"Who says we don’t have an in? We’ve got a rising star, a genius Mage, sitting right here with us! Right, our great Zelir!"

Gray’s tone was full of passion as he enthusiastically patted Zelir on the back.

"It only took you a little over a month to get promoted from a Magic Apprentice to a Junior Mage. The higher-ups in the Guild must think very highly of your potential, right? Are they taking good care of you? Giving you their undivided attention?"

"Uh... It’s all right, I guess..."

Hearing Gray’s words, Zelir suddenly realized what he was getting at.

"You guys... you don’t want me to put in a good word for you, do you?"

"Exactly!"

Gray’s face lit up.

"Look, we’ve been through hell and back together on so many high-difficulty missions. We know each other inside and out, so you know you can absolutely count on our strength."

"We’d be the perfect choice for the Escort Team on this Monster Hunt. Wouldn’t you agree, Zelir?"

"But..."

Zelir thought for a moment, hesitating.

"Um... I’m not sure I’m in a position to ask. After all, I’m just a rookie who was barely approved to join the hunt."

"Bah, what’s the big deal?" Gray said, waving his hand dismissively.

"It’s just that I have no experience with this kind of thing. I don’t know how I’d even bring it up with my Instructor..."

"It’s all about connections, my genius Mage! Connections! Don’t you get it? It’s not like you’re asking your Instructor for money or making some outrageous demand."

Gray slung an arm around Zelir’s shoulders, his expression one of deep anguish.

"They have to hire Adventurers one way or another, so why not prioritize people they know and trust? People like us! Think about it, your Instructor would definitely be happy to do you a small favor like this, right?"

"And with a little back-and-forth like this, a little more interaction, the bond between you and your instructor will grow even stronger!"

"Ahem..."

Marcus, who was sitting to one side, spoke up as well.

"Zelir, we won’t force you. But if... if it’s really possible, we’d still like to try."

The generous pay for the Escort Team was indeed very tempting.

Even Valles silently turned his gaze toward Zelir.

Though he said nothing, his hopeful expression said it all.

"All right!"

Under the expectant gazes of three pairs of eyes, Zelir finally caved and agreed.

"But let me be clear. I’ll just mention it for you. Whether my Instructor chooses you or not, I can’t make any promises."

"No problem."

Gray immediately gave him a thumbs-up, his face breaking into a brilliant smile.

"That’s all we needed to hear. We believe in you!"

...

「The next day.」

「Mage’s Guild.」

"KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK..."

Zelir knocked nervously on the door to Instructor Marvin’s office.

’After all, it was always a bit awkward asking for favors.’

Marvin’s office was also in that small building concealed by the Silver Blaze Tree Cluster, only his was on the third floor.

"Come in."

Zelir pushed the door open.

Instructor Marvin was sitting behind a wide desk piled high with parchment scrolls and thick tomes.

He wasn’t wearing his monocle and was holding a quill, apparently reviewing some documents.

Marvin looked slightly surprised to see Zelir, but his expression quickly softened into a warm smile.

"Zelir. Have a seat."

"Uh... Instructor Marvin."

Zelir sat down stiffly in the chair opposite the desk.

After a moment’s thought, he decided not to beat around the bush and got straight to the point.

"Instructor Marvin, sorry to bother you. I came today to ask about the Monster Hunting."

"Oh..."

Marvin leaned back in his chair. "What about it? Do you have questions?"

"I heard that besides leading its apprentices, the Mage’s Guild is also recruiting other Adventurers from the Adventurer’s Association to act as an Escort Team. Is that right?"

"That’s right. After all, most of the participating apprentices lack real combat experience."

Marvin nodded.

"In a complex forest environment, we need professional Adventurers to stand guard, scout ahead, and handle any emergencies that arise. You’re an Adventurer yourself, so you know how important a well-balanced team is."

"In that case..."

Zelir gathered his thoughts before speaking. "Instructor Marvin, I have a small request."

"A request?"

Hearing that word, Marvin couldn’t help but smile. "Go on, let’s hear it."

"A few of my regular partners from the Adventurer’s Association would also like to participate in this Monster Hunt as part of the Escort Team," Zelir said.

"They want to join too?"

Upon hearing this, Marvin grew thoughtful.

He tapped his knuckles lightly on the desk.

"Come to think of it... I haven’t really asked about what you do at the Adventurer’s Association. The team you usually take on quests with—is it just a temporary arrangement?"

"Not exactly."

Zelir shook his head. "It’s not a formal party, but we have great chemistry, so we almost always take on quests together."

"You’re probably worried that if you form an official party, it’ll be a hassle to leave later, right?"

Marvin wore the expression of someone speaking from experience. "What’s your impression of them?"

"They’re great. They’re all people I can trust. On my first mission, we ran into a juvenile Fog Demon in the forest."

Zelir had anticipated this question. He replied,

"Everyone was panicking, but our leader didn’t run. He stepped up and led us to defeat it."

"He’s been incredibly reliable on every mission since, and the others in the party are all partners you can trust to have your back in a crucial moment."

"That’s good."

Hearing this, an approving look appeared in Marvin’s eyes, and he nodded, pleased.

"In the life of an Adventurer, reliable companions are the most important thing—even more so than individual strength."

"So, who are these Adventurers you’re recommending? Tell me their names and classes. I’ll have a word with the Adventurer’s Association." Marvin picked up his pen, ready to write.

Zelir breathed a sigh of relief when Instructor Marvin agreed so readily.

"Marcus, a Middle Level Warrior. Valles, a Middle Level Ranger. And..."

Here, Zelir paused, hesitating. "There’s also a guy named Gray. He’s a Junior Warrior."

Zelir felt a little ashamed just saying the rank "Junior Warrior."

"A Junior Warrior?"

Sure enough, Marvin raised an eyebrow, and his pen paused. "Is he reliable?"

Zelir lowered his gaze, thinking for a moment.

The first thing he thought of was the image of Gray diving to shield Valles from a Giant Winged Bat’s barrage of Bone Spikes, heedless of his own safety.

Then, Zelir gave his firm reply.

"He’s reliable."

"All right."

With Zelir’s assurance, Marvin didn’t press further. "If you say he’s good, then that’s all that matters."

"Thank you, Instructor Marvin. I’m sorry to have been so bold with my request..."

"It’s a small matter."

After noting down the names, Marvin asked with renewed interest.

"Zelir, at your current strength, what’s the usual rating of the Demons you face on your quests?"

"Usually Difficulty Rating," Zelir answered truthfully.

"Hmm, Difficulty Rating..."

Marvin nodded. "That’s a suitable level for you to be training at right now. But this Monster Hunt will be different."

"We’ll be watching over you during the hunt, so your safety is absolutely guaranteed. You should take the opportunity to test your skills against a Challenge Rating Demon. Gaining more experience against High Level Demons will be good for your future growth."

"It’s a rare opportunity. Make the most of it."

"Yes, Instructor Marvin." Zelir nodded earnestly.

Leaving Instructor Marvin’s office, Zelir walked along the quiet, tree-lined paths of the Guild, feeling quite pleased.

’With an Upper Level Mage for backup, I can really go all out this time and have a proper fight with a true Challenge Level Demon.’

’Even if I’m no match for it in the end, at least I won’t have to worry about getting killed.’

’Besides, I might even get to witness Instructor Marvin or Instructor Manlin fight. How many incredible High Level Magic spells will I be able to analyze then?’