation had been tarnished and I was now seen as an unreliable and untrustworthy ally.
Without hesitation, Minerva used her magical Key to create a Magical Gate, transporting us back to the last point in Aeron's Dungeon.
The hot, suffocating air seeping through the gate was a testament to the treacherous nature of Aeron's Dungeon, even before entering it.
Minerva quickly cast her Ice Barrier Spell, enveloping us in a protective aura of blue and white light to shield us from Aeron's fiery magic.
Upon confirming our readiness, we make our way through the Magical Gate.
As we pass through the blinding white and blue lights, the intense heat of magical flames engulfs us.
We finally reach the hill where the fearsome red-skinned Dragon, Aeron the Vengeance, is kneeling with only half of its wings remaining.
Its fiery red eyes confirm its identity.
I notice that Kael has already begun attacking Aeron from the back with his great sword.
Aeron's blood drips from its back, but Kael's armor is also slowly being destroyed by the Dragon's deadly fire barrier.
The ground and air feel suffocating under the intense heat of Aeron's flames.
Both Kael and Aeron seem determined to either emerge victorious or die in this battle.
It reminds me of the terrifying scenes I have seen in recorded battles, but witnessing it in person is even more dreadful.
Luckily, Minerva's Ice Barrier Spell helps to ease the heat of Aeron's flames, preventing our armor from being severely damaged like Kael's.
"What should we do, Alstair?" Minerva asks with a worried expression as she keeps a close watch on Kael.
My sole focus now is to save Kael. I realize that I can still cast my magician spells at Aeron from a distance.
However, if I want to make a significant impact, I need to use my new Magician Spell: Divine Thunder.
This spell takes longer to prepare than my usual Lightning Bolt Spell due to its immense power.
I take aim at Aeron's head, ready to cast my new spell.
The weight of its impact is weighing on me, but I know it is necessary to defeat Aeron in one powerful strike and aid Kael's sword in its deadly penetration.
"Watch as I unleash a powerful blow of magic upon Aeron. Just give me a moment," I declared, centering my focus.
Minerva's throat went dry as she took a step back, witnessing my summoning of eight magical barriers crackling with lightning.
These barriers absorbed my Mana Power, generating eight spells that would trigger the Divine Thunder from the heavens above.
As seconds ticked by, it felt like an eternity, but I knew the casting of the Divine Thunder was almost complete.
And finally, the spell was ready!
With determination, I closed the distance between Aeron and myself, ensuring that my casting would successfully strike him.
Without saying a word, I gestured for Minerva to silently join me as we cautiously approached Aeron, who seemed to grow larger and more imposing with every step we took.
My steps halted as I unwittingly stepped on a dark puddle, realizing too late that it was the ominous black blood of Aeron.
The ground surrounding us was saturated with this dark liquid.
My gaze fell upon Aeron's red skin, now partially tainted by the black blood from Kael's attack, and I comprehended the dire effects it was having on Aeron's condition.
Yet, as I observed the black water trembling, in tandem with Aeron's fierce roars, I sensed something peculiar.
At first, I attributed Aeron's roars to the injury inflicted by Kael's attack, but there was a different intensity to them.
I could feel Aeron's rage propelling the blood, inch by inch, towards Kael who stood behind him. In that instant, a chilling realization dawned on me.
I urgently cried out for Kael to flee, but my warning was futile.
The once motionless black blood suddenly transformed into a sharp, jet-black blade that swiftly flew towards Kael's back, impaling him.
"NOO, KAEL!" Minerva wailed in anguish and fear as she witnessed her husband crumple to the ground, his body riddled with bloods.
Minerva sprinted towards Kael with incredible speed, but I quickly restrained her from advancing further.
"Alstair! My husband! I-"
"Not now, Minerva!" I urgently intervened.
Amidst the chaos, Aeron emerged, unleashing a deafening cry of agony.
Kael's massive sword remained lodged in Aeron's back, causing its water to drip uncontrollably.
Surprisingly, Aeron ceased its fire magic barrier, resulting in the once-burning hill to now appear somewhat tamed.
However, Aeron's attention had now shifted towards me and Minerva, its sharp gaze indicating an imminent attack.
Without hesitation, I grasped Minerva's hand and fled from Aeron's reach.
But it was too late, as Aeron's dark water had manifested into vicious black blades that mercilessly struck my left shoulder and Minerva's back and thigh.
We both fell in excruciating pain. Minerva's ice barrier crumbled as she lost consciousness from the agony of the black blades.
The situation escalated as Aeron slowly approached Kael, who was on the brink of death due to the lethal black blades.
Aeron opened its mouth, preparing to unleash a fiery breath that would surely end Kael's life in one fell swoop.
Ah, shit!
This beastly dragon is far more cunning than I had anticipated!
I had already made a promise to Minerva to rescue her husband and I am determined not to fail in my System's Quest!
Despite my exhaustion, I forced myself to stand and stumbled forward, my clothes covered in blood and my black blade embedded in my right shoulder.
I couldn't afford to waste any time in reaching Aeron and ensuring that the Divine Thunder strike would hit its mark.
But in this desperate situation, I found myself kneeling as the black blade aggressively stabbed into my back.
It seemed that the more I resisted, the more fiercely the blade would attack.
With a considerable distance between us, I couldn't aim my Divine Thunder spell accurately at Aeron's head!
What on earth was I supposed to do?!
Was this the end?!
But then, I noticed the pool of Aeron's black blood in front of me.
As I looked closely at the blood dripping from Aeron's body, I realized it was connected to the pool of black blood on the ground.
Without hesitation, I cast the Divine Thunder spell at the black blood.
Eight magical circles appeared behind me, forming one powerful lightning bolt that struck directly at the pool of black blood.
In a matter of seconds, the Divine Thunder fell from the sky and struck the exact spot where the initial lightning had hit, which was the pool of black blood.
Before the deafening sound of thunder could even echo through the sky and earth, the Divine Thunder had spread from the pool of black water into Aeron's body.
As the thunder roared menacingly and the earth shook, the Divine Thunder emitted a blinding light and exploded with a deafening boom.
The world fell silent.
I could barely see through the blinding light, but I could feel the pain from the black blade in my shoulder subsiding, and soon enough, it had completely melted into Aeron's black blood once again.
After a few moments, the blinding light had faded, and I could see the monstrous Aeron lying on the ground, partially burnt and paralyzed.
Kael, who had been on the brink of death, now miraculously stood up and made his way towards Minerva and me, despite his injuries.
As soon as the System Notification appeared, I knew that I had successfully completed the Quest System.
>You get 50.000 Monster Diamond!
>You get Ruby Gemstone (x1)
At last!
The long-awaited prize!
Although not as grand as before, I have obtained the necessary funds.
It should suffice to settle a portion of my family's financial burden.
Fantastic!
Oh, let us not overlook the Ruby Gemstones.
With the possession of five precious gems, I can now allocate them accordingly.
> You Activated The Soul of Fire!
> You Unlocked New Magician Spell!
>Active Skill:
Lightning Bolt
Gaia Endowment
Divine Thunder
Fire Storm
>Passive Skill:
Magic Barrier
Mana Regeneration
Health Regeneration
Oh, a new spell, 'Fire Storm' has been discovered.
It bears resemblance to the Divine Thunder Spell, requiring a considerable amount of Mana, but its range of attack is much wider.
I have a feeling it will come in handy for future quests in the System.
As I checked the System, I took a sip of the Recovery and Mana Potion, when suddenly I heard someone calling out to me, gasping for air.
It was Kael.
"Minerva!" he shouted, limping towards me with blood covering his body.
Surprisingly, Minerva managed to stand up despite her injuries and was immediately held by her husband.
"What are you doing here, Minerva?! Don't you want to end up obliterated!" Kael scolded her, his tone a mix of anger and panic.
"Quiet down, dear. It would be you who ends up obliterated if Alstair and I didn't intervene," Minerva replied, though she seemed upset and exhausted.
Kael let out a long sigh before flashing a wry smile.
"Alstair, the Magician Thunder. I am grateful for your assistance in saving my wife," he said, bowing sincerely.
"It was all thanks to your wife's bravery and sacrifice," I replied.
"Yes, she is truly remarkable," Kael smiled as he carried his wife.
As I watched Minerva smile in relief at her husband, without saying a word, I could sense the warmth and bond they shared, even after the chaos they just endured.
I couldn't help but think about my own father, who may still be alive somewhere in the monster realm.
And maybe this time, I can save him.
But such hopeful thoughts seem so distant and unattainable in this moment.
As time passed, I noticed that Kael and Minerva looked exhausted, their energy drained from the previous battle, despite both being S-Rank Knights.
I can only hope that there are no more surprises waiting for us in this dungeon, so we can safely return to our home.
"Human!"
The word echoed through the air, followed by the deafening roar of a dragon and the guttural language of a monster.
We quickly took up arms when we noticed that Aeron the Vengeance was struggling to stay upright, his body half paralyzed and charred.
"No, you're not ordinary human! You're a Magician, brought here by the System! You are a Zeta Apprentice!" Aeron bellowed at me in his monster tongue.
The dragon, though exhausted and near death, still glared at me with its fiery red eyes, unleashing all its wrath upon me.
I felt a surge of electricity building within me as I readied myself to unleash a powerful Lightning Spell.
I look at Aeron without fear.
"Human, do you truly believe that your Thunder Magic can force me to kneel in defeat? Though you may be Zeta's apprentice, I sense no burning ambition or hatred within you," Aeron bellowed in its monstrous tongue.
Naturally, I comprehend this dragon's incessant yammering.
Aeron incessantly challenges me.
However, as long as the dragon poses no threat to me and the System does not task me with fighting it, I will not engage further.
"Look at you, devoid of ambition and initiative! As passive as a mere pawn, ready to be discarded! I will show you the fire that will eternally torment you, Zeta's apprentice! The flames of vengeance!"
Out of nowhere, flames erupted around Aeron, radiating a menacing heat.
The injured dragon attempted to take flight, but its broken wings kept it from soaring too high.
Surprisingly, Aeron flew past me, Kael, and Minerva.
We couldn't help but wonder what the dragon was up to.
Amidst the chaos, a sudden notification from the new System appeared.
>Quest Activated: Defeat Aeron the Vengeance!
Shit.
Now I had to pursue this insane dragon before it takes off any further.
"Alstair, watch out! Aeron is headed straight for our Enchanted Portal!" Minerva's sudden warning jolted me.
Damn it!
This dragon is hell-bent on seeking revenge against the human realm!
With Kael and Minerva both exhausted and on the brink of death, I knew I couldn't rely on them.
"Alstair, the chain! Grab onto it and chase after Aeron!" Kael shouted, pointing at the long chain that bound the great sword on Aeron's back.
Without hesitation, I sprinted towards the chain as if my life depended on it.
In that moment, a protective Ice Barrier Spell enveloped me in a blue light, a clear sign that Minerva had used up her remaining Mana to cast the spell.
It was a lifesaver as I was able to withstand Aeron's flames without getting burnt.
With the path ending at the edge of a cliff, I leapt and firmly grasped onto the chain.
I was now soaring alongside Aeron, passing through the portal of the Magicians.
The battleground had now shifted to the earth below, intensifying the gravity of the situation.