Green Monster Epic

Ultimately, Allen couldn't escape the pursuit of information and joined the Assassin's Guild, which dwelled in the darkness.

After agreeing to join the Assassin's Guild, Allen, led by Albion, arrived at the guild's hidden location in Mansa City, a small tavern deeply hidden in the complex alleys on the edge of the city's slum district.

Calling it a small tavern was merely because the entrance appeared inconspicuous; once inside, one could sense the unique layout under a layer of faint fluorite light.

"Here, put this on first!"

Albion handed Allen a hooded cloak made of some unknown silk. After they both simply put it on, and Allen donned a felt hat, their faces were shrouded in a layer of faint black smoke. Outsiders couldn't see their true appearances, but Allen and Albion could clearly see the surrounding scenery.

"Most of those drinking in the tavern are spies for certain individuals. We don't need to pay them any attention. If you want to accept a mission or exchange information, head straight to the back of the tavern and down to the hall on the first basement level. That's our destination."

"The spider silk cloak you're wearing now also has another function: it allows you to pass through the magic circle at the underground entrance without triggering an alarm. It serves as verification of your identity."

"From now on, you'll need to wear this cloak every time you come, to conceal your identity."

What Allen was most satisfied with was the Assassin's Guild's concealment measures, which could alleviate many of his worries. Although, if someone were truly determined, setting up some spies outside could potentially uncover Allen's true identity, but now Allen's mental power and intuition had greatly improved. If someone were to spy on him from within a hundred meters without being detected, they would mostly be skilled at concealment.

"By the way, legendary powerhouses like you have a specially opened area on the second basement level. The missions there are more difficult, the rewards are more generous, and every once in a while, a small gathering is organized where everyone can exchange materials and magical equipment they don't need, or simply buy them with gold."

Recruiting Allen into the Assassin's Guild also brought Albion certain benefits. He was particularly enthusiastic and proactive in introducing the guild's tavern to Allen.

The addition of a powerhouse like Allen was a valuable thing for the Assassin's Guild itself. And Albion, having made a contribution, could use it to exchange for an opportunity to ask a question, inquiring about anything he was interested in or that would help him improve his strength.

Allen didn't speak. The unfamiliar place made him feel alert, but he didn't miss any of the information Albion revealed.

"Hello, Guide."

Albion led Allen to the central bar on the first basement level. Inside sat a figure wearing a mysterious demon mask. A faint aura emanated from the other person's body, indicating that they were at least a powerhouse who had embarked on the path of legend. From this, one could see the Assassin's Guild's foundation.

Hearing Albion's voice, an icy gaze from behind the mask shot straight at Allen's cloak, as if it could see through the face behind it. This made Allen feel displeased. The aura of a legendary powerhouse directly enveloped this not-so-spacious space, startling the few sparse figures around, who cast their gazes towards Allen.

"Is this the one you mentioned?"

The figure called Guide, facing Allen's heavy mental pressure, seemed to feel nothing, merely retracting his gaze and casually inquiring about Albion.

"Yes, please help with the registration, Guide."

"Well, have you told this person about our rules?"

"The general rules have been explained. Next is the registration with you, Guide."

"Very well, the registration is actually very simple. We have already recorded your actual identity and sealed it within our guild. Now, you only need to choose a codename for yourself to facilitate future communication within the guild."

"Hmm? You know my actual identity? Wouldn't it be easier for someone to inquire about my information from within the guild?"

Allen's eyes were filled with murderous intent as he stared straight at the so-called Guide.

"Please rest assured, your identity information will not be leaked by our guild unless the other party is willing to pay a huge price. Based on the value of your identity, we would not expose your information for anything less than a legendary-grade weapon."

"… …"

A haze appeared in Allen's eyes, and he felt somewhat angry. In a situation beyond his control, his information had become a wealth for this so-called Assassin's Guild. Such a hidden danger might bring him fatal harm one day in the future.

Although unwilling, although indignant, Allen could only take a deep breath and suppress the emotions in his heart with calm thinking. Based on Albion's brief introduction along the way and Allen's own judgment of this Assassin's Guild, such a behemoth was definitely not something Allen could provoke at the moment.

At least, they hadn't concealed anything from him regarding the value of his identity, which made Allen feel a little better. Of course, Allen was also well aware that this was just self-deception.

"Have you thought about your codename?"

"… … Just call me 'Eagle', is that okay?"

Allen thought for a moment, then uttered a syllable.

"No problem … …"

The following matters were even simpler. After Allen paid one gold coin to obtain an Assassin's Guild badge, he was officially considered to have joined the ranks of the Assassin's Guild.

Subsequently, while Allen was walking around on the first basement level with Albion to familiarize himself with the environment, the Guide wearing the demon mask took out a notebook, flipped to a certain page, and rewrote some of Allen's information: Personality: calm and collected; able to maintain a calm state of mind after learning that his information has become exchangeable; Thoughtful: the codename 'Eagle' has little association with the main body and basically does not expose its own characteristics … …

After familiarizing himself with the first basement level, Allen came to the second basement level. The tasks above were not attractive to Allen at this time. Of course, some information was very tempting to Allen, but after reading the information exchange requirements, Allen could only shake his head in frustration and turn to leave.

Albion was not strong enough to enter the second level, and of course, he didn't want to enter. After all, those who could enter the second level were basically legendary powerhouses or above. If he accidentally provoked one of them, even if the other party just made a casual blow, Albion would probably not be able to retreat unscathed.

"Hello, sir, are you here to take on a mission?"

"Well, I'd like to know what suitable missions are available recently?"

Allen nodded. The Assassin's Guild's mission distribution differed from the Adventurers' Guild and the temples. Their missions were mostly written on parchment scrolls. Those who wanted to accept a mission needed to find a guide. After informing the guide of their requirements, the guide would retrieve a draft scroll with corresponding conditions for them to choose a final mission. Only then would the true mission scroll be handed over.

Once the true mission scroll was obtained, unless the mission failed or the employer voluntarily withdrew it, changing to a new mission was not allowed. After all, each mission scroll, in addition to the target, contained a great deal of information about the target, which the Assassin's Guild provided to facilitate the mission executor.

Of course, these conveniences came at a price: ten percent of the mission reward.

"What are your requirements?"

"Assassination or exploration, either is fine, as long as the mission reward is a Legendary Feat Crystal."

Allen simply wanted to see how many missions above Legendary rank there were, and their general content, so he casually made two requests.

"The guild currently has 113 missions related to assassination or exploring ruins, with a reward of a Legendary Feat Crystal. Among them, the highest reward is five Legendary Feat Crystals and a Demigod-level artifact."

"...Could I learn more about it?"

A hint of greed flashed in Allen's eyes. The reward for just one mission already exceeded the combined wealth of Allen and his entire tribe.

"This is a group mission to assassinate a Demigod-level powerhouse. Several Legendary-level powerhouses have already accepted it. If you also accept it, the reward will be distributed according to your contribution after the mission is completed."

"...Assassinate a Demigod? I think I'll pass!!"

The greed that had just arisen was immediately suppressed by the cruel reality. Demigod-level powerhouses were not something Allen could provoke at his current level. Allen, who had met the Demigod Commander Yalen a few times in Turonburg, knew the other's power just by feeling it.

After looking at the general content of several related missions, Allen felt that with his current strength, perhaps cooperating with others to explore certain ruins was the most suitable option. However, Allen was not in the mood to accept any missions now. He had been away from his hometown for several years, and this trip had earned him a lot. Returning to his tribe was what he wanted to do most.

Anyway, the Assassin's Guild wasn't going anywhere. There would be plenty of opportunities next time, so there was no need to rush.

Allen steadily walked onto the passageway, and after reuniting with Albian on the upper level, they left.

"Thank you."

Although Allen knew that Albian's initial invitation was not entirely for his sake, it had still brought convenience to Allen, so Allen sincerely expressed his gratitude when they parted.

"No need to thank me. I'm afraid I'll need your help in the future, so just don't refuse then."

Gaining the friendship of a Legendary was also a good harvest for Albian. Although he himself was proud and believed that he could also advance to Legendary.

"As long as it's something I can help with, just ask!"

Allen nodded without the slightest hesitation.

The two parted ways, and Allen walked alone towards the southern city. It was said that Master Oscar had returned from a mission and that Hommel had regained his Legendary strength. These were all worth a visit to the temple, after all, they had been good to Allen, and Allen was not the kind of snobbish guy.

The flow of people at the Oak Temple was much less than before. The believers were fine, but the tribal leaders and chieftains were not as frequent as they used to be. Allen hid in a corner, secretly watching the situation in the temple, and felt somewhat emotional in his heart.

"Congratulations, Lord Hommel, on regaining your strength."

When Allen saw Hommel again, Hommel's withered old face had regained its vitality, without the haggardness and dimness he had shown in Green Lake Village.

"What's there to congratulate!"

Hommel shook his head, facing Allen's congratulations with indifference, while his eyes showed appreciation as he looked at Allen.

"It's you who is impressive. I didn't expect that in just a few years since advancing to Legendary, you have already been able to personally kill a human Legendary. Truly, the younger generation is to be feared!!"

"Indeed, Allen, the growth of your strength is always unexpected, making us both feel very ashamed!!"

Oscar was also very gratified. Allen could be said to have grown up under his watch. Now, not only was he on equal footing with them, but he even possessed impressive achievements in conquest and battle, and would no longer be looked down upon.

"It's all thanks to your help, Masters, that I have made such great progress. If the temple hadn't given me the Legacy Crystal in advance, I wouldn't have the strength I have now."

Allen was very modest.

"Then, are you interested in earning another crystal?"

Hommel suddenly spoke, his eyes looking at Allen with a profound meaning.

"Hommel..."

Oscar's face froze slightly, and the look he gave Hommel revealed a bit of displeasure.

Allen, however, was attracted by the other's words and didn't notice Oscar's change: "Lord Hommel, what do you mean by that? Does the temple have a mission that needs help?"

Hommel ignored Oscar's gaze, and his expression gradually became solemn.

"Allen, you should remember that when the church granted you the Legendary Crystal, I said that you would need to complete a mission in the future as a reward. Now, that opportunity is right in front of you."

"I haven't forgotten that."

"There is currently a mission that requires your help. As long as you accept and complete this mission, then you will have fulfilled your promise, and the temple will also reward you with another Legendary Crystal. What do you say?"

"...Could I know what the mission is?"

"No, this mission can only be told to you after you agree. However, I can tell you that although this mission is difficult and dangerous, the chances of completing it are extremely high, as long as you can cooperate well with other collaborators."

"There are others involved?"

Allen's eyes were full of interest, but his cautious attitude made him feel that this matter might not be so simple.

"Yes."

Hommel only uttered two words, and then said no more, only staring at Allen with his eyes, quietly waiting for his reply.

Allen's face was full of struggle. He should have been satisfied with the great harvest he had made on this trip south, but after hearing Hommel's nonsensical words, he felt that he should seize this opportunity. Who would嫌弃 have too many Legendary Crystals?

"...Alright, I'll accept this mission!"

In the end, Allen couldn't resist the greed in his heart. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded heavily and agreed.

Beside him, Oscar's eyes were complicated, and he sighed in his heart.