Chapter 25: Prologue - Orc-Hunting Quest

"So, how did the human experimentation turn out, Ms. Sylvia?" The disturbing question was directed at the elf woman who had just entered the room. She wore square, frameless glasses that intensified the sharp glare of her golden eyes, and her long blonde hair was tied in a braided high bun that gave her a mature appearance. This look contrasted with the pristine black and silver uniform she wore—an outfit that clearly emphasized the authority she held. "Don't make it sound like we're doing something hideous." The response was directed at the girl sitting on the couch across the table. Her mischievous smile paired well with the eccentricity of her vivid blue eyes, each containing a striking pair of black pupils—giving the eerie impression that she could see more than what met the eye. "At least have the decency to call it an investigation. You're the one who told us to do it, after all, Lynn." Inside one of the Adventurers' Guild's private conference rooms, Lynn was currently in conversation with one of the guild's highest authorities. Sylvia, the head of the Investigation and Research Department, also held the position of chief receptionist. "Are you trying to dodge responsibility and put all the blame on me? The audacity!" "Don't you dare use that word on me!" "My, my... how rudely familiar that reaction was." Setting aside Lynn's playful teasing and Sylvia's dramatic flair, the details of the so-called hideous investigation revolved around the greatsword and enchanted staff that Lynn and Arezu had looted from the orcs their party had previously defeated. Though not mandatory, upstanding adventurers who obtained weapons or gear from monsters often surrendered them to the guild, rather than keeping them or selling them directly to traders. It was a small act of goodwill—recognizing that such equipment may have once belonged to fallen adventurers, and returning it was a way to honor those still waiting for them to return alive. In return, the guild provided modest rewards in the form of money and guild points used for adventurer rankings. As generous as that sounded, the reason Lynn turned in the greatsword and enchanted staff was not entirely selfless. With mock reverence, hands clasped to her chest and eyes gleaming with fake tears, Lynn dramatically portrayed herself as a noble contributor. But she had her reasons. Sylvia let out a heavy sigh, watching Lynn's performance, before finally delivering the results of the guild's investigation. "Your assumption was spot on. Though both items are below low-grade, the greatsword and enchanted staff are not enchanted weapons—they're actually dungeon artifacts." Sparks lit up in Lynn's eccentric eyes, accompanied by a beaming grin as Sylvia confirmed her suspicions. She quickly followed up with another question. "And what about their abilities? Any dangerous side effects, hopefully?" "What do you mean, hopefully?" In response to Lynn's pestering—as Sylvia would call it—she revealed the results of the so-called "human experimentation." The guild had gathered several adventurers to test the greatsword and staff to verify their capabilities. The greatsword was confirmed to enhance the wielder's swordsmanship, while the staff slightly boosted attributes of any flame-based mystic spell. However, the effects were minimal. Both items were classified as below low-grade dungeon artifacts. Such classifications were common. Most dungeon artifacts discovered were low- or even sub-low-grade. Mid- and high-grade artifacts were extremely rare. Yet, setting aside their meager enhancements, the guild discovered something strange about the greatsword and staff. "Hallucinations?" Lynn repeated, confused by the final detail in Sylvia's report. "Right. The adventurers who tested them claimed it was as if they were seeing an illusion—showing them how to use the weapons effectively, which in turn helped improve their actual abilities." "Ehh~! Doesn't that sound interesting!" Lynn's mischievous grin made it clear to Sylvia—she was up to something, and it probably wasn't good. "I'm prepared to offer you a reward if you choose to sell those dungeon artifacts to the guild. But if you decline, you still won't be getting them back until I've uncovered all their secrets." Though it sounded harsh, it was Sylvia's way of keeping Lynn out of harm's way. Unfortunately, Lynn had already made up her mind. With a playful tone, she teased Sylvia further. "I'm selling them, of course. I don't need them. I have an idea where I can get something better." "Lynn, you're not thinking of taking that orc-hunting quest posted yesterday, are you?" Sylvia asked, her eyes narrowing into a serious glare. "Who knows?" Lynn replied, feigning innocence while clearly implying the opposite. —Bam!—Sylvia slammed her hands on the table between them, emphasizing her refusal. "You may be an Iron-rank adventurer, but didn't your party temporarily disband just a few days ago?" "So you haven't heard the news yet?" "News your stupid ass. As if you and your new follower could safely complete that quest." "Hey, language, Ms. Sylvia! Using that word in front of a delicate girl... The audacity—" —Smack!—Lynn's dramatic flair was cut short by a smack straight to the head, followed by a sincere warning. "Don't get overconfident and end up—" "Who do you think I am, Ms. Sylvia?" Lynn interrupted with her usual confidence, not letting Sylvia finish. "That's what I've been wondering... Who exactly are you, Lynn?" As if to make a grand exit befitting their accidental drama, Lynn stood and headed for the door. "My very interesting new companion can look after me, so you don't have to worry, Ms. Sylvia. Besides, I'm sure he's gonna enjoy hunting orcs." Watching Lynn slowly walk out of the room and close the door with a mischievous grin on her face, Sylvia had a sudden thought. "That girl... What kind of stupid prank is she trying to pull on her poor new companion?"