Chapter 196
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Chapter 196: Untitled
Appraising Newborns?
The "Identification" skill is an exceptionally advanced ability, with only a handful among the human race possessing it.
Yet this select few are expected to appraise newborns across the entire nation—no, practically half the continent? It’s utterly impossible to complete such a task!
And inevitably, many would slip through the cracks.
Come to think of it, if all hundred reincarnators arrived in this world simultaneously…
The current Hero and Demon King are likely mere three-year-old toddlers right now.
Before growing strong enough to protect themselves, they’d surely keep their identities hidden.
Wait—that assumption might not hold. If they knew declaring themselves as the Hero or Demon King would secure lavish nurturing from human or demon factions, revealing early could be a strategic head start.
Not to mention the endless luxuries they’d enjoy!
Devouring whatever delicacies they crave, drinking the finest beverages, surrounded by gorgeous women fawning over them… Damn it!
The mere thought stirs envy.
Ah… though I’m hardly worse off now?
And if we’re talking about head starts, I was born ahead of the starting line!
It might seem unfair at first glance, but consider this—
They got to nestle in their mothers’ arms as human infants, while I was confined to foul, lightless underground filth! Worse, I nearly died from ravenous hunger right after hatching.
Miyoshi Mitsui had a better beginning than me… yet he’s already dead.
See? Being reborn as a monster in the wilderness is perilous! One misstep spells doom!
Monster reincarnation offers earlier awakening than human rebirth, but at far greater risk. Viewed this way, the scales balance fairly. As for why I not only survived but grew powerful? Simple—I’m extraordinary! *Hmph*, that settles it!
…
Returning to the matter at hand.
After questioning Sylvestre, Lin Yu promptly approached Martina with identical inquiries.
The responses aligned closely with Sylvestre’s account.
No deception detected.
Well then, honoring our agreement to spare your lives—just kidding!
With all questions exhausted, it’s time to dispatch you to your next incarnation.
Yet as she moved to deliver the final blows, the diminutive girl intervened.
"Little Pupil?"
"No need for haste, Mother. They’re in no position to flee."
Red Pupil’s gaze flickered toward the pair.
"Besides… they may yet prove useful later."
Useful? What possible value could they still hold…?
"Very well, since it’s my daughter’s request."
"Hmm."
Lin Yu gave a slight nod.
Her gaze then shifted to the two Military Ants guarding the prison entrance.
"From now on, you two on cell duty will be responsible for their meals. Just give them your leftovers. And if they dare attack you, you may deal with them as you see fit."
"Though I’ve spared your lives, what awaits you now is a life sentence."
"Reflect deeply in your cells~"
After answering their questions, Sylvestre and Martina fell to their knees, pleading with Lin Yu for mercy – their desperate cries begging for release.
But release was out of the question.
If anything, allowing them to live a while longer was mercy enough.
Ignoring their pleas, Lin Yu left the basement level with the young girl.
…
…
Meanwhile.
Amidst swirling rumors and malicious speculation, Army Lady remained unaffected as she approached the Adventurer’s Guild’s Commission Board to select her next quest.
These past few days, whenever she entered the Guild, the atmosphere would shift immediately – every eye, whether openly or discreetly, would fix upon her.
Some adventurers would cluster around tables, watching her while exchanging whispers.
Mocking laughter often reached Army Lady’s ears, and she’d frequently catch hostile glares from certain adventurers.
Only those three young companions remained untouched by the rumors and ill will.
Worried the malicious gossip might upset Army Lady, they – who normally counted every copper coin – even took the initiative to treat her to drinks at the tavern.
Though not particularly interested in drinking, Army Lady found it hard to refuse their kindness.
This time, however, she showed restraint, returning only mildly intoxicated.
Before leaving, she’d asked Stealth Two, Stealth Three and Stealth Ten if they wanted to join, only to be met with unanimous head-shaking.
Apparently only Stealth One shared her taste for alcohol.
Speaking of which… Stealth One had returned home.
A wistful expression crossed Army Lady’s face.
Had it really been over ten days since she’d been back?
Did Mother miss her?
After a moment of reflection, she turned her attention back to the Commission Board.
She was examining the quest board dedicated to monster-hunting requests among the three available boards.
For rapid advancement in Adventurer Level, monster-hunting requests offered the fastest path.
These past few days, she’d completed four C-class monster-hunting requests – earning three Excellent ratings and one Perfect evaluation. By all rights, such achievements should have already promoted her to C-class adventurer.
But it seems the pressure of public opinion compelled Miss Elena from the guild to raise the promotion threshold for Army Lady’s advancement to C-class adventurer status, until either Sylvestre and Martina are found or Army Lady’s suspicions are cleared.
While the Adventurer’s Guild nominally refrains from intervening in disputes between adventurers, when fatalities occur, the perpetrator may face expulsion in severe cases. Otherwise, as in this situation, the requirements for rank advancement are heightened.
To qualify as a C-class adventurer, one must undertake significantly more commissions. Moreover, for efficiency’s sake, it’s advisable to select assignments with shorter travel distances.
Just as she stood hesitating before the Commission Board—
Whoosh—Bang!
The guild’s heavy doors burst open violently.
"So this is the Adventurer’s Guild?"
Entering was a fresh-faced green-haired maiden with a traveling pack slung across her back.
"…Lvzi?"
The commotion drew Army Lady’s attention. Though she immediately recognized the girl as Lvzi, the realization left her momentarily stunned. Lin Yu had mentioned Lvzi’s striking human form, but the reality surpassed all expectations.
"Ah! Army Lady!"
Spotting her friend, Lvzi ignored the other guild members and dashed straight toward Army Lady. Before the flustered warrior could react, she found herself engulfed in the green-haired girl’s enthusiastic embrace.
A sudden dreadful thought made Army Lady’s scalp prickle. She hastily disentangled herself, frantically checking for any suspicious moisture on her clothing before sighing in relief. Shooting Lvzi an exasperated look, she snapped, "What are you doing! And how many times must I tell you not to call me Army Lady!"
"Oh, I’ll remember," Lvzi replied airily, her attention already wandering as she surveyed the guild hall. Her emerald eyes finally settled on Elena behind the counter.
Approaching the reception desk, she inquired, "You work here, yes?"
"Indeed," Elena answered, her professional smile materializing belatedly as she regained her composure. "You’re acquainted with Miss Army Lady? How may I assist you?"
"Straight to business then," Lvzi declared. Pausing dramatically, she extended a slender finger toward the golden-haired warrior still standing by the Commission Board. "I wish to join your Adventurer’s Guild. And she’s my sponsor."
