They didn’t encounter any monsters on the way back to Thousand Masts City.

Everything was so beautiful and peaceful, it was as if the Jackal Wolfmen’s surprise attack on Dragon’s Fang Castle a few days ago had been just an illusion.

In a way, if not for Colin and Kase stepping forward, this beautiful scenery would likely no longer exist... or at least, parts of it wouldn’t.

The convoy returned to Thousand Masts City while it was still morning.

"It’s still early. Should we go get our money first?" Kase asked.

"Let’s drop our stuff off first. This is all really heavy. We can meet up at the Black Heart Tavern later."

After tossing their bags and bundles into the attic, Colin and Kase met up again at the tavern, then walked all the way to Horn Castle.

Just like before, Edwin was behind his desk, writing a seemingly endless pile of documents. This time, that so-called lieutenant from before was also in the office. The man kept his head down, pointedly ignoring the two as they walked in.

"Looks like you two really got an upgrade," Edwin said, looking at them.

The Chain Armor Shirt Colin wore clinked and clanked, more than announcing its presence.

"Sorry, it seems we took a little extra time on this one."

"If that extra time was spent saving Dragon’s Fang Castle, I could give you ten days to half a month of paid leave," Edwin said, still smiling cheerfully. "The Weston Clan has already told me about your deeds. Well done." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Colin noticed that after hearing this, the lieutenant’s head sank even lower.

It was as if he didn’t want to acknowledge any of it.

"So, are there any jobs for us recently?"

"No, not for the next couple of days at least." Edwin’s smile faded. "But considering what happened at Dragon’s Fang Castle, I can’t guarantee what might happen later... you know."

"Is it the Frostland Druids?" Colin asked tentatively.

Edwin gave a helpless smile.

"If anyone else were to ask that question, I’d say ’I don’t know.’ But since the hero of Dragon’s Fang Castle is asking...

The Frostland Druids are a Druidic Society from the Northern Lands. They are completely devoted to Lady Rime, and their main doctrine is to serve their goddess as much as possible. Are you familiar with the teachings of the Winter Goddess?"

Kase cut in, "Praise the harsh winter, despise mercy, the strong devour the weak."

"A very accurate summary."

’How could it not be accurate?’ Colin thought to himself. ’This guy used to be a Totem Warrior for the Winter Goddess.’

"Although winter disasters have happened before, these Druids rarely invaded alongside monsters. This time, however, they caught us completely off guard.

They planted Blight seeds in corners of the forest and drove animals from the Northern Lands to fight us. The reason the Jackal Wolfmen were able to sneak up on Dragon’s Fang Castle undetected was because of the Frostland Druids’ Divine Arts."

"So..."

"That’s right. These guys are still at large."

Hearing this made Colin’s heart sink.

This meant the masterminds behind the Dragon’s Fang Castle incident were still on the loose and would cause more trouble in the future.

With them running wild like this, could he still take on carriage escort missions in peace? On top of that, prices in Thousand Masts City were getting higher and higher. The rising price of bread should probably be blamed on these bastards, too.

"The good news is that our agents have already located the Frostland Druids," Edwin said. "There will probably be a job to surround and eliminate them soon, likely around Silverpine Village. What do you two think?"

"Surround and eliminate?"

"Yes. All our field agents, plus the Gray Squad from the Gray Hand, will conduct a full-scale search-and-destroy mission in the target forest."

"That sounds pretty dangerous."

"Not really. After all, our forces will have an overwhelming advantage. And since Mr. Kase is from the north, I believe you two could play a significant role. If you think it’s too dangerous and don’t want to participate, I can..."

Colin said firmly and without hesitation, "That’ll cost extra."

Edwin scratched his head before it clicked. "Oh, of course. If you perform well, your monthly stipend will also increase."

Speaking of stipends...

Colin followed up, "By the way, I heard something about ’titles.’ What’s the deal with that?"

"It’s actually a system we copied from mercenary corps and armed sects. The five titles determine what missions a person is assigned, how much their stipend is, how much authority they wield, and so on."

Edwin continued, "Compared to your achievements, your equipment is still a bit basic. So I think you shouldn’t try to climb the ladder too quickly for now."

"I was thinking the same thing."

"It’s rare for someone to understand that. After all, a lot of people are eager to climb up as fast as possible, but that’s not necessarily a good thing. Besides, if your titles get promoted, I benefit too. It’s a win-win."

Hearing this, the lieutenant standing nearby silently got up and walked out of the office without a word.

Edwin continued, "Also, don’t forget the City Watchers are planning a welcoming ceremony for the recently joined New Blood. With your performance, you’ll definitely be commended at the ceremony."

"Are there any perks?" Kase asked.

"Money. You’ll receive a bonus then."

Having completely figured out what motivated them, Edwin placed two Gold Coins on the desk. "This is your payment for this time. Also, be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Opportunity waits for no one."

After each taking a Gold Coin, the two said their goodbyes to Edwin and left Horn Castle.

As they walked, Colin thought about the Frostland Druids.

’Hunting down guys who are basically terrorists is definitely not safe, but we’ll have other field agents on our side, and even the Gray Hand will be involved.’

’In the end, there’s an eighty percent chance Thousand Masts City will come out on top.’

’As an Adventurer, I have no reason to turn down a commission.’

’The only thing I need to figure out is how to survive a battle like this.’

’That problem doesn’t seem too difficult, though.’

’After all, this is a large-scale encirclement operation. I figure that even if Thousand Masts City doesn’t completely steamroll the Druids, our forces should at least be evenly matched. And if I do well, the reward from my Golden Finger definitely won’t be small.’

They made their way to the entrance of the Dwarves’ domain in the sewers.

After greeting Dorn, the bald, white-bearded Dwarf at the gate, the two of them went to Donkexes’s herb room.

"What’s with the new getup?" Donkexes asked, looking Colin up and down. "This outfit must have cost at least forty or fifty gold coins, right? Let me be clear: if you’re involved in any criminal activity, our contract is terminated. We’re not running some kind of den of thieves here."

"Relax. In a couple of days, you’ll be hearing about it from the Wandering Poets."

"Did you bring the stuff?" Donkexes tapped the table with his index finger.

Colin placed the Earthworm Egg Sac, wrapped in several layers of cloth, on the table.

"Excellent." The Dwarf turned the Insect Egg Sac over with his stubby fingers and nodded in satisfaction.

"Also, I have a feeling we’ll be going up against the Frostland Druids next. If there’s anything you want, be sure to tell us in the next couple of days."

Donkexes stroked his beard. "In that case, I can write up a reference guide to the monsters of the Northern Lands for you... but that can wait a couple of days anyway."

Kase, who was standing behind them, slammed an Insect Shell onto the table with a CLANG and said, "Half of that Insect Egg Sac is mine. You can just help me make this thing into a Shield."

"We can drill four holes and add a grip and a strap. That’s all we can do. If you’re okay with that, you can have it tomorrow."

Kase thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

Then he suddenly asked, "What about our Magic Equipment?"