Chapter 815: Chapter 20: Special Task
Ka Rui glanced at Ah Dai, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes as if surprised by Ah Dai’s ignorance, but he still explained, "The Death Mountain Range is the most terrifying place on the continent. It’s vast, almost the same size as the Xi Bo Clan’s territory. A small portion is within the Tian Yuan Clan’s borders, while a much larger part lies within the Empire of Huasheng, almost acting as a natural boundary between the Empire of Huasheng and our Soré Federation. Now, if we from the Soré Federation want to get to the Empire of Huasheng, we have to either go through the Tian Gang Mountain Range, not far from it, or pass through the territory of the Holy Church, otherwise we’d have to take a lengthy detour. Legend has it that it’s the place where the great first Pope and many powerful mages sealed an ancient Demon God a thousand years ago. The mountain range is home to all sorts of terrifying beasts, and almost no one who has entered has ever come out. There were several not-so-small Mercenary Corps who went on expeditions there, and not a single person returned. I’m afraid that even if our whole group went, we might not be able to obtain a Top-Grade Magic Crystal. I’ve seen a few similar missions at the headquarters in Red Hurricane City before, all seeking some particularly precious items, and these items came from the Death Mountain Range. It is said that the closer to the center of the mountain range, the more powerful the beasts become. The reason this quest for the Top-Grade Magic Crystal isn’t rated the highest level—super—is mostly because it’s at the edge of the Death Mountain Range."
Xuan Yue said, "Sounds like an interesting place, the Death Mountain Range? It’s also my first time hearing about it. You say few people can come out from inside the Death Mountain Range, so where did the news about the Top-Grade Magic Crystal come from? I think there must be a lot of exaggeration involved. I don’t believe there are such formidable beasts." In fact, almost everyone in the Holy Church knew the name of the Death Mountain Range, but Xuan Yue’s father forbade anyone from telling his daughter because no one knew her better than he did. If Xuan Yue knew such a place existed, she would surely be greatly interested in adventuring there. However, man’s plans are not equal to heaven’s, and his efforts were about to be for naught.
Xuan Yue, ignoring the speechless Ka Rui, turned to Ah Dai, "I’ve decided to take on this quest to retrieve the Top-Grade Magic Crystal, what do you think? If you’re afraid, you don’t have to go."
Ah Dai shook his head without hesitation and said, "I’ll go, but, Miss, if we do get the Top-Grade Magic Crystal, I hope you can give me one, okay?" To him, honoring Goris far outweighed his fear of the Death Mountain Range.
Xuan Yue generously said, "No problem, that’s settled then. Let’s go accept the mission."
Ka Rui watched dumbfounded as Xuan Yue and Ah Dai ran to the mission reception desk to take on the task that even their Red Charming Mercenary Group dared not touch. From their tone, it sounded like the Top-Grade Magic Crystal was as good as theirs. He hurried over to the counter, "Magician Miss, you mustn’t go to that place! You don’t even have a warrior with you two mages—heading there is like asking for death!"
Xuan Yue had already handed her Mercenary Card to the service staff behind the desk, "Relax, where’s the high reward without danger? Once I’ve made my decision, I won’t change it. Having fewer people makes us more agile. If we really can’t beat the beasts, we’ll just run away. Come on, hurry up! I’m taking that special-class mission, register it quickly, we’re setting off." The last sentence was addressed to the service staff.
The service staff initially thought he had misheard, but only now did he realize what was happening, his voice trembling, "Magician Miss, are you sure?"
Xuan Yue giggled, "Of course, I am sure. Quick, quick, and remember, you must address me as Head of the Evil Sky Mercenary Group from now on."
Watching the staff registering, Ka Rui made one last attempt, "Magician Miss, that place is truly too dangerous. I think it’s best if you give up on this idea."
Xuan Yue took the registered card from the staff member, smiled at Ka Rui, "Uncle—Ka Rui—, you’re too old, so old you’ve become cowardly. They’re just beasts, right? We’re going to see what they’re like for ourselves. Come on, Ah Dai, let’s go." After speaking, she hurried out of the Mercenary Guild.
Behind Ah Dai and Xuan Yue, a chorus of pitying voices was left. No one thought well of their prospects on this mission.
Having mingled in society for many years, Ka Rui would certainly not change his stance just because Xuan Yue called him a coward. He shook his head sadly, "Truly, the young calf is not afraid of the tiger. Such a pity for two mages! The Death Mountain Range? Is that even a place for humans?"
In the shadows outside the Mercenary Guild, two figures were whispering to each other.
"Ying Er, quickly go back and report to the Bishop. Miss is going to the Death Mountain Range, and I will follow her there."
"Ying Yi, why don’t we just stop Miss directly? We absolutely can’t let her go to the Death Mountain Range! It’s proclaimed as forbidden land by the Church."
"Ah—I know, but do you think we can stop the Miss? You know her temperament. Have you forgotten the agony of her last Holy Light Baptism? Hurry up and go. Only the Bishop can prevent Miss from taking this risk. I will do my best to protect them. If the Bishop hasn’t arrived by the time we reach the edge of the Death Mountain Range, I will try to stop her then."
"All right, Ying Yi, I’m off then. You must ensure Miss’s safety, or else we’re all done for. Although Miss has a bit of a temper, her heart is still very kind!"
