Several days later, Rawin and Valien returned to Gondalwa Village to report the results of their special mission.
They stopped before the great White Greever Tree, where a familiar figure greeted them warmly.
"Oh, if it isn't Lord Rawin and Valien! Are you here to meet the Elders?" asked the tree guardian.
"Ah, hello! You're the same guard from before, aren't you? What was your name again?" Rawin asked curiously.
"Just call me Alson, Lord Rawin," the man replied with a polite bow.
"Alright then, Lord Alson," Rawin said with a smile.
"Please, no need for titles," Alson insisted quickly. "Your rank is far higher than mine—it wouldn't be right for you to call me 'Lord.'"
Rawin chuckled. "Don't say that. We're all equals here. Anyway, are the Elders in the grand hall, Alson?"
"Yes," Alson nodded. "They've already been informed of your return and the completion of your mission—though Elder Margel and Elder Merinel are currently away, investigating strange occurrences near the eastern border, close to Liarmoon Mountain."
"Something dangerous, perhaps?" Valien asked.
"I'm not certain," Alson admitted. "The details are confidential, known only to the Elders and the chieftain himself."
"Hm… sounds serious," Rawin muttered. "In that case, we'll head to the hall first, Alson."
"Of course, Lord Rawin. Forgive me for keeping you too long," Alson said, bowing deeply.
"No trouble at all. I hope we can talk again soon," Rawin replied as they walked away.
"Anytime, Lord Rawin—Lord Valien," Alson called after them.
At the entrance of the great hall, a deep voice greeted them from within.
"Enter, Rawin and Valien," said Elder Darvish.
The two stepped inside. The chamber was solemn, lit by soft blue crystal lights. Inside were two Elders and the village chief himself, Warsen.
"We've come to report the completion of our special mission, Chief Warsen," Rawin said respectfully.
"Yes, I've already heard of your success from Elder Kaelith's scouts. Well done," Warsen said with a satisfied nod. "My apologies that not all the Elders could be present to congratulate you."
(Just as I thought… that mysterious scout must've been Kaelith's agent assigned to watch over us.)
Rawin thought to himself, but simply replied, "No problem, Chief. I understand they must be busy."
"As promised," Warsen continued, "you will each receive 2,000 contribution points, an upgrade to Silver Greever Leaf rank, and one special request of your choice."
Rawin nodded firmly. "Then for my special request, may I ask what exactly Elder Margel and Elder Merinel are investigating?"
"Oh?" Warsen raised a brow. "You wish to use your request for that?"
"Yes, sir," Rawin replied seriously.
"Very well," Warsen said after a pause. "Since you already seem to know a part of it, I'll go straight to the point. They've been dispatched to the Liarmoon Mountain border after reports of a massive Glossy Beast gathering—thirty Alp-class, two hundred Greater-class, and several hundred Norma-class beasts moving together."
"What!? That's a disaster waiting to happen!" Rawin exclaimed.
Warsen chuckled calmly. "It's not as dire as it sounds. The Elders of Gondalwa are far from weak."
"Exactly!" Valien added proudly. "Our village elders are legends in their own right!"
Rawin then asked, "Then… what about Elder Kaelith's scout? Who was he?"
Warsen's expression hardened slightly. "That, I cannot reveal. And besides, you've already used your one request, haven't you, Rawin?"
"My apologies, Chief. I suppose I got too curious," Rawin said with a sheepish smile.
"Hoho, curiosity isn't a sin," Warsen laughed lightly. "Now then, Valien—what will you use your request for?"
Valien fell silent for a moment before answering, "I wish to build a free orphanage for the children of the village."
Both Rawin and Warsen looked at him, surprised.
"I didn't expect that from you, Valien," Rawin said in astonishment.
"What, you thought I was just some hot-headed guy who only cares about himself?" Valien shot back.
"Well… that's kind of the truth," Rawin replied flatly.
Warsen burst out laughing. "A noble request indeed, Valien. Consider it done. I'll assign one of my subordinates to handle the construction."
"Thank you so much, Chief Warsen," Valien said with a grateful bow.
Warsen nodded approvingly. "If there's nothing more, we'll conclude the meeting here."
"Yes, Chief," said Darvish and Kaelith in unison.
After the meeting was dismissed, Darvish approached the two young hunters.
"Congratulations on your promotion to Silver Greever Leaf," he said warmly.
"Thank you, Elder Darvish," Rawin replied.
Valien narrowed his eyes playfully. "But I doubt you came here just to congratulate us, Elder."
Darvish chuckled. "Indeed. I came to assign the orphanage project to the guardian Alson."
"Wait—Alson? That tree guard can build a house?" Rawin asked in disbelief.
"Haha, don't underestimate him," Darvish said. "He has a rare gift—he can measure space and calculate structural balance with uncanny precision."
"That's amazing!" Rawin said, impressed.
"I never would've guessed," Valien added with a nod.
Moments later, they found Alson near the great tree.
"Alson, it seems you've got a new task from Chief Warsen," Darvish said.
"Oh? What task would that be, Elder Darvish?"
"You're to construct the orphanage requested by Valien," Darvish explained.
"A noble cause indeed," Alson said, smiling at Valien.
"Please, don't praise me too much," Valien replied shyly.
"Haha, my apologies. So, where shall we build it?" Alson asked.
"Near Kriver Lake," Valien answered. "The scenery there is beautiful, and it's not far from the village."
"Kriver Lake, hmm? That's a fine choice," Alson said approvingly. "We can begin construction anytime you're ready."
"In that case, let's start two days from now," Valien decided.
"Very well," Alson replied.
"My job here is done," Darvish said, turning away. "I'll take my leave."
"Thank you again, Elder Darvish," Valien said.
Darvish nodded and walked off, leaving the two behind.
"Well then, I'll be going too," Valien said to Alson.
"And I as well," Rawin added.
"May the blessings of Lady Elvaria watch over you both," Alson said respectfully.
Later, as they returned to the village square, Valien turned to Rawin.
"So, what will you do now?"
"Nothing much. Probably rest," Rawin replied, stretching.
"In that case, come with me to Gritim's food tavern. Let's celebrate our promotion!" Valien said enthusiastically.
"Oh, come on, aren't you tired?" Rawin groaned.
"Not at all! Besides, we rarely get to eat and drink together. Just this once, alright?" Valien pleaded with puppy eyes.
"Fine," Rawin sighed. "But just this once."
"Ha! That's the spirit! Let's celebrate our rank-up together!" Valien cheered.
And so, the two young hunters celebrated their victory that night at Gritim's tavern—laughter, warmth, and the clinking of cups echoing through the air, marking the end of their first great mission together.