The day of the mission had finally arrived.

  Preparations began at dawn, and they would depart without dey.

  As they gathered at the west gate, the members of New Green Prayer were already preparing a rge carriage.

  Seneca and Maiol greeted them properly, receiving guidance on how to maintain the carriage and go over the final checks before departure.

  Soon after, the members of Oak Branch began to arrive.

  Everyone had already warmed up by the time they reached the gate and were in a state of readiness. In joint missions like this, the minor tasks were typically handled by the lower-ranked members, while those with greater responsibility, such as the senior adventurers, focused on preparing their bodies for the task ahead.

  Naeus appeared filled with energy, as if he could fight at full strength at a moment's notice. Seeing his meticulous preparation and management of energy, Seneca couldn't help but feel that they were still inexperienced in comparison.

  Incidentally, there was no need for such eborate preparations for this mission. However, both Oak Branch and New Green Prayer had arranged this opportunity for Seneca and Maiol to practice.

  Moreover, this mission involved camping out in the wild, which was an aspect that had been assigned to the two of them by Turia.

  They were truly fortunate.

  After receiving a few important instructions and crifications about the mission from Naeus, the group set off.

  As they passed through the gate, Seneca waved cheerfully at the usual gatekeeper.

  The gatekeeper, a fan of Seneca’s, smiled back, feeling that he could approach the day’s work with extra cheer.

  Once outside the gates, the harsh reality of the world awaited them.

  Naeus spoke with a firm tone.

  "Menon, use [Detection]!"

  The command reached Maiol clearly.

  Maiol, caught off guard, turned to look at Menon.

  Menon, impressed by Naeus' sharp thinking, mentally praised him.

  Once Menon had confirmed that there were no immediate threats nearby using his [Detection], Maiol hurried over.

  "I had no idea [Detection] was your skill, Menon! If I’d known, I’d have so many questions for you…"

  Menon, seeing the eager look in Maiol's eyes, clenched his fist, nearly offering a smug reply before he checked himself. With a slightly proud expression, he answered in a composed tone.

  "Well, it's a long journey, so you'll have plenty of time to observe how I do things. By the way, can you detect only monsters with [Detection], or have you reached the point where you can even detect people?"

  Though Menon referred to her as Maiol when she wasn’t around, when face-to-face, he reverted to this more formal tone.

  "I can definitely detect monsters clearly. I've also gotten better at sensing rge magical signatures."

  "Really? That’s quite unusual!"

  Most people with [Detection] would first be able to sense monsters, followed by the ability to sense people. However, a few exceptional cases had been noted, where individuals could detect magical signatures even earlier than expected.

  As skill proficiency increased, personal traits began to emerge. [Detection] was one of the skills that differentiated itself early, with signs of its development appearing even before a person levelled up.

  "I thought as much," Naeus remarked, impressed.

  "Yeah, and it's unusual that your second target is magical power. Normally, people can start sensing magical energy around level two, or in some rare cases, not until level three."

  As Menon and Maiol walked side by side in front of the carriage, their conversation continued.

  Menon added, "This means your second sub-skill could be something special. Those with unique traits often end up with unconventional sub-skills."

  Maiol paused, wondering aloud, "I wonder what mine will be…"

  Seeing her pondering, Menon smiled warmly. However, midway through the conversation, he realised something important.

  "To have two skills after only two years... Looks like level two is just around the corner for you."

  Menon was determined to help her reach the next step, supporting her as best he could.

  ...

  After a day of steady travel, the group arrived at their campsite without encountering any monsters.

  Both Menon and Maiol had ensured the area was clear of any threats before they settled in.

  Seneca and Maiol helped set up camp, learning to cook along the way. The men seemed overly appreciative of their efforts, much to the two's confusion, as they wrapped up the day.

  That evening, Seneca and Maiol, alongside Julia from Oak Branch, took their turn on watch.

  Maiol used her [Detection] skill occasionally, while continually asking for tips on how to stay alert during the night shift.

  When they awoke from their fragmented sleep, it was morning.

  As they got up, Naeus and the other members of the watch were already moving to shake off the grogginess of the night.

  The two of them stretched, slowly moving their bodies until they felt the sensation of alertness return.

  After being taught the morning routines of a campsite, they ate breakfast and prepared to depart.

  Maiol and Menon were at the forefront, using [Detection] as they walked.

  Seneca, who had been at the back the previous day, now walked beside Julia, chatting while they moved.

  After walking for a while, Menon, who boasted the finest [Detection] range, sensed a disturbance.

  "Sorry, Annia. Halt the carriage!"

  He called up to the driver, Annia, and immediately made his way to Naeus.

  "Naeus, we’ve got enemies ahead. Around a hundred dark kobolds, led by their leader. It’s a pretty rge swarm."

  "What!? What about the vilge up ahead?" Naeus asked.

  "I can’t say for sure. I’ve only just caught them on the edge of my detection range, so they're quite far off."

  "Considering the vilge, it’s best we deal with them now rather than risk them getting any closer."

  Naeus quickly shifted into a mode of deep concentration, mentally working through their options.

  "Menon, can you gather New Green Prayer for me? I’ll inform Julia about the situation."

  "Got it."

  Soon, everyone had gathered. Seneca listened intently as Maiol expined the situation.

  Naeus addressed the group with crity.

  "Everyone, as you’ve heard, Menon has detected a swarm of dark kobolds. There are about a hundred of them, and it looks like their leader is with them. There's a vilge nearby, and with our numbers, we should be able to eliminate them."

  Naeus spoke with authority.

  "Menon, once you've gotten close enough to confirm no other groups are in the area, head for the vilge. You’ll have the final call once you reach there, but if there are more kobolds at the vilge, we’ll retreat."

  "Understood."

  "The rest of us—Oak Branch and New Green Prayer—will engage the swarm. With Annia's magic, we should be able to keep any stragglers to a minimum."

  "Got it."

  "Finally, Seneca and Maiol, you two will protect the carriage while targeting any dark kobolds that break off from the main group. But don’t chase them too far. Your lives come first, then the carriage, and only then should you worry about the kobolds. Don’t get the order wrong."

  In a dispy of the senior adventurer’s authority, Naeus issued his instructions in a tone that bordered on command.

  As a result, both Seneca and Maiol listened attentively, standing straighter.

  "Once Menon returns and we’re in range, we’ll begin the fight. By the way, do you two have any experience with dark kobolds?"

  "Yes. As long as we’re not surrounded by too many, we can handle them without issue," Seneca responded confidently.

  "Good. That’s all we need."

  In truth, both Seneca and Maiol had once wiped out a group of thirty kobolds together.

  "Any other questions?" Naeus asked, gncing over the group.

  Seneca raised her hand.

  "Can I offer ranged support?"

  Seneca turned to look at Maiol, and Naeus followed her gaze to the bow strapped to her back. It seemed Seneca wished to provide assistance using the bow.

  "You have permission. But remember, stick to the priorities I id out earlier, and be very careful with your shots."

  "Thank you!" Seneca said, somewhat awkwardly, despite it being Maiol’s bow.

  Though Naeus found it a little odd, he thought it might be a specific arrangement between the two and decided to let it go.

  "If there are no further questions, let’s move to the next phase. Menon, your turn."

  "Right away."

  With that, Menon vanished into the distance, as if he'd never been there at all.

  ...

  After some time spent fine-tuning their pns, Menon returned.

  "Naeus, it seems there's no other group, but I did pick up an orc nearby. If we’re going to deal with it, we should do so quickly."

  "Understood. Thanks, Menon. I’ll leave the vilge to you."

  "Got it."

  Once again, Menon disappeared in the same swift manner towards the vilge.

  With Menon's report in hand, the mission progressed to the next stage.

  Using Maiol’s [Detection] to reduce the risk of overlooking any enemies, the group moved in closer to the kobolds’ location, keeping the carriage’s noise to a minimum.

  As they drew near, Maiol spoke up.

  "From here, I can clearly detect the enemy’s movements. It would be better if we could get a little closer, but I’m worried about being noticed if we do."

  Naeus nodded, impressed by the range of Maiol's detection. Having worked with Menon for years, he could gauge her skill level accurately. He suspected that she was nearing level two.

  "Alright, let's move to the next phase. Once we get closer, I’ll give the signal. Akalus and Annia, you’ll cast your magic. As for the magic’s attributes, I’ll leave that to you two."

  With that, Naeus drew his sword from its sheath.