By the time I finished two plates of steak and drained my second glass of apple juice, Verita and Ramon seemed to have completed several revisions.
Verita presented the contract with a smile. "Here you go! Brother Luan, you can sign."
Her earlier anger had vanished so completely that I wondered whether it had ever been real. Perhaps she had staged the whole display to gain leverage in the negotiations.
"Is it settled already?" I asked.
"That's right. To be honest, you'd receive three times more support from any other clan, but..." Verita gave a small shrug. "I have the feeling you like this place, so there's only so much I can do."
Verita seemed to be saying , "Instead, I squeezed every possible advantage!"
On the other hand, Ramon muttered, his face pale, "I-I never imagined she'd negotiate like this..."
Lanfero laughed and took a sip of apple juice. "Isn't this what I told you? She isn't an ordinary person."
Ramon groaned. "Brother, whose side are you on?"
"I'm not your brother, I am your boss," Lanfero corrected.
"It's the same thing," Ramon shot back. "In any case, I've emptied our savings. I don't know how I am going to cover next month's consumables, equipment repairs, groceries, or even the water bill..."
I tilted my head. "You seem to be very tight when it comes to money. Is there a reason?"
"The reason..." Lanfero stared into the distance, lost in thought.
I turned to Ramon instead.
The goblin released a heavy sigh. "Isn't it obvious why we are broke? We have no work. The clan has been scraping by for months without landing a single job, and our monthly expenses haven't gone down at all."
Ramon sighed. "I'm sorry about the way I handled the contract. We're desperate. I hope you understand."
From what I gathered, Corrupted's finances were dire. Still, this clan would serve as my base of activities for the foreseeable future. Their pitiful state worried me.
For a brief moment, I considered supporting them with my own funds, but that wasn't something to take lightly. I still hadn't figured out what kind of clan Corrupted was. If they proved even more incompetent than I imagined, any money I poured into them would vanish without effect, like water into a bottomless pot.
I asked, "Speaking of which, how do heroes receive missions?"
"Either from the headquarters or from a branch authorized to broker commissions. Headquarters missions are more difficult, but there are many good ones available. That's why Teper is so crowded," Ramon replied.
I frowned. "Then isn't this the perfect opportunity? You've come all the way to the headquarters."
"That is true, but..."
Lanfero scratched his cheek in visible embarrassment, so Ramon picked up the explanation. "All clans and heroes can apply for missions. The high-paying ones, the ones that boost your performance record, the ones with generous rewards for the time invested... The clans usually fight over those. They're profitable."
"Fight?" I echoed.
"To put it simply, multiple clans bid on the same commission, and the client chooses one of them," Ramon elaborated.
I finally understood why Corrupted had fallen into such a miserable state. Once the system shifted to open competition, a lesser race clan like Corrupted never stood a chance.
"You met Zach last night, didn't you?" Lanfero asked. "Just like Frostel, the majority of clans are against us. If we try to secure a good commission, those bastards swarm in like crazy and block us."
"I see."
Ramon continued, "So forget any good requests. We can't even dream about ordinary ones. We only take whatever no one else wants, such as sewer cleaning, herb gathering, exterminating rats, shoveling snow, and so on. Well, we are surviving thanks to stuff like that."
"Stuff like that?" Lanfero cut in, his tone calm but edged with irony. "We would've starved to death without those jobs."
The clan's condition shocked me. It was far worse than I imagined. Those are the chores I used to do when I was a D-class mercenary.
It was hard to believe that actual heroes now scraped by on the same work. At this point, they were no different from low-level mercenaries.
Of course, the prejudice made sense. By lesser races, people meant orcs, goblins, lizardmen, and the like. If I were a client, I wouldn't give priority to them. Even with an excellent track record, I would hesitate. If another clan looked much more reliable, excellent, and had proved itself, I would naturally choose it.
"Still, we hoped the commissions here would be much more diverse," Ramon said. "We thought we might secure a share. Instead, the clans keeping us in check are even more aggressive here. We haven't landed a worthwhile commission at all."
"Is that so? Where do you pick up commissions?" I asked.
"There is a reception desk on the first floor of the main headquarters building..." Ramon trailed off and looked at me. "Wait. Are you thinking of going there yourself?"
I nodded. "Since I am already here, I might as well try. However, it will be annoying to return just to claim the rewards."
"You can receive most rewards by mail, so that isn't an issue," Ramon claimed. "I just think you'll make the trip for nothing."
" Aish, I won't know unless I try." I signed the contract and stood up. "I am part of Corrupted now, right? As the newcomer, I will secure a practical job."
Lanfero chimed in, "Well, beginner's luck exists. Go and give it a try. After all, we still have some time before we leave."
At that moment, I recalled a certain someone. "In addition, if she passes the Origin, then Mir will join the clan as well. She comes from a Great Family and is quite strong. She won't be a burden."
Lanfero nodded. "The blue-haired kid from yesterday's battle? Noted."
"When exactly are we departing?" I asked.
"Two days from now, around ten in the morning. North gate of Teper," Lanfero answered.
"Understood."
I walked toward the restaurant's exit, calculating the time. Two days should be enough to secure one decent commission.
Naturally, I didn't forget to pay the bill before stepping out.
"Hey, I could've paid..." Lanfero argued.
"You're broke," I shot back.
"I-I have just enough to cover this!" Lanfero insisted, shaking his dirty leather pouch.
Amazingly, not a single coin rattled inside.
I told him, "Forget it. Just throw me a proper welcoming party later. Boss."
"Boss?" Lanfero's ears seemed to perk up at the word, but Verita and I had already stepped outside.
Through the door, I caught a murmur.
"I think he's a good guy. I just have that feeling."
"Yes. I will order another plate of steak," Lanfero said.
Ramon sighed. "You hopeless man."
***
I went to the headquarters with Verita and headed straight for the reception desk. The first floor of the main building was spacious, and with Verita leading the way, we found it without difficulty.
It is clean. I had expected something closer to a mercenary guild: a noisy lounge that felt more like a bar, filled with pathetic people who started drinking before noon, lying around like garbage. Among them, a few self-important types would sit in the corner, polishing their swords or draining their mugs. Along one wall, the bulletin board would be full of commission forms.
Mercenaries seeking work would scan the postings and pick the one suited to their level. Of course, anyone who reached beyond their ability would invite open ridicule. Therefore, they would have to choose carefully. In other words, a veteran mercenary needed the judgment to select commissions that matched their skill level.
Then what could I say about the atmosphere at the Hero Society's reception desk? It felt much more organized and neat.
The young woman behind the counter greeted us with a smile and a bright voice that one would never hear in a mercenary guild. "Welcome! What brings you here?"
I replied, "I want to take on a commission."
"I see! May I have your name?"
"Luan Badniker."
"Razbet."
The receptionist checked the documents and nodded. "Razbet has been confirmed. Golden Fairy, it appears your personal information hasn't been registered yet. Is this your first time receiving a commission from the headquarters?"
She's Razbet, so why am I Golden Fairy? If she's going to address someone by their real name, then use everyone's real name. I was a bit upset, but I kept my expression neutral.
"It isn't just the headquarters," I said evenly. "This is my first time accepting any commission."
"So it is like that!" the receptionist said. "Then please fill out this basic information form, and I'll guide you through the commission selection process!"
Verita stepped forward. "I also need to update a few things. There are a few fields that require changes."
"Of course. I will give you two forms." The receptionist handed each of us a sheet of paper.
It was evident that this place operated differently from a mercenary guild. It made sense. After all, many mercenaries couldn't read or write. The form requested standard details, such as name, age, nickname, hero rank, affiliated clan, and special skills.
I scribbled down the information roughly and returned it.
The receptionist checked our forms and nodded. "It is confirmed. At present, the two of you are eligible to accept one A-class commission, six B-class commissions, thirty-seven C-class commissions, and twelve D-class commissions."
There were more than I anticipated.
"Show me only the A-class and B-class commissions," I asked.
"Yes! Here you go!"
The receptionist moved with impressive efficiency and soon placed a stack of documents in my hands.
I left the counter and found a suitable seat in the lounge.
Soon after, a boy who appeared to be a staff member approached and handed me a drink.
They really treat you well here. The room and board were basically free. Even a D-class hero would not have to worry about starving to death.
"May I take a look?" Verita asked, eyeing the stack of B-class commissions.
I nodded. "Yes. Do you mind if I look at the A-class commissions?"
"Of course." Verita carefully reviewed the six B-class requests.
I knew that she was surprisingly meticulous, so I had no objections. In the meantime, I looked at the A-class commissions. I had been wondering how we qualified for them when we were both B-class.
The answer became clear as soon as I read the details. It was a group assignment with a total headcount of thirty. The mission leader had already been selected. Surprisingly, it was someone I knew: the S-class hero, Feed Albero.
Well, as long as I'm in Corrupted, joining will be hard.
A voice interrupted my thoughts. "Are you interested in this commission?"
I wasn't familiar with the voice, but I recognized it. I had heard only yesterday. I turned around and saw Heavenly Wind Knight Feed.
A sigh slipped out. It's this guy.
I had heard that the clan was being restrained, but I hadn't expected an S-class hero to appear before I even applied for a mission.
Feed smiled bitterly. "There seems to be a misunderstanding."
"A misunderstanding?"
"You don't have to look at me like that. I have no intention of being hostile to you for the time being," Feed said.
"How am I supposed to believe that? It hasn't even been a day since you beat me," I rebuked.
"That's true. However, I am telling you the truth." His tone and attitude bore little resemblance to yesterday's.
"Today, I have come to clarify our position," Feed said evenly. "I came in person as a sign of respect."
Perhaps it was because he was an S-class hero. He definitely attracted more attention than Zach or Peter Fang. To put it badly, it was mostly vigilant attention. I considered hearing him out, but someone clearly uncomfortable with this situation intervened.
"Do you expect us to believe that?" Verita asked with a smile.
Naturally, Feed's gaze shifted to Verita. "So you are the nun who spoke harshly last night. I will overlook that rudeness."
"What about it? Who was the one being rude in the first place?" Verita shot back.
Feed scoffed. "I'm not speaking to you. I suggest you read the room."
"Who is the one who can't read the room?" Verita argued.
The tension between them sharpened, so I motioned for Verita to hold her tongue.
Verita didn't drop her hostility, but she returned her attention to reviewing the commissions.
Feed spoke again. "First, I am grateful for what happened last night. If you hadn't intervened, a slaughter would have likely occurred on the spot."
"Well, I doubt it would've gone that far. The family head was just acting threatening to seize the initiative," I reasoned.
"Who knows? I'm not so certain, considering he called me by my actual name," Feed said warily. "In any case, this isn't only my view. All the leaders of the major clans who participated yesterday share the same opinion. As heroes, we must settle grudges like this properly. We have decided not to target Corrupted for the time being."
I tilted my head. "You won't touch it?"
Feed nodded. "Correct. Quite a few people still disagree. Half of the clans that were absent last night oppose the decision. Even if they don't interfere, their treatment won't change drastically overnight. Any shift will be gradual."
"Got it."
Feed continued, "At the very least, while you are a member of Corrupted, unreasonable actions should decrease significantly. Please understand that this is the most we can concede. It applies to me and to the others as well. It is still hard for us to fully accept Corrupted in our hearts."
Once he laid out the situation, I could understand their position to a certain extent. Feed and Zach, in particular, who had spoken on behalf of the group the day before, clearly came from noble bloodlines. In their eyes, lesser races ranked below slaves. Worse still, they regarded them as threats. The mere existence of a lesser clan likely felt like a stain to their pride. As Feed had said, this was the greatest concession they were willing to make.
"Very well. Still, I think it is best for our sides to avoid further involvement," I said.
Feed nodded. "I agree to some extent. However, my winged race always repays favors. If you ever visit our sacred grounds, speak my name."
I was taken aback. The winged race's sacred grounds stood atop the empire's highest peak, Mount Morun. Like the sacred sites of the other six races, it was strictly forbidden to outsiders. To them, it carried the same weight and authority as the imperial capital itself. The fact that Feed could grant entry at his own discretion spoke volumes about his identity and status.
I said, "I have no need for passage to a place I may never see. If you want to help me, how about helping me with something else?"
"Something else?" Feed echoed.
My thoughts drifted to the Heroic Battle the day before. The tactic I had used was underhanded, yet effective. My master had always said that martial arts progressed fastest when tested against powerful opponents. Peter Fang was strong, but the man before me had stirred my fighting spirit far more.
"Senior, please grant me a day of your time," I requested.
Feed stared at me with undisguised confusion.
"Let's have a sparring match," I added.