Chapter 97
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Chapter 97: A Little Inconvenient
Midi remained calm, but Odel and Kelvin were left speechless after Hulk’s explanation.
Contribution points? An exchange list?
These terms meant nothing to them. They couldn’t understand why so many adventurers would risk their lives battling deadly Vengeance Worms just for such rewards.
Their clueless expressions drew chuckles from the seasoned adventurers nearby.
Hulk gave them a knowing look, casually squeezing the half-Elf’s hand before saying, “Head to the War Hall in the city center. Everything’ll make sense there. I’ve got to turn in my mission—should earn around 500 points. If I’m late, someone else might snatch that shield I’ve been eyeing!”
With a wave, he and his group charged into the city, kicking up a cloud of dust that hung in the air.
Odel stood frozen, oblivious to the sly hand-holding. Normally, she’d have snapped, but today, her mind was elsewhere.
“Let’s go to the War Hall,” Kelvin urged. Odel jolted awake and nodded.
At the heart of the lower district, where broad streets met, loomed a colossal granite structure. Thick pillars and a towering entrance gave it a primal, ancient aura—like a slumbering Behemoth.
This was the War Hall.
Midi smiled faintly. The design screamed Fina’s tastes.
If the War Hall matched the Queen of Magic’s style, there had to be a place nearby reflecting Alice’s mystique—something like the Witch’s abode.
His anticipation grew.
Inside, Midi found what he sought: the task and exchange lists, the lifeblood of the Hawk Brigade.
Two massive magic slabs dominated the hall. One displayed ever-updating missions with contribution rewards. The other, the exchange list, showcased prized Asreks family weapons—Fina’s bait for ambitious adventurers.
Midi grimaced, imagining Lothran’s face as the old steward watched the family treasures vanish.
Thankfully, the Elven Palace’s heritage they’d acquired dwarfed any noble collection. A single piece could shake the nobility. Adding these to the list might even lure Delos Empire adventurers.
At the list’s peak blazed a crimson line:
*Accumulate 1,000 contribution points to qualify for the Hawk Brigade’s joining test.*
The words loomed above weapons, armor, and herbs like a final challenge.
“1,000 points just to join?” Odel whispered. Hulk’s team had only earned 500 each after slaughtering countless worms.
“Not join—just *try* to join,” Kelvin corrected.
1,000 points for a *chance*? How exclusive was this brigade?
Staring at the glittering rewards below the threshold, Odel finally grasped the value of Midi’s invitation—not just to her, but to the entire Morning Star Mercenary Corps and Mountain Wolf Mercenary Group. Over 200 adventurers could join the Hawk Brigade instantly!
The crowd’s fervor proved this offer was beyond priceless.
“Enjoying Eagle’s Nest?” A clear, cool voice cut through the air.
All turned. A figure with fiery Belmar-red hair and a robe dark as midnight lilies stepped forward.
Fina Hamilton and Alice Otolopas had arrived.
The red-haired girl and black-haired girl silenced the hall with their presence. When Fina raised a hand, even breath seemed to pause.
From overwhelming noise to complete silence, Fina Hamilton had proven she’d gained extraordinary authority among these arrogant adventurers.
This wasn’t due to the "Hamilton" name—in fact, a great noble’s surname only made common-born adventurers more suspicious, interpreting every gesture as arrogance.
Nor was it about noble demeanor. While powerless commoners might revere nobles and servants might fear them, high-level adventurers respected no one.
Midi knew from past life experience that only absolute power could earn adventurers’ respect.
To make them follow orders and trust promises required true fairness and favors.
Either factor demanded long-term effort.
Yet Fina achieved both within a month.
No—because she was Fina, Queen of Magic, natural leader and former Hawk Brigade commander, she’d gathered this crowd through miracle.
Truly Fina. My Fina.
Midi stared at the red-haired girl who’d grown more beautiful during their month apart, unintentionally smiling.
"So this idiot actually remembered me?"
Fina’s emotions had rollercoasted recently.
To make the exchange list appealing, she’d drained all Asreks family resources and her personal savings. Alice’s treasures were too valuable to use, causing supply issues and near-bankruptcy.
Many noble houses collapsed in Belmar Duchy, some completely destroyed—but none ever went bankrupt.
Bankrupting Asreks family would’ve been catastrophic.
Hence Queen of Magic’s foul mood.
When Crow Robin finally brought news of Midi’s return, both girls perked up. Fina eagerly awaited seeing what Palace treasures he’d brought.
But instead, Midi wandered through Eagle’s Nest like tourist with entourage, even coming to War Hall—as if on sightseeing trip!
Worse, rumors said he brought two lovely female half-Elves.
Hearing this, Fina dragged Alice from Eagle’s Nest castle to confront him.
Yet seeing Midi’s sunny smile, her fury inexplicably vanished.
Perhaps she’d never been angry—just inventing excuses to see him sooner.
Only flaw was Midi’s disguised face—some ordinary youth instead of his true features.
Annoying…
"How annoying…"
The cold comment came not from Fina, but black-haired girl beside her.
Alice tilted her head, frowned, then strode forward with cascading black hair. Her stunning beauty and icy mysticism made Morning Star and Mountain Wolf mercenary corps members instinctively step aside.
Mist Sorceress Alice stopped before Midi.
Without speaking, she pressed black-gloved hand to his cheek before crowd.
The ordinary face dissolved.
Messy hair straightened.
Sleepy gaze sharpened.
Before them stood black-haired youth with lightning gaze, strong features, and commander’s bearing—matured through two lifetimes’ struggles, radiating quiet authority like sheathed legendary sword.
"Better. This is Midi Asreks." Alice nodded as Crow Robin landed on her shoulder.
Every adventurer heard clearly:
This was Midi Asreks.
Land’s master. Asreks family heir. Undefeated Demon Swordman. Genius commander.
And…
Recognized partner of Fina and Alice.
Instantly, silent hall exploded with voices.
