Yes, I was surprised.
I was surprised not to see her next to Satone. I was only taken aback that she played this game. It was unexpected. Like me, she was also obsessed with battle royals. It was only natural to be surprised seeing her in this MMORPG.
Then again, it was no wonder she was among the conquerors.
If I were talking about my friends—about my squadmates, each one of us had the competency to become one. I was certain about it.
Speaking of, the ascendency index was invalid in my case, leaving me no opportunity to become one of the conquerors in the future—not like I had any intention of becoming one whatsoever.
****
Anyway, enough thinking about them, I'll explain when I'll meet them. I thought, looking at the ruler who was about to provide intel about the quest Shika's mother had given to us.
Yeah, it was about the Mercenary Quest.
"I'm grateful that someone has finally arrived to deal with the demon troubling us as of late." The ruler spoke, gesturing a serious expression on his face as he stared at me unceasingly. "Since you've already cleared fourteen heavens, I trust you're familiar with the demons that dwell within them."
'Yeah, right. I've no idea what this fellow is talking about.' I thought, trying to avert my gaze because I didn't know about the demons whatsoever. However, I couldn't possibly deny the fact right now. Our reputations were at stake.
"Yes." I nodded, albeit rather reluctantly.
"One such powerful demon now lurks in the Zakara Mountains—a region rich with rare ores and precious metals in this heaven. The harsh, unforgiving weather alone poses a formidable challenge to any adventurer seeking such treasures. The emergence of this demon has only compounded their hardships. Many have already abandoned the effort and moved on to the higher heavens. In the end, we were left with no choice but to summon a mercenary to confront the threat."
"Please excuse my intrusion, but why didn't you try requesting the conquerors for this task," I asked.
My question didn't have anything to do with the topic, but I asked it anyway—and hoped I'd learn something about them.
"A fair point, indeed." He replied, leaning on his throne and when he was about to answer Shika interjected.
"It might be difficult for an ordinary adventure to defeat the demon. At the same, it's too weak for the conquerors to consider wasting their time and effort on such a weakling."
"You are indeed correct." He added, staring at Shika—as if on the verge of saying more, but choosing restraint instead. He then looked at me and continued, "Which is why this was forwarded to Miss Yuukina as a formal mercenary contract—with a fair sum attached, of course. And thus, you were sent."
"I get it now." I nodded with a faint smile, knowing that Shika's mother had been trying to kill two prey with a single arrow—one was to judge my competency; the second was to maintain the trust between her and the ruler of this heaven. "You Majesty, is there any other information you like to share?"
He thought for a moment. He then considered something and finally decided to speak.
"There is but one piece of advice. Be cautious. This is no ordinary foe—it is infamous for its diabolic nature. Now then, may I ask—when do you intend to depart for this task?"
"Right after our conversation if possible," I replied.
"In that case, one of my soldiers will escort you by cart to the outskirts. However, once you enter the Snow Forest, you must proceed on foot. Travel five miles beyond, and you will reach the mountain region. From that point onward, exercise the utmost caution—he could be anywhere, concealed within the snow-covered peaks, silently awaiting his next prey."
[Mercenary Quest has been updated!]
[Requirements: Defeat the demon lurking in the mountains of Zakara]
[Rewards: Depends on the individual Yuukina]
It's about time the system is responding. I thought, looking at the details it provided.
"Please leave that to us. We'll take care of this task." I said promisingly and waited for his further indication.
He sighed. He then whispered something to the soldier guarding him.
The soldier approached us and asked to follow him. I looked one last time at Satone's image as well as at 'her' image before turning towards the soldier.
We were at the doorway of the king's chamber and were about to leave when the ruler called out and said something unexpected.
I was frozen at his words. I couldn't even take a step for a second. I frowned and finally left the chamber, following the guard.
****
"You have to return on your own after completing the task. Take these. It will help you climbing the mountains" The soldier said as he threw a backpack full of necessary implement and he ordered the cart driver to start driving.
They left us in the forest covered with snow.
'Just how many heavens are part of this winterland.' I thought exasperatedly while I put the backpack in my inventory.
[Temporary blessing has been granted]
[Blessing: Ice Resistance]
"I appreciate it, Shika." I mumbled looking at her, "If you weren't there I might've frozen to death, heh-heh!"
"That's not true at all, Zanthrix. Even if I weren't around you'd still be fine on your own."
We started walking. It had already turned dusk. It was more dangerous to take such a quest during the night. We were fine, though.
Both of us were motivated enough to overcome any obstacles in our path—regardless of how grave they'd be.
We walked.
"I have something to ask of you, Zanthrix," Shika mumbled as we walked on the snow that was gradually becoming thick with each step.
"Go right ahead."
"When you looked at the Conquerors, you were awestruck two times. I get that you saw the Hall of Fame for the first time, but that doesn't cause you to get surprised two times consecutively."
"You're sharp, Shika." I smiled. "I didn't anticipate you'd noticed that."
"What! I thought it was obvious."
Did she flustered again?
"You're right actually. I was rather dumbfounded when I saw two familiar faces among the conquerors. You saw the Conqueror of the Divine Existence, right? The fact is we're acquainted and that same goes for the Conqueror of the Unseen Era too. Both of them are my friends whom I want to meet as soon as possible."
"What?" she nearly screamed out, "You're friends with both the Conqueror of Divine Existence and the Conqueror of the Unseen Era!!! But you're the Fallen Heir. You cannot have that sort of relation with the conquerors."
Why do you think that? I wanted to ask that. But I had something different to ask her now.
"Speaking of, how did you know I was the fallen heir or whatever?" I asked, narrowing my gaze as I stared at her.
"I had a hunch." She averted my gaze.
You had a hunch? That's not convincing.
"Is that so? But on what basis did you confirm that hunch? You could've been wrong, you know?"
"That is true." She said smilingly, "If I were wrong, you would've attacked me—seeing an Iceborn in a forest, just like any others would do. But you didn't, proving my speculation correct."
"I see," I mumbled though I found it hard to believe.
Wait… did my trust in her falter?