Monday has arrived.

  Winter had ended, most of the snow has melted.

  I've bought some more equipment to prepare myself.

  You have my gratitude, Edgar, Nel.

  —

  As I arrived at the guild, I saw Ellis looking at two young hunters; they seemed to be rambling about something.

  Ellis looked tired. Well… more bored than anything.

  She then saw me, and it looked like stars appeared in her pupils.

  “Finally! Sir Pax, get over here already!”

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  She shouted at me happily, and I complied.

  “I am not late, I hope.”

  “Nope! Not late at all…”

  She leaned close to me.

  “Listen, uhh—these guys wanted to see you immediately since they wanna judge you or something, I don't know.”

  She told me quietly.

  “An old man, hm?”

  The young lady stated calmly, with a hint of disappointment in her tone.

  “Really, Miss Receptionist? You are basically killing us.”

  “No offense, but I don't want to babysit an old man.”

  The young man shook his head in disbelief.

  “But honestly… that's fine.”

  “Both of us are highly capable, and also Miss Receptionist told me you were a hunter before…”

  “So you better show that.”

  The young man pointed at me, serious.

  “Please don't mind him… Sir Pax.”

  “Secretly, he's just excited to rank up.”

  She smirked slightly.

  “Ah—of course! Who wouldn't? I want to be something great!”

  He said proudly before murmuring.

  “Plus, the pay would definitely be more appealing…”

  …

  “Anyway, go to the room on the left. Like over there… there.”

  Ellis pointed lightly.

  “The other six hunters are waiting.”

  She added.

  …

  Then a question popped into my head.

  “Any reason why the mission begins for everyone on this specific date?”

  As I asked, she pondered.

  “Ehh… it's more convenient, basically it, really.”

  “Now go over there.”

  She waved her hand dismissively before we walked to the room.

  “By the way, I'm Benny, and she is…”

  Benny nudged her.

  “You can just tell him my name, Benny.”

  She told Benny.

  “Is talking really that hard for you? She's Amabel, Sir Pax—or can I just call you Pax?”

  Benny asked.

  “Either of both is fine.”