32: In fact, dwarfs are the most polite and cultured race.

"Captain, the investigation missions at the Association pay too little. We have to find some profitable business," Evil Axe explained.

Ronan lifted the coin pouch, the copper eagles clinking inside. "Did you profit?"

"There's a reason for all this..." Evil Axe said sheepishly.

"Right, right, right. There was an Employer looking for a cat who wouldn't pay up, claiming we broke the cat's leg..."

Drill Mouse immediately added indignantly, "Heaven and earth as my witness! If I hadn't done that, wouldn't his cat have run away again?"

"And then there was a private Employer who said they liked the strong dwarf type and offered a high price. But as soon as we got there and saw the Employer wasn't wearing any clothes, we were so scared we ran away immediately... We only earned the deposit."

"And a wealthy lord's mansion needed pipes cleared, requiring Halflings of the right age and good looks..."

"So that's how your bounty came about?"

Ronan looked at Drill Mouse, his gaze reflecting a slight inability to look directly at him.

"That wealthy man was a great person; he gave me the bounty as soon as I walked in..." Drill Mouse chuckled. "I ran as soon as I got the bounty. Money is money."

So all these copper eagles are just deposits... Ronan shook his head helplessly. "Don't take these messy missions anymore. Focus on the Association's missions."

"But Captain, the mission we've accepted hasn't started yet." Evil Axe looked a bit troubled. "The Employer for this mission is very powerful. They've gathered people from many different factions and know our background very well."

"Right, right, right. They said if we dare to break the contract, they'll find someone to deal with us," Drill Mouse added.

"So arrogant?" Ronan was surprised. "How much did they pay?"

"They didn't say it like that, but the other party definitely feels like someone not to be messed with." Evil Axe nodded solemnly.

For Evil Axe to say that, the other party must have at least three people with combat strength higher than his.

"As for the deposit..." As Evil Axe spoke, he pulled a vial of potion from his pack.

"A beginner healing potion?" Ronan recognized the magic potion at a glance and said in disbelief, "This is the deposit?"

Although it was called a beginner healing potion, its healing effects were immediate. It could be taken orally or applied externally, and it was very expensive.

"No." Evil Axe shook his head and pulled out two more vials to group them together. "These are."

"A beginner healing potion for each person? What kind of mission has such a grand display?" Ronan teased. "Are we going to slay a dragon?"

"They said it's an investigation mission. I didn't know if we should take it, so I came to ask you."

Evil Axe showed a look of regret and sighed, "The other party knows our roots, so the possibility of just running away with these three vials isn't high."

So you guys take private missions just to embezzle the deposits and run away... "Take it." Ronan pondered for a moment and finally made a decision.

This kind of mission, not released by a single faction alone, was either something that couldn't see the light of day or involved a large scope that required multiple factions to coordinate.

Ronan could assert that the investigation was only the beginning of this series of missions, and the goal might not even be the investigation itself.

It was more likely an opportunity for personnel from different factions to cooperate with each other.

Since it was just the initial investigation mission, there shouldn't be any danger.

"Alright!" Drill Mouse gave a loud shout, ran to Evil Axe, and snatched a beginner healing potion.

One potion for each person—it was fair and just.

"Then get ready. We'll officially go to the gathering tomorrow."

Ronan planned to wash up properly. Having mastered the basics of several spells gave him a bit more confidence.

The next day.

Ronan led Evil Axe and Drill Mouse to a manor outside Moonless City.

The manor's courtyard was very vast, like a large square.

A large crowd had gathered on the square, standing apart in their respective teams.

Circles formed between the teams, creating distinct outlines of different factions.

Since Ronan's group of three were Adventurers, they leaned toward the circle of the Adventurers Guild. Many Adventurers nodded in greeting.

"Adventurers Guild, Arcane Arts Society, Mercenary Blood Pact... basically, people from every major faction in Moonless City are here." Drill Mouse looked closely, listing them off from memory.

When the Mercenary Blood Pact was mentioned, both Ronan and Evil Axe subconsciously looked over.

They scanned the group; a certain Vice Commander was not there.

Evil Axe was secretly relieved not to encounter his great enemy again; otherwise, let alone the mission, whether the team could even escape would be another matter.

Ronan, on the other hand, felt it was a bit of a pity. His combat strength had soared, and he was fully confident he could face Russell head-on.

He was certain that fully activating his 'Magic Shield' could block the sword light Russell had once unleashed.

While his enemy didn't appear, someone unexpected was there.

He looked toward the Arcane Arts Society and happened to meet the gazes of the three members of the other Team 408.

The Female Dwarf Red Hammer walked up to Ronan in a huff. Before she could speak, Evil Axe stepped in front of her.

"My lady, is there anything I can do for you?"

As soon as Evil Axe spoke, Ronan and Drill Mouse both turned their heads in unison.

The two exchanged a look, their eyes clearly saying:

What the hell?

"Pretty boy, go play somewhere else!"

Red Hammer pushed Evil Axe aside and glared at Ronan. "You little liar, so you're from the Adventurers Guild."

Having been pushed aside by the Female Dwarf, Evil Axe not only showed no anger but actively stepped forward again.

"My lady, I'm sure there must be a misunderstanding here."

Evil Axe's words were very proper, looking every bit the gentleman. He showed both respect for women and the steadiness required for a formal occasion. No one could find fault with him—if he weren't Evil Axe.

"Captain, does my boss know he's my boss?" Drill Mouse whispered into Ronan's ear.

"Do you understand Dwarven social etiquette?" Ronan asked back. "Maybe this is their true way of socializing?"

"Captain, are you saying that Dwarves are actually the race with the most etiquette and cultivation?" Drill Mouse looked amazed.

"I don't know about other Dwarves, but these two definitely aren't," Ronan answered categorically.

"Pretty boy, this is none of your business. If you block me again, don't blame me for being rude to you," Red Hammer threatened, though she hadn't actually pulled out her weapon.

"My lady, this is my captain, White Night. I think you must have misunderstood something."

Evil Axe appeared very patient. "If there's any problem, you can tell me. I'll help you resolve it."

"Captain, hurry up and go explain. If I have to watch him like this any longer, I'm going to throw up."

Drill Mouse tried hard to push Ronan forward, but Ronan wouldn't budge. "What's wrong with your eyes? Can't you see she's coming with ill intent?"

"I don't see that. It looks more like they're flirting."

"So you're actually the captain of an Adventurer team." The Grey Elf Ash Leaf stepped forward, pointing her short staff at Ronan. "Why did you lie to me... to us?"

"You aren't 'Red Star' at all!" the tall Orc accused publicly.

"I never said I was..." Ronan looked aggrieved. "I kept saying you had the wrong person."

Ash Leaf thought back. The other party indeed had been interrupted by her several times and had said something about having the wrong person... But in that context, who could have imagined an unknown person had shown up?

Yes, I wasn't wrong.

Ash Leaf did some mental gymnastics, feeling emboldened despite her lack of logic.

Just as she was about to argue, a commotion broke out in the crowd.