The Water Magician

"That was really fun. Let's do it again someday."

"Yeah. See you."

With the support of their companions from 'Spring Hope,' the swordsman Jun Luo said goodbye, and Abel waved back, and they parted ways.

It seemed that the five members of 'Spring Hope' had accommodations prepared for them at the 'Crystal Pavilion,' where their lord, Earl Bashu Roshu Ten, was staying.

Since 'Crystal Pavilion' was located in Holy Emperor Square, it was probably okay even if they stumbled a bit on their feet.

They planned to spend the night in the imperial capital and depart for Boago the next morning.

"Wow, that was so much fun! Their battle with the nue was really interesting!"

"Yeah, they really exist, huh, the nue."

"Abel said he had never seen one either, right?"

"Yeah, I haven’t. In fact, there haven't been any sightings of that monster in the Central Nations for over a hundred years."

The nue was described as having the body and limbs of a tiger, the head of a monkey, a snake for a tail, and wings that allow it to fly. According to 'Spring Hope,' that's what this monster is like.

Though it appears in books even in the Central Nations, it was said to be extinct.

However, it still exists in small numbers in the Eastern Nations.

Moreover, it is an exceedingly troublesome monster that can even cast magic.

Jun and Abel listened with bated breath as 'Spring Hope' described their encounter with it.

"That’s what adventurers are all about! In comparison, we haven't really had an adventure."

"Well, I can't deny that. Still, I enjoy flying."

"Yeah, that's true. Flying is definitely an adventure."

Abel pointed out their practice with the Flying Ring, and Ryo acknowledged that flying was something ordinary people couldn't easily do, thus making it an adventure!

Indeed, doing things that ordinary people find hard is what makes one an adventurer!

Flying is... in a global context, definitely something that ordinary people cannot easily accomplish.

It seems to be somewhat common in this Darwei 'Central Yellow,' though...

"We learned that hiring adventurers for military strength is unrealistic. The only option left for us is to become stronger ourselves and enhance our own military might. Let's rest well tonight and fly again starting tomorrow."

"Yeah, let's do that."

Ryo said with a smile, and Abel replied with a smile as well.

Both were filled with peace.

Returning to the 'Crystal Pavilion,' which was also located in Holy Emperor Square, 'Spring Hope' was led straight to the room of their lord, Earl Bashu Roshu Ten.

And they were informed.

"I would like to make a request to 'Spring Hope' as the Earl Bashu. I need you to stay in the imperial capital for a while to help with something."

"...My lord?"

"The adventurers in the imperial capital have been showing unsettling movements."

"Unsettling movements?"

"Yes, and they are all high-ranking adventurers, level three and above."

"What on earth...?"

With furrowed brows, Roshu Ten conveyed the information, and Jun Luo and the other four members of 'Spring Hope' exchanged glances, shaking their heads.

"With the current situation, those unsettling movements must be related to the princes, perhaps even the sixth prince, His Highness Lyun?"

"I can't say for sure, but it seems to be connected to that area."

At that point, Roshu Ten looked directly into Jun Luo's eyes and continued speaking.

"I want you to find out who or what is behind the movements of the adventurers."

Jun Luo glanced at the mage Baliri beside him.

Baliri nodded slightly.

"Understood."

Jun Luo brought his four fingers—index, middle, ring, and little—together and performed the Darwei-style salute by placing one palm against the back of the other hand in front of his chest, and the other four followed his lead.

Thus, the return of 'Spring Hope' was postponed.

The next day, early in the morning.

Inspector Li Wu, belonging to the Inspectorate, visited the Censorate.

It seemed that Minister Jueon had already informed them, and he was quickly guided to the minister of state, Shou.

"Inspector Li Wu has arrived."