Chapter 78: Chapter 20: Top-level Task_1
Ka Rui cast Ah Dai a glance, his gaze filled with confusion. He seemed surprised by Ah Dai’s lack of common knowledge, but he proceeded to explain anyway: "The Death Mountain Range is the most horrifying place on the continent, covering a large area almost equivalent to the Xi Bo Clan’s territory. A small part lies within the territory of the Tian Yuan Clan, whereas a large portion sits within the Empire of Huasheng, acting as a natural boundary between the Empire and our Federation. Now, if our Federation people want to get to the Empire of Huasheng, we can only pass through the Tian Gang Mountain Range or through the Holy Church’s land nearby. Otherwise, we’d have to take a longer route. According to legends, it is where the mighty first Pope and numerous powerful mages sealed the ancient Demon God thousands of years ago. The mountain range is filled with all kinds of frightful monsters, and almost no one who ventures inside returns alive. Many mercenary corps, some quite significant in size, have tried to explore it, but none of them came back. I fear even if we were to mobilize our entire corps, we might not be able to acquire the Top-Grade Magic Crystal. When I was in Red Hurricane City’s guild, I saw several similar tasks; all were treasure hunts for some precious items, and those items were all from the Death Mountain Range. They say the closer to the center of the range, the stronger the monsters are. The primary reason this task of obtaining the Top-Grade Magic Crystal is not of the highest level— super, is because it is located on the edge of the Death Mountain Range."
Xuan Yue said, "Sounds like a fascinating place, the Death Mountain Range? This is my first time hearing of it, too. You mentioned that few people return from the Death Mountain Range, so how did the news about the Top-Grade Magic Crystal come about? I reckon there must be a lot of exaggeration involved; I don’t believe there are such mighty beasts out there." In truth, almost everyone in the Church knows the name of the Death Mountain Range, but Xuan Yue’s father has forbidden from anyone telling his daughter. No one understands Xuan Yue better than him— if she found out about such a place, her curiosity would certainly drive her to seek adventure. However, it seems that his efforts are about to go in vain.
Ignoring Ka Rui, who was left speechless by her questions, Xuan Yue turned to Ah Dai and said, "I have decided. We will take on the task to obtain the Top-Grade Magic Crystal. What do you think? If you are scared, you don’t have to go."
Ah Dai shook his head, replying without any hesitation, "I’ll go. However, miss, if we do get the Top-Grade Magic Crystal, I’d like a piece for myself. Is that okay?" For him, honouring Goris took precedence over his terror of the Death Mountain Range.
Xuan Yue said generously, "Sure, agreed. Let’s go and accept the task."
Ka Rui watched in astonishment as Xuan Yue and Ah Dai zoomed over to the mission acceptance counter to accept a task that even their Red Charming Mercenary Group dared not touch. From their tone, it seemed as if the Top-Grade Magic Crystal was already in their possession! He rushed to the counter, "Miss Magician! That place is too dangerous! You guys don’t even have a warrior. Sending two magicians there is like walking into death."
Xuan Yue, after passing her Mercenary Card to the staff behind the counter, assured him, "Don’t worry. There’s no high reward without risks. Once I’ve decided on something, I won’t change my mind. Being a small group actually makes us more agile. If we really can’t defeat the monsters, can’t we just run away? Hey, hurry up! I want to accept that special-grade task, quickly register us. We’re about to set off." The last bit was directed to the staff at the counter.
The counter staff initially thought he had heard her wrong. It wasn’t until now that he finally understood. His voice shaking slightly, he asked, "Miss Magician, are you sure?"
Xuan Yue giggled, "Of course I’m sure. Come on now, that’s right, from now on, you should address me as the Head of the Evil Sky Mercenary Group."
As he watched the staff registering, Ka Rui made one last effort, "Miss Magician, that place is truly too dangerous. Maybe you should reconsider."
Xuan Yue, accepting the registered card from the staff, smiled at Ka Rui, "Ka Rui Uncle, you’re too old, so old that you have no courage left. They’re just monsters, aren’t they? It’s about time we saw some. Ah Dai, let’s get going." With that, she quickly ran out of the Mercenary Guild.
Ah Dai followed after Xuan Yue, leaving behind a trail of pitying whispers. No one expected the success of their quest.
Ka Rui, having experienced many years in society, didn’t change his stance merely because Xuan Yue called him timid. He shook his head sadly, "It’s the case of the youthful being fearless... What a pity, losing two magicians! The Death Mountain Range? Is that a place for humans?"
Two silhouettes stood in the shadows outside the Mercenary Guild, whispering to each other.
"Ying Er, quickly head back and report to the bishop. The young miss is going to the Death Mountain Range, I’ll follow her."
"Ying Yi, why don’t we directly stop the young miss ourselves? We absolutely must not let her go to the Death Mountain Range! It’s a forbidden zone declared by the church."
"Ah——, I know, but do you think we can stop her? You know her temperament. Have you forgotten the pain from her divine light punishment last time? Hurry up and go. Only the bishop can stop her from taking risks. I’ll do my best to protect them. If we get to the edge of the Death Mountain Range and the bishop hasn’t come, I’ll try to stop her then."
"Alright, Ying Yi, I’ll head back first. You absolutely must guarantee the safety of the young miss. If not, we’ll both be in trouble. The young miss may have a bit of a temper, but she has a very kind heart!"
