Chapter 80

Old President and Seleck were not fools. In fact, they did not really want to get involved in the conflict between the Kingdom of Light and the Principality of Moon. However, on the other hand, they could not ignore the information provided by Rod, especially the issues concerning the mercenary groups—since all commissions have backups in the Mercenary Association, the old president quickly investigated the recent commissions accepted by the mercenary groups. Without exception, they were all related to undead creatures, just as Old Walker had said, which was clearly an unusual situation.

The Mercenary Association could ignore the problems between the Kingdom of Light and the Principality of Moon, but they could not overlook the dangers they faced. As the top two figures in the Mercenary Association, the president and Seleck saw through the situation even without Rod's reminder, especially after learning that all the mercenary groups that had returned were severely injured or dead.

"It seems there is indeed something hidden behind this."

Putting down the record book, Seleck's expression turned gloomy.

"Such an incident has occurred recently, I really didn't expect it... If I had known, I would have stayed."

"There's no point in regretting now, old friend."

The president sighed, then raised his eyes to look at Rod.

"What do you think?"

"Perhaps it's because the bones of undead creatures are more valuable recently."

Rod's response was completely off-topic, which made the president roll his eyes in exasperation, deeply regretting that he had even asked for Rod's opinion.

"The clients are from different regions, the only common point is that they are not locals..."

Seleck closed the record book, his expression becoming even more serious.

"From the current situation, it's not necessarily a conspiracy, but... if it's a coincidence, it's too much of a coincidence..."

"Knock, knock, knock!"

At this moment, a hurried knocking sound suddenly broke the heavy atmosphere in the room. The three of them exchanged glances, and the president's expression turned stern.

"Come in."

"President, Sir!"

As the door opened, a mercenary covered in blood and in a terrible state rushed in. From his attire, he seemed to be a thief. Following him was Uncle Hank.

"What happened!"

Seeing the mercenary, the president immediately stood up, his expression serious as he asked. The mercenary struggled to stand straight, but his pale face suggested he wouldn't last much longer.

"Sir, our mission failed... I barely managed to escape... Please, send someone to save my comrades..."

"You are..."

Seleck walked up to the mercenary, examined him carefully, and then spoke.

"Are you Card from the 'Victory Wine' mercenary group? How did this happen? What exactly happened?"

"We, we accepted a commission to complete a task in the Silent Highlands— but, but there were too many undead creatures... The deputy leader is dead, the leader is hiding with everyone, barely surviving, but they are surrounded by undead creatures and don't know how long they can hold on... I barely managed to escape..."

"What a joke! The Silent Highlands!!!"

Hearing this, Seleck could no longer remain calm.

"That's a five-star mission! You have no qualifications to accept such a commission!!"

"We, we know... But it was just a peripheral item search task, we thought it wasn't too dangerous, who would have thought..."

"Forget it, it's no use talking about it now."

Seleck sighed.

"Hank, take him to get treatment immediately. I and the president will figure out what to do."

"Yes, Sir Seleck."

Uncle Hank nodded and helped the mercenary leave. Only then did Seleck shake his head.

"How foolish, how could they be so stupid... A five-star mission, the Silent Highlands is not a place they should go. That's a border area with the Kingdom of Night, these fools, they really risk their lives for money!"

"What should we do now?"

"Since they have requested help, we must rescue them. It's our responsibility as the Mercenary Association. We can ignore the random mercenary groups, but we can't stand by when a formally registered mercenary group asks for help."

"But..."

The old president's face now showed a troubled expression.

"Let's not talk about how dangerous that place is. Even if we want to gather people, there are only a few mercenary groups in Deepstone City, and we just learned that they have suffered heavy casualties from recent missions. It's impossible to draw people from them."

"Or... I go alone?"

"Don't be ridiculous, old friend."

The president immediately shook his head at Seleck's suggestion.

"What can you do alone? You know it's a five-star mission! Although you are a master swordsman, you can definitely go back and forth, but can you bring them back safely?"

"..."

Seleck didn't answer. He knew his strength was in swordsmanship, and he was completely inexperienced in leading a mercenary group. He could easily fight his way in and out of the undead creatures alone, but leading a group... today's weather, hahaha...

At this moment, a voice suddenly sounded.

"I think you've forgotten about a mercenary group that has no casualties."

"Hmm?"

Hearing this, the president and Seleck immediately looked at Rod, who had been sitting quietly on the side. He was now leaning back in his chair, his arms crossed, calmly watching them.

"You mean your 'Starlight'?"

The old president smiled and shook his head.

"Let me tell you, boy, your mercenary group only has five or six people. To be honest, you don't even have a full team... The Silent Highlands is not a place you can go. You'd better not cause more trouble."

"That's your opinion, not mine, old man."

Facing the old president's words, Rod did not back down. He just shifted his body to get more comfortable.

"I have full confidence in my subordinates, and trust me, I am more familiar with the Silent Highlands than you can imagine."

"Oh?"

Hearing Rod's words, both of them were taken aback. The old president smiled, about to say something, but Seleck gestured to stop him. Then, he walked up to Rod and carefully examined the young man.

"Are you sure you have no problems?"

"I never take on tasks without confidence, and besides, Mr. Seleck, you are going with me, right? I have no doubt about your abilities."

Rod stood up.

"However, I have two conditions."

"What conditions?"

In response to the old president's question, Rod held up one finger.

"First, I want you to find me four spirit masters. There should be some in the association, right?"

"There are, but..."

The old president frowned, looking at Rod suspiciously, not quite understanding what he was up to.

"What do you need them for? You should know these girls don't have much adventure experience. They mainly handle internal healing work in the association. I'll tell you, they haven't learned any offensive spirit techniques, so don't expect them to help you cut down those undead creatures."

"That's my problem. I will ensure they all return safely. Now, I just want to know if you will provide them."

"Alright."

Without much hesitation, the old president agreed to Rod's request. After all, it wasn't a big deal, and he was also curious about what Rod needed the spirit masters for.

"I'll have them prepare and then join you, led by Seleck. What's the second condition?"

"The second condition is simple."

Rod held up another finger.

"After completing this mission, I want to know how many points we can earn."

Hearing this, the old president's face turned green.

"You greedy bastard! You're actually talking about conditions at a time like this?!"

"Because it's a time like this that I'm talking about conditions, old man."

Rod put down his right hand and shrugged.

"After all, this is a mission, and we are risking our lives... Don't you plan to give us the appropriate reward?"

In the end, the president, forced by circumstances, agreed to Rod's two conditions. He had wanted to negotiate, but the old president knew the situation was urgent and not the time for bargaining. So, he finally agreed to give the Starlight mercenary group five points if they completed the mission and returned safely. The official association would also provide 20,000 gold coins and three magic items as a reward. This was a generous reward, and they agreed to prepare for departure that day and set out early the next morning. Then, Rod left the Mercenary Association.

"I don't know what you're thinking!"

Sitting back in his chair, the president looked at Seleck, who was smiling by the window, with obvious dissatisfaction.

"Do you really think this boy has the ability? I think he's just talking nonsense. The Silent Highlands is not a place he can come and go as he pleases. He even said he's familiar with it? I think he's mostly lying!"

"I don't think so."

Seleck smiled bitterly and shook his head. Then, he sobered up and looked at the old president.

"You should know that this boy, when he first established his mercenary group, took on the Pavel Cemetery mission and not only returned safely but also rescued the Red Eagle mercenary group. I once asked the Red Eagle mercenary group, and this young man is very familiar with undead creatures. Even the necromancer who has been in Pavel Cemetery for years couldn't gain any advantage over him... Old friend, do you think this is just a coincidence?"

"What are you trying to say, Seleck?"

"I'm not trying to say anything."

Seleck turned his head and looked out the window. Night had already fallen.

"I just think that young man is a very interesting person..."