God of Tricksters

Outside the Art Beats City, Theo and Phyrill, who got inspected first, went together a bit farther from the gate. Phyrill took out a map and showed it to him.

"After looking at the information, I have found good spots for us. There is no one who can deal with these monsters because it's too hard for them." Phyrill marked the three locations with red dots. He pointed at the closest one. "This is the closest one. Only two and a half days by foot.

"As for why I say no one can do it is due to their levels, including the monsters around them. In fact, we may need to destroy one or two nests to let Ellen reach Champion Rank first, so we will be able to contend with this guy, a barely Level 251 Monster." He sighed. "That instructor is a sadist, isn't he?"

Theo also understood what he meant, but he remained silent, letting Phyrill explain his view.

"For example, it's hard for a single group like us to defeat a Hero Rank Monster. After all, the level gaps are just too far. That's why the instructor wants us to level up as soon as possible. However, if you take another look at this problem, Alea is the only one who manages to reach Champion Rank or you can say Level 151 in this training.

"If you don't even reach this step, I doubt you have enough strength to contend the Hero Rank, which basically has at least a hundred levels above you. The difference in strength is too far and six people won't be enough.

"We are lucky that your average monsters don't have that much intelligence, so you can predict what they are going to do, allowing us to kill monsters with higher levels than ours. Still, with our current group level, I don't think we can go for a nest filled with level 150-200 monsters even with E or D Rank skills. Even your Magic Bullets won't be that effective against Champion Rank Monsters.

"That's why I'm taking all of us to a nest with Level 100-150 monsters. Even the monster has only monsters at that level surrounding him."

"I'm sure you know what this means, right?" Phyrill furrowed his eyebrows.

"Yes." Theo nodded with a serious expression. He had thought about it yesterday and it was also the reason why he hurriedly returned to his house after getting all the equipment.

"There are three possible actions we can take right now," Phyrill explained.

"Three?" Theo glanced at him.

"First, we can ambush the Hero Rank Monster and deal with it as a group. This will be a hard fight, but I think it's possible for our group." He then pointed at the other information. "Second, we can form an alliance with another group, making a total of twelve people. I'm sure we can do it this way. However, this strategy will require us to help them as well. Time-wise… It's not very effective."

"And the last one?"

"We just abandon this mission and focus on leveling up, hoping that we will somehow complete the missions. I'm afraid most of the groups will fail… After all, reaching Hero Rank within 45 days is close to impossible and we need to do other assignments as well. That's why I believe the instructor will just settle with someone at the top." Phyrill shrugged.

Surprisingly, Theo chuckled after listening to his assessment.

"Why are you laughing? Do you have something in mind, Theo?" Phyrill narrowed his eyes. "Care to explain?"

Theo chuckled for a few more seconds before saying, "What makes you think there isn't a fourth possible action?"

"Fourth?" Phyrill widened his eyes.

"Why do you think the instructor gives each of us a D Rank Skill, especially something that suits us?" Theo smirked while clenching his hand.

Phyrill took a step back and drew a gasp as his face went pale. Theo's smile was all he needed to understand that the instructor turned out planning to use the D Rank Skill for them to hunt a Hero Rank Monster. After all, only Hero Rank Monsters or above would drop a D Rank skill.

"You…" Phyrill was simply stunned as his mind became empty, staring at him for a minute until the rest of their group finished the check-in at the gate.

"I didn't realize it until we got the assignment as well, but I'm glad that we chose to master the Skill first before going to this place. With this, we will gain experience first so Ellen can reach Champion Rank before going to kill them." Theo smiled and asked, "If you don't mind asking, what is your current level?"

"Me?" Phyrill thought for a moment and said, "I'm Level 103 right now. Sihan is around my level."

Since Phyrill didn't mind sharing that information, he thought he should tell him as well since it was a kind of showing him his truth. "I'm Level 69 right now. We will reach that place within three days, so I think we can use the first few days to raise our level, especially Ellen's, before hitting the first Hero Rank Monster. What do you think?"

Phyrill smiled and nodded. "It's a good plan. After that, let's just raid nests after nests."

Showing him the map again, Phyrill marked many spots with blue dots this time. "From what I know, these are the nests. Although they are a few hours away from each other, we can also kill the monsters on the way. It should be giving us a few levels as well. How is it?"

"Yes. That's good enough." Theo nodded in agreement. "You will navigate us through the area and there is a chance that we will keep fighting even past 6 PM… That's why I asked for night vision glasses. I'm afraid we won't have enough time to raise our levels."

"Haha. I guess this assignment is not a lost cause after all." Phyrill laughed out loud.

The rest approached them and asked, "You two, what are you discussing to the point you laugh like that?"

"It's a boy's secret. I don't mind telling the rest, but you cannot listen to it." Phyrill made a smug smile and said, taunting Alea.

Before Alea complained, Theo let out a long sigh and explained. "We are just talking about our plans. We are fighting against time and powerful enemies and just saw a glimpse of success. After all, these assignments are close to impossible."

Alea tilted her head and said, "I don't understand much about it and I think I will only learn half of it from your explanation, so I won't waste your time and trust you. Let's set off."

Phyrill and Theo exchanged looks as if they were communicating through their heads. Theo gave a simple nod and Phyrill said, "Alright. You all need to follow me closely."