Iya Continent: Card God

The Adventurers' Guild is an ancient organization. It originated as a group of mercenaries who accepted money to solve problems for others. As it grew, it attracted many money-starved magic users. Adventurers are synonymous with being broke.

As times changed, the Adventurers' Guild underwent several transformations. In order to develop and operate in a particular location, the guild had to deal with the kingdom's officials. After all, the existence of an organization with considerable military power freely within a country was something that the higher-ups would not turn a blind eye to.

Ultimately, this so-called free adventurers' guild transformed into a semi-administrative organization. On the surface, it ostensibly supported and assisted adventurers, strengthening connections and relationships. Behind the scenes, it also bore the responsibility of assisting in the expansion and stability of the kingdom.

The Adventurers' Guild frequently issues hunting quests, which adventurers can accept, complete, and receive rewards for. These quests are almost always related to magic, such as hunting magical beasts or hunting down evil magic-wielding criminals.

“This red-bristled boar is a postage request from the Adventurers’ Guild ‘Black Mountain Steel’ in Sandel City,” Abilge explained.

Black Mountain Steel, the most renowned adventurers' guild in Sandel County. Linta had only occasionally heard of them during his time in the city.

“You can kill this red-bristled boar, use its tusks to complete the commission, and then sell it,” Abilgay suggested.

Linta was somewhat surprised. "Is it okay if I don't accept the commission?"

“Yes, every commission comes with a pre-arranged reward. Whoever completes it and brings back proof will receive the reward. However, generally speaking, once an adventurer accepts a commission, others won't compete for it unless the adventurer fails,” Abilge said.

"I see..." Linta understood the rules of the Adventurers' Guild even more now.

As a lucrative profession, the Adventurers' Guild's commissions are indeed quite good.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Sandel City.

Adventurers' Guild, Black Mountain Steel.

The guild was filled with all sorts of adventurers. Some sat together, chatting and laughing about their recent experiences, discussing cooperation and conspiracies. Others crowded in front of the quest posting board, their eyes scanning up and down, looking for a suitable quest. Still others stood in a corner, saying nothing and doing nothing, quietly lost in thought.

At a round table somewhere in the guild, a burly man with red hair and a beard was talking to several young magic users.

The older members of the guild all knew who this person was.

Locke, Red-haired Locke, Silver Rank (Low).

His favorite thing was to recruit followers, and he often used his imposing manner to persuade newcomers to accompany him to hunt in uncharted territory.

"A white-headed double-spotted leopard, although there was no commission, our fellow hunters have seen this real thing. A live white-headed double-spotted leopard can sell for at least 30 silver coins! 30! 30! How long will it take you to earn 30 silver coins? Think about it!" Red-haired Locke said excitedly, proposing the hunt.

The bronze-level adventurers present were all intrigued, their faces revealing barely concealed desire.

Thirty silver coins, even if divided into several, is a substantial sum. The main force will undoubtedly be this silver-level red-haired Locke; we're just there to assist. Failure is failure, but success will be a huge windfall.

"Okay, I'm willing to go!"

"I do too!"

"As long as you don't mind us holding you back."

Red-haired Locke grinned and shouted, "Great! I'll treat you to a good meal later, then we'll go to Cone Street tomorrow to prepare some magical artifacts, and we'll set off the day after tomorrow!"

"Brother Locke, can you take me with you?" At this moment, a cunning-looking young man walked over and bowed humbly.

Red-haired Locke glanced at the other person, a strange look appearing on his face.

"Oh, Baldr, it's you. Didn't you go hunting red-maned boars? You're back so soon? Did you succeed?"

This Baldr was the adventurer who abandoned Abilgei and fled.

Bald said bitterly, "I failed. That female mage was such a burden, she seriously hindered me and almost killed me. Ugh, stop talking about it, stop talking about it..."

Red-haired Locke sneered, "Is that so? Then again, why would I need you?"

Baldr opened his eyes wide and said excitedly, "One more person means one more force!"

Red-haired Locke said, "How should I know if it's more effort and not more burden?"

Baldr said sadly, "Brother Locke, you know me. Under your leadership, when have I not risked my life? Have I ever been afraid of death?"

Red-haired Locke knew exactly what kind of person Baldr was. He could fool others, but not him. However, the guy was right about one thing: nothing had gone wrong with him. And he wouldn't dare to go wrong! He understood his methods.

Moreover, this hunt definitely needs a familiar acquaintance with a bit of cleverness. These newly recruited newcomers are certainly not as useful as this old friend.

"Haha...!" Red-haired Locke stood up and slapped Bald's shoulder hard with his powerful hand. "Alright! Bald, you come too!"

His boastful demeanor seemed to be deliberately meant for someone else's benefit.

Then, Baldr sat down at the round table without any ceremony and arrogantly told the new face in front of him about his identity.

“I’ve known Brother Locke for many years, from Ilsa County to Sandel County, I’ve followed him here…”

The young adventurers who had just arrived in Sandel City were all captivated by Baldr's glib tongue, filled with curiosity and amazement.

"Bard, you just said the mission failed, what mission was it?"

Baldr frowned, his thoughts racing, and said with a sorrowful expression, "Well, it's nothing. This task isn't difficult at all; it's just killing a mid-level Bronze Red-maned Boar."

"Red-maned boar, I've heard of it. That guy is ferocious! Even a high-level bronze-ranked warrior might not be able to subdue it."

Bald said, "He has some knowledge. But it's alright, I only need one assistant to kill him. So, I accepted the commission and found a female mage. This female mage..."

"Eh!"

"What's wrong? What's wrong with this magician?"

"It's nothing, I don't want to blame her. It's normal for girls to be timid."

"I understand, that female mage caused your mission to fail because of her cowardice!" "Yes! That must be it!" "Where is that female mage now? I need to remember her well so I don't have to team up with her in the future."

Baldr shook his head, looking relieved, and said, "Forget it, forget it, let's not bother with that magician named Abirgay..."

"Bard!"

Suddenly, a voice filled with hatred and anger struck him directly.

The adventurers in the guild were all surprised and curious, looking at the female mage, Abirgay, who was shouting at the door.

Baldr swallowed hard and stared at the other person with wide eyes.

He wondered to himself, "Is he still alive?"

Abierge walked angrily toward Baldr.

Baldr's thoughts raced. He stood up and said, "You're alright, that's good. After I held off that red-maned boar, I tried to look for you, but I couldn't find you. I thought you were back, but when I got back, I didn't see you..."

"You shameless bastard, what did you say!" Abirgay was even more furious when he heard the other party's nonsense.

"Fuck!"

He channeled his magic into his staff and struck directly at Baldr.

"Snap!" An even more powerful magical force seized the staff, suppressing the attack.

Abirgay stared blankly, only to find himself blocked by the red-haired Locke, a low-ranking Silver rank warrior.

“Little magician, if you have a grudge, just vent it. If you hurt him, I won’t be able to find another acquaintance to help,” Locke said to him.

Bald quickly said, "That's right, I don't blame you for the red-maned boar incident. I did break my promise and failed to hunt it down or receive the reward. It was my fault!"

“You…!” Abirgay was even more furious.

The adventurers who had been recruited by Locke echoed Bald and criticized Abiergai.

"You magician, do you think you can be unreasonable just because you're a woman?"

"If you weren't so cowardly, things wouldn't have turned out this way."

"Not asking for compensation is already giving you face."

The adventurers in the guild, after hearing what the two sides were saying, began to whisper among themselves, giving Abilgay strange looks.

Baldr revealed a confident smile, "You, the newcomer, think you can fight me?"

"call out!!"

Suddenly, two white figures flew towards Baldr.

"Bang!!" Two loud sounds rang out as the gunfire pierced the round table, smashing through its surface.

Baldr, who was supposed to be hit, was pulled away by Locke, his face pale with fright, and he was at a loss.

Everyone present watched in astonishment as something happened.

"what is that?"

"Fangs? What kind of magical beast are they?"

A pair of fangs pierced through the round table with breathtaking penetrating power.

Red-haired Locke's eyes widened in surprise, and he exclaimed, "Could it be... a Red-maned Boar?!"