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Having worked in this profession for many years, Estevan had seen many noble scions who relied on their family’s background and authority when things didn’t go well.

Typically, this was true of noble families, and Estevan had expected the same from Ian.

‘The rumors were wrong.’

He had heard that Ian was a reclusive and impatient person.

Rumors often are like that: exaggerated and false.

But meeting Ian in person, the discrepancy was striking.

There must have been some basis for those rumors, but it seemed that Estevan had misunderstood.

Estevan’s gaze softened slightly as he looked at Ian.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing. I’ll get straight to the point. First, the first condition is to become a hero chosen by the Twelve Lords.”

“…That’s nonsense.”

Estevan continued with a smile.

“Second, you need to contribute to humanity and gain renown. The field doesn’t matter. The foundation will contact you first.”

“……”

“Third, you must collect golden crests awarded by the temple serving the Twelve Lords or given by heroes. Once you have these crests, you will qualify to visit this floor and purchase some of the items here.”

“Some,” Ian repeated. “These will be items with magical properties, right? What about artifacts?”

“Artifacts are, of course, available for purchase. And as you collect more crests, you will be able to buy artifacts with higher performance.”

Ian nodded. Considering the rarity and capability of artifacts, it was unlikely they would be easily available.

“Obtaining crests will not be easy. They cannot be bought with money, and meeting heroes is difficult. Moreover, heroes, knowing the value of the crests, will not easily give them away. So, this condition might be the most challenging.”

Before the regression, Ian had received a golden crest from a hero.

He had heard that it was quite useful, but he hadn’t known about such benefits.

Ian closed his eyes. Even though he was being given several conditions, there was nothing he could do immediately.

“Just in case, is there any way to buy items here with money?”

He was willing to offer several times the value. Unlike when he was a mercenary, he now had a black card.

Although he didn’t know the limit, it should be enough to purchase an artifact.

However, Estevan was firm.

“That would be difficult. You might have better luck finding an auction house. If we were trying to make money, we wouldn’t sell artifacts so secretly.”

“Then what?”

“As you might know, the purpose of the Inoria Foundation is to ensure the survival and development of humanity. For a better future. We are conducting various projects to support capable individuals, including heroes, and the workshop and Demioum are among them. So, if you wish to purchase artifacts and other items from here, you must gain the foundation’s recognition.”

Given this, there was no point in insisting further. Artifacts were not unique to this place, so there was no need to be stubborn.

Still, Ian was reluctant to leave. The most significant reason was that skilled artisans who could repair artifacts were stationed here.

“There’s no further reason to stay here, so let’s go.”

Back on the first floor, Ian carefully selected a longsword, a dagger, and leather armor.

The weapons had simple enchantments to increase durability, so they were less likely to break.

The armor, though its longevity was uncertain, was ample enough to accommodate Ian’s growing body. Any slight looseness could be adjusted with straps.

“Would you like us to send the clothes you’re wearing to your residence, or will you take them yourself?”

It seemed cumbersome to carry them around, so Ian opted for the latter and handed over his card.

After finishing the payment and hearing Estevan’s words about looking forward to seeing him again soon, Ian left the workshop and headed to the mercenary guild.

It was crowded here as well. Although some people glanced at him with interest, their stares quickly faded once they saw his mercenary attire.

Approaching the reception desk, the clerk, who had been looking at paperwork, looked up when he sensed Ian’s presence.

“What can I do for you?”

“I’m here to register as a new member.”

“Registration?”

The clerk frowned at Ian’s response.

“You seem rather professional for a newcomer… Well, fine. It’s not a problem.”

The clerk opened a drawer, took out a form, and picked up a pen.

“Name?”

“Ian.”

He wouldn’t use a pseudonym.

After all, his goal in becoming a mercenary was not to hide his identity but to travel to places where artifacts were buried without raising suspicion about his movements.

It might be unnecessary, but it wouldn’t hurt to have everything in order.

“Family name?”

“None.”

“…Alright. Age?”

“Twenty.”

The clerk stamped the form and handed it to Ian.

“Here you go, a temporary mercenary license. Be careful not to lose it. Complete at least one commission within two weeks and bring back the commission number and a signature in the space below. Then, we will issue you a formal mercenary license. The fee is five silver coins, so don’t forget to prepare that. You can choose a commission from the board over there. That’s all.”

With the paperwork in hand, Ian checked the bulletin board. The commissions were categorized by level.

There were various types: gathering, hunting, exploration, and escort. The most common were escort missions. It was only natural.

Originally, the eastern part of the El Carda Empire had lost a significant portion of its territory when the Xail Empire was destroyed by the invading forces from the outer seas.

It took decades to reclaim the lost land and establish several fortresses, including Lampas, to build and stabilize their defensive line.

However, it was practically impossible to fully monitor and protect such a vast area. The outer regions were still frequently opened, and monstrous creatures continued to appear just as they had in the past.

With the constant threat to their lives, it was no wonder there were many requests for escorts.

Completing even a single minor task or errand could make one a formal mercenary, precisely to maintain a steady supply of mercenaries who would otherwise perish regularly.

“……”

Recalling old memories as he skimmed the bulletin board, Ian left the guild without any regrets.

He already had a commission in mind, so there was no need to choose from here.

* * *

The warp gate was truly convenient. It allowed for instantaneous travel, no matter how far the distance.

The cost of using it was negligible compared to the time it saved.

The only complaint he had was the nausea he felt every time he used it.

But he had gotten used to it now and could overcome it with a few deep breaths.

As Ian stepped out of the gate, a bespectacled man approached him.

“Hello. Master Ian, I am Elliot Roy, the botanist in charge of investigating the lumberyard. It is an honor to be working with you.”

Though the words were polite, his tone was very businesslike. Given Ian’s reputation, this was only to be expected.

Ian’s reputation was not good. Although it had improved somewhat among the knights after recent sparring matches, he was still seen as a recluse and a troublemaker in the public eye.

This was his first time fulfilling his duties as a noble.

After finishing his greeting, Elliot handed Ian a small box that seemed to have been prepared in advance.

“This is a badge indicating affiliation with the Berger family. Given that you are in mercenary attire, it’s possible that some people might be rude not recognizing your identity, so Lord Verdan asked me to pass this on.”

Inside the open box was a badge with a flame design.

Though it was an ordinary item without any magic, it could be quite useful if people knew and feared the Berger family. It could instill a courtesy that wasn’t there before.

Having experienced the prestige of the family, Ian calmly attached the badge to his coat.

“Do you have any other belongings with you?”

“No, I don’t.”

“In that case, a carriage is prepared outside, so let’s move on. This way.”

When Ian stepped outside the building, several carriages were parked along the roadside.

Elliot headed towards the most ornate carriage, and in front of it was a red-caped knight waiting.

Offering to provide an escort, they had even assigned a knight.

Though the face was obscured by the helmet, the figure seemed familiar.

As they approached, the red-caped knight slightly bowed his head and spoke.

“Master.”

A familiar voice. Ian instantly recognized him.

“Oh, it’s you. Mael? Were you on duty?”

“Yes. I returned yesterday and was assigned the task of escorting you.”

“Alone? What about Mari?”

“She sustained a minor leg injury during the last mission, so I’ll be handling this one alone. I’ve been to the lumberyard before, so I know the way.”

“…Are you alright? You haven’t had much rest, have you?”

Even so, it’s pitiful how he’s been working so hard since becoming a full-fledged red-caped knight. Is there a shortage of personnel, or is Mael’s skill so exceptional that they can’t leave him idle?

Noticing Ian’s concern, a hissing sound of deflating air came from Mael’s helmet.

“It’s no problem. I’ve heard this mission won’t be too difficult. The squad leader said I’ll get some rest as soon as we return.”

“Do you believe that?”

“It’s not a promise, so I’m a bit skeptical, but if I don’t trust my direct superior, who else would I trust? Besides, he has never let me down so far. At least not yet. Now, let’s get in. I’ll guide you to the lumberyard. If we leave now… we should arrive before sunset.”

With a tight schedule, Ian boarded the carriage without any further discussion. After a while, Elliot joined him, and they set off immediately.

“Elliot.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Is there anything I need to do at the lumberyard?”

“This might be a bit forward, but you only need to stay by my side. I’ll handle inspecting the trees and attending to any guests from the Mage Tower.”

Considering he had no relevant knowledge and would likely be disregarded if he intervened, Ian agreed to this arrangement.

As he dozed off for a moment while watching the scenery outside, he was jolted awake by the sounds of commotion and realized they had already arrived at their destination.

Elliot opened the door and stepped out first, followed by Ian.

As Ian set foot on the ground and looked up, his view expanded, revealing a vast forest.

The size of each tree was enormous. It looked as though countless towers were densely packed together, making Ian feel infinitesimally small standing before them.

This must be what it means to be overwhelmed by the atmosphere, but as he tried to take it all in, the busy activity of people around him grated on his nerves.

Ian frowned and muttered.

“It’s so chaotic.”

“I don’t see anyone who was supposed to come out to greet us.”

Elliot looked around, noticing that even though the sun hadn’t set yet, people were running around with torches, suggesting something must have gone awry.

Ian glanced back. On the opposite side of the forest, there was a village surrounded by wooden palisades.

Just then, a man who appeared to be a lumberjack sprinted out from inside the palisade. As he was about to pass by, Ian reached out and grabbed him.

“What’s this!?”

The man turned around sharply, his voice rough.

“Can’t you see I’m busy—”

His gruff expression changed when he saw the red-caped knight standing beside Ian. He hesitated, and as his excitement subsided and reason returned, he swallowed hard and forced a smile.

“Do you have business with me, my lord?”

———