Our Dharma Masters are like this.

Chapter 74 Dark Alley Street

"Back when I was fifteen, I was just a clueless kid. I was too scared to even watch my neighbor slaughter a pig, let alone take any risks."

Gray, with a righteous and stern expression, said, "And you, Lant, at such a young age, have such lofty ambitions. I really can't not help you! I agree to let Lant join our team!"

Just as Zellier was about to speak, Vales on the other side also spoke up.

"Actually, I think... it's not a bad thing for young people to have dreams. It's just an adventure, and it's good to gain more experience."

"Vales, how could you betray us too!" Zellier stared in disbelief.

Even Marcus, who had been acting like a life mentor just moments before, fell silent.

He picked up his glass and took a sip silently, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back, appearing rather awkward.

"You bunch of bastards who bow down for five gold coins!" Zellier cursed inwardly.

"Hehe, Zellir, they all agreed!" Lant, completely oblivious to the subtle atmosphere at the table, excitedly turned to Zellir.

"I……"

Things had developed to this point, and Zellier couldn't say anything more. He could only helplessly rub his forehead and wave his hand.
"Alright, alright... then come to the Adventurers' Guild tomorrow morning, and we'll choose a quest together."

"Okay! See you tomorrow morning!"

Lant left the Drunken Boar Tavern satisfied, and before leaving, he paid the bill for Zellier's table.

Zellier glanced around the table, and the others all avoided his gaze, looking rather guilty.

Gray pretended to be focused on the kebab in his hand.

Vales was looking down and playing with his buttons.

Marcus then picked up his glass and began counting how many bubbles were in the foam.

"cough……"

In the end, it was Gray, the one with the thickest skin, who broke the silence.

“Oh, Zelier, don’t blame us. To be honest, how could I refuse such a cushy job? Last time I worked my butt off to wipe out the goblin tribe, and I only got a little over seven gold coins.”

"This time, you'll get an extra five gold coins just for accompanying him on one mission. Where else can you find such a good deal?"

"yes……"

Vales chimed in, "At worst, we can just choose the least dangerous mission. We might as well take the money."

"..."

Zellier took a deep breath.

Well, actually, he was quite tempted too.

Five gold coins, that's not a small amount of money.

I'm one step closer to my goal of saving enough money to buy a magic wand.

"alright."

Zellier relented, "However, for safety's sake, I think it would be better to bring Hill along. Having an extra mid-level assassin can also eliminate some potential threats."

"Did she give you her contact information?" Gray asked curiously.

Zellir took out a cold metal token from his pocket; it was the token Hill had given him during the goblin quest.

A black feather made of an unknown metal, cool to the touch, quite cool as a unique symbol.

Zellier twirled the feather between his fingers. "Anyway, Marcus, come with me after the event."

Zelil felt a little uneasy going to the assassins' contact point alone at night.

Calling in Marcus, this tough guy, provides some assurance.

“Okay.” Marcus nodded in agreement.

……

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, they dispersed.

Marcus accompanied Zellier to the contact address Hill had set.

By this time, Blackrock Town had long since lost its daytime hustle and bustle, and most of the shops had already closed.

The main road was deserted, with only a few lanterns hanging under the eaves casting a dim yellow light that stretched the two people's shadows long.

Marcus was quite familiar with Blackrock Town, and he led Zell through a maze of twists and turns until they arrived at a narrow alley with a very hidden entrance—Dark Alley Street.

As soon as you step into the alley, it feels like the temperature drops a few degrees. The light is completely swallowed up by the towering buildings on both sides, and the air is filled with a damp, musty smell.

"Do assassins like to meet in places like this...?"

Zellir cast a light spell, illuminating the road ahead.

The two carefully avoided the obstacles in the alley and finally found the number "seven" deep inside—a dilapidated black wooden door with mottled carvings, as if it would collapse if kicked hard.

Following Hill's instructions, Zellier reached out and knocked on the door five times, neither too hard nor too softly.

"Knock knock knock knock..."

A moment later, a soft "click" came from the door.

A small groove disguised as wood grain is pulled open from the inside, revealing a narrow gap.

Through the gap, a pair of wary eyes were watching Zell and Marcus.

"Uh... good evening."

Zelil was still a little unaccustomed to this meeting style, which resembled a spy movie. "I'm here to leave a message for Miss Hill."

"A token." The other person's voice was very hoarse.

Zellier inserted the metallic black feather into the observation port.

The pair of eyes behind the door disappeared for a moment, then quickly reappeared.

The black feather was handed out.

"what's up?"

"Please tell Miss Hill that Marcus's team is preparing to take on a new commission and needs her help. There is an extra reward of five gold coins."

Zellier said quickly, "If she's willing, she can meet at the Adventurers' Guild tomorrow morning."

As soon as the words were spoken, the eyes disappeared, the slide slammed shut, and silence fell behind the door once more.

"The Assassin's Guild is so rude..." Zellier couldn't help but mutter.

"You'd better come to places like this less often in the future."

Marcus looked up and surveyed his surroundings. "I have a feeling that someone is watching us from the shadows."

“It would be abnormal if no one was watching.” Zellier was already mentally prepared for this.

After all, it's a place where assassins congregate.

……

Early the next morning.

Lant stood at the entrance of the Adventurers' Guild, took a deep breath, and then pushed open the door.

Early in the morning, there weren't many people in the guild; only a few adventurers were discussing something.

Lant spotted Zellir, Marcus Gray, and Vales immediately; they were all there.

"Good morning, everyone!" Lant greeted first, his attitude very respectful.

"Good morning," Zellier replied.

"Oh! It's Lant, he's here!"

Yesterday, Gray had a fierce look on his face towards Lant, but today his attitude was completely different. He walked up to Lant warmly and put his arm around Lant's shoulder.

"How did you sleep? You arrived so early. It seems you've made thorough preparations for this adventure. Not bad, not bad, you're full of energy!"

Lant was a little overwhelmed by the sudden enthusiasm. "It's...it's alright."

"It's understandable to be a little nervous if it's your first time at the Adventurers' Guild. Don't worry, we'll take care of you," Vales, who usually had a poker face, said earnestly.

“Yes!” Lant nodded vigorously.

Zellier glanced at the two of them, secretly finding it amusing.

He turned his head, his gaze searching for something in the association's lobby.

"Are you looking for me?"

A slightly teasing tone rang out, followed by that familiar, crisp scent.

(End of this chapter)