---
In the morning, Dracula—disguised as Conrad—visited the guild again after breakfast.
As he stepped inside, he quickly spotted Lucinta, waving frantically from the third counter.
The guild was nearly empty, with only a few adventurers around for minor tasks.
Lucinta looked pleased to see him.
"I looked up all the latest info on the ruins," she said, clearly exhausted but still talking. "They've been around since the Empire's founding—maybe even older. Scholars from Luminous City think they might be remnants of a lost advanced civilization."
She paused. "And there are lots of artifacts—gold coins, silver feathers, energy cores—that attract adventurers from across the Empire. But I suggest you stay away for now. Two guards stationed there two days ago saw a demon enter the ruins." She leaned in and whispered, "A Blood Demon. One of the Demon Queen's kin."
"Are you sure?" Dracula asked. Rage simmered at the mention of the demon, but he kept his cool.
"Yeah. But since you're an A-rank, you might be able to handle her. I think the guild will issue a scouting task in a couple of days. Keep an eye out." She leaned in closer, whispering in his ear, "This info's for guild staff only. You owe me a meal."
The adventurer are classified into rank: A is the highest rank followed by BB , B ,CC , C and D.
It is said that A rank adventurer are rare and are able to unleash a powerful force of destruction.
"I have a companion," Dracula replied.
"Expected. A-ranks don't usually travel alone. But I'm flexible," she teased, leaning back in her chair.
And many A rank tend to have various mistress as they're filthy rich so many women flock to them wherever they goes.
"But I'm not," he shot back.
"Fine. But at least treat me to a meal," she said with a smirk. "After all, I gathered all this info for you. That's worth something, right?"
"If you say so," Dracula relented, tired of her pestering.
"Deal," Lucinta grinned as Dracula stood and exited the guild.
---
Meanwhile, in the infirmary at Castle Grandrock, a woman tended to a man's wounds.
She peeled back the bandages from his abdomen.
"Told you a wound like this couldn't kill me," the man said with a light chuckle.
"You're such a flirt, Sir Franklin," the woman replied cheerfully. "And it's only thanks to my magic that you're alive."
"And I'm grateful for that, Ms. Odett."
"No need to thank me. You saved my dignity, Sir Franklin."
Their banter was interrupted by a cough from behind.
Cough.
"Who saved my daughter from that ruffian?" a deep voice asked.
A middle-aged man in ornate clothing stepped in, his tone grand.
Franklin sat up and answered, "It was me. Franklin, the wandering swordsman—just helping a maiden in need."
"No need to shout, lad. You showed true courage defending a helpless girl when no one else did. Well done," the man praised.
"That's enough, Father. You're making it awkward," Odett said, flustered. "He's still recovering."
"My apologies. I'm Pescil Rosa Alba, head of the Rosa Alba territory," he introduced himself with a bow. "And I'd like to hire you to protect my daughter until her task is complete."
He looked Franklin in the eye. "I know you're from House Gard."
"How do you know that?" Franklin asked, scratching his head. "Even my sister didn't notice."
"Your rapier gave it away—the craftsmanship and engravings."
Pescil continued, "So, will you accept my request?"
"What is it exactly?" Franklin asked.
"There are rumors of a Blood Demon near Raymond Opera House. Odett must pass there for her healer duties. I can't send knights—it's against the rules. And the demon targets lone women. I need someone trustworthy. You're the best choice."
"I'd be honored," Franklin replied, bowing and gently kissing Odett's hand. She blushed.
"I'll be in your care," she said softly.
"Then it's settled," Pescil said, clapping his hands with satisfaction.
---
Elsewhere...
Deep underground, a woman worked with an ancient spell guarding the ruins' core.
"Wait for me, my dear. We'll meet again soon," Valerina whispered as she placed an orb at the spell's center.
The ruins began to rumble—and then, slowly, started to collapse revealing another structure which was beneath the ruins.
---