[ As I said earlier, Vlad-sama, you and your slaves just joined this day, your ranks are all F, the guild will not allow you to take such task yourselves. If you want to do this task as immediate as possible, you at least need to be accompanied by someone at Caiden-sama and Alicisama"s levels. ]

[ Can"t you reconsider...? ]

[ No. ] the guild master ended the conversation with a serious look on his face.

...

...

( This is great. The guild master really is on our side... ) Caiden muttered inside his head.

In this negotiation, everything is at Vlad"s disadvantage. The people here just won"t accept his request without gaining something for themselves, especially Caiden and Alicia.

( It"s a good thing we have discussed this topic with the guild master beforehand or we wouldn"t get this opportunity. )

The "Topic" Caiden was talking about was how they are planning to investigate Vlad Alucard and get closer to him. Additionally, the guild master also knows about the fact that the kingdom is trying to take Vlad on its side.

By making them accompany Vlad in this subjugation, the guild master is trying to create an opportunity for them to either reveal some of his abilities and to see how strong he really is, or to create an opportunity to try and deepen their relationship with him. Either way, both are to their advantages.

( This is a chance to see how strong he really is... ) Caiden muttered inside his head as he gripped his hands tight.

Just how strong he really is? Is he stronger than Hana, the current hero? Or is he even stronger than her by a lot? Is his power closer to the heroes of the past? Or is it even closer to the G.o.ds? - Caiden has considered that all these possibilities might be possible as he senses boundless power coming from Vlad. Furthermore, it"s very much obvious that he"s trying to hide his true power, Caiden thought that there must be a reason for it, and it makes him feel very uncomfortable.

But all of these thoughts that going inside his head might be answered by this rare opportunity.

The only thing they need right now is for Vlad to accept the condition the guild master has thoughtfully planned out.

Caiden made a serious expression on his face and waited for Vlad"s answer. The worst thing that might happen is that he backs out. But Caiden thought that chance is unlikely, considering how far he went to the guild by himself, furthermore, to buy slaves and train them just so the guild will consider their number and allow them to take the subjugation themselves.

...

...

A few seconds later, the tension on Vlad"s face finally disappeared and he relaxed his body on the sofa.

[ Fine... I will accept that condition. ] he answered in defeat. But then his expression turned serious again just a second later.

[ But... I want to make things clear. As everyone here already knows, the ruins and the enemy inside was said to be very dangerous, that"s why once we go inside, I will not care whatever happens to the two of them; I will prioritize my self and my own team. ] he said as he turned his eyes at the guild master with a serious gaze.

[ Hmm... How about it, Caiden-sama? Alicisama? Are you able to accept that condition? ] turning his head to Caiden and Alicia, the guild master asked.

Caiden knows what the guild master truly means by his words: he wants their permission to accept such a dangerous task where even if it"s low, they might lose their lives.

But of course, it was an easy question for Caiden to answer -

But before he could let out his words of acceptance -

[ You don"t need to worry about us. I know that you"re underestimating us after you"re able to defeat one of our companions with only one spell, but I want you to know that we can take care of ourselves. ] Alicia voiced before he could let out his answer.

[ Oho~? ] Vlad exclaimed as he turned his head to Alicia.

A few seconds, he just stared at her, and Alicia also stared back.

[ ... ] ( Alicia )

[ ... ] ( Vlad )

...

With his ears focused and his eyes unblinking, Caiden saw Vlad"s mouth take a small move, and he was able to hear a word that he has never heard before come out of it.

( What is that supposed to be...? Some kind of spell...? )

A moment later, the expression on Vlad"s face turned serious and he muttered -

[ Are you so sure about that? I"m confident that even with the strength of you two combined, you will not able to survive the lowest part of that ruins. ]

( ...! )

Almost instantly, Caiden felt fear from his words. He was serious. Looking at his eyes, he was stating the truth.

( That must be that magic was for...! He was immediately able to find out how strong the monsters in that ruins are...!? How was that possible!? )

Caiden showed a surprised expression on his face, Alicia, on the other hand, is still remaining calm.

[ You don"t know that. ] Alicia replied.

[ Hmm... It"s not like I"m expecting you to believe me... But don"t expect me to rescue you two if you get into trouble. ]

( He"s basically saying that he"ll leave us dead if we ever face an enemy stronger than us... )

[ That"s fine. ]

( It"s great that Alicia is cooperating but... She"s being too rush... )

Caiden muttered to himself as he looked at the blank-face Alicia.

[ Then, I guess it"s all settled. Guild master, I will accept taking them with me, but I won"t let them hold me back in any way. I will only focus on my self and those three. I hope that"s fine with you. ]

[ Un, they already accepted. We won"t blame you in any way if they ever get into trouble. ]

[ Haah... I hope that is the case. Anyway, when will those three will finish their examination? ]

[ Don"t worry, they"ll be able to become adventurers this day if they"re able to complete their examinations without any problems. ]

[ Is that so...? ] muttering so, Vlad finally stood up from his seat, turning then his body to Caiden and Alicia.

[ You two, we"ll go there tomorrow, you"ll act as my guides. ]

[ To-Tomorrow...!? ]

[ That fast!? We will still need to prepare ourselves... ]

Both of them exclaimed at the same time. But soon, after looking at the serious expression on Vlad"s face, they cooled themselves down.

( No... We have already trained ourselves hard for this past week... We"re stronger than we were then. Where are the guts I"m proud of went!? There"s totally nothing for me to be afraid of...! ) Caiden muttered inside his head as he tightens the grip on his fist.

[ Fine... We"ll show you what the two of us are capable of. ]

Caiden has never said this kind of thing to anyone except for his father, but right now, he was left with no other choice but to show Vlad his dedication and how proud he is to himself one more time.

( Vlad Alucard, we will definitely show you that we"re not to be underestimated! )

[ Oho~ I will keep your word on that. ]

( Yes, we will definitely! ) he shouted inside himself with dedication. He then turned his eyes to Alicia beside him and saw that she has the same kind of emotion he"s having right now.

And so, looking at each other"s eyes, they both nodded.