Valeria smiled.
Alright then, let's report this to the Adventurer Council!
At the Adventurer Council
The receptionist greeted them warmly.
Welcome back! Oh, you must've completed your mission, right? Well then, without further delay—congratulations, you're all getting promoted!
Jian, Beni, and Hera cheered in excitement.
Yay!
Arla smiled.
What an honor to move up in rank.
But Mane, instead of celebrating, glanced at Commander Valeria with a confused expression.
Valeria noticed it too.
Huh? What's wrong?
The receptionist chuckled awkwardly.
Ah, I see why you look confused, Valeria. Technically, that mission wasn't supposed to be completed fully! Didn't you read the details I sent? It was written clearly there!
Valeria tried to recall.
Hmm… oh—right! (She finally remembered that the mission was only meant for observation and assisting the nearby village, not completely wiping out the threat like Aegis Squad did.)
Before she could explain, a new group entered the hall—Heroes from another world (Yūsha).
One of them called out to her.
Well, well… isn't that Instructor Valeria? No wonder everything was handled so perfectly!
Valeria turned in surprise.
HeGi?! Wow, it's been a while!
HeGi grinned.
Yeah, haha. We've been dealing with some tough missions ourselves, but when we went to handle the situation in the south, it was already done! Anyway, let me introduce my team—these are also heroes: Gaga, Herta, Wedi, and Neni.
Gaga: "Hey there."
Herta: "Nice to meet you."
Wedi: "You guys are amazing."
Neni: "Greetings."
Jian, Beni, Hera, and Mane just stood there with their mouths open, completely starstruck.
Meanwhile, Arla looked puzzled, trying to process what she'd just heard.
Heroes? From another world? Since when…?
Valeria folded her arms confidently.
Well? Impressive, aren't we? Maybe soon you heroes won't even be needed anymore, haha!
The heroes laughed, as did Valeria and the rest of Aegis Squad—except for Arla, who still looked confused but joined in the laughter anyway to not stand out.
Valeria clapped her hands.
Alright, we'll be heading out now. Hey, you guys—don't you want to ask for autographs or something?
Mane hesitated.
Uh… are we even allowed to?
Before he finished, Jian, Hera, and Beni had already rushed toward the heroes, excitedly asking for signatures. Mane followed soon after, and finally, Arla stepped forward too—though for a different reason.
These heroes… they might know something more. I have to ask them.
She approached the one who stood out the most to her—a roamer hero named Neni, though to the others, she seemed the least remarkable.
Excuse me, Hero Neni. I want to ask you something.
Neni blinked, surprised.
Oh? It's rare someone comes to me first.
Arla looked serious.
Is there any way… to turn a monster man back into a human?
The room instantly fell silent.
Everyone—Aegis Squad and the heroes alike—froze.
HeGi quickly broke the tension with a cheerful tone.
Ahaha, turning monsters back, huh? Well, that's quite a topic! Anyway—who wants to try out a legendary weapon?
Mane, Jian, Hera, and Beni gasped.
Whoa… legendary weapons?!
But Arla stayed focused. She was still waiting for Neni's answer.
And Neni, realizing Arla wouldn't let her leave without saying something, turned her gaze toward Valeria.
Valeria met her eyes and gave a small nod.
Neni smiled faintly.
Alright then… if you really want to know, I have some valuable information. But this—this is only for you. After all, you're the only pure Knight user in this Region
Arla's eyes widened.
You… you know about that?!
Neni chuckled.
Did you forget? I'm a roamer.
Arla clenched her fist, determination burning in her eyes.
In that case… please! I'm counting on you!!!