Alix kneels beside the unconscious Lagomian, his gaze fixed on the afflicted warrior. From within his inventory, he retrieves the Magnius spellbound crystal—a rare artifact capable of casting a Tier 8 severing spell. He hesitates, knowing that the crystal holds limited charges, and he has already used it twice.
"This spell can break any contracts," Alix murmurs to himself, "but with only two uses remaining, I must be judicious."
With a determined expression, Alix positions the crystal above the Lagomian and activates the crystal.
Alix kneels beside the unconscious Lagomian, retrieving the Magnius spellbound crystal from his inventory. He hesitates momentarily, but resolves to proceed. Positioning the crystal above the Lagomian’s chest, he channels its energy toward the contract’s seal.
The crystal emits a soft glow, and after a tense moment, the contract shatters like glass. The Lagomian stirs, his eyes fluttering open.
"Who are you?" he murmurs, confusion evident in his gaze.
Grixx steps forward, his voice firm. "This is His Majesty, the ruler of all monster clans, so you better behave yourself."
Alix raises an eyebrow at Grixx’s introduction, thinking, ’Well, technically, I am a ruler of many monster races, but I wouldn’t claim to rule all races.’ He focuses on the Lagomian.
"What is your name?" Alix asks gently.
The Lagomian blinks, gathering his thoughts. "I... I’m called Berko."
Alix observes as Berko’s eyes flutter open, the violent energy that once consumed him now dissipated.
"Do you know why I saved you?" Alix inquires, his tone measured. "I even went so far as to sever your contract."
Berko, still processing his newfound clarity, feels the absence of the oppressive force that once dictated his actions. He can’t help but marvel at the strength required to destroy such a binding agreement. Respectfully, he responds, "Thank you, sir, for saving my life. But I must ask, why did you save me?"
Alix’s expression softens slightly. "In my kingdom, two Lagomian children have been adopted by one of my subordinates."
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Berko’s eyes widen with a mix of hope and urgency. "Sir, please, allow me to see these Lagomians. I’ve been searching for my tribesmates for years."
Alix meets Berko’s gaze steadily. "If you wish to see them, it’s simple: become my subordinate and swear your loyalty to me."
Without hesitation, Berko kneels, bowing his head. "I swear my loyalty to you, Your Majesty. Thank you for this opportunity."
Alix nods approvingly. "Rise, then. For now, you’ll need to blend in among humans."
He retrieves a small, ornate amulet from his belongings and hands it to Berko. "This item will disguise you as a human. Wear it at all times when among them."
Berko accepts the amulet, slipping it over his head. Instantly, his Lagomian features transform into those of a typical human. He flexes his fingers, marveling at the illusion.
Alix and Grixx also revert to their human disguises. Alix turns to Berko, his demeanor businesslike. "We must return to the Adventurers Guild. Unfortunately, we’ll report this mission as a failure."
"Your Majesty," Berko begins respectfully, "we might not need to report this mission as a failure. There’s a Tier 4 mantis-like beast’s corpse here. Perhaps we can present this as proof of the threat’s elimination."
Alix’s eyes follow Berko’s gesture to the creature’s remains. A slow smile spreads across his face.
"Excellent idea, Berko," Alix replies, nodding appreciatively. "This way, my first quest won’t end in failure."
Grixx steps forward, examining the beast’s carcass. "It appears formidable enough to account for the village’s destruction," he observes.
Alix turns to his companions. "Let’s prepare the evidence and return to the Adventurers Guild. With this, our mission is complete."
Upon returning to the Adventurers Guild, Alix approaches the reception desk, where the receptionist’s eyes widen in surprise. She had harbored doubts about his survival.
"Sir Aiden," she begins hesitantly, "are you here to report the failure of your quest—"
Her words trail off as Berko steps forward, unshouldering the large, wrapped bundle he has been carrying. With a swift motion, he unveils the carcass of the mantis-like beast, its formidable form drawing gasps from those nearby.
One of the adventurers seated nearby stands abruptly, pointing at the creature. "That-that beast is a tier 4 beast!"
As Alix presents the carcass of the Tier 4 mantis-like beast at the Adventurers Guild, a hush falls over the room. Adventurers and staff alike are visibly astonished, especially considering that two Gold-rank adventurers had previously failed to complete this quest. One of them, a veteran at level 434, had even lost his life attempting to subdue the creature.
The receptionist, regaining her composure, addresses Alix with newfound respect. "Sir Aiden, your accomplishment is truly remarkable. This quest had escalated from Silver to Gold rank due to its difficulty, and many feared it would soon require Adamantite-level intervention."
Murmurs ripple through the guild hall as adventurers discuss the implications. "I heard they were considering assigning this as a special quest," one whispers. "With only one Adamantite groups in the kingdom, it’s fortunate Sir Aiden succeeded when he did," another adds.
Alix acknowledges the receptionist’s commendation with a modest nod. "The threat has been neutralized, and the villages can now begin to rebuild in safety."
As word of Alix’s success spreads, the atmosphere in the guild shifts from one of tension to relief and celebration. Adventurers approach to congratulate him, inspired by his achievement and the restoration of safety to their realm.
As Alix, Grixx, and Berko leave the Adventurers Guild in the city of Sumbrasth, the weight of recent events hangs heavy in the air. Berko walks a step behind Alix, his thoughts a turbulent. Under the influence of the contract, he had unleashed destruction upon multiple villages. Yet, even now, free from its binds, he feels no remorse for the humans who suffered, his hatred for them deeply rooted in the atrocities they committed against his tribesmates.
The trio arrives at the ’Silver Chalice Inn’, a modest establishment known for its discreet clientele. As they enter, the innkeeper, a stout woman with graying hair, looks up and offers a welcoming smile.