The Moonlight Swordsman



As Aizel continued his expedition, David and his group met in the orphanage's basement hall.

David sat in the center of the underground hall, his battered and wounded body drawing the attention of everyone around him.

He seemed unfazed by his missing arm and the bandages that covered it. He didn't want any healing potions because he knew they didn't have anything that could bring back his severed limb.

"That was a close call, David. We lost many men." one of the hunters said.

"Yes, even though we are dealing heavy damage, we are also losing many members. In this way, the group's morale might waver at any time," another one said.

"I know, that's why what I am going to plan now will be the final big plan" David replied.

"What do you mean 'final' David?" Alizza said.

"I am on my last straw; I can feel it. But don't worry, I will give this kingdom a blow."

"And how will you do that? You are not even in a condition to fight."

"Don't worry, I have a plan."

*****

Crestfall Family Magic Crystals Mine,

Aizel and his companions ran into tougher enemies as they progressed further into the cave. The Grade II sawblade worms appeared, similar in size and appearance to the previous creatures, but with sharper teeth that functioned like chainsaws.

Despite the increased difficulty, Aizel and his companions continued to fight their way through the monsters. In the end, they were only Grade II.

"This is enough, right? Or should we keep going deeper into the mine?" Isabella asked.

"I think it is more than enough. It's not like this mine belongs to us. We don't need to go all out to clear it for them," Aizel replied.

"And we are not getting anything either; why did the professor even bring us here? What can we even learn here?" Hazel commented. "I would have loved to spend some time in the potion class instead."

"Only if I was good like you in that class," Aizel snorted.

"Hehe, don't worry, softie, I will brew you the potions you need in the future; just help me get the ingredients, deal?"

"Deal,"

Hehe, another potion maker acquired," Aizel thought.

"Let's head back then," Isabella said.

The group's successful monster hunt came to an end, and they all began their journey back. Each member had collected a considerable number of monster corpses, and Aizel's storage rings were beginning to fill up.

I think I should buy a high-grade storage ring, but I don't have the money. I should sell some corpses or pick up some missions to earn the money now." Aizel thought on the way.

"Aizel, would you like to go on a mission with me?"

Isabella's whisper caught Aizel's attention, and he was surprised when he heard what she said. He wondered if she had the ability to read other people's thoughts.

"Why me?"

"As you know, I am not that good at fighting, my power tends to go toward a supporting role. And you are perfect for me. I will make sure to pay you handsomely if you are worried about that."

"You? Is this some sort of personal mission?"

"You can consider it that way, I will tell you the details later."

"Hmm, I will hear it first, and then I will decide."

"Okay,"

As they arrived at the entrance of the cave, Aizel's group noticed other mages slowly emerging as well.

Among the crowd, they spotted Professor Zaxi already waiting for them. After an hour, everyone returned after their hunt and gathered to hear what the professor had to say.

"So now please summon and leave all the corpses you have gathered till now here, and then we will head back."

Fuck treating us like cleaners," Aizel thought.

Everyone summoned the remains of the sawblade worms they had slain. With each new addition, the mountain of bodies climbed higher and higher.

Professor Zaxi stood patiently, waiting for all the corpses. Afterward, she deftly collected all the corpses, storing them within her ring.

"Now don't worry, you all will get five magic crystals each from the Crestfall family side for the job."

At least getting something is better, "Aizle thought.

As they made their way back to the institute, the other mages started to disperse, going their separate ways. Isabella, however, approached Aizel to discuss the mission details in private.

"So, what is it?" Aizel asked.

Isabella and Aizel were sitting by themselves in the empty classroom, with the walls and seats all silent.

"Well, what we are going to do should remain secret. We will hide our identities during the mission. If our identities get exposed, it will bring us a lot of trouble.

"We will head toward the town of Darkholm, which is under the rule of the Kingsley family, and destroy their specific trade."

"So, you are going after a major noble family? Does your family even know about this?" Aizel asked.

"Only my mother knows; I can't let anyone know about this."

"And why do you think I will work with you on this? Clearly, I am not interested in going against any major family to bring me more trouble,"

"But only you can help me, Aizel; no one else will help me. For your trouble, I will give you 2000 gold coins. Even if we fail to do the task."

"I am sorry, I can't help you. I don't want trouble,"

As Aizel stood up to leave, Isabella reached out and grasped his hand tightly, causing him to feel a surge of anger and disdain.

But when he turned to face her, he saw that she was crying.

Her eyes were red and puffy, and tears were streaming down her cheeks.

"Please help save my sister and other kids. *sob* I can only ask you to help, please…"

Isabella's desperation grew as she fell to her knees in front of Aizel, begging him for help.

"What do you mean by your sister and kids?"

"There were some maids in my household. They all had children, whom I used to play with, and consider them my family. There was a girl, slightly mature, whom I considered my sister."

"But the maids did something and went against our household, so my father killed them all and sold their children to slave traders through the Kingsley family."

"I want to at least save them from there, and no one will help me do so."