The star ratings of team commissions are similar to the challenge levels of monsters, if not even more so.
For instance, a monster with a challenge level of 2 means a relatively well-equipped adventurer squad, with all members at level 2, is needed to successfully subdue it with minimal costs.
On the other hand, a team commission star rating, like 2 stars, usually involves at least one demon with a level 2 challenge rating, often accompanied by companions that may be of similar or slightly weaker level, and almost always a larger number of minions and underlings.
"Since the surrounding area of Black Water Town has been occupied by demons, a large number of them have continued to pour in from the direction of the Jade Forest, resulting in more diverse monster encounters."
Gauss nodded as he listened to the steward’s introduction.
Indeed, there were now many commander-level monsters on the list before him that he had not encountered previously.
This is also why he focused his attention on the areas surrounding Black Water Town—where he could encounter a greater variety and quantity of demons without the same level of danger as venturing deep into the Jade Forest.
"How many commissions can our adventure group take on at once?"
"For commissions of this level, we can take on three at once."
"Good."
Gauss nodded.
After browsing for a while, Gauss finalized the three commissions.
"Exterminate the Marsh Beastman clan in the White Valley outside Black Water Town. Commission difficulty: seven stars."
"Exterminate the Kobold clan at the Hot Stone Mine outside Black Water Town. Commission difficulty: seven stars."
"Exterminate the goblin clan in the Wolf Forest outside Black Water Town. Commission difficulty: seven stars."
The areas surrounding Black Water Town were now occupied by various monster clans of different sizes, so the commissions primarily involved vanquishing these clans.
"Let’s go back."
Gauss didn’t delay for too long.
After attending classes at the Magic Academy for the second time two days ago, he mentioned to the vice-principal that he might be embarking on expeditions soon, and Ivan had already instructed people to start preparing for departure.
Upon returning to their base, Gauss announced the arrangements to everyone.
This time, Ivan, a warlock and pharmacist, was particularly excited.
This was because, for once, he wouldn’t have to stay at the base manor; he could finally join an expedition.
Even the ordinary field workers had gone out twice with the team, but he hadn’t been on any trips.
Previously, he had only heard about Gauss’s prowess from others, but now he could witness it firsthand and fight side by side.
After all, he was a level 3 caster with a solid foundation from the academy.
At the conference table, Gauss circled three spots on the large map spread out before him with a pen.
Surrounding him were the core members of the Red Dragon Team, his four teammates, Toga’s dwarf squad, and Chief Steward Ivan.
"The nearest human town to the now-occupied areas around Black Water Town is Gray Rock Town."
"It’s just right to pay it a visit."
Aaliyah said with a smile.
In a way, this was like returning in glory for them.
When they left at the beginning of the year, there were only five of them. A few months later, they had grown into a sizable adventure group.
And, in a way, they could be considered the local power in Gray Rock Town.
Compared to the bustling Farlim, she actually preferred Gray Rock Town; it was the place where dreams began.
"Ivan and Toga, you take the others on a large boat via water route."
"We’ll head out first to scout information in the direction of Black Water Town."
After a brief discussion, Gauss decided to split the team.
Hephaestus couldn’t carry that many people on its back, and there were necessary supplies to bring along, so traveling by boat and then by land was the best option.
Ivan and Toga’s team would provide security assurance for the group.
While Toga might be someone Gauss needed to rescue, her abilities were still formidable when in the field—a level 6 dwarf warrior, along with several professionals to back her up, enough to deter potential troublemakers.
After the meeting, the Red Dragon Team machine began to operate officially.
Packing supplies, such as food, necessary medical resources, equipment, weapons, etc.
Mobilization actions started at the grassroots level, with each leader announcing external arrangements and precautions.
Not everyone among them was combat personnel, but since they were leaving the city for a period, extra caution was necessary.
For example, when encountering conflicts outside, the first step should be to find someone to contact the team leader and notify Toga or Ivan.
Don’t leave the group without permission, and report in advance if any issues arise.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
At the river port outside the city, Gauss watched as the members boarded a large ship.
Then, under the surprised gazes of passengers and passersby on the shore, he summoned the Red Dragon Dragon Beast Hephaestus, and several team members skillfully leaped onto its back.
Once seated, Hephaestus flapped its wings vigorously, quickly rising into the sky several hundred meters high.
As it turned its dragon head southward and flapped its wings again, its form cut a red silhouette in the air, disappearing from view shortly after.
"It’s great to have a dragon."
Toga couldn’t help but make a remark.
Flying in the sky and moving freely was truly enviable.
The only consolation was that this person was her boss, so she could occasionally enjoy the convenience of the dragon.
Provided that Bruno wasn’t coming along, for some reason, the team leader’s dragon wasn’t particularly fond of her fiancé.
On previous commissions, Bruno was always carried by the leader’s dragon in its claws during flights.
The rest of the team members also slowly withdrew their gazes.
Watching the admiring and exclaiming passersby, most team members instinctively puffed out their chests, feeling a sense of pride almost automatically.
This was the confidence the Red Dragon Team instilled in them.
Those passersby were in awe just to see a glimpse of a giant dragon.
To know that the members of the Red Dragon Team could see the majestic figure of the Red Dragon in the woods daily and some had even fed it before.
If these naive people had to feed it, they’d probably be scared stiff just approaching the dragon, right? Haha...
In truth, upon closer inspection, there was indeed a clear boundary between the deck area where the Red Dragon Team members were and the other regular passengers, who instinctively kept their distance.
...
After flying for over a day.
Gray Rock Town came into Gauss’s view.
"Roar——"
Having spotted the familiar town, Hephaestus let out a joyful roar.
"Prepare to land."
It was early April, the sun was shining brightly, and lush green plants were emerging from the ground.
On the plains outside Gray Rock Town, after enduring a harsh winter and battles, the plants were growing exceptionally well this year.
Gauss and the others found a secluded spot to land discreetly outside the town.
"There are even more people compared to before we left,"
Serdur noted while looking at the queue of people waiting to enter the town at the gate.
"After all, Gray Rock Town is one of the nearest towns to the Black Water Town area."
"Adventurers wanting to enter the Black Water Town area need a nearby base of operations."
Gauss nodded.
He even spotted an adventure group flag with the wolf beast waving ahead.
Clearly, the Red Dragon Team was not the only adventure group that had come to Gray Rock Town.
"Let’s head in then."
Perhaps because the battle had ended not long ago, coupled with the influx of outsiders recently, the checks at the gate had become more stringent.
Gauss and his group came to the gate.
The soldiers, who were previously shouting and organizing discipline, turned their heads to see them, remained stunned for a moment, blinked, and then, hardly hesitating, the captain among them jogged up to them.
"You’ve returned! Lord Gauss!"
Hardly any city defense soldiers in Gray Rock Town wouldn’t recognize this man.
During the battles in the previous months, many lives were saved by him.
Moreover, the fact that they could still stand on this land and breathe was because he had turned the tide in the war, slaying the enemy leader amidst thousands of troops.
"Yes, we’re here for some nearby commissions."
"With your return, we can finally relax, things have gotten quite chaotic in town lately," sighed the soldier captain. After a brief complaint, he quickly gestured for Gauss and his group to enter the town.
"Hurry inside; the sun is quite scorching."
Not far away, adventurers from other towns, undergoing checks, noticed Gauss and his group passing through without any gate checks and being respectfully allowed through. They couldn’t help but nudge the stern-looking soldiers beside them.
"Why aren’t you checking them? I saw them go straight in."
"Yeah, why are we being held up for so long? What gives?"