We are now in the golden era of hunters.
Across the capital of Sylvean, dungeons and relics defined power, and countless adventurers rose and fell chasing glory. Among these rising stars stood one man who despite his odd reputation outshone them all.
His name was Hiro Ludin, the Lazy Trickster.This is the tale of how that man somehow became the leader of the top-ranked clan Blazing Dawn and the party that shook the capital.
[Chapter 12 Begins]
Based on the novel I once knew, there shouldn't be any rogue monsters appearing on the Frostfang route at this time of the story.
But now…Everything had changed.
Maybe because the original plot was broken, the world was trying to compensate adding unexpected elements to "fill in" what no longer existed.
"What a headache…" I muttered, resting my chin on my hand as my tea arrived once more. I lifted the cup and took a slow sip.
Delicious! I screamed inwardly, letting the warmth chase away a sliver of my worry.
Still, based on everything I've heard so far, I just hope Mia and her team are okay. They had just reached the entrance area, guarded by a few adventurers before communication was lost.
"I have to go now. Thanks for feeding Slime-chan for me," I said, standing up from my seat.
"Bye, Master!" both the twins at the counter said cheerfully as I left the café.
Once I was outside, I sighed. "Hey, System. Come out here."
A familiar lazy voice echoed in my head.
> "What do you want? I was busy enjoying my vacation."
"What the hell do you mean, vacation? I'm here stressing out, and you're just..."
> "Relax. I wasn't doing anything bad."
"Yeah, right. You're probably spending my points again."
> "Nope."
I groaned. "Whatever. Just tell me where Mia and her party are right now."
> "They should be reaching the Frostfang Den any moment from now. But, as you know, I can't predict much after the novel broke and changed its flow."
"Ah, that's fine. Billy still has that artifact, right? So they should be okay."
> "Are you forgetting something?" the System said, tone smug.
My eyes narrowed. "…What?"
> "Didn't Slime-chan absorb the mana from Billy's artifact sword? It'll take a while before it can fully recover."
I froze. "What...why are you saying that now?!"
> "You didn't ask."
I clenched my fists. "You never give me full information before I act!"
> "Details, details~ Anyway, I'm going back to my spa time."
"Wait what spa time?!"
> "Good luck, host."
"YOU STUPID SYSTEM!"
I rubbed my temples. "I'm going to be sick…"
---
Meanwhile – Near the Frostfang Den
Mia and her crew trudged through the frozen path leading toward the den. The icy mist coiled around their boots as the temperature dropped sharply.
"Something's not right here," Billy muttered, his breath fogging the air.
"That's why Master tricked us," Mia replied calmly, adjusting her gloves.
"Tricked us?" Ruby blinked. "What do you mean?"
"Yeah, what are you talking about?" George added.
Mia stopped walking and turned to face them. "Master never gives easy missions. Even if the quest paper says this den is a three star dungeon, it's far from that. From what I've seen, it should be at least a five star maybe higher."
Ruby's eyes widened. "Then why did he send us here if it's that dangerous?"
Mia smiled faintly. "Who knows? Only Master does. But I plan to finish this mission and return home to him alive. I won't die here today."
Billy sighed. "You talk like he's some kind of genius who plans everything."
"He is," Mia said firmly. "Why do you think he pretended to be a newbie during the ceremony?"
George rubbed his chin. "Come to think of it… I never understood that part."
"Because he knew something was going to happen," Mia said, eyes sharp. "He needed people who would end up joining this mission with me. Most members of the clan are on break after the bonding ceremony. So, us being here it was all part of his plan."
Ruby blinked. "There's no way he knew all this beforehand."
George chuckled softly. "No, it might be true. They don't call him the 'Trickster' for nothing."
Billy sighed, brushing snow from his shoulder. "I don't want to admit it, but… he even knew I was in another party before this, and I never mentioned it on my card."
Mia grinned. "Exactly. So don't worry too much. Master always plans ahead. He told me himself if things get out of control, he'll come for us."
Ruby smiled weakly. "Then I guess we'll trust him."
"Good," Mia said, tightening her grip on her staff. "Now, let's finish this mission and head home."
---
Back in Hiro's Office
Meanwhile, Hiro sat slumped in his chair, pale and sweating. His face looked like someone who had just realized he'd made the biggest mistake of his life.
"I just sent them on a suicide mission," I muttered, clutching my head.
If it becomes too dangerous, Mia won't back down. Her teacher and teammates are too proud to retreat. And the others in the clan? They're busy. No backup will come in time.
"I'm going to lose them… all because I didn't check properly…"
Ding! Ding!
A glowing window appeared before my eyes.
> [New Quest: Help Mia and Her Team]
Reward: +2 Points
Description: Due to the original novel's broken structure, the plot has shifted. Mia and her party will be wiped out unless intervention occurs.
I froze. "...You've got to be kidding me."
My hand clenched into a fist. "I guess I have no choice."
I stood up, grabbing my coat. "I can't let them die not Mia."
My reflection on the glass door looked back at me, the faint shimmer of my hidden stats flickering for a moment.
"This has turned into a real headache," I muttered, running a hand through my hair. "I should've ignored the association's summon when I had the chance."
I glanced at Slime-chan resting peacefully on the desk, bubbling softly in its sleep.
"Guess we're going hunting again, partner."
The slime quivered in response, glowing faintly.
With a sigh, I pushed open the door.
The night wind blew against my face, cold and sharp.
Time to clean up my own mess.