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“No!” Elvaro screamed.

Even the head of the Adventurer Association, Etic, who had remained calm, could not bear to witness the scene and pushed his chair back to stand up.

The giant sword that General Aubance had swung at Seletina’s skull came at her with fiery force.

There was no mercy in a general’s blow that could break through even steel.
Elvaro understood in that moment that his actions had led to a life being taken and instinctively covered his eyes.

The giant sword fell down, about to cleave through Seletina’s skull—

— but it then suddenly stopped, right in front of her.

The energy created from the blow being held back just in time, unleashed a storm that swept through the room.

The houseplants scattered their leaves as if they had encountered a storm, the window panes rattled, and Elvaro and Etic involuntarily fell onto their backsides.

The impact was akin to that of an explosion. But Seletina’s deep-blue eyes didn’t blink. She stared at the tip of General Aubance’s great sword. Her eyes held no sign of fear or agitation. Seletina’s mind remained clear and unclouded, even in the face of such a sight.

Eventually, General Aubance slowly lowered his giant sword from her view and responded, gazing straight into her unclouded, deep-blue eyes.

“Why didn’t you dodge?”

General Aubance asked. Seletina, in turn, returned the general’s probing gaze with a soft smile.

“I knew you were going to stop, so there was no need to dodge.” she replied.
“I see. You’re way better than what the rumors… no, even from what I expected, Sir Tieck.” General Aubance said, “I’d love to have you in my army. I apologize for testing you. I hope I have not offended you.”

General Aubance said while sheathing his weapon.

With a shake of her head, Seletina answered, “No, you haven’t. In fact, I am honored to have been acknowledged.” she added.

Out of habit, she almost bowed like a lady in the kingdom’s style, but after a slight delay, she proceeded to bow like a man.

General Aubance nodded in satisfaction.

“Hey! Are you okay with not testing me?” Lichter expressed in a slightly frustrated tone.

General Aubance found it amusing and chuckled.

“Would you like me to?”
“No, I’m fine.”
“I can judge your strength without using my sword. Your strong presence isn’t easy to miss. My skin has been prickling since a moment ago. I know that I’m not a match.”
“That so…” Lichter pouted his lips in a somewhat unimpressed manner.

Seletina stepped on his toes once more.

“It’s ‘Thank you, General,’ you insolent fool.”
“Yea, yea.”

The general couldn’t help but let out a hearty laugh as he watched the two’s exchange.

“It’s fine. You are adventurers, the symbols of freedom.” the General said, still amused. “More importantly, Elvaro, Etic, how long did you intend to stay that way?”

The General asked the two, who were still on their backsides in dismay.

“General Aubance, it won’t end well for us if you go wild inside here. You should be more considerate given your strength.” Etic implored.
“Y-You monster…” Elvaro muttered.

They both stood up, holding onto their chairs with shaky balance.
General Aubance smiled at them challengingly.

“But now we know what they’re capable of, no?” General Aubance said.

The two were so taken aback that they couldn’t find any words to reply.

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Seletina and Lichter eventually reached the council table.

They were extraordinary individuals specially invited to participate in this event as special forces. Something unprecedented up until now. Despite this, there was no one who could object.

Everyone present was aware.

They were aware of what was truly needed in this precarious situation. Right now, Ulbdor didn’t need either status or money.

It needed pure strength.

“First of all, General Aubance, Mayor Elvaro, and President Etic, please allow me to express our gratitude for this invitation. We–”
“No need for fancy speeches. Can you do it?”
“I am not sure what you mean.”

As Seletina rolled her eyes, Elvaro bit his thumbnail and shot her an annoyed look.

“I’m asking if you can deal with the troublesome black insects that have invaded my ‘home’! You should have figured that out immediately! This is why I can’t stand clueless brats!”

Elvaro blurted out what could only be described as a child’s tantrum.

Lichter was slightly unnerved by Elvaro’s attitude, and looked as if he would lash out at any moment.

“On the contrary, we should be asking you. Do you really believe we can make a difference?” Lichter remarked.
“What?!”
“We’re just two individuals. Yes, we might be somewhat skilled, but there’s only two of us. You saw them out there, right? You saw what they are. Even if you include me, Tieck, and the old general over there in the headcount of soldiers, we still can’t match their numbers. Even if no Middle Rank or Upper Rank Demons appear, we’ll still be overwhelmed in no time.”
“T-That’s…”
“This is reality. Don’t let emotions cloud your judgment, young lord.”
“W-What did you just say to me?!”

Lichter’s words easily got on Elvaro’s nerves. His face turned as red as a tomato, and he stood up vigorously.

“Who do you think you are?! You’re just a commoner… A lowly adventurer, with an ego through the roof, who has dared insult me! Know your place!” Elvaro shouted.
“All bark no bite…” Lichter mocked.
“!!!”

Lichter’s response to Elvaro, who was on the verge of ripping his hair out in anger, was icy cold.

Seletina, angered by Lichter’s excessive arrogance, struck him in the back of the head with the sheath of her sword with all her might. It produced a loud thud, and a harsh sound reverberated through the room.

“OUCH!”
“Shut up for a minute, would you?!”

Seletina scolded Lichter, who was now rolling around on the floor, and then turned her attention back to Elvaro.

“Please accept my apologies for my partner’s extreme disrespect. As you can see, I have already dealt with him…”

Elvaro was far from pleased with Seletina, who lowered her eyes in an apologetic manner. He was about to retaliate, but General Aubance intervened with his bear-like hands.

“Elvaro, that’s enough. You too were disrespectful to Sir Tieck. As his partner, he was merely defending Sir Tieck’s honor. If you cause any more trouble, I’ll have to ask you to leave this room.”

Elvaro audibly clicked his tongue in frustration at the general’s firm declaration and tipped his teacup angrily.

“Damn it!”

Seletina politely bowed her head to Elvaro, who sat down forcefully, still swearing.

“We are deeply grateful for Lord Elvaro’s patience.” Seletina said
“Listen here you! Next time you disrespect me you–”
“Elvaro.” The General interrupted.
“I know. Damn it!”
“Thank you.”

Seletina commented and thus, the discussion began in an uneasy atmosphere.

Elvaro seemed so frustrated and stressed that he couldn’t think straight. In fact, every time he scratched his head, a large number of hairs fell out.

These commoners¹, these lowly adventurers¹… I’ll definitely pay them back for disrespecting me…

A seething rage boiled in Elvaro’s stomach².

1. Robinxen: They’re not…
2. Robinxen: I see where this is going.